Acne washes and patches

What we suggest to our patients with acne: a wash for every skin type, and the pimple patches worth buying.

Every product here is checked against its label: the Drug Facts panel for anything medicated, and the full ingredient list for everything else. Picks are labeled, not ranked.

Medicated or gentle?

Medicated washes

Benzoyl peroxide kills the bacteria behind acne, and salicylic acid loosens the dead skin that clogs pores [1]. A medicated wash is a good place to start if you are not using a prescription for acne.

Gentle washes

No acne medicine and no exfoliating acids: they clean without stripping your skin. Choose one if you use a prescription acne cream or isotretinoin, which already dry the skin [7], or if medicated washes sting.

Pregnant or breastfeeding? Ask your obstetrician or dermatologist before you start any acne product [8].

Price per unit $ under $20$$ $20 to $40$$$ over $40

What the badges mean

Benzoyl peroxide: Benzoyl peroxide is on its Drug Facts label.
Salicylic acid: Salicylic acid is on its label, as a medicine or as an ingredient.
Gentle: A wash with no acne medicine, no exfoliating acid, and no fragrance.
Plain hydrocolloid: A hydrocolloid patch with no medicine or acid in it: the kind with the most evidence behind it.
Fragrance-free: Made without fragrance.
Non-comedogenic: The brand says it is made not to clog pores.
National Eczema Association seal: Carries the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance.

Oily and acne-prone skin

Gel and foaming washes that lift oil without stripping your skin. The medicated ones, with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, treat breakouts while you wash.

White pump bottle with a light blue label

Best value

CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser

Exfoliating acids: Salicylic acid, Gluconolactone
Texture: Foaming gel
Price: under $20 each

Salicylic acid with niacinamide and ceramides in a fragrance-free gel: a gentle exfoliating wash at a drugstore price.

Salicylic acid
Fragrance-free
Non-comedogenic

Key ingredients Salicylic acid, Niacinamide, Ceramides, Hyaluronic acid

Full ingredient list

Aqua/Water/Eau, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Glycerin, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Niacinamide, Gluconolactone, Peg-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Zea Mays Oil/Corn Oil, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Carbomer, Calcium Gluconate, Sodium Chloride, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Cholecalciferol, Cholesterol, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium Edta, Tetrasodium Edta, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Phytosphingosine, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin

Where to buy

Checked against the product's ingredient list on October 19, 2026.

Avène Cleanance Cleansing Gel

Acne medicine: None
Texture: Gel
Price: $20 to $40 each

A soap-free, lightly foaming gel made for oily, blemish-prone skin, for days you want a wash without acne medicine.

Non-comedogenic

Key ingredients Zinc gluconate

Cautions

Contains fragrance and dyes. Skip it if fragrance bothers your skin.

Full ingredient list

Avene Thermal Spring Water (Avene Aqua), Water (Aqua), Zinc Coceth Sulphate, Lauryl Betaine, Decyl Glucoside, Ceteareth-60 Myristyl Glycol, Peg-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Polysorbate 20, Citric Acid, Fragrance (Perfume), Green 5 (Ci 61570), Isopropyl Alcohol, Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Peg-6, Ppg-26-Buteth-26, Silybum Marianum Fruit Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hydroxide, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Yellow 5 (Ci 19140), Zinc Gluconate

Where to buy

Checked against the product's ingredient list on October 19, 2026.

White squeeze tube with a blue wave and an orange band

SpecialtyAlso for the chest and back

PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash, 10% Benzoyl Peroxide

Acne medicine: Benzoyl peroxide 10%
Texture: Cream-to-foam
Price: under $20 each

Benzoyl peroxide at the highest strength sold without a prescription. It kills the bacteria behind acne, and it works on the chest and back too.

Benzoyl peroxide
Fragrance-free

Cautions

Bleaches towels, sheets, and clothes.
At 10% it can dry and irritate the face. Start once a day.

Full ingredient list

Active ingredients: Benzoyl peroxide 10%. Inactive: Carbomer Homopolymer Type C, Carbomer Interpolymer Type A, Decyl Glucoside, Dimethicone, Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate, Glycerin, Palmitic Acid, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Polyoxyl 40 Stearate, Propanediol, Purified Water, Silica, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Laurylglucosides Hydroxypropylsulfonate, Sorbitan Stearate, Sorbitol, Stearic Acid, T-Butyl Alcohol, Xanthan Gum

Where to buy

Checked against the product's Drug Facts label on October 19, 2026.

White squeeze tube with a blue wave and blue lettering

PanOxyl Acne Creamy Wash, 4% Benzoyl Peroxide

Acne medicine: Benzoyl peroxide 4%
Texture: Cream
Price: under $20 each

The same medicine as the 10% wash at a strength that is easier on the face, in a creamy base. Also labeled for the chest and back.

Benzoyl peroxide
Fragrance-free

Cautions

Bleaches towels, sheets, and clothes.

Full ingredient list

Active ingredients: Benzoyl peroxide 4%. Inactive: Aqua, Carbomer, Decyl Glucoside, Diethylhexyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Oleic Acid, Palmitic Acid, PEG-40 Stearate, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Propanediol, Silica, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Laurylglucosides Hydroxypropylsulfonate, Sorbitan Stearate, Sorbitol, Stearic Acid, t-Butyl Alcohol, Xanthan Gum

Where to buy

Checked against the product's Drug Facts label on October 19, 2026.

Prequel Gleanser + SA Non-Drying Salicylic Acid Cleanser

Exfoliating acid: Salicylic acid
Texture: Gel
Price: under $20 each

One percent salicylic acid in a glycerin-rich gel, so it exfoliates without drying. A good fit for oily skin that is also sensitive.

Salicylic acid
Fragrance-free
Non-comedogenic
National Eczema Association seal

Key ingredients Salicylic acid 1%, Glycerin, Zinc PCA

Full ingredient list

Glycerin, Water (Aqua), Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Salicylic Acid, Inulin, Zinc PCA, Succinic Acid, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Citric Acid, Hexylene Glycol, Polyquaternium-10, Sodium Hydroxide, Polysorbate 20, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Xanthan Gum, Polysorbate 80, Lecithin

Where to buy

Checked against the product's ingredient list on October 19, 2026.

White squeeze tube with light blue lettering

Physician pick

SkinCeuticals LHA Cleansing Gel

Exfoliating acids: Salicylic acid, LHA, Glycolic acid
Texture: Gel
Price: over $40 each

Three exfoliating acids, LHA, glycolic, and salicylic, in one gel, for oily skin that handles acids well.

Salicylic acid
Fragrance-free

Key ingredients Salicylic acid, LHA, Glycolic acid

Cautions

Contains menthol, which can sting. If you also use a retinoid, start every other day.

Full ingredient list

Aqua / Water / Eau, Coco-Betaine, Propylene Glycol, Peg-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Sorbitol, Glycerin, Glycolic Acid, Triethanolamine, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Chloride, Disteareth-100 Ipdi, Salicylic Acid, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Menthol, Disodium Edta, Steareth-100

Where to buy

Dermstore : SkinCeuticals LHA Cleansing Gel (opens in a new tab)

Checked against the product's ingredient list on October 19, 2026.

Frosted bottle with a black cap beside a dab of foam

Physician pick

PCA Skin Acne Control Prebiotic Gel Cleanser

Acne medicine: Salicylic acid 2%
Texture: Gel
Price: over $40 each

A medicated 2% salicylic acid gel with azelaic acid and niacinamide added, from a professional skin care line.

Salicylic acid
Fragrance-free

Key ingredients Azelaic acid, Niacinamide

Cautions

New in September 2026, so it has little track record yet.
Can be drying: start once a day.

Full ingredient list

Active ingredients: Salicylic acid 2%. Inactive: Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Decyl Glucoside, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Sodium Cocoyl Apple Amino Acids, Azelaic Acid, Inulin, Niacinamide, Lactic Acid, Butyloctanol, Sodium Benzoate, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Sodium Pyruvate, Sodium Metabisulfite, Saccharide Isomerate

Where to buy

Checked against the product's Drug Facts label on October 19, 2026.

Dry and acne-prone skin

Creamy, low-foam washes that clean without leaving your skin tight. None carry acne medicine, which makes them a good match for prescription creams that already dry the skin.

White bottle with coral lettering and a coral swirl

Avène Milk Cleanser

Acne medicine: None
Texture: Milk
Price: $20 to $40 each

A soft, moisturizing milk that cleans and takes off makeup without leaving dry skin tight.

Key ingredients Avène thermal spring water, Glycerin

Cautions

Lightly fragranced. Skip it if fragrance bothers your skin.
Sold as a no-rinse milk. On acne-prone skin, rinse it off.

Full ingredient list

Avene Thermal Spring Water (Avene Aqua), Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, C14-22 Alcohols, Behenyl Alcohol, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Citric Acid, Fragrance (Parfum), Glyceryl Caprylate, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil (Glycine Soja Oil), Sclerotium Gum, Sodium Benzoate, Tocopherol, Xanthan Gum

Where to buy

Checked against the product's ingredient list on October 19, 2026.

Best overall

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser

Acne medicine: None
Texture: Cream
Price: under $20 each

A low-foam cream with ceramides and niacinamide that cleans without stripping. A good match for skin dried out by tretinoin or isotretinoin.

Gentle
Fragrance-free
Non-comedogenic
National Eczema Association seal

Key ingredients Ceramides, Niacinamide, Glycerin

Full ingredient list

Aqua/Water/Eau, Glycerin, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Propanediol, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Polysorbate 60, Ceramide Np, Niacinamide, Sodium Chloride, Coco-Betaine, Disodium Edta, Caprylyl Glycol, Panthenol, Tocopherol

Where to buy

Checked against the product's ingredient list on October 19, 2026.

White pump bottle with a green and blue label

Best value

CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser

Acne medicine: None
Texture: Cream-to-foam
Price: under $20 each

A cream that turns into a light foam, with ceramides and hyaluronic acid, for dry skin that still likes a lather.

Gentle
Fragrance-free
Non-comedogenic

Key ingredients Ceramides, Hyaluronic acid, Amino acids

Cautions

Lists a small amount of salicylic acid, so skip it if you are allergic to aspirin or salicylates.

Full ingredient list

Aqua / Water / Eau, Glycerin, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Coco-Betaine, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sodium Chloride, Pca, Ppg-5-Ceteth-20, Peg-100 Stearate, Peg-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate, Peg-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Peg-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Ci 77891 / Titanium Dioxide, Aspartic Acid, Ceramide Np, Ceramide Ap, Ceramide Eop, Sorbitan Isostearate, Carbomer, Glycol Distearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Glyceryl Oleate, Glycine, Trideceth-6, Cetearyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Threonine, Sodium Hydroxide, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Pca, Sodium Lactate, Arginine, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Serine, Sodium Benzoate, Valine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Proline, Isoleucine, Cholesterol, Phenoxyethanol, Alanine, Phenylalanine, Coconut Acid, Coco-Glucoside, Chlorphenesin, Disodium Edta, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Citric Acid, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, Phytosphingosine, Xanthan Gum, Histidine, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Polyquaternium-53, Polyquaternium-39, Polysorbate 60, Ethylhexylglycerin, Benzoic Acid

Where to buy

Checked against the product's ingredient list on October 19, 2026.

Cetaphil Hydrating Foaming Cream Cleanser

Acne medicine: None
Texture: Cream-to-foam
Price: under $20 each

A creamy foam with niacinamide and panthenol, gentle on dry, sensitive skin and easy to find at the drugstore.

Gentle
Fragrance-free
Non-comedogenic
National Eczema Association seal

Key ingredients Niacinamide, Panthenol, Glycerin

Full ingredient list

Water, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Glycerin, Glycol Distearate, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Arginine, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Chloride, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Niacinamide, Panthenol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Pantolactone, Citric Acid

Where to buy

Checked against the product's ingredient list on October 19, 2026.

Cream-colored squeeze tube on a beige background

Face Reality Barrier Balance Creamy Cleanser

Acne medicine: None
Texture: Cream
Price: $20 to $40 each

A non-foaming cream from a line made for acne-prone skin, for skin that feels raw or tight from acne treatment.

Gentle
Fragrance-free

Key ingredients Panthenol, Bisabolol, Prebiotics

Full ingredient list

Aqua (Water), Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Glyceryl Stearate, Stearic Acid, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycerin, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Cetyl Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Panthenol (D), Inulin, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Saccharide Isomerate, Allantoin, Bisabolol (L-alpha), Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola) Leaf Extract, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Gluconate, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate

Where to buy

Face Reality : Face Reality Barrier Balance Creamy Cleanser (opens in a new tab)

Checked against the product's ingredient list on October 19, 2026.

Sensitive and acne-prone skin

Mild washes with no acne medicine, most of them fragrance-free. A good default while you start a new prescription, or whenever your skin is irritated.

Best value

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

Acne medicine: None
Texture: Cream
Price: under $20 each

A mild, low-foam cream wash with niacinamide and panthenol. Gentle enough for skin on tretinoin or isotretinoin.

Gentle
Fragrance-free
Non-comedogenic
National Eczema Association seal

Key ingredients Niacinamide, Panthenol, Glycerin

Cautions

The label says it can be wiped off without water. On acne-prone skin, rinse it off.

Full ingredient list

Water, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Panthenol, Niacinamide, Pantolactone, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid

Where to buy

Checked against the product's ingredient list on October 19, 2026.

White pump bottle with a blue pump and blue lettering

Best overall

Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser

Acne medicine: None
Texture: Lotion
Price: under $20 each

No fragrance, dyes, botanicals, or essential oils, with the National Eczema Association seal and a drugstore price. A safe default for sensitive skin.

Gentle
Fragrance-free
Non-comedogenic
National Eczema Association seal

Bioderma Sensibio Foaming Gel

Acne medicine: None
Texture: Foaming gel
Price: $20 to $40 each

A soap-free micellar gel that lathers enough for combination skin and stays gentle for sensitive skin.

Gentle
Fragrance-free
Non-comedogenic

Full ingredient list

Aqua/Water/Eau, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Propanediol, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Citric Acid, Coco-Glucoside, Glyceryl Oleate, Sodium Citrate, PEG-90 Glyceryl Isostearate, Mannitol, Xylitol, Laureth-2, Rhamnose, Fructooligosaccharides, Tocopherol, Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides Citrate, Lecithin, Ascorbyl Palmitate

Where to buy

Checked against the product's ingredient list on October 19, 2026.

Physician pick

SkinCeuticals Soothing Cleanser

Acne medicine: None
Texture: Foam
Price: $20 to $40 each

A soap-free foam made for sensitive and post-procedure skin. A good match for retinoids and in-office peels.

Non-comedogenic

Key ingredients Sorbitol, Glycerin, Cucumber extract

Cautions

Contains propylene glycol and plant extracts (orchid, cucumber).

Full ingredient list

Aqua / Water / Eau, Sorbitol, Glycerin, Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate, PEG-8, Hexylene Glycol, Coco-Betaine, Propylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Chloride, Orchis Mascula Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract / Cucumber Fruit Extract

Where to buy

Dermstore : SkinCeuticals Soothing Cleanser (opens in a new tab)

Checked against the product's ingredient list on October 19, 2026.

Pimple patches

Hydrocolloid patches absorb fluid from a pimple that has come to a head or been popped, keep it protected, and keep your fingers off it. They don't reach deep cysts, and they don't prevent new breakouts.

Which patch for which pimple

It has come to a head, or it popped

A plain hydrocolloid patch. It absorbs the fluid, keeps the spot covered, and keeps your fingers off it. Leave it on six to eight hours or overnight [2].
An early bump with no head yet

Patches help less here. Microdart patches claim to reach under the skin, but the studies are small and mostly paid for by their makers [2].
Deep, painful, and under the skin

Skip the patch: it can't reach a cyst or nodule. A dermatologist can calm one quickly with a small cortisone injection [1].

Medicated patches, with salicylic acid or tea tree oil, haven't been shown to work better than plain ones, and the extra ingredient can irritate the skin under the patch [2]. Read Dr. Perna's guide to pimple patches (on our sister practice's site)

PanOxyl Daytime Invisible Patches

Type: Hydrocolloid, with salicylic acid
In the box: 40 patches
Price: under $20 per pack

Thin enough to disappear under makeup, in two sizes, for a pimple you want covered during the day.

Salicylic acid
Fragrance-free

Key ingredients Salicylic acid, Centella asiatica, Green tea

Cautions

Avoid if using tretinoin or other retinoids.
Has salicylic acid in it. Stop if a red or itchy ring forms under the patch.

Full ingredient list

Styrene/Isoprene Copolymer, Cellulose Gum, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-20 Olefin), Polyisobutene, Salicylic Acid, Centella Asiatica Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract

Where to buy

Checked against the product's ingredient list on October 19, 2026.

White box with a blue top band and large black lettering

Best overall

Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Invisible+

Type: Hydrocolloid
In the box: 72 patches
Price: $20 to $40 per pack

A thin, plain hydrocolloid patch that is hard to see, so you can wear it during the day. The kind with the most evidence behind it.

Plain hydrocolloid

Peace Out Acne Day Dots

Type: Hydrocolloid, salicylic acid 0.5%
In the box: 20 patches
Price: $20 to $40 per pack

An ultra-thin dot with a low dose of salicylic acid, for a pimple you want to treat and hide under makeup.

Salicylic acid

Key ingredients Aloe, Retinyl acetate

Cautions

Avoid if using tretinoin or other retinoids.
Contains retinyl acetate, a form of vitamin A. Ask us before using it if you are pregnant.
Stop if a red or itchy ring forms under the dot.

Full ingredient list

Active ingredients: Salicylic acid 0.5%. Inactive: Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Extract, Retinyl Acetate (Vitamin A). Patch: Hydrocolloid Polymer Technology

Where to buy

Checked against the product's Drug Facts label on October 19, 2026.

White and blue box with a crescent moon icon

Best value

PanOxyl PM Overnight Spot Patches

Type: Hydrocolloid
In the box: 40 patches
Price: under $20 per pack

A plain hydrocolloid patch to wear overnight, the night partner to the daytime patch, at a drugstore price.

Plain hydrocolloid
Fragrance-free

White pouch with a red label beside a sheet of round clear patches

COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch

Type: Hydrocolloid
In the box: 24 patches
Price: under $20 per pack

Plain hydrocolloid in three sizes in one box, with a full ingredient list, at a low price per patch.

Plain hydrocolloid
Fragrance-free

How to wash

How to wash when you have acne

The right wash helps, and so does the way you use it.

Twice a day, gently

Wash when you get up, before bed, and after you sweat, using your fingertips and lukewarm water. Scrubbing and washing more often irritate acne-prone skin [3].
Give benzoyl peroxide time

On the chest and back, leave a benzoyl peroxide wash on for two to five minutes before you rinse [4]. On the face, follow the label.
Protect your towels

Benzoyl peroxide bleaches towels, sheets, pillowcases, and clothes [5]. Rinse well and use white ones.
Store it cool

Keep benzoyl peroxide at room temperature or cooler, replace it every 10 to 12 weeks, and throw it out if it was left somewhere hot, like a car [6].
Moisturize, then sunscreen

Follow with a moisturizer that won't clog pores and, in the morning, a sunscreen. Sunscreens for acne-prone skin
Give it time

Use a new wash for six to eight weeks before you decide whether it works [9].

Sources

Picks and medical review by Danielle Perna, MD, board-certified dermatologist at our sister practice, Maitland Dermatology · reviewed October 26, 2026

When a wash isn't enough.

If your breakouts are frequent, deep, or painful, if you're noticing dark marks or scarring, or if over-the-counter products haven't made a noticeable difference after two to three months, it's time to consider seeing a dermatologist.

Call or text (407) 260-2606 Contact us