19 Acne Control Products On Amazon That Actually Work

"Pimples: A Problem of the Past" will likely be the title of my debut novel.

1. A vegan Acure brightening scrub made with argan extract and chlorella gentle enough to exfoliate acne-prone skin without causing further inflammation or redness. It's also an absolute 🌟 superstar 🌟 at fading scars!

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Psst, this cult-favorite and cruelty-free product has over 2,000 positive reviews!

Promising review: "Are you kidding? Why didn't I find this sooner? THIS STUFF IS AMAZING. I'm 34, and never had a blemish... until I hit 30. Hormonal cystic acne has plagued my chin and neck for years. I've tried everything from washes, scrubs, microdermabrasion, facials, masks, even antibiotics as a last resort. NOTHING cleared my skin like this! I've been using this product for only two weeks and my skin is clearing beautifully, plus my old acne scars disappearing. People are making comments about how fresh, young, and healthy my skin looks. Its a small tube, but you only need a pea-sized amount really." —emhart16

Price: $8.49

2. A Mario Badescu powder that's about to become your new holy grail if you're pimple-prone + want some coverage. This works to absorb excess oil and reduce redness, but the sulfur-based formula will work to actively heal breakouts in the process.

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And, unlike a ton of other "setting powders" on the market, this cruelty-free option also won't clog your pores further — it'll actually give your skin some room to breathe and heal.

If you want to use this under makeup, be sure to use it after you apply your morning moisturizer to prevent it from looking caked-on. You can also slather it on at night prior to hitting the hay and it'll help dry up acne and prevent inflammation!

Promising review: "This stuff is incredible! I have now been using it for three years and every time I get close to running out, I go and buy another one right away. I have adult moderate cystic acne and this stuff really calms it down and helps with redness. Anytime I feel like I am getting a pimple or can see the under-the-skin bump, I will lather this healing powder all over it all day long. Definitely a go-to product and I highly recommend to anyone who suffers from incredibly painful and stubborn cystic acne." —justanothercollegestudent

Price: $12

3. A La Roche-Posay gel cleanser with a favorite five-letter word: C-L-E-A-R. This salicylic acid wash targets (and destroys) blackheads and whiteheads while ridding surface oil by up to 47%, so yeah! Clear complexions ahead.

instagram.com / Via @larocheposayusa, amazon.com

It's also surprisingly gentle enough to use twice a day, meaning you'll be able to attack acne in the AM *and* the PM without making your complexion overly dry.

Promising review: "I was lucky enough to have clear skin in high school so I never understood how awful acne really is. When I was about 21-22 years old, I switched to a birth control implant, and that thing wreaked havoc on my entire life. I suddenly had horrible cystic acne. Not only did it make me self conscious and uncomfortable, but it was actually so painful — laying on my pillow hurt my face! To top it all off, my skin was also dry, and irritated. I tried every skin care line on the market for about two to three years, with no, or very little, results. Finally, I found La Roche-Posays skincare products. Within four days, the inflammation decreased, the redness was fading, and my skin felt less dry. By two weeks, my skin was practically clear! I have been using this product for about four to five years now, and I haven't had a single outbreak, EXCEPT for the time I wanted to try a different product to save money. Huge mistake, one I will not make again." —LadyHawke

Price: $14.99

4. A detoxifying Yes To facial cleanser that — thanks to an effective trio of charcoal, tomato extract, and salicylic acid — kicks the derrieres of acne, blackheads, and excess shine. Guess you can say no one would throw tomatoes at this performance, eh?

instagram.com / Via @yesto

Promising review: "This stuff is MAGIC. I saw drastic results literally overnight. I thought I had outgrown my acne problems, but then I switched to a new birth control and started breaking out in tiny, stubborn pimples all over my forehead. After wrestling with it for a couple weeks by using the cleansers and scrubs I had on hand, I decided to order the Yes To Tomatoes balancing moisturizer and this cleanser. The cleanser arrived before the moisturizer so I used it by itself, and the very next day the acne was all but gone." —blackmallow

Price: $9.51

5. A non-comedogenic, fragrance-free Cerave moisturizing cream here to fight body breakouts with a vengeance. "You can run, BUT YOU CAN'T HIDE!" —you to your chest, back, and butt acne.

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This formula contains salicylic acid, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin d that exfoliates dead skin cells. The result? Now that said dead skin cells are out of the way, the actual moisturizing properties of the cream will able to really seep into your skin for ultimate hydration.

It's also SUPER effective at combatting (and calming) psoriasis outbreaks! Proof in the photos above.

Promising review: "I get back acne, but it's also extremely dry, itchy, and my skin is very sensitive. This cream is amazing! It has reduced my back acne significantly while also being incredibly moisturizing. It also makes my skin so soft!

Five stars!" —RosaRoe

Price: $16.93

6. A 100% vegan The Body Shop tea tree oil toner that can mattify even the most oily complexions. Plus, if you think your cleanser just removed all of your foundation... you'd be wrong. This toner picks up all the leftover makeup and oil that would have otherwise resulted in a breakout.

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Promising review: "Let me just say that I’ve had combination problem skin since I in my teens. I’m now in my thirties and after years of searching for the perfect toner, here it is! It’s refreshing and completely removes any leftover makeup or impurities from my skin. I wash my face very well and am surprised to see the cotton ball after using this! My skin has not looked this clear on a consistent basis in years. Definitely worth a try for those searching for a new product." —NYC3225

Price: $17.10

7. A Radha rosehip oil currently negotiating a movie deal with Marvel — this little bottle of magic is a superhero worthy of its own franchise. This 100% pure rosehip oil moisturizes your skin without making it greasy, evens out scarring, and (of course) helps keeps the evil pimple monsters away.

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Promising review: "This oil is amazing!! It has evened out my skin tone, balanced my oily and dry patches, and cleared up my blemishes — all in only two weeks of use. This is the best my skin has ever looked, and even my friends and coworkers are noticing." —Alyssa

Price: $14.95

Read our full review of the Radha rosehip oil.

8. Hydrocolloid, tea tree, and calendula oil pimple patches you should slap on a zit to a) prevent picking, and b) speed up the ~draining~ process of said zit. Plus, these are transparent enough to wear while running errands and the world would't notice.

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I know, I know. You may feel robbed of the satisfying feeling that comes with popping a pimple, but this method is MUCH better because it won't leave a scar. To quote the Beatles, just let it be.

Promising review: "I love these things! My acne-riddled, hormonal life is made easier by these beautiful little patches. The variety pack is best because the big squares can be cut to size, and boy do they stick! They do what they say. I've had cysts go down without popping. I've popped some (yes yes, I know, don't pick, people!) and patched em, and it'll drain. I've given them to friends who get cysts in the WORST places, and they always go down and definitely takes the edge off the pain overnight. If there's a spot that's weeping, stick one on there and it'll put an end to that." —Renee

Price: $8.07 (for a pack of 40)

9. A deep pore-cleaning Aztec Secret clay mask with a powerful calcium bentonite clay to karate chop the crap out of cystic acne. Be sure to dilute this mask with either apple cider vinegar or water for the best results! AND! You can apply it with this golden facial mask brush.

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Promising review: "Cystic acne: the bane of my dermatological life, and maybe yours too? This clay has helped immensely in keeping it at bay. I do a treatment once a week (since it is a bit time-consuming), but I haven't had any of those awful underground, takes-two-weeks-to-surface pimples since I've started using the clay. Combined with apple cider vinegar, it's immensely helpful for oily, cystic acne-prone skin. My skin's been so much happier since I've started using it. You need this. Right now." —Rebecca Shady

Price: $10.95

Read our full review of the Aztec clay mask.

10. Bioré cleansing cloths to stash by your nightstand because it's been a long day, your eyes are shutting, and you'd rather chew off your pinky than get up to wash your face. But please, I beg of you, at least use a wipe. YOU SHOULD NOT BE SLEEPING WITH A FULL FACE OF FOUNDATION ON.

instagram.com / Via @bioreus

These wipes are hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, oil-free, *and* alcohol-free meaning they'll cleanse the crap out of your skin (really — one wipe will pick up all that trapped makeup and gunk). PLUS! They won't dry out your complexion or leave any icky, oily film behind.

Promising review: "I have moderate adult cystic acne. Hormones anyone?! And I am awful at cleaning my face at night before bed. I usually forget about it all together until I am drifting off. It's painfully perfect how easy these are to use! All you have to do is take out a wipe, swipe your face, and then toss. No sink or water needed. Plus, they smell so fresh and clean." —R. West

Price: $7.49 (for a pack of 30)

11. A daily face (and body!) Cerave moisturizing cream that is a miracle product for dryness, redness, and breakouts. This hypoallergenic, noncomedogenic, fragrance-free face cream is made with hyaluronic acid and ceramides to provide nongreasy 24-hour hydration.

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Promising review: "If you are doubting this product, stop what you are doing and buy it right now. It WILL change your life. I had SEVERE eczema on my face and it was incredibly painful: I had red, inflamed, itchy, flaky, and disgusting skin. I tried everything, from organic to high-priced products, and nothing worked until I picked up a $2 sample of this at Walgreens after reading the reviews online. Well, it is a miracle product. My face feels amazing. I use it twice daily, and my eczema is gone. It has also diminished my acne breakouts by 98%. I also want to add that I didn't get anything for free or was asked to do this review, I just honestly needed to share my experience." —Susana Rodriguez

Price: $15.06

12. A Michael Todd daily cleanser with honey and oat extracts, which act to naturally reduce inflammation. If you're sensitive to harsher ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, you'll want to give this pH-balancing cleanser a chance!

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Promising review: "I have sensitive and dry skin, and many things I try will break me out. This is my holy grail cleanser! If you're a lazy/one product person like me, you will love this cleanser. I use it in the shower, squirt a couple of pumps in my hand, massage it on my face, and voila! My face is clean and makeup is gone! It even takes off mascara, as long as it's not intensely waterproof. The cleanser it's self if very smooth with a bit of viscosity. It comes out like a honey color with a nice, fresh scent of lavender and citrus. I love that it contains honey, which does a great job for calming down inflammation." —Unicorn

Price: $23

13. Bioré pore strips that act like magnets for trapped gunk and deep-rooted oil. These amazingly satisfying strips (the review pics are *ahem* delicious) have the ability to reduce the appearance of blackheads and remove a significant amount of them after ~just~ one use.

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So how do these work? Wash your face, wet your nose, peel off the plastic liner on the strip, and stick it on. In about 10 to 15 minutes, the strip will dry up and feel stiff. Then, just slowly peel it off and VOILÀ!

What are the results? The deep-rooted dirt, pesky oil, and annoying blackheads buried within your nose will come to the surface — without irritating your skin in the process.

Promising review: "Want to feel disgusting about your previous self from five minutes ago? Wet down your schnoz and toss one of these babies on there. It will transform from malleable and comfortable to a stiff sticky pad on your face. After your 5 minuets of waiting is up and you are ready to see what disgusting things have been cratered in your nose, pull this baby off. Nice and slow, from one side to the other. Feel the rush of excitement as your nose has its blackheads ripped from their pores and you feel cleaner than you do after a shower. Then, flip it over and inspect it closely to see how many nasty blackheads were previously calling your nose home. Take a pick or show to a friend, preferably both. Then crumple it up and throw it away and begin the countdown until the next extraction." —r0bdawg11

Price: $7.49 (for seven nose strips and seven face strips)

14. A L'Oréal Paris oil-free moisturizer because YES, oily skin STILL NEEDS MOISTURE — and thanks to the aloe vera and hyaluronic acid formula, this provides lightweight, non-greasy hydration that won't result in more excess sebum (or acne).

instagram.com / Via @lorealskin

A lot of people don't realize that YES, even if you have acne, moisturizer is still a crucial step in your skincare routine. Just be sure to opt for formulas that are oil-free!

Promising review: "This is the absolute best facial moisturizer I have ever bought. I generally don't like using a facial moisturizers because it ends up feeling oily and makes my acne worse, but not this one! It's like an ice gel that melts into your skin without making it feel greasy. I love this stuff so much." —coupleofnerds

Price: $9.11

15. A Teddie Organics rose water here to hydrate your skin, balance oily and dry patches, and brighten your complexion — without triggering any unwanted Rosacea or breakouts. CHA CHING. Consider this mist to be the final step in your nighttime skincare routine.

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Promising review: "I have suffered from rosacea for about two years now, and most recently, it has turned into acne rosacea. Unfortunately, I have tried oral antibiotics, prescription creams, over-the-counter creams, etc., without any results. After a horrible flare-up that was requiring me to cover my face in green makeup to mask the redness, I decided to try rose water. I like the fact that this product is 100% distilled rose water — no other chemicals or ingredients. My face is ultra sensitive and EVERYTHING causes inflammation, so I wasn't sure how I was going to react to this product. I am pleased to say that after only using this for one day, my redness decreased by about 40%. The acne began to dry up, but my skin did not! Day two and I am at a 60% improvement in redness and my acne is almost completely gone! I HIGHLY recommend this product for anyone suffering with Rosacea." —JmeF

Price: $17.49

16. Glycolic and hyaluronic acid Nip + Fab cleansing pads that exfoliate like MAD to reveal brighter, smoother skin. These will fade acne scars and help prevent future acne, all while witch hazel keeps your skin calm throughout the process.

instagram.com / Via @nipandfab

Use the textured side of these pads to exfoliate, and then FLIP! The opposite side will polish and smooth your skin. Then just wash it away! Easy peasy.

Promising review: "I am new to the world of AHAs and glycolic acid, so I'm not sure how this product measures up to others similar to it. But I'll never go back to NOT exfoliating. I've noticed my stubborn acne scars fading drastically after only a week of using these nightly. My recurring acne in those areas seem to be dying down, and my overall skin tone seems to be brightening. I am really impressed so far!" —Mitzy McMillion

Price: $8.96 (for a pack of 60)

17. A Clean & Clear Benzoyl Peroxide treatment you can dab on a spot before bed. It'll seriously reduce any zits as you snore away, because who doesn't want an effective product that requires 0 effort?

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Promising review: "I have struggled with acne my whole life. With that being said, this product has greatly helped with it! I’d say in the past year or two, my acne has gotten worse and I would have two to three bad pimples at all times on my face. It got to the point that I felt embarrassed taking my makeup off, even in front of my family. I tried this and it initially dried my face out pretty badly, but I gave it about a week and let the oils on my face get used to it. I’ve noticed I'm not getting pimples as frequently, the pimples that I do get are not as aggressive and heal faster, and the redness from last pimples has also gotten much better. I’ve been using it twice a day and if my face is feeling or looking extra dry, I'll back off for a day or two. This product has helped my immensely and it's very affordable!" —Amazon Customer

Price: $19.96

18. A sea algae Alba Botanica enzyme scrub free of parabens, phthalates, and harsh sulfates. This cruelty-free concoction slathers away dullness with the help of (a gentle) walnut shell powder. If you've got acne AND super sensitive skin, this is the perfect scrub for you.

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Promising review: "I am 23 with mostly clear skin, though I have had hormonal acne for the past couple years. I bought this and my skin actually cleared up in a matter of days. My skin hasn't looked this healthy since i was 18! I have noticed a difference in skin clarity and tone (it's scrubbing off my scars, slowly but surely). I use it a couple times a week and I moisturize with Argan oil afterwards. I have better results with this than anything I've purchased at Sephora. Plus, this is vegan which is a must for me." —Lauren Loves

Price: $6.57

19. A Burt's Bees night cream you'll want to couple with any prescription treatments. Strong acne medication = SUPER dry skin. Be sure to slather on this clary sage moisturizer before bed for skin that's soft, supple, and not flaking.

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Promising review: "I have been struggling to find the perfect night cream to use alongside my tretinoin cream (I got this cream for cystic acne from my derm and, although the results are amazing, it's terribly drying). After using this cream, my skin doesn't flake or get overly dry. It literally is intense hydration!" —90sChic

Price: $9.39

The current pimple on your chin, reacting to these effective product suggestions:

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The reviews in this post have been edited for length and clarity.

Want more skincare goodness? Check out the below:

35 Skin Care Products That Actually Do What They Say They Will

25 Of The Best Face Moisturizers You Can Get On Amazon

13 Face Scrubs You Can Get On Amazon That People Actually Swear By

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