We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
1. A mega-popular hydrating CeraVe facial cleanser so you can keep your skin clean and clear with one simple product that won't leave your face feeling stripped and dry afterward. It also doubles as a bodywash if you're struggling with bacne, chestne, or buttne.
Promising review: "I live in an extremely dry climate and have struggled with adult acne. Using harsh acne washes dried out my skin even further, and I didn't realize I was making it worse! Since switching to this moisturizing cleanser, my skin tone and texture has improved DRAMATICALLY, and my dehydrated skin is no longer so thirsty. It easily takes off all my makeup and leaves my skin feeling soft afterwards. Will be purchasing again!" —snkravitz
Get it from Amazon for $14.57.
2. Plus, an acne-fighting daily moisturizer with salicylic acid that doesn't just deliver an oil-free dose of daily hydration, but also works to prevent future breakouts before they even happen.
Promising review: "I struggled with adult acne for years, switched to using this as my daily moisturizer, and only have issues if I stop using it. This moisturizer changed my life. Cleared up my acne and evened my skin tone. Also, was not paid for this review in any way; did not receive a free product. This is just a great product. I will never use anything else again. Been using for six months now and still love it. Moisturizing without feeling oily." —Ru
Get it from Amazon for $17.09.
3. A hydrating snail mucin repairing essence for soothing *all* skin types (reviewers love how gentle it is) and helping heal acne scars, fade dark spots, and calm redness...all for under $20!!
Promising review: "I been using this for a few months now, and it’s DEFINITELY HELPED. I was recommended by my esthetician when I was having really bad adult acne out of nowhere, and over time and consistent use, I believe wholeheartedly this was the main reason for my clear-up. I started off with the mini bottle to see if it worked and then committed to the big bottle. A little also goes a long way." —mellory
Get it from Amazon for $19.79.
4. An anti-bacterial butt acne-clearing lotion made with tea tree oil because adult acne doesn't just affect faces (unfortunately) and your booty deserves the same blemish-busting TLC as your face. Sun's out, bum's out, amiright?
Apply this gentle treatment 3–4 times a day, or 4–6 times if the situation is more serious.
Promising review: "What the heck with butt acne as an adult...NOTHING ever seems to work. I don’t even know how I came across this brand, but reviews seemed very positive. I thought I’d give it one more shot. I've had this about two weeks. Follow the directions and use it a lot at first. It has WORKED. Cannot wait to get this product to my daughter." —PearlMac
Get it from Amazon for $24.99.
5. A top-selling acne oil if you're tired of acne treatments that leave your skin dull and dry. This zit-fighting formula is packed with hydrating oils that fight breakouts (not cause them). Use it as a spot treatment or mix it with your moisturizer for full-face coverage.
Blume is a POC-owned small biz cofounded by sisters Taran and Bunny, who wanted to create a line of transparent, eco-conscious self-care products that de-stigmatize and de-mystify the shame-centered talk around periods and puberty.
Promising review: "I don’t know what this magic potion is, but just five days into using it, I am seeing remarkable improvement. I am in my 30s and always seem to have this adult acne on my cheeks. This oil has really toned it down. I’m so glad I gave it a try. Can’t wait to see the results after a month!" —Jessica M.
Get it from Amazon for $27.95 or from Blume for $28+ (available in two sizes).
6. A volcanic stone face roller to soak up any excess, pimple-causing face oil throughout the day even if you have makeup on! Unlike blotting papers, this roller is able to be washed and reused, reducing waste and saving you $$$.
Promising review: "You beauties will not believe how awesome this roller ball is until you buy it. I have super oily, acne-prone skin. I’m currently seeing a derm for my adult hormonal acne and am on three topicals, a wash, and one oral. So, please believe me, my face is constantly producing extra oil. A few swipes with this baby and I look fresh as can be, even feel clean after hours of use. The best part about using this tool is when wearing makeup, I’m left with almost like an airbrush finish. Seriously, only lifts the oils, NOT any of my foundation. Apparently, there are replacement volcanic heads sold, but you can just soak and clean this one, and use again. The best investment ever. It’s super compact. Definitely helps when dealing with acne." —ezralea
Get it from Amazon for $12.90.
7. A box of Mighty Patch pimple patches containing hydrocolloid so you can stop that zit dead in its tracks with gunk-absorbing powers that speed up the pimple healing process. The sticker format can also help prevent you from any habitual picking or popping.
Promising review: "I am an older millennial who suffers from adult acne because I can’t stop touching my face throughout the day. I’m usually sitting with my hand on my chin or cheek, so I break out. I also never leave my pimples alone to heal. These little things are amazing. I will put one of them on a pimple overnight, and in the morning, the pimple is completely flat. It heals so fast. These have become a staple in my life. I highly recommend them." —Stella
And check out BuzzFeed Shopping editor Amanda Davis's full Mighty Patch review for more info!
Get a pack of 36 from Amazon for $10.77.
8. And a Hero Cosmetics post-blemish rescue balm for after the big pop to soothe irritation before a long-lasting scar sets up shop on your face. Simply pat your pimple with this gentle, nonirritating formula to relieve dryness, calm angry redness, and help reduce hyperpigmentation.
Promising review: "This product is great. It definitely speeds the healing process and minimizes the appearance of active pimples, but I am finding it is doing a good job of addressing older scars as well. I have been using this product in conjunction with CeraVe foaming acne wash, and my hormonal cystic acne is almost cleared up (after only a week), and the scars from previous breakouts are less visible. After batting hormonal cystic acne for years, this seems to be the winning combination." —Joyce Y.
Get it from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in two sizes).
9. An anti-acne silver-infused pillowcase because regular pillowcases harbor TONS of breakout-causing bacteria. This one is woven with pure silver, an antimicrobial that naturally reduces bacterial growth.
Promising review: "I have had acne my whole life. It flares up every two to four weeks on my face. I always sleep on my side or stomach, so I thought that the Silvon pillow might help reduce the bacteria that causes acne naturally. To my surprise, the acne flare-ups reduced significantly over the last four months. I now exclusively use them at home and even got a few for my girlfriend. I wash them as usual, so no need for special care. These pillowcases feel like good quality cotton and look great. If you have acne and sleep with your face on the pillows, give the pillowcases a try." —Alex Levin
Get it from Amazon for $24.79+ (available in three colors and two sizes).
10. A powerful 2% BHA salicylic acid exfoliant if harsh scrubs haven't done your skin any favors. It helps to clear skin and unclogs pores by gently sloughing away dead skin to reveal the texture-free glow hiding underneath.
Promising review: "I recommend this to everyone who struggles with pimples. As an adult, no one likes unwanted acne. This product continues to keep my skin clear. If I go a few days without it, I can tell. I have bought this five times and will again once I’m out." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $13+ (available in two sizes).
11. A ridiculously charming exfoliating stick that acts as a gentle skin scrub to draw out excess sebum, whiteheads, and blackheads from your pores. And after you're done ogling at all the gunk your octopus friend evicted from your face, just give it a rinse!
Promising review: "Bought to combat adult acne and clogged pores. My skin is clear and soft, and pores are tight and clean. Awesome lil' scrubber. Does not dry out skin and no irritation." —sara'samazon
Get it from Amazon for $11.88.
12. A soothing SOS facial spray to calm down angry, stressed-out skin morning, noon, and night. The hero ingredient — hypochlorous acid — is found in our white blood cells and actually triggers an immune response, which signals your body to repair and heal irritated skin.
Tower 28 is an Asian woman-owned small business based in Los Angeles. The founder, Amy, started the brand after working 15+ years in the beauty industry. The company works to create nontoxic, vegan, cruelty-free beauty products that are perfect for any skin type.
Promising review: "This was recommended to me by a friend. My skin cleared up within a week or two. I have never gotten so many compliments on my skin. As someone who struggles with adult acne, I would highly recommend this product. I only wish it lasted longer. :)" —Dana
Get it from Amazon, Sephora, or Tower 28 for $12+ (available in two sizes).
13. A tube of Differin acne treatment gel so you can jumpstart your skincare routine with one of the strongest spot treatments you can get without a prescription. Reviewers warn some patience is required (but it's worth it), so give this retinoid cream a chance to work its pore-penetrating, inflammation-reducing magic.
This is *very* strong, and reviewers say that while it works, it might make your skin sensitive and dry while it adjusts (much like Accutane). They recommend that you always moisturize after using this, and to use it at night while you're out of the sun.
Promising review: "I’ve struggled with adult acne for years, and this is the only product that has truly helped. I’ve tried everything, from Proactiv, Curology, drugstore brands, high-end brands, natural products, and prescriptions — you name it, I’ve tried it. This is truly a miracle product. Use caution because it can be drying. I personally only use it on my acne prone areas, and avoid areas of my face that don’t need it because it is drying. If you use a good moisturizer after, you should be fine." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $13.78.
14. A pack of Skin1004's zombie masks that'll deliver skin-tightening, pore-minimizing benefits at the small price of looking like an extra in The Walking Dead for 15 minutes. It's a multipurpose treatment you'll want to keep on hand if this season tends to be ~deadly~ for your skincare goals.
The kit includes eight Zombie Pack sets (powder and activator), plus one applicator brush!
Promising review: "I have tried so many different products to help minimize pores, moisturize, and help with adult acne, and this is the only product that has helped and with very quick results. I will definitely keep buying these. The scent is not that bad. It smells the worst (which isn't even horrible) when you mix it, but it quickly goes away. It is easy to remove. I use mine every other day which is more than it says to just because I love how it is working, but my next box, I'll go by how often the box says to." —Jaime Donoghue
Get an eight-pack from Amazon for $19.05.
15. A blemish-busting Mario Badescu drying lotion for a powerful spot treatment that takes on pimples while you sleep with an effective blend of salicylic acid, sulfur, calamine, and zinc oxide.
Promising review: "I’ve always struggled with adult acne/breakouts. I discovered this a couple of years ago, and it’s really helped my skin since. I apply it around my problem areas a couple of times a week, and it dries up problems before they even start!" —Amanda
Get it from Amazon for $11.90+ (available in a glass or plastic bottle).
16. A wildly popular Bio-Oil because real-life magic (aka science) has gifted us this powerful blend of nourishing oils and vitamins that can be applied virtually anywhere to help fade scars and lock in the moisture without that greasy feeling.
Promising review: "This oil is amazing. I suffer from adult acne, and I was looking for a product that would hydrate my dry skin, not cause me to break out, and get rid of my acne scars. Not only did this product hydrate my skin without feeling like it was just sitting on top of my skin like coconut oil, but it actually helped to clear my skin. My scars will take a little longer, but I have already noticed a fading and without many new breakouts, there aren't new scars to deal with!" —Kate
Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in three sizes).
17. This 10% benzoyl peroxide wash if you have stubborn inflammatory acne on your face, back, or elsewhere. Use it as a face or body wash and enjoy the clog-clearing benefits of medical-grade, mirco-benzoyl peroxide.
Promising review: "I've dealt with acne throughout my adolescence and into my adult life. I've tried every treatment under the sun and even been on Accutane twice. Thankfully, my acne is nowhere near as bad, but this product has been amazing at keeping those pesky breakouts at bay. I use it as part of my daily face wash regimen, and I can definitely see and feel clearer and smoother skin. Moreover, this product has drastically reduced the breakouts on my back. It feels my skin feeling refreshed, and it has a nice scent/consistency that is easy to apply, and it doesn't dry out my skin. I'm a fan and definitely recommend it!" —Jason
Get it from Amazon for $22.43.
18. A bottle of pure rosehip oil so you can streamline your skincare routine with one multitasking product that can help to reduce the appearance of everything from blemishes and scarring to fine lines and age spots. This little blue bottle is your one-stop shop for a brighter, more even complexion.
This oil is also effective at reducing pregnancy stretch marks and can even be used to moisturize your hair!
Promising review: "As a female battling adult acne, eczema, and rosacea (oh my!) — this has been a game-changer. My skin would either get scaly/flake or would get inflamed and irritated. I've been using this for about 2–3 weeks now, and my skin has gotten softer, the rosacea seems to have really calmed down (this is also in combination with Prosacea), and the acne scaring is healing significantly faster. The smell is not the most pleasant — but I will continue to use this product as I can tell my skin is absorbing and being supported by these essential oils." —Etch-a-sketch
Get it from Amazon for $14.95.
19. A pack of XL dry face towels because bacteria on your terry towels and washcloths (even freshly clean ones) could be the sneaky culprit behind your breakouts. This disposable alternative is absorbent enough to dry your hands and face, but can also be used wet when paired with your favorite makeup remover or cleanser. One towel with endless possibilities!
Promising review: "I’ve had on-and-off-again adult acne and rashes for the last 10 years, and I recently came across these, and it’s like night and day! Since I’ve started using these two months ago, I’ve had RARE acne flare-ups and rashes. I never thought that the towels in my bathroom, clean or not, were what was causing my skin to be irritated. A must buy!" —Michaela Wells
Get a 50-pack from Amazon for $17.05.
20. A powerful glycolic acid gel peel enhanced with retinol that works as an exfoliant to resurface skin and help smooth out bumpy texture. You might just be tempted to cancel your fancy facial after giving this a whirl.
Perfect Image is an independent beauty brand that launched in 2007 as a way to get professional-strength chemical peels in the hands of consumers at an affordable price.
Promising review: "I love this peel, I have struggled with adult acne more on the cystic side, and I do the peel about twice a week. Within a few weeks, my breakouts were almost eliminated, and your face feels amazing afterward. Make sure you don't leave it on too long, though, or it can burn you. I do not have sensitive skin, so I was able to leave it on for a little bit longer. I also have oily skin, and it helps reduce oil overall." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $29.95.
21. A renowned clay mask for giving pores a *truly* deep clean on the cheap, helping to clear current acne flare-ups and combat the ghosts of breakouts past.
This cruelty-free mask is made from 100% bentonite clay, that can also be used for body wraps, clay baths, foot soaks, hair masks, and more. One reviewer has found success washing their 4c hair with it!
Promising review: "Magic!!! For real, tho! I have horrible adult acne I can’t get rid of. Giant suckers that like to stay a while on my face...nothing gets rid of them! But this stuff is close to perfect. The best way to use is with apple cider vinegar. Not a great smell but worth the results!" —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $14.95.
22. Or a cleansing Dead Sea mud mask if your skin is in need of a little extra TLC. A great option for oily and dry skin alike, this cleansing mask combines Dead Sea mineral mud, aloe vera, calendula oil, vitamin E, and jojoba oil to clean out clogged pores.
Promising review: "I love this thing! I use it twice a week, and my skin looks great. I, of course, have adult acne, and when I have a flare-up, this helps it so much. I will definitely buy it again." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $16.96 (available in four scents).
23. A soothing face and body cream because you've had it up to here with acne treatments leaving your skin raw, red, and dry. This all-purpose, organic face and body cream delivers deep (I repeat, DEEP) hydration that works with your skin's natural oils to lock in moisture.
Promising review: "I’ve struggled with a rough bout of adult acne for a little over a year now, and when I was on the brink of giving up the search for good products, I gave Honeyskin a last hail Mary effort. I am SO glad I did!! This product is absolutely incredible, my skin actually feels vibrant, and the scarring is fading away!" —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $19.10.
24. A cruelty-free coffee face scrub blended with shea butter and antibacterial ingredients like tea tree and rosemary oil, so you can potentially ward off acne and buff away bumps without that dry, tight feeling afterward. It's made from upcycled coffee grounds sourced from London cafes, so you can pat yourself on the back for doing something good for your skin and the planet!
Promising review: "Absolutely love this face scrub from UpCircle. I have adult acne, and it really helps control my breakouts. It is pretty rough on your skin, so takes a while to get used to, but it leaves it feeling super soft without being greasy." —Lucy W.
Get it from our Goodful shop for $22.
25. An LED light therapy mask with seven different light colors each designed to target different skin troubles. Despite the mask looking like a halloween costume, you'll love the professional-level results you can get at home with just 20 minutes of use a few times a week.
Promising review: "I have adult onset acne. I’ve tried all kinds of creams and gone to the dermatologist, but nothing seemed to work. With this product, I noticed a difference within days of using it. It’s very easy to use, and I usually watch TV while using, and I have actually taken a nap while it was on. Best beauty product I’ve ever bought!" —A. Bauer
Get it from Amazon for $150.89.
26. A bottle of Glossier Solution that's a gentle yet effective chemical exfoliant that sweeps away dead skin with a powerful combination of AHA, BHA, and PHA for an all-around smoother and ~glowier~ complexion.
Multiple BuzzFeed writers swear by this product — read their Glossier Solution reviews!
Promising review: "I have been battling with adult cystic acne for about two years now and have tried everything under the sun from organic and natural products to super expensive medications. Nothing has helped as much as Solution has. Within the first week, I noticed that my acne was healing, and I wasn't getting as many new cysts. I use this every night. In combination with the Super Pure serum I use in the morning, my acne has almost completely gone away within a month! THANK YOU, Glossier!" —Tash
27. And a K-beauty snail mucin repair cream for plumping and brightening dull, dry skin while fading discoloration without turning to harsher retinols that can easily dry you out.
Promising review: "I’ll join the choir and confirm that this is a great moisturizer. I’ve battled adult acne for the past three years, and my skin was very dry and needed nourishment. At the same time, I could not use products that were too greasy, or I’d break out again. I tried many. I spent a lot of $. I gave this a try with low expectations, but instead I got wow factor from the first application. Hydrating but not oily, delicate scent (I’m really fussy about that!) and perfect night and day." —Barbara B.
Get it from Amazon for $20.
The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.