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. Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant activates with water to release papain and salicylic acid to help fight acne for normal, oily, or combination skin. The colloidal oatmeal in this formula calms skin and reduces the appearance of redness and irritation. It can also reduce fine lines, shrink the appearance of pores, and brighten your complexion, knocking two birds with one stone, um YES, PLEASE.
Promising review: "Cleared up my acne! A couple years ago I got my face threaded and instantly broke out. I had acne scars on my cheeks and I’d never had such acne prone skin. I found this product and let me tell you, IT’S A GAME CHANGER! I started use the Daily Microfoliant and soon I started seeing the acne AND the scars clearing up. The best part is that a little bit of this product goes a long way! Pair it up with the cleanser and you’ll have the best skin!" —Gaitri
Get it from Sephora or Amazon for $18+ (available in mini or regular size).
2. Or! Paula's Choice Liquid Exfoliant gets to the root of the problem and deep dives into pores to remove oil, dirt, and debris with its 2% BHA formula. So many reviewers have raved about it also clearing acne and reducing breakouts. It can also remove dead skin, shrink and unclog large pores, and smooth the appearance of wrinkles. Talk about benefits on top of benefits!
Promising review: "Ever since getting off of birth control I’ve had hormonal cystic acne on my cheeks. I felt like I’ve tried everything and nothing was working for me. Adding this product to my skin care routine has truly been life-changing. I always see results even after one use." —Elisabeth
Promising review: "Bro I have had small breakouts nonstop for about two years now. I’ve seen this toner on tiktok soooo many times but didn’t think much about it but O finally got fed up with these breakouts because nothing worked; I cleared the shelves buying new products for my skin. IN LESS THAN A WEEK I SAW A CHANGE. My skin was so reflective I could see the reflection of my earrings on my cheek. My skin is so smooth and glass-like." —kate
Get it from Amazon for $13+ (available in two sizes).
3. Cosrx Snail Mucin Essence soothes irritated skin and helps to prevent breakouts with its glycolic acid, allantoin, and of course, snail mucin formula. Plus, it revives dehydrated skin and helps reduce dullness. It's a cult favorite for a reason — it's perfect for ALL skin types, even if you have oily skin!
Promising review: "I saw this product on Instagram. I’ve been using it for about a month now and absolutely love it. It’s become a part of my skin care routine and I don’t plan on getting rid of it anytime soon. This leaves your skin looking glossy and smooth, while also helping with bumps and dry skin. I’ve noticed my skin has been hydrated and clear of any acne since I’ve used this product! Give it a try! Works like a charm." —Iva Juka
Get it from Amazon for $15.50.
4. Kate Somerville EradiKate Acne Treatment fights pimples and breakouts with its sulfur formula. Just take a cotton swab, dab it wherever needed, and leave it on overnight.
Promising review: "I have [had] cystic acne for a decade, but didn’t know that my birth control was keeping it MOSTLY at bay. When I got off BC, my skin went bananas during the hormone adjustment. I have never had more aggressively terrible cysts or scarring, it has been endless. I have tried every patch, mask, bentonite clay, etc treatment around. Things that used to work don’t work anymore. I got this product six hours ago and immediately washed my face and applied it to the active volcano that’s been brewing on my chin the last two weeks (if you have cysts you know) and it started going down RIGHT AWAY. My mind is blown." —Kay Harms
Get it from Amazon for $20.
5. Tower 28's SOS Daily Rescue spray uses hypochlorous acid, a natural ingredient your skin produces, to help defend skin from bacteria, reduce redness, AND soothe irritation even during the worst breakouts. It rejuvenates and refreshes your face when your skin starts to feel a little irritated and starts screaming SOS.
Spritz on your skin morning and night, or whenever your skin needs a little extra TLC.
Tower 28 is an Asian woman-owned business designed for sensitive skin. Their products are free of any sensitivity-causing ingredients and are also vegan and cruelty-free.
Promising review: "Best beauty product EVER (not kidding). A friend recommended this because I was complaining about mask acne. And she was right, this bottle of magic is a game changer. I've graduated from the mini size to the regular size...because this stuff is literally the only thing that keeps my face from breaking out these days! LOVE LOVE LOVE!" —Amy B.
Get it from Sephora or Tower 28 for $12+ (available in mini or full size).
6. La Roche-Posay sunscreen protects skin from harmful UV rays while preventing breakouts at the same time. This SPF 60 oil-free sunscreen is made primarily for acne-prone skin and absorbs excess oil and reduces shine. OVER ~90,000~ dermatologists recommend this brand!
Most reviewers say that this doesn't leave a white cast but a few have experienced it. Reviewers say that as long as you rub it in well, it won't be noticeable!
Promising review: "I'm extremely fair-skinned so I need to wear sunscreen just to go outside. I just started using this brand and so far I really like it. The SPF coverage is great, it doesn't look or feel greasy and it lasts. It's also sheer enough to wear with your other skincare products. My skin is very sensitive and so far it hasn't caused any breakouts or skin issues that other sunscreens commonly do." —Ashley Stanton
Get it from Amazon for $19.99.
7. PanOxyl Acne Creamy Wash fights off acne with its benzoyl peroxide formula and is gentle enough to use every day on your body. It can help clear existing pimples and prevent new ones from forming.
Promising review: "This stuff is gold! I use it on my face, chest, and back. Even when I don’t have noticeable acne, I use it as a preventative. I don’t have super sensitive skin so I’ve never noticed any irritation or dry skin. However, don’t forget to use sunscreen if you use this!! Benzoyl peroxide makes people prone to sunburns." —Ava
Get it from Amazon for $9.37.
8. Mighty Patches tackles those pesky pimples head-on. The hydrocolloid absorbs the gunk inside, which speeds up the healing process. Plus it hides pimples and prevents you from picking at them! It works so well, you'll forget that there was even a pimple there.
Hero Cosmetics is an Asian woman-founded brand and home of the popular Mighty Patch and more. Ju Rhyu launched the brand in 2017, and it's since evolved with products such as cleansers, toners, Mighty Patches nose strips, and more!
Promising review: "I do not claim to understand the science behind these tiny miracles, but they have changed my life. I spent my work day looking forward to going home and putting one of these bad boys on my newly erupted Mt. Zit and the overnight results were shocking. Not only is it grossly satisfying, but it saved me several days of walking around with a bloody crater in my face because my previous method of dealing with blemishes was to pick pick pick." —Adg
Get a pack of 36 from Amazon for $11.97.
9. TonyMoly's octopus-shaped blackhead remover exfoliates your skin and removes all whiteheads, blackheads, and other impurities that can cause breakouts. On top of that, it's just so dang adorable!
Promising review: "I bought this for my 13-year-old, she has trouble with clogged pores/black heads. The packaging is the cutest thing I’ve ever seen; it’s adorable sitting on the bathroom counter. My daughter likes that it is easy to use. Just twist off the top and rub the exfoliant stick on your face. It has definitely helped with the breakouts and her face is almost completely clear. I will be reordering when she is close to running out. I would recommend to anyone looking for an exfoliant for themselves or their teen." —Kathryn D. Smith
Get it from Amazon for $11.88.
10. Differin Retinoid gel has the strength of a prescription med but is OTC. It'll infiltrate your pores and work from the inside to prevent new acne from forming. Just apply a thin layer on needed areas once a day and let it do it's magic. This gel has over 53,000 five-star reviews, and rightfully so.
Promising review: "Has completely transformed my skin. I used to get hormonal acne every single month, I still get it now but far less often and severely. Differin has really made a big difference on my quality of life. I have sensitive skin, so I only use it a couple of times a week and always over a light layer of lotion. When I first started using it, my acne did get worse for about a month, and then magically one day, my skin looked amazing. It's worth a try for sure!" —Britt
Promising review: "I have literally [had] acne since I was in fourth grade. Often I'd get really deep painful cystic acne which left terrible scars, but other times, I'd get tons of smaller pimples that left their mark long after the pimple was gone. It was nonstop, and I tried nearly everything. I’ve had one blemish appear in the five months since I started Differin, and amazingly, it was gone in a day, and didn’t leave a scar!! FYI, I have sensitive, combination skin that likes to alternate between being brittle dry and baby oil slick." —Angelique
Get it from Amazon for $13.47.
11. Blume Meltdown Acne Oil nourishes skin instead of drying it out. Use it before moisturizing or mix it in for a full-face coverage. Its rosehip, blue tansy, tamanu, and black cumin seed formula helps to fight current pimples, reduce acne scars, and even helps to prevent future breakouts.
Blume is a WOC-founded business run by two sisters making period and skincare products for teens and adults alike.
Promising review: "Best oil for adult acne! My favorite acne treatment by far!! Everything else dried me out or would make my acne worse. Because my acne is hormonal, not teen acne, I reacted to all of the drying products that are so popular. This oil is super hydrating, doesn’t cause breakouts and actually helps heal my skin and improves clarity. I add a pump of it to my DIY clay face masks once a week too, and it works great in that combo. It also smells amaaaazing. Couldn’t believe my eyes!" —Sophia G.
Get it from Blume for $28+ (available in two sizes).
12. Cosrx Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser reduces acne breakouts and removes dead skin, which sometimes causes pores to clog, leading to acne. The tea tree leaf and salicylic acid formula will leave your face feeling fresh and pampered, thanks to their anti-inflammatory and bacteria-killing qualities.
Promising review: "I have VERY easily irritated skin. I use this every evening, then moisturize after shower and my skin is never irritated. It helps prevent pimples on my face and my back. I noticed when I ran out and didn't use it for a few weeks my skin broke out badly! I am in my late twenties, but still get pimples depending my my cycle. Also, one tube of this lasts me about six months. A little bit goes a long way. I used to buy this on Sokoglam, but they stopped selling it. Glad to find it here! This product is identical to the one I bought on Sokoglam." —Shayla Koerber
Get it from Amazon for $16.19.
13. Diva Stuff Anti-Bacterial Pillow Mist fights off acne-causing bacteria to keep your pillows more sanitized. Plus it has a lavender-spearmint scent so you'll have a relaxing night of sleep and because you'll know that your bedding isn't contributing to your breakouts.
Diva Stuff is a family-run and woman-owned small biz based in Florida.
Promising review: "I have really acne-prone skin and breakouts still happening in my thirties. I spray this each night on my silk pillow and my zits have minimized drastically!" —Alina Hepfler
Get it from Amazon for $11.99.
14. Aztec Secret Healing Clay Mask works so well that over 20,000 reviewers felt the need to give it five stars! Say goodbye to your acne as the 100% natural calcium bentonite clay gives your pore a nice, deep clean. This isn't just limited to your face, you can use it on your body.
If you have sensitive skin, leave it on for five minutes, and if you have normal skin, you can leave it on for up to 20. Just mix with water or apple cider vinegar!
Promising review: "This stuff is amazing! I’ve struggled with my skin for years now and I’ve tried to many products, but nothing has cleared my skin up like this mask. I used it with apple cider vinegar every day for the first seven days and the results have been incredible! People ask me every day what I’m doing differently because the results have been so noticeable. I even posted about it on social media!" —Andrew
Get it from Amazon for $14.95.
15. Radha Rosehip Oil (it's certified organic too!) reduces redness and acne with fatty acids. Reviewers rave about it either preventing or clearing their breakouts! This multipurpose oil also can help reduce the appearance of fine lines, scarring, and wrinkles. Your skin will thank you for keeping it nourished and hydrated.
You can learn more about the skincare benefits of rosehip oil at the Cleveland Clinic.
Promising review: "Let me start by saying, I've tried almost every oil out there for my face, especially the ones that everyone raves about for acne prone skin including: coconut, avocado, jojoba, hemp seed, tea tree, argan, castor, etc. and every single one has irritated my skin and caused breakouts. It got to the point where I was 100% positive that no oil out there could ever work for my overly sensitive skin type. I took a chance on this oil as a last resort because of a model's recommendation online and she talked about how rosehip oil cured her acne breakout within days. Her skin looks even better than it did before her breakout, so I thought I'd give it a shot. I am SO glad that I did. This is a life changer for me. I will literally never be without this incredible oil ever again. I apply it every night and it gets absorbed beautifully by the skin, clears my breakouts over night, brightens my complexion, smooths, and moisturizes all at once. I even applied it this morning before make up for the first time today and my foundation GLIDED across my skin and looked glowy all day. It's an incredible primer as well! I'm so excited to say that it's been a full week of use and there's not a single breakout in sight from this oil. I can't believe that it's taken me this long to try it. I highly recommend that everyone give this oil a shot. It's done beautiful things for my complexion." —Ashley
Get it from Amazon for $14.95.
16. TreeActive Invisible Acne Treatment is, well, invisible so you can wear it under makeup and no one will ever know — so you can go about your day while this treatment does its thing. Its essential oil formula clears up outbreaks and blackheads for all types of acne.
The formula is chock-full of essential oils (like tea tree and jojoba) that are great for anyone who hasn't seen success with spot treatments with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. 🙋♀️
Promising review: "I used to use Zapzyt (benzoyl peroxide 10%) as a spot treatment, but it just stopped working one day. After trying a bunch of different products using salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and even trying some corticoid creams. NOTHING WORKED!!!! I ended up looking up some other natural solutions and came across this spot treatment. After using it for a week on two of my stubborn pimples (that I had basically tried every type of product on), THEY FINALLY WENT AWAY. I WAS SHOCKED. They were on my face for at least three weeks before I tried using this spot treatment, and they went away in less than a week! I recommend this to anyone who has stubborn acne like mine. Another plus is, this stuff feels and smells way better than any other acne treatment I've tried. Other treatments dry my skin out like nobody's business leaving my skin patchy, while using this didn't really affect my skin moisture. Also, it leaves a nice minty feeling on the skin for the first few seconds it is applied. I looooveee the smell of it. Definitely will buy again when I run out!" —Annabelle H.
Get it from Amazon for $19.95.
17. Paula's Choice Clear Moisturizer works while you get your beauty sleep to reduce redness and irritation with licorice extract. This oil-free formula delivers moisture and hydration to oily skin without the shine. It'll 🎶 get down to business, to defeat the 🎶 ...oils.
Promising review: "This is the ONLY moisturizer I use on my face. I actually use the whole Paulas Choice Clear skin care line and it has been a life saver for me. I suffered from horrible cystic acne for years, it got so bad I could barely sleep at night because of the pain of my face resting on my pillow. I tried EVERYTHING, and i’m serious when I say everything. After about three months of using this line my face is clear, and I don’t get cystic breakouts anymore!" —Mallory H
Get it from Amazon for $29.
18. Or if your skin is on the drier side, EltaMd AM Therapy battles redness and inflammation with its niacinamide and hyaluronic acid formula. Just rub it on in the AM and let it do its magic all throughout the day! Plus it restores natural moisture levels and reduces flaky skin. Reviewers have said that it has helped with both dry skin and acne breakouts!
Read more about the benefits of niacinamide at The Cleveland Clinic.
Promising review: "I have acne prone combo skin and found this moisturizer on a comparison sight and decided to take a chance. I typically have issues with pore clogging ingredients or sensitivity to many face products but this one is wonderful. No breakouts, my skin is softer and more even-toned and brighter. A must buy!" —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $38.95.
19. If you have extremely sensitive skin, Cetaphil Gentle Clear Moisturizer mattifies your skin while preventing and clearing breakouts with its 5% salicylic acid formula. It's designed to protect your skin barrier to keep all the moisture in and all the bad stuff out!
Promising review: "I usually dont write reviews but i used to suffer from really bad skin picking and my face would get covered in acne. I was getting better at not picking at my skin but my grandma bought this for me and ive been using it everyday after i shower. This stuff has completely transformed my face and I bought it again after i ran out. I also have pretty dry and easily irritable skin and when i use this my skin stays moisturized for pretty much the whole day. 10/10 would recommend" —Riley Smith
Get it from Amazon for $10.97.
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.