The Best Products for Acne-Prone Skin

Best Blackhead Eliminator

“If you want the easiest, most effective acne treatment, go for the cult-classic Clinique Three-Step, which includes a cleanser, an exfoliator, and a moisturizer that can be customized for your skin type. I mean, there’s a reason it’s famous, you know?” —CM

Neutrogena Stubborn Blackheads Daily Serum

“This mattifying primer has a dose of witch hazel in it to zap excess skin oils while leaving your makeup looking softer and smoother throughout the day.” —CM

Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation SPF 15
Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder

Best Color Corrector

Best Face Moisturizer for Combination Skin

Alastin HA Immerse Serum
ZO Skin Health Complexion Renewal Pads

Best Mineral Face Sunscreen

Skinbetter Science AlphaRet Clearing Serum

Dove Body Love Acne Clear Body Cleanser
Nudestix Nudescreen Daily Mineral Veil SPF 30

“My butt and back acne have ceased to exist since I started keeping this salicylic acid body mist in my gym bag. All I have to do is spritz it on clean skin after a workout, et voilà.” —BG


The techy tools and innovative pro treatments that provide visible skin-clearing and brightening results.


Upgrade your below-the-chin skincare routine with these zit-zapping favorites. Bacne and bodne, be gone.

“This foundation gives me a major god complex every time I use it because it blurs nearly every pore and bump on my face. It has a balm-to-powder finish that spreads evenly across skin and covers without feeling heavy.” —BG

Best Acne-Clearing Body Treatment

BeautyStat Cosmetics Universal Microbiome Barrier Balancing Cleanser

Best Treatment for Cystic Acne

“This radiofrequency microneedling treatment is a must-try if you’re dealing with uneven texture and scarring from old breakouts. The combo of heat energy and needles triggers a wound-healing response, resulting in fresh collagen and elastin (aka the building blocks of smooth, healthy skin).” —LB

Best Body Wash

Aviclear

skinmedicinals.com

“My skin gets irritated pretty much any time I try a high-dose vitamin C (fun!), which led me to this gentle option from U Beauty. It’s got an antioxidant-rich form of vitamin C that is a bit less sensitizing and has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties too. It’s also got exfoliating glycolic and mandelic acids to make your skin super smooth.”
—BG

U Beauty Resurfacing Compound

“This charcoal and clay mask is a freakin’ destroyer to acne and rough texture because it’s filled with exfoliating acids, including salicylic, mandelic, tartaric, lactic, and glycolic. I use it all over to reduce the likelihood of zits around my period or as an overnight spot treatment.” —BG

Origins GinZing Energizing Gel Cream With Caffeine + Niacinamide

Tower 28 Beauty SOS Save.Our.Skin Daily Rescue Facial Spray

Best Makeup Remover

Dove Body Love Acne Clear Body Cleanser

“This pre-cleanse treatment (yup, it goes on *before* washing your face) is the hyperpigmentation treatment I’ve been waiting for. It boasts a healthy dose of cysteamine, and my dark spots started fading within the first two weeks.” —JW

Best Overnight Treatment

Best Powder Foundation

Starface Hydro-Stars

SolaWave Bye Acne Light Therapy Spot Treatment

“If smaller-looking pores, fewer pimples, and a bright and even-toned glow are on your list of skin goals, this is *the* chemical peel for you. The 20 percent salicylic acid helps exfoliate skin, dissolve excess oil and buildup in pores, and promote cellular renewal.” —LB

Aklief (Trifarotene) Cream, 0.005%
Biossance Squalane + Antioxidant Cleansing Oil

Katini Skin Clarity Facial Oil

saksfifthavenue.com

Anyone who’s prone to breakouts knows that using the wrong stuff on your skin can send it into a tailspin. Choose a non-breathable foundation and your face morphs into a grease-slick by lunchtime. Apply too rich of a night cream and wake up to a smattering of blackheads and whiteheads. Experiment with some fancy fragranced serum and your cheeks become an inflamed and bumpy mess. Slather on a heavy SPF and, well, you get the idea.

Nudestix Nudescreen Daily Mineral Veil SPF 30

Byoma Moisturizing Rich Cream

Best Concealer

Dr. Jart+ Premium BB Tinted Moisturizer With Niacinamide and SPF 40

Proactiv Clear Skin SPF 30

Dermala Patch Me if You Can

Zitsticka Face Map Targeted Extraction Patches

Exa High Fidelity Balancing Color Corrector

“This lightweight lotion is pricey…but worth every dollar, IMO. It’s both moisturizing and mattifying (and it has anti-aging benefits too)—a rare combo in the beauty world.” —LB

Twyneo (Tretinoin and Benzoyl Peroxide) Cream, 0.1% 3%
M-61 PowerSpot Blemish Lotion

“This powerhouse potion is constantly in my possession. It works like magic to zap zits thanks to its trifecta of pimple-eradicating ingredients: salicylic acid, tea tree oil, and camphor.” —JW

“Skin tints are having a moment, but most aren’t pigmented enough to actually conceal pimples and discoloration. Rose Inc’s formula is the exception. It feels weightless but provides meaningful coverage.” —LB

“Bacne, buttne, chestne—this salicylic-acid-spiked wash helps tackle it all. And unlike other clarifying body washes I’ve tried, it isn’t the slightest bit drying.” —LB

Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder

Skin Gym High Frequency Wand

“This is honestly the only foundation I will use when my skin is betraying me with blemishes. It is lightweight and full-coverage, has oil-controlling properties, and there’s even some SPF 15 in the formula too.” —JW

Aklief (Trifarotene) Cream, 0.005%

twyneo.com

U Beauty Resurfacing Compound

The Body Shop Tea Tree Anti-Imperfection Night Mask

Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation SPF 15

aklief.com

Byoma Moisturizing Rich Cream

Dermala Patch Me if You Can

“My face loves this creamy cleanser from Beautystat. It gently removes makeup, excess oil, and buildup while restoring your skin’s barrier with ceramides and plant extracts.” —Julee Wilson, beauty editor-at-large

The A Method Zit Stopper

Urban Skin Rx HyperCorrect Intense Fading Cream

cynosure.com

“You need this. You just do. With pore-clearing salicylic acid, soothing aloe vera, and spot-fading tranexamic acid, this toner is the all-in-one acne step I swear by for almost all skin types.” —CM

Murad Clarifying Booster for Hydrafacial

Tower 28 Beauty SOS Save.Our.Skin Daily Rescue Facial Spray

Best Chemical Body Exfoliator

holy grail beauty awards

Best At-Home LED Treatment

ZO Skin Health Complexion Renewal Pads

Best Body Scrub

“My face loves these XL patches when I’ve got a cluster of zits on my chin or cheek that needs some TLC. Pop ’em on overnight and let the salicylic acid and niacinamide go to work to exfoliate dead skin and calm down redness.” —BG


The skin-friendly makeup finds that will cover up everything from whiteheads to cysts without clogging your pores.

Twyneo (Tretinoin and Benzoyl Peroxide) Cream, 0.1% 3%

Best Face Moisturizer for Oily Skin

Face | Makeup | Body | Tools and Treatments


The very best cleansers, serums, masks, moisturizers, and more…all formulated to treat and prevent breakouts.

Exa High Fidelity Balancing Color Corrector

Best Antioxidant Serum

Potenza
SkinCeuticals Micropeel Plus 20

“This gel body moisturizer has done the impossible. The glycerin-rich formula leaves my skin super plump and hydrated but literally absorbs the second I slather it on.”
—BG

“I am impatient as hell, so when I saw that this little bb device takes only three minutes to do its thing, I was sold. It uses red and blue light to calm inflammation and kill acne-causing bacteria, making it ideal for those annoying hormonal zits that just will not go away.” —BG

“Even though this face wash contains exfoliating AHAs, it’s truly gentle enough to use every day thanks to mild surfactants and a trio of humectants, including hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and betaine.” —Lauren Balsamo, deputy beauty director

Best Rx Treatment for Acne

Best Body Sunscreen

Nécessaire The Sunscreen

Best Acne System

Finding genuinely good products specifically for acne-prone skin can be confusing, exhausting, and frustrating…and that’s exactly why our 2022 Holy Grail Acne Awards exist. This curated collection of the 50 best products, tools, and treatments for preventing and treating acne—all vetted by Cosmo’s team of expert beauty editors, of course—is here to make your life way easier and your skin way happier too.


Dr. Jart+ Premium BB Tinted Moisturizer With Niacinamide and SPF 40

Best Game Changer

“A physical exfoliant and chemical exfoliant match made in skin-perfecting heaven. Bamboo powder and lactic acid team up to soften, clarify, brighten, and leave your body on glow.” —JW

aviclear.com

Urban Skin Rx HyperCorrect Intense Fading Cream

M-61 PowerSpot Blemish Lotion

Best Pro Facial

Best Pimple Patch

Aviclear

“There are tons of pimple patches out there, but these are my absolute favorite. I love that the clear hydrocolloid dots slowly turn white as they absorb pus from your pores.” —JW

Clinique 3-Step Skin System

Black Opal Invisible Oil Blocking Gel Primer

blackopalbeauty.com

Best Chemical Exfoliator for Face

“The more products I put on my skin, the more likely it is to break out. Hence my obsession with this multitasker. It hydrates with glycerin, brightens with niacinamide, protects with SPF 40, and evens out my skin tone with a sheer tint.” —LB

Skin Medicinals

Best Hydrating Serum

Best Chemical Face Sunscreen

“Try this gentle scrub with carnauba wax beads when you need to unclog your pores but don’t want the irritation that usually results from exfoliating. The 99 percent natural formulation is *chef’s kiss*.” —JW

Best Laser Treatment for Acne

The A Method Zit Stopper

Best Sheer Foundation

Best Hall-of-Fame Product

Skin Medicinals

Soft Services Speed Soak Skin Rehydrating Gel
Rose Inc Skin Enhance Luminous Skin Tint Serum Foundation

Oui the People Full Disclosure Cream Body Polish

“My acne-prone skin has the temperament of a sleep-deprived toddler, but I have yet to deal with breakouts or rashes from this super-soothing moisturizer (ty, colloidal oatmeal and white tea extract).” —CM

Versed Back-Up Plan

“My keratosis pilaris bumps were significantly smoother and calmer after a few weeks of this serum. The formula is highly effective—a combo of retinol, glycolic acid, lactic acid, and urea—but potent, so stick to twice-a-week use and finish with a moisturizer.”
—CM

“Meet Aklief: A prescription retinoid (called trifarotene) cream that’s designed to tackle breakouts on your face *and* your body. Use it on your shoulders, chest, and back to unclog pores and reduce inflammation.” —BG

Katini Skin Clarity Facial Oil

“This is hands down the best retinoid you can get without an Rx. The brand’s proprietary AlphaRet technology (a blend of lactic acid and a retinoid) is combined with salicylic acid and niacinamide to boost cell turnover, unclog pores, and curb excess oil production.”
—LB

Topicals Slather Exfoliating Body Serum

Starface Hydro-Stars

“The Body Shop’s tea tree collection is iconic—and this overnight mask is no exception. Apply a thin layer of the gel formula before bed and wake up with a clearer and more radiant complexion.” —BG

Proactiv Clear Skin SPF 30

Best Chemical Peel for Acne

skinceuticals.com

Best Exfoliating Cleanser

Burt’s Bees Natural Acne Solutions Deep Cleansing Scrub

“Realistic-looking color correctors that melt into your skin? Obsessed. This creamy formula comes in six shades to help you neutralize your zits regardless of your skin tone. Just tap it on, layer with concealer, and live your life.” —CM

“These salicylic- and glycolic-acid-soaked pads are my favorite for keeping my pores looking teeny-tiny and my skin bright and glowy. And I love how easy they are to use too—just swipe one on clean skin a few times a week and you’re good to go.” —LB

Best OTC Retinoid for Acne

$10.25

Best Full-Coverage Foundation

Potenza

Oui the People Full Disclosure Cream Body Polish

“It might sound wacky to put oil on your face to clear up acne, but I’m telling you it works if you use this specific oil. It’s packed with clarifying sea algae plus tsubaki oil and sake extract to help fade discoloration.” —JW

The Body Shop Tea Tree Anti-Imperfection Night Mask

BeautyStat Cosmetics Universal Microbiome Barrier Balancing Cleanser

Allies of Skin Prebiotics & Niacinamide Pore Refining Booster

clinique.com

“Most face mists do more harm than good—ahem, alcohol—but this three-ingredient formula is pure hugs in a bottle, thanks to its major dose of hypochlorous acid, a natural antimicrobial that helps soothe redness and inflammation.” —CM

Neutrogena Stubborn Blackheads Daily Serum

Burt’s Bees Natural Acne Solutions Deep Cleansing Scrub

Best Rx Treatment for Body Acne

Topicals Slather Exfoliating Body Serum

Allies of Skin Prebiotics & Niacinamide Pore Refining Booster

Cocokind AHA Jelly Cleanser

“Have a hot date tomorrow and a mound the size of Texas on your face? Zap it with this high-frequency machine that uses electricity to kill bacteria around your zit, making it look a lil flatter.” —BG

Murad Clarifying Booster for Hydrafacial

Best At-Home Acne Device

“Giant, inflamed pimples call for high-coverage concealers, and this formula—with a precision-tip brush—is the best at delivering an opaque, waterproof finish that still looks natural.” —CM

Black Opal Invisible Oil Blocking Gel Primer

Best Custom Acne Product

Cocokind AHA Jelly Cleanser

Versed Back-Up Plan

SkinCeuticals Micropeel Plus 20

Skin Gym High Frequency Wand

Best BB Cream

“Aviclear is one of the biggest innovations I’ve seen in the acne space in my nearly 10 years of beauty editing. In three sessions spaced four to six weeks apart, the laser treatment helps suppress oil glands to treat and prevent everything from whiteheads to stubborn cysts.” —LB

Medik8 Press & Clear Exfoliating 2% BHA Tonic

“Hydrafacials have always been the GOAT when it comes to deep-cleaning pores and improving skin texture, but now, thanks to a new add-on clarifying booster with salicylic acid made by Murad, it’s even better at obliterating blackheads and preventing breakouts.” —LB

“Encapsulated (skincare-speak for gentle and time-released) retinol and benzoyl peroxide come together in the treatment to stimulate cell turnover and kill acne-causing bacteria—two key functions for clear, acne-free skin.” —LB

“Mineral sunscreens can be notoriously thick and chalky, but not this lightweight option from Nudeskin. It protects from UV damage with 15 percent zinc oxide and won’t suffocate your skin or clog your pores either.” —LB

“You can’t talk about pimple patches without talking about Starface’s Hydro-Stars. Not only did they start an entire movement of making acne look cute, but they genuinely work too. Pop one on a pimple to speed up healing time and prevent picking.” —LB

Skinbetter Science AlphaRet Clearing Serum

Best Face Mask

Clinique 3-Step Skin System

Best Body Moisturizer

Soft Services Speed Soak Skin Rehydrating Gel

Rose Inc Skin Enhance Luminous Skin Tint Serum Foundation

Best Face Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin

Best Primer

“I reach for this gel cream when my T-zone feels oily enough to fill a fried chicken shop and my cheeks are dry and flaky. It moisturizes with hyaluronic acid but doesn’t clog my pores or feel greasy.” —BG

Best Everyday Facial Cleanser

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Face Moisturizer

Best Pore-Minimizing Treatment

Best Physical Exfoliator for Face

Best Treatment for Acne Scars

SolaWave Bye Acne Light Therapy Spot Treatment

$95.00

Origins GinZing Energizing Gel Cream With Caffeine + Niacinamide

“To be honest, this is the only serum that has actually and factually minimized my pores. I’m sure it’s the niacinamide, lysophosphatidic acid, and green tea extract—but I also love that they work to brighten dark spots as well.” —JW

Augustinus Bader The Light Cream

Zitsticka Face Map Targeted Extraction Patches
Nécessaire The Sunscreen

Best Dark Spot Corrector

“I have blackheads that have lasted longer than any of my past relationships, but I’m *finally* starting to see them go MIA thanks to this serum. It’s filled with salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and mandelic acid to dissolve gunk and excess oil that gets stuck in your pores.” —BG

Best Face Moisturizer for Dry Skin

Alastin HA Immerse Serum

Dior Backstage Concealer

Glamglow Supermud Charcoal Instant Treatment Mask

Best Face Oil

Augustinus Bader The Light Cream

“I honestly don’t know what my acne- and rosacea-prone face would look like if I hadn’t found SkinMedicinals. The acne formula is custom-cocktailed by your dermatologist with prescription-only tretinoin and other calming and clarifying ingredients based on your skin needs—no insurance needed.” —CM



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