DISCOVER
10 of the Best Cleansers for Acne and Blemish-Prone Skin
Last updated: 26/09/2023
A cleanser is an essential part of any skincare routine. For those with acne and blemish-prone skin, cleansing is especially important, helping to decongest blocked pores, combat active breakouts, and reveal a more radiant complexion. W
Without stripping the skin of its natural moisture, a cleanser for acne-prone skin should penetrate deep into the pores to address the underlying causes of blemishes and breakouts, particularly excess sebum, bacteria and build-up of dead skin cells.
Whether you have dry, normal, oily or combination skin, these cleansers will be sure to target your active breakouts and help prevent future spots and blemishes.
Our Picks of the 10 Best Cleansers for Acne
CeraVe Blemish Control Face Cleanser with 2% Salicylic Acid & Niacinamide for Blemish-Prone Skin The INKEY List Salicylic Acid Cleanser La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Cleansing Gel Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm with Professional Cleansing Cloth Eve Lom Cleanser Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel Murad Clarifying Cleanser CORSX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser Avène Cleanance Cleansing Gel For Oily, Blemish Prone Skin
Shop all cleansers for acne and blemish-prone skin on LOOKFANTASTIC.
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20/10/2022 By Holly James
1. CeraVe Blemish Control Face Cleanser with 2% Salicylic Acid & Niacinamide for Blemish-Prone Skin 236ml
894
£13.00
CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser has a gentle formula enriched with three essential ceramides, niacinamide and 2% salicylic acid. This combination of ingredients effectively removes makeup and dirt and reduces the appearance of imperfections without stripping your skin of any essential oils. With a lightweight gel-to-foam texture, this gentle daily cleanser thoroughly refreshes and refines the skin, while absorbing oil and replenishing essential moisture.
- Why we love it: This cleanser helps to clear blocked pores, refine skin texture, lock in moisture and brighten the complexion.
- Best for: Affordability
- Read what our customers say here.
3. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser for Oily, Blemish-Prone Skin 400ml
447
RRP: £24.00Current price: £16.80
This La Roche-Posay Effaclar Cleansing Gel is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive, due to having minimal ingredients and being alcohol and fragrance free. The gentle yet effective formula eliminates daily dirt, oil and impurities, while ensuring the skin still feels hydrated and conditioned.
- Why we love it: Contains Zinc PCA, which is proven to be effective in reducing sebum secretion.
- Best for: Oily and combination skin
- Read what our customers say here.
4. Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm 125ml
899
RRP: £34.00Current price: £27.20
When massaged into the skin, Clinique’s Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm transforms from a rich balm into a silky oil, melting away all traces of dirt and impurity. Enriched with Safflower Seed Oil, this indulgent formula deeply nourishes the skin for a soft and visibly clarified complexion, while also providing protection against external aggressors.
- Why we love it: Leaves skin barrier feeling hydrated and touchably soft.
- Best for: Protecting the skin barrier
- Read what our customers say here.
5. Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm with Professional Cleansing Cloth 100g
295
£52.00
Emma Hardie’s Moringa Cleansing Balm removes makeup and impurities, while de-congesting and refining the appearance of pores. Enriched with antioxidant moringa seed extract, wild sea fennel and vitamin E, this revitalising balm simultaneously balances, hydrates, and purifies the skin. Use this balm as a daily cleanser or as an overnight facial treatment on spots or breakouts.
- Why we love it: The balm is infused with mandarin, rose, jasmine and neroli essential oils.
- Best for: Multi-tasking
- Read what our customers say here.
6. Eve Lom Cleanser 200ml
258
RRP: £95.00Current price: £66.50
This multi-award-winning exfoliating cleanser by Eve Lom works to clean, tone and polish the skin, while removing even the most stubborn waterproof makeup. Blended with Egyptian chamomile and cocoa butter, this formula deeply nourishes the skin to promote an exceptionally smooth and bright complexion. Use with the two accompanying 100% cotton muslin cloths to achieve ultimate decongestion and radiance.
- Why we love it: This cleanser helps to soften the skin while illuminating the complexion for a healthy glow.
- Best for: All skin types
- Read what our customers say here.
7. Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel 500ml
76
£65.00
This Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel is designed to lift away impurities without disturbing the skin’s natural moisture balance. With the aid of the plant extract, quillaja saponaria, this gel-to-foam cleanser gently removes toxins and debris while leaving the skin feeling soothed and refreshed. Fragrance and soap free, this cleanser is ideal for those with sensitive skin.
- Why we love it: Infused with anti-inflammatory balm mint and lavender to cool, calm and soothe the skin.
- Best for: Sensitive skin prone to redness
- Read what our customers say here.
8. Murad Clarifying Cleanser 200ml
45
£36.00
Clinically proven to transform your skin in as little as three days, this Murad Clarifying Cleanser is a maximum strength cleanser designed to combat active breakouts and extreme oiliness. Containing active ingredients, such as salicylic acid, this cleanser penetrates deep into the pores to address the key causes of breakouts, namely excess sebum, bacteria, and a build-up of dead skin cells. Infused with menthol, this cleanser leaves your skin feeling fresh and pure.
- Why we love it: Acts fast to heal and calm your complexion, while reducing further breakouts.
- Best for: Active breakouts
- Read what our customers say here.
9. COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser 170g
111
£17.99
This gentle cleanser is effective at treating and preventing breakouts by working to remove dirt, product build-up and excess sebum. Infused with a potent blend of 0.5% salicylic acid, tea tree oil and willow bark water, this cleanser targets the root cause of blemishes, while replenishing moisture. The result is a visibly clearer, softer and more radiant complexion.
- Why we love it: This gentle yet effective cleanser won't strip your skin of moisture while it tackles blemishes beneath the skin's surface.
- Best for: Gentle cleansing
- Read what our customers say here.
10. Avène Cleanance Cleansing Gel For Oily, Blemish Prone Skin 400ml
35
£21.00
The Avène Cleanance Cleansing Gel gently removes stubborn makeup and debris to purify, mattify and revitalise oily, blemish-prone skin. With patented active Comedoclastin, this cleanser balances the skin’s natural moisture and minimises excess oil for a shine-free complexion. Avène’s Thermal Spring Water completes the cleansing gel, providing a boost of hydration and nourishment.
- Why we love it: This cleanser purifies, mattifies and revitalises the skin.
- Best for: Oily, blemish-prone skin.
- Read what our customers say here.
Team LF Writer and expert
Our team of beauty experts cover everything from makeup to skincare, picking out the most effective products from the best brands and latest trends. Stay up to date on everything beauty with the LOOKFANTASTIC blog, and find all your essentials in one place.
