Face Wash Moisturizers for Sensitive Acne-Prone Skin

People who suffer from acne-prone skin are those that have the most trouble trying to find compatible products. It’s not always as easy as finding sensitive skin variants or avoiding specific ingredients. And with the number of skin care products available today, you could easily spend hundreds, if not thousands of dollars trying one product after another to no avail.

Understandably, it’s incredibly challenging to have sensitive, acne-prone skin. So, it’s important to discover how to find the best facial wash for your specific skin type. To help you out, below are some qualities and properties you should look out for in a facial wash. Also featured below is a shortlist of top-rated facial washes and moisturizers that are suitable for acne-prone skin.

What to look for in a facial wash when you have sensitive acne-prone skin:

Of course, any facial wash should be able to remove dirt and clean up your pores. But, if you’re prone to acne, you also need something that will fight bacteria as well as soothe inflammation caused by your flare-ups. It’s also crucial for your facial wash to minimize oil production without drying your skin out. Unfortunately, many products promise all these things, but few deliver on those promises. The good news is that some do, so all you need to do is find the one that works best for you. Rather than try products at random, take a closer look at products’ formulation and type before making a purchase.

Face Wash Formulation

Generally, there are two types of face wash formulations for acne-prone skin: 1) Non-medicated and 2) Medicated. 

Non-medicated cleansers are often recommended to people who have a separate treatment for acne. These are specially formulated to minimize irritation and reduce the risk of breakouts, but not to treat acne directly. Usually, these are hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic cleaners. Additionally, these might include natural antibacterial agents. Among the most common ones are tea tree oil, witch hazel, and green tea.

Medicated facial washes treat acne directly. Most often, they are formulated with either benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Benzoyl peroxide is used for mild to moderate cases of acne because of its potent antibacterial properties. On the other hand, salicylic acid is known for its anti-inflammatory effects, which help soothe flare-ups. Additionally, it is an effective exfoliant, which is important in clearing up blemishes, including acne and the scarring that it typically causes.

Facial Wash Type

A product’s formulation is what determines whether or not it will be suitable for people with acne. But, the type also has a significant impact on its effects. Generally, gel facial washes are best for oily or combination skin. For those with sensitive skin, foaming cleansers often work best. On the other hand, those with extra-sensitive skin should stick with cream-type cleansers to minimize the risk of irritation.

Top 10 Face Wash Products for Sensitive, Acne-Prone Skin

Here are facial washes that people with acne swear by. Check out the benefits of each to see which should work best for you.

1) Garnier Skin Active – The Gentle Sulfate-Free Cleanser

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The Gentle Sulfate-Free Cleanser by Garnier Skin Active is an excellent option for sensitive skin because it doesn’t contain any fragrance, soap, oil, alcohol, or sulfates. It helps fight acne by removing dirt and oil, without stripping the skin of moisture.

Formulation: Non-medicated

Type: Foaming

Price Range: $

2) Cetaphil – Gentle Skin Cleanser

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Cetaphil has long been a renowned brand among people with sensitive skin. However, their Gentle Skin Cleaner performs even better on sensitive yet acne-prone skin. It clears up pores from dirt and oils while soothing it and maintaining natural pH levels.

Formulation: Non-medicated

Type: Cream

Price Range: $

3) Acne.org – Cleanser

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Acne.org offers a variety of products to complete a regiment to care for acne-prone skin. Their liquid cleanser has excellent cleaning effects even while it is remarkably gentle on the skin. It is also free from artificial colorings and fragrances, which can cause flare-ups.

Formulation: Non-medicated

Type: Foaming

Price Range: $

4) Aveeno – Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser

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Aveeno’s Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser is a gentle facial wash that’s soap-free, hypoallergenic, and non-comedogenic. That makes it an excellent option for sensitive skin. At the same time, it has potent anti-acne effects, thanks to its 0.5% salicylic acid formulation. 

Formulation: Medicated (Salicylic Acid)

Type: Foaming

Price Range: $$

5) Neutrogena – Oil-Free Acne Wash

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The Oil-Free Acne Wash by Neutrogena features proven-effective MicroClear technology, which helps maximize the effects of its 2% salicylic acid formulation. That makes it effective in clearing up blemishes and preventing future breakouts. Plus, it has chamomile and aloe, which minimizes redness typically caused by flare-ups.

Formulation: Medicated (Salicylic Acid)

Type: Cream

Price Range: $$

6) Clean & Clear – Acne Triple Clear Cleanser

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The Acne Triple Clear Cleanser by Clean & Clear contains pimple-fighting 2% salicylic acid. It was formulated specifically to minimize acne breakouts and also remove oil and dirt without drying up the skin. Plus, it contains mint and aloe, which help soothe the skin and reduce redness and irritation.

Formulation: Medicated (Salicylic Acid)

Type: Gel

Price Range: $$

7) Humane – Acne Wash

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Humane’s Acne Wash contains as much as 10% benzoyl peroxide, which makes it incredibly potent in fighting acne. It was specially formulated to unclog pores and kill bacteria that commonly cause acne. Plus, it is perfect for sensitive skin because it doesn’t contain parabens, sulfates, phthalates, formaldehyde, paraffin, oil, artificial fragrance, or synthetic colors.

Formulation: Medicated (Benzoyl Peroxide)

Type: Cream

Price Range: $$

8) Boscia – Purifying Cleansing Gel

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The Purifying Cleansing Gel by Boscia promises deep cleansing without stripping the skin of moisture. It is best known for its plant-based formulation, which is perfect for sensitive skin. Plus, it doesn’t contain any preservatives, which can put skin in a neverending cycle of breakouts.

Formulation: Non-medicated

Type: Gel

Price Range: $$$

9) Exposed Skin Care – Facial Cleanser

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The Facial Cleanser by Exposed Skincare is specifically meant to support an acne treatment regimen. It contains 0.5% salicylic acid, which is potent enough to prevent acne but gentle enough to keep the skin moist and supple. Plus, it contains AHAs and BHAs, which further cleanses the skin.

Formulation: Medicated (Salicylic Acid)

Type: Cream

Price Range: $$$

10) Clinique – Acne Solutions Cleansing Foam

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Clinique is a popular brand among those with sensitive skin, and their Acne Solutions line has proven to be a hit among acne sufferers. The Acne Solutions Cleansing Foam contains 2% salicylic acid and several other ingredients that work together to treat acne and prevent future breakouts. Plus, it minimizes oil and soothes inflammation.

Formulation: Medicated (Salicylic Acid)

Type: Foaming

Price Range: $$$

Tips for Washing Your Face

When you have acne-prone skin that’s sensitive to several irritants, you’ll have to put more thought into how you cleanse your face. Here are some things that might help:

• Wash your face twice a day. More often and you’ll end up drying your skin, which can make acne worse. Less often, you risk breakouts due to clogged pores and bacteria.
• Use room temperature or lukewarm water. Extreme temperatures can irritate and dry your skin.
• Lather in circles. When cleansing, apply facial wash in circular motions. This not makes it more effective in removing impurities. 
• Rinse thoroughly. No matter how gentle a face wash is, it could irritate your skin if its residue is left on for too long. So, make sure you rinse your face thoroughly after every wash.
• Pat dry with a clean towel. Scrubbing your face with a towel to dry off could cause further irritation and flare-ups. To dry up after washing, pat your face with a clean towel until it’s dry.

Finding products for sensitive, acne-prone skin can be incredibly frustrating. But hopefully, now that you know what to look for and even what products might work best for you, you’ll soon find a face wash you can rely on for clearer and healthier skin. Just keep in mind that it could take a few weeks to see whether a product is really working well for you, so don’t give up too quickly. Something that doesn’t seem to make a difference within a week might actually be your miracle acne cure after a month.