Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By
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Those of us with acne-prone skin know that you cannot buy a skincare or makeup product without doing thesis-level research first. Will the coconut oil in this clog pores or make me glowy? Is salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide better for my hormonal acne? Am I using the right kind of pimple patch on this zit? Does this foundation actually cover giant cysts? So on and so on.
But who really has the time for all this investigating? I mean, I do because I’m a beauty editor and it’s my job to test products on my acne-prone face. But I’m sure you don’t, which is exactly why I and nine other pimple-prone Cosmo editors did the hard work for you. Over the last six months, we’ve tested legit hundreds of acne products to bring you this list of 71 award-winning finds.
Keep reading for a full edit of skincare that will basically erase your blackheads and whiteheads, below-the-chin picks your bacne and chestne will hate, makeup that will cover up breakouts without causing more breakouts, tools worth your time and money, and all the pro treatments to ask your derm about.
The best face products for acne-prone skin.
Oil Control Moisturizing Gel-Cream
“All my oily-skin girlies need this lotion ASAP. Hydration is necessary and this gets the job done without creating grease or clogging pores.” —Daisy Maldonado, associate shopping editor
Clearskin
“Not too thick yet not too light, this bouncy gel-like moisturizer is juuuust right for my combo skin. It hydrates but doesn’t make my oily T-zone overly greasy.” —Lauren Balsamo, deputy beauty director
Barrier Repair Gel Cream
“Sure, a barrier repair cream sounds like a superfluous skincare step, but trust me when I say a strong barrier is key to preventing breakouts. Enter this lightweight gel from Dr. Loretta that strengthens my skin without causing breakouts or messing with my other products.” —Jasmine Hyman, assistant shopping editor
Ultra Gentle Daily Facial Moisturizer
“This silky lotion spreads across my face super easily and quickly melts into my skin. I love using it under makeup in the morning or applying a thick layer before bed to mitigate the drying effects of my retinoid.” —Emily Adar, senior visual editor
Crystal Retinal 24
“I normally stick to the Rx kind, but this OTC option has won me over. It’s just as effective as tretinoin for keeping my pores clear and skin smooth but with less dryness and flaking.” —LB
Zits Happen Patches
“I firmly believe in the power of hydrocolloid pimple patches. These ones in particular helped shrink a massive pimple on my forehead literally overnight.” —Beth Gillette, beauty editor
Rescue Patch
“These ultra-soothing patches come in clutch when I’ve committed one of the deadly sins of acne by picking at a pimple. They flood my irritated zits with creamy, hydrating ingredients that help heal them faster.” —BG
Early Stage Acne Dots
“I love that these patches are big enough to cover a giant growing breakout and stay put on my skin all night. And, ofc, they really do what they say: shrink and calm a breakout so it doesn’t fester under the skin for weeks.” —Olivia Truffaut-Wong, editor
Complexion Clarifying Serum
“The second it feels like my skin is starting to break out, I bust out this oil-regulating serum. It really keeps my skin balanced and hydrated.” —Julee Wilson, beauty editor-at-large
Skin-Prep Enzymatic Exfoliating Cream
“This is hands down the most effective way to get rid of nose blackheads. The combo of an exfoliating enzyme and little volcanic sand particles buff away buildup like no other.” —LB
Custom Topical Formula
“With tretinoin, spironolactone, and tranexamic acid, this full- strength trio is the antidote to my cystic zits. And I didn’t have to leave my couch to get the Rx.” —BG
Acne Clarifying Treatment
“I’ve been slathering my face in this salicylic acid serum every single morning for months because it gently smooths all the bumps on my face without drying out my skin.” —BG
Dark Spot Serum 7% Pro-Niacinamide Treatment
“I have two bottles of this highly effective niacinamide-packed serum—one at home and one at work. Basically, my post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation has no chance of sticking around. It’s been handled!” —JW
Pore Therapy Daily Toner Pads
“These pads are pure sorcery. Rubbing my skin with anything usually results in redness, but not with these! I noticed a difference in the first week of use, and my skin has never felt so smooth.”
—OTW
Gentle Clear Repairing Post-Acne Serum
“This serum is the best for fading marks and spots from old breakouts—plus, it doesn’t irritate the sensitive areas on my face. And the price? A steal.” —JH
C-Luma Hydrabright Serum
“Dullness and lack of hydration can be a battle when you’re acne-prone, but C-Luma addresses concerns without clogging pores. It gives me seriously glowy skin with just two pumps.” —JH
Redness Reform Soothing Serum
"This gel-serum not only worked to tone down my redness, it’s so pleasurable to use. It’s not quite cooling, but the gel just melts into the skin beautifully. I love using it in the mornings because it gives my skin the perfect reset.” —OTW
Moisture Boost Plumping Serum
“The way this lightweight formula rehydrates my skin after a breakout is truly life and skin-changing. The combo of plumping snow mushroom and glycerin is pure magic.” —JW
Skinspray All Day
“Hypochlorous acid—the hero ingredient in this versatile face mist—is the GOAT for acne-prone faces everywhere because it’s both antibacterial and soothing as hell.” —BG
Remedy for Dark Spots
“I’ve endured years of hormonal acne, and my chin isn’t afraid to show it. This overnight treatment was actually helpful in getting rid of my most recent spots, thanks to super brighteners like tranexamic acid, kojic acid, and niacinamide.” —JH
Broad Spectrum SPF 45
“This glorious SPF leaves no white cast, doesn’t burn my eyes, and leaves my skin feeling hydrated (but not shiny or sticky). The lightweight formula doesn’t break me out at all. TYSM, DRMTLGY.” —Kara Miller, designer
UV Clear Deep Tinted Broad Spectrum SPF 46
“When you discover an SPF like this one that fully protects your skin from the sun and blends beautifully into the deepest of skin tones, then you definitely award it and tell the world to stock up!”
—JW
Gentle Cleansing Balm
“Once I massage this balm into my skin, it completely removes all of my makeup. Like, full-coverage foundation, concealer, glitter eyeshadow, waterproof mascara—everything. And it does so without clogging my pores or making my eyes cloudy.” —BG
Barrier+ Ceramide + Ectoin Gentle Gel Cleanser
“This face wash dispenses through the mess-free twisty top as a watery liquid but then lathers into the most delightful non-drying foam. It always leaves my skin feeling clean (but not squeaky) and unbothered.” —EA
Acne Cleanser
“With glycerin to hydrate and benzoyl peroxide to treat stubborn breakouts, I feel like my skin is actually getting the love and attention it deserves everything I was with this cleanser.” —DM
Refining Foam Cleanser
“I love all things Skinbetter for my acne-prone skin, including this foamy cleanser with a blend of AHAs and salicylic acid. It keeps pores clear and skin soft, never stripped.” —LB
Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant
“Most skincare is a long game, but this exfoliator is one of the few products out there that legit gives instant results. Immediately after I use it, my face is noticeably softer and smoother so that light easily bounces off of it for a radiant glow.” —LB
Pure Fit CICA Toner
“Softening, soothing, and moisturizing: literally everything I want in a toner for my sensitive, acne-prone skin. When I added this toner to my routine after a few weeks of traveling left my skin dry and red, I noticed the calming effect almost immediately.” —Mary Fama, art director
Sebu-Tone Clarifier
“Environ is one of those under-the-radar brands loved by skincare insiders and aestheticians. The brand’s hero product is this exfoliating toner, IMO. It’s pure magic for unclogging pores and smoothing bumpy skin texture.” —LB
Reset Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Treatment Mask
“Whenever I’ve got a first date coming up, I coat my T-zone in this mask to make sure I don’t break out. The benzoyl peroxide is an MVP for killing acne-causing bacteria.” —BG
Sulfur Spot Treatment
“Days before I'd be sitting across from Madonna at a fashion show, I had the gnarliest zit on my nose that could probably be seen from space. But I just dabbed this sulfur-spiked treatment on it twice a day to help fight acne-causing bacteria, and it legit went away like magic.” —BG
Alphabet Oil
“I never thought I could be a face oil person with my acne-prone skin, but I’m a changed woman after testing this lightweight formula. After using it for months, I can confidently say it hasn’t clogged my pores or led to breakouts—but even better, it’s made my skin seriously glowy and soft.” —BG
Hydro-Stars
“These are the pimple patches that made wearing pimple patches cool. The yellow star shape is totally iconic and the hydrocolloid material are genuinely good at shrinking whiteheads.” —LB
Clear Skin Neutraceutical
“I’m typically a skeptic when it comes to supplements like these, but I was pleasantly surprised at the outcome of taking these skin-clearing pills once a day for three months. I found them especially effective at reducing my usual under-the-chin, which is a major win.” —DM
Dive Deep Mevalonic Moisturizer
“I’m usually skeptical of celeb brands (there are simply so many), but Lili Reinhart’s new acne-focused line has won me over. I love that the line utilizes melavonic acid, a fab moisturizing, barrier-supporting ingredient that pairs well with all the acne-fighting actives.” —BG
Miracle Clear Retinol Chin Mask 5-Pack Set
“I’ve been popping on this two-step chin mask a few days before my period, and it’s been seriously helping curb hormonal zits. Step one is loaded with retinol to help encourage cell turnover and niacinamide to minimize the look of pores, while step two is all about healing thanks to ceramides and panthenol.” —BG
The best body care for acne-prone skin
Acne Control Superclean Body Wash
“OMG, this stuff is good. It’s filled with salicylic and glycolic acids to help chemically exfoliate the hell out of my skin, but—plot twist—it doesn’t leave me tight or dry post-wash.” —BG
Supervitamin Body Wash+ Brightening
“After a summer of sweating and breaking out, I’ve got way more hyperpigmentation than normal. Enter: This niacinamide-rich body wash that helps brighten dullness and smooth my skin with pineapple extract, all while hydrating it with aloe vera juice and sunflower seed oil.” —BG
Faded Brightening & Cleansing Bar
“This hardworking body bar cleanses and, thanks to the clever combo of kojic acid and vitamin C, fades hyperpigmentation from head to toe like nobody’s business.” —JW
PHA Exfoliating and Hydrating Body Water Cream
“For having such a fast-absorbing texture, this lotion makes my skin shockingly supple. It exfoliates and hydrates, which is the ultimate recipe for soft, clear skin.” —LB
The Body Vitamin C
“Finally a body serum that makes me actually want to take the time to use a body serum. It is loaded with THD ascorbate to brighten skin and has been incredibly effective at lightening the dark spots on my chest and upper shoulders.” —LB
Lipikar Urea 10% Roughness Smoothing Lotion
“This lotion is more than an excellent hydrator—it helps smooth out rough bumpy skin in just a few weeks. Combined it with an acne-safe body wash and you will have the clearest, softest skin of your life—trust me.” —JH
Good Aura Body Oil
“Applying oil to already oily skin seems...scary, I know. But, but! The Good Aura Body oil literally m-e-l-t-s into your skin and there’s legit zero greasy residue. It’s the best body oily I’ve ever tried, and I have zero fear of it breaking me out.” —SG
Exfoliating Body Polish
“This stuff delivers silky smooth skin without irritation. I don’t feel like I’m scratching my skin off when I use it, and it smells so so good.” —OTW
Body Breakout Patches
“I used to stick multiple pimple patches on my back zits because that’s all I had. Now I just opt for these body-specific ones, which are legit massive, so they cover big clusters of pimples in one shot.” —BG
Retexturizing Body Pads
“I’ve been burned (literally) by acne pads in the past, but these really helped clear up my bacne and body bumps without making my skin raw or chapped.” —BG
KP Smoothing Stick
“This exfoliating stick is technically for smoothing KP, but it’s also the best—and most convenient—way to get rid of the clogged pores on my chest.” —BG
Clear Start Clarifying Bacne Spray
“I cannot begin to describe how cooling and soothing this ultra-fine mist feels on my irritated bacne. With one spritz, it covers basically my entire upper back in a formula comprised of acne-fighting salicylic acid, witch hazel, and tea tree oils plus moisturizing argan oil.” —BG
Fusion Mineral Body SPF 40
"This sunscreen glides on so smoothly sans stickiness and doesn’t leave a white cast, both of which are nonnegotiable for me when it comes to using SPF on my acne-prone bod. And, of course, it thoroughly protects skin with SPF 40 too.” —DM
The best makeup for acne-prone skin
Even Better Clinical Serum Foundation SPF 25
“This foundation combos SPF and full-coverage pigments into one serum-like product that doesn’t cake up around acne scabs or newly forming pimples.” —SG
Major Skin Hydra-Luxe Luminous Skin Perfecting Foundation
“Dewy makeup + acne usually don’t mix, but Patrick Ta has nailed it. The lightweight formula makes my face look like I’ve got a real-life filter on it.” —BG
Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation
“Matte skin that isn’t cakey, dry, or flat? Yup. It’s all because of this cult-fave powder foundation that helps even out my skin tone and smooth uneven texture.” —BG
Oil Sucker Extreme Mattifying Alkaline Primer
“This is an absolute gem that I’ll forever keep in my makeup bag. Not only does it keep my skin matte without drying it out, but my foundation clings to it like glue for hours.” —DM
Nothing to See Soft Matte Creamy Concealer
“I’ve been wearing this all over to cover up zits with a skin tint, and it’s the perfect no-makeup makeup look. The formula is blendable and light but has a medium coverage that I love.” —BG
BeautyScreen SPF50 Peptide Foundation Tint
“I’m all about efficiency, and this skincare/makeup/SPF hybrid is as efficient as they come. It is spreadable with just fingers and has peptides to plump and SPF 50 to protect from UV damage.” —LB
Simply Ageless Skin Perfector Essence
“If your vibe is no-makeup makeup then add this to your cart immediately. The lightweight gel foundation is filled with pigmented capsules that blend down to a barely there, flawless finish.” —JW
Creaseless Corrector
“These Tarte color correctors come in five different shades and have a super-thin texture so they never look cakey when layered with concealer. Just one tiny dot the green totally neutralizes the look of an angry, red breakout.” —SG
Color Fuse Glassy Blush Balm
“This is perfection. It’s super pigmented, creamy, and easy to blend. And it sinks into skin seamlessly for a flush that looks nice and natural.” —EA
Glowy Super Gel
“Whether I use this illuminating liquid under makeup, mixed with foundation, or tapped on the tops of my cheekbones, it never pills or emphasizes bumpy texture.” —OTW
Infallible 3-Second Setting Spray Mist
“This setting spray is loved by Team USA gymnast Suni Lee, so you better believe that if it kept her makeup in place during her routines, it’ll keep yours looking amazing while you’re at your desk.” —SG
SoftSculpt Bronzing & Shaping Serum
“I was truly shocked with how pigmented such a lightweight serum could be. Typically, creamier formulas feel too heavy on my acne-prone skin, so I love how the SoftSculpt provided the color payoff I wanted without suffocating my skin.” —SG
True to Myself Tinted Pressed Finishing Powder
“I’m always wary of powders because I’m quite literally pressing and pushing the product into my pores during application, but Rare Beauty’s is a dream to use. It keeps my shine to a minimum and isn’t too heavy on my sensitive skin. I also love that it is talc-free and has an expansive shade range. Other brands with four or five options, take notes!” —JH
The best tools and treatment for acne-prone skin
Anti-Acne LED Face Mask
“I’m a connoisseur of LED masks (brag) and CurrentBody’s has my top vote. It’s comfy and easy to use, and the combo of red and blue lights is perfect for minimizing inflammation and breakouts.” —LB
High Frequency Acne Device
“A high-tech skincare device like this can seem intimidating to use at home, yet this one from Stacked Skincare is anything but. I had an angry breakout that was brewing on my chin right before a big event. The night before, I zapped it using this device and I woke up to a pimple that was nearly gone!” —SG
Tilka Cleansing Brush with LED
“This gentle brush combines LED therapy and sonic vibration to make my PM cleaning routine quicker and more thorough. After I use it, my pores are ultra clean.” —SG
Dermapore+ Ultrasonic Pore Extractor & Serum Infuser
“The ~dramatic~ appearance of my pores is one of my biggest skin insecurities. Luckily, this device is so great at unclogging them without irritating my skin. It’s soooo much better than manual extractions, IMO.” —DM
DiamondGlow
“DiamondGlow is my favorite facial of all time. I love the pore-purifying version, which has seriously helped reduce my bumpy texture and clogged pores. After one of these facials, my skin glows for weeks.” —BG
From $150
Aquagold
“After months of hormonal acne breakouts, my skin was suffering from serious post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. But one Aquagold treatment (which I paired with PRP for a vampire facial effect, because I’m extra like that) transformed it all, making my dark marks practically disappear.” —BG
From $400
VI Peel
“My love for the VI Peel is real. I did a series of three over the summer to help with congestion and dark spots from old breakouts, and the results were impressive, to say the least.” —LB
From $300
SkinPen
“I know the idea of microneedling can be scary. I know I certainly was a bit nervous. But trust me when I say there’s nothing to worry about with SkinPen. It does such an effective job of resurfacing skin and reducing all types of acne scars—even the stubborn pitted ones.” —DM
$350 on average
Halo
“If large pores are your enemy, this is the fractional laser treatment for you. It’s intense, yes, but the way just one session made my skin absurdly smooth and glass-like makes the price tag and downtime totally worth it.” —LB
$1,500 on average
Meet the testers
Lauren Balsamo, deputy beauty director
Lauren Balsamo is deputy beauty director at Cosmopolitan with more than a decade of experience researching, writing, and editing acne content. She regularly tests and analyzes acne products and treatments for efficacy, while working with the industry’s top dermatologists and aesthetician to assess new formulas, brands, and technologies.
Acne type: T-zone congestion with hormonal chin and jawline cysts
Her current skincare obsession: “I can’t say enough good things about VI Peel. A series of treatments made a serious difference with my clogged pores and dark spots.”
Beth Gillette, beauty editor
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan with more than six years of writing, researching, and editing stories to share the info she wish she knew her first decade of life with hormonal acne. She’s well-versed in all types of acne though, including scalp acne, whiteheads, blind pimples, and butt acne (yup). She’s interviewed countless dermatologists and aestheticians over her career to find out the best tips for acne-prone skin and is constantly testing and reviewing new products, treatments, and brands.
Acne type: Cystic breakouts
Her current skincare obsession: “Lili Reinhart’s new brand, Personal Day, is honestly so good (and dare I say, my favorite celeb-owned skincare brand). The Dive Deep Melavonic Moisturizer keeps my skin from drying out but doesn’t feel heavy at all.”
Julee Wilson, beauty editor-at-large
Julee Wilson is the beauty editor-at-large at Cosmopolitan. Previously, Julee was beauty director at Cosmopolitan and global beauty director at Essence and has held various editorial positions at Huffington Post and Real Simple. She counts herself lucky AF that she gets to play with beauty products for a living and tell dope stories.
Acne type: Whiteheads and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
Her current skincare obsession: “EltaMD’s UV Clear! I love how thoughtful the brand was about making sure this effective SPF blends into deep skin tones. We deserve!”
Siena Gagliano, associate editor
Siena Gagliano is an associate editor at Cosmopolitan with more than four years of experience writing in the makeup, skin, and hair spaces. She is constantly speaking with cosmetic chemists and dermatologists on the newest and greatest in the beauty world, with a particular interest and expertise in the acne space.
Acne type: Hormonal breakouts with congestion around the chin and mouth.
Her current skincare obsession:“The Hanni Good Aura Body Oil is a game changer. Ever since I started testing it for these acne awards, I’ve used it every single night. It absorbs in a matter of seconds, doesn’t feel greasy, leaves my skin glowy, and most importantly, doesn’t break me out.”
Jasmine Hyman, assistant shopping editor
Jasmine Hyman is the assistant shopping editor at Cosmopolitan where she writes about all the best things you can add to your cart—including skincare, of course. As an acne-prone girlie, she is always researching, testing, and reviewing the best products for her hormonal breakouts and hyperpigmentation. Jasmine’s most prized possession? Her skincare routine.
Acne type: Hormonal acne and blackheads
Her current skincare obsession: “Cetaphil’s post-acne serum is like a magic eraser for breakout-induced dark spots...it’s like my pimples were never even there.”
Olivia Truffaut-Wong, editor
Olivia Truffaut-Wong is an editor at Cosmopolitan covering all things beauty, style, and entertainment. Having dealt with acne for 20+ years, she loves nothing more than trying out new skincare products and learning about new ingredients.
Acne type: Hormonal acne with hyperpigmentation and rosacea
Her current skincare obsession: “It’s the Skincare Junkie Toner Pads for me. I honestly feel like they’re magic for my face.”
Daisy Maldonado, associate shopping editor
Daisy Maldonado is the associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan with more than four years of experience researching, writing, and editing beauty stories that range from the best cleansers to the best body scrubs. She’s an authority in all beauty categories but an expert when it comes to acne, thanks to her personal experience with hormonal breakouts.
Acne type: Oily skin with hormonal breakouts
Her current skincare obsession: "“SkinPen is such a game changer...probably the single most effective thing I’ve tried for my uneven skin texture.”
Mary Fama, art director
Mary Fama is the art director at Cosmopolitan with more than a decade of magazine design and art direction experience. While you can often find her making mood boards for photo shoots or working on layouts for the print magazine, she considers herself lucky when she gets to test products and cosplay as an editor for beauty awards.
Acne type: Occasional hormone-related flare-ups
Her current skincare obsession: “I can’t wash my face without using the COSRx toner after—it makes my skin so, so, soft and hydrated.”
Emily Adar, senior visual editor
Emily Adar is the senior visual editor at Cosmopolitan. She works to produce both creative beauty and fashion content for both digital and print platforms. She has dealt with acne on and off for the past decade and has tested countless treatments and products as a result.
Acne type: Hormone-induced cystic breakouts
Her current skin obsession: “Haus Labs Blush Balm Stick has made me a blush girlie through and through. It lights up my skin but doesn’t break me out or settle into any of the uneven texture on my cheeks.”
Kara Miller, art designer
Kara Miller is an art designer at Cosmopolitan with more than six years of experience making magazines. She enjoys creating designs that engage and delight readers. In her free time, Kara loves to get crafty while testing out new sheet masks.
Acne type: Hormonal breakouts
Her current skincare obsession: “I used to dread applying sunscreen until I found DRMTLGY’s SPF 45. I genuinely look forward to applying it each morning.”
Our methodology
June 2024: 10 Cosmo editors and writers begin researching, testing, and reviewing more than 600 products, medications, and treatments—all designed to prevent and treat various forms of acne and acne scarring.
July 2024: These editors and writers nominate 215 finalists across 71 different categories spanning skincare, body care, makeup, tools, and pro treatments.
September 2024: After eight weeks of testing and reviewing, Cosmo editors and writers select a winner among the nominees in every category. Selects are made based on various factors, including efficacy, ease of use, accessibility, affordability, and dermatologist insights.
November 2024: We share our list of winners—complete with first-person reviews and tester notes—with you!
Lead Image: Ganni sweater. MEUCHNER necklace and ring. Patricia von Musulin earrings.
Photographs: Lian Benoit. Stylist: Andrea Zendejas. Hair: Shinya Nakagawa at BRIDGE using R+Co. Makeup: Ai Yokomizo at BRIDGE using Dior. Manicure: Elina Ogawa at BRIDGE using Aprés Nail. Models: Liushan at Elite Models; Ahlem Zehdi at Stetts. Casting: Alicia Bridgewater.
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