Battling acne can be frustrating, but finding the right cleanser doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re managing occasional breakouts or persistent acne, a well-formulated cleanser is essential for clearing your skin without compromising your skin health. Your perfect cleanser should gently remove impurities, excess oil and pore-clogging debris while maintaining barrier hydration. 

Here’s your go-to guide as you search for your perfect acne cleanser. 

What is an acne cleanser?

An acne cleanser is a key component in your at-home agenda. Designed to address acne at its root, ance cleansers often contain active ingredients that target clogged pores, excess oil and inflammation. Your acne cleanser is the essential first step in creating a clean, balanced foundation for your daily routine. 

Who needs an acne cleanser? 

Struggling with frequent breakouts? A cleanser designed for acne prone skin is a must-have for you. Whether you’re a teen worried about blackheads and whiteheads, or an adult with stubborn hormonal blemishes, adding a clinical acne cleanser to your routine will make a big difference in how your skin looks and feels.

Only break out occasionally? Your skin will also benefit from an acne-specific cleanser. Flex it into your routine as needed to help keep oil and clogged pores under control.

How to choose the best acne cleanser 

Before you begin your search for the perfect cleanser for you, consider these esthetician-recommended tips: 

• Prioritize the right active ingredients: Salicylic acid is a powerful choice for oily or acne prone skin, as it deeply penetrates pores to break down impurities. If you have sensitive skin and acne, consider gentler ingredients like azelaic acid, which effectively treats breakouts without the risk of irritation.
• Consider the texture: For oily or acne prone skin, gel-based cleansers offer the perfect solution, helping to remove excess oil and clear clogged pores. These lightweight formulas also work well for sensitive and combination skin, providing a deep cleanse without over-drying or irritating the skin. The refreshing texture is ideal for keeping your skin balanced and breakout-free, making it a great option for anyone dealing with acne.
• Ensure it’s gentle enough for everyday use: Your acne cleanser should be effective yet gentle enough for daily use. You don’t want to over-cleanse your skin, as this can lead to dryness, irritation and more breakouts. Avoid formulas with benzoyl peroxide as the main active ingredient. When used daily, these formuals can lead to excess dryness and damaged skin barriers, creating an environment where acne-causing bacteria thrive. 

Ingredients to look for 

Ingredients can make or break the effectiveness of an acne cleanser. Here are the top, expert-approved ones to look for:

• Salicylic Acid: This beta hydroxy acid is a go-to for unclogging pores and reducing inflammation. It penetrates deep into the skin to exfoliate and prevent future breakouts.
• Azelaic Acid: This natural exfoliator dissolves the bonds of pore-clogging dead cells. 
• Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract: Helps vacuum clogged pores and reduce excess oil production. 
• Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract: A natural antioxidant with polyphenols to help soothe and strengthen skin.

Why Pore Thing? 

This cleansing gel is not only barrier-friendly – so you can effectively tackle breakouts without compromising your skin’s protective barrier – but is also gentle enough to use every day. Pore Thing is formulated with sebum-soluble salicylic acid, azelaic acid and willow bark extract to penetrate through excess oil and pore-clogging debris, gently dissolve the bonds of dead skin cells, and eliminate excess oil. Apple fruit extract helps maintain barrier hydration as antioxidant green tea soothes. 

“A healthy, strong barrier is key when dealing with the cycle of acne and clogged pores,” says Beth Bialko, esthetician and Bioelements Director of Education. “This professional formula isn’t your average cleanser. Pore Thing is designed to clear and unclog pores while simultaneously safeguarding skin’s hydrolipidic barrier. It’s a clinical formula that prioritizes skin health without skin-stripping surfactants or sulfates – just barrier-friendly botanicals and acne-fighting salicylic acid.”

See the proof: 

94% say it deeply cleanses pores 

86% say skin looks clearer after using

94% say it helps dissolve excess oil

89% say it feels like a spa facial for pores

89% say their pores feel purified

97% say skin feels refreshed

89% say pores look less congested

92% say pores feel clean of impurities

86% say skin appears smoother + feels softer

*based on 2x/day usage in a 14-day consumer perception study of 36 men and women ages 18-55 of all Fitzpatrick levels. see bioelements.com for full study results.