Begin your acne treatment route starting in the shower with these acne body washes

Acne can pop up in places other than your face — this includes your chest, back, butt and more.  If your current body wash doesn’t have blemish-fighting ingredients, it can actually worsen your acne, according to Dr. Teresa Song, a board-certified dermatologist. 

To help you find the best acne body wash, I spoke with four board-certified dermatologists about what to remember when shopping for one and other ways to treat your body acne.

SKIP AHEAD How I picked the best acne body washes | The best acne body washes | How to shop for acne body washes

How I picked the best acne body washes

I spoke to experts about acne body washes and what to remember when shopping for one. They suggest considering these factors:  

• Ingredients: According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Omer Ibrahim, when shopping for an acne body wash, look for one formulated with proactive and reactive ingredients, including benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid and sulfur. More on these ingredients and others below. 
• Consistency: Gel or foaming textures are generally best, but for dry climates, consider a creamy texture. This may be beneficial because acne-fighting ingredients tend to be drying, says Ibrahim. Also, gels and other lightweight creamy options are best because active ingredients are more quickly absorbed; plus, these formulations are typically noncomedogenic, says Song. 
• Noncomedogenic: According to our experts, prioritize body washes with “noncomedogenic” on their labels. This means they’re less likely to clog your pores. 
• Price: Unlike other skin care products, like serums or essences, which can reach high price points, body washes are relatively low. Our list has options as low as $9 and as high as $45. 

The best acne body washes in 2024

I gathered dermatologist-recommended acne body washes and highly rated options aligned with their shopping guidance. 

Best for overall: PanOxyl 10% Benzoyl Peroxide Body Wash 

Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Kian Mian recommends this cleanser for acne-prone and oily skin. At 10%, this cleanser contains the highest strength of benzoyl peroxide in an OTC product, says Ibrahim. The high percentage makes it an extremely effective option that also helps with inflammatory acne, says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Mamina Turegano. 

Aside from its main ingredient, which helps prevent and combat current breakouts, it also has a gentle, non-stripping texture that makes it ideal for use on the face and body, according to Ibrahim. However, if you’re not looking for a maximum-strength option or have sensitive skin, consider using the PanOxyl 4% Benzoyl Peroxide Wash, says Turegano.

Consistency: Cream-to-foam | Key ingredient: Benzoyl peroxide and glycerin | Noncomedogenic: Yes | Fragrance-free: Yes

Best for mild acne: Replenix Gly-Sal 5-2 Deep Pore Cleanser

What we like

• Not too drying
• Soothing
• Safe to use twice a day

This is a great option for those who can’t tolerate benzoyl peroxide, have mild acne or want to work on post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, says Turegano. This wash has glycolic and salicylic acids to help unclog pores, keep skin smooth, and help with post-inflammatory marks, she says. 

Consistency: Gel | Key ingredient: Salicylic acid, glycolic acid and green tea | Noncomedogenic: n/a | Fragrance-free: No

Best hydrating body wash: Naturium The Perfector Salicylic Acid Body Wash

What we like

• Suitable for all skin types
• Non-drying
• Safe for face and body

Something to note

• Not as potent as other options

This body wash, ideal for sensitive and dry skin, contains low-level microencapsulated salicylic acid paired with hydrating glycerin, says Song. The fragrance-free option has a gel-like consistency that becomes a silky lather once worked on the skin. After applying it, leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing it off completely, according to the brand.   

Consistency: Gel | Key ingredient: Salicylic acid and glycerin | Noncomedogenic: n/a | Fragrance-free: Yes

Best for active lifestyles: CLn SportWash

What we like

• Combats odor
• Can treat other conditions
• Non-drying

This fragrance-free and hypoallergenic body wash has low levels of sodium hypochlorite, which reduces all microbes, including bacteria, viruses, fungi and yeast, according to Song. It’s also great for all skin types and is even used therapeutically in eczema-prone skin, she says. 

Consistency: Gel | Key ingredient: Sodium hypochlorite | Noncomedogenic: n/a | Fragrance-free: Yes

Best scented: Kosas Good Body Skin AHA + Enzyme Exfoliating Body Wash

What we like

• Maintains skin barrier
• Brightens dull skin
• Soothing

This exfoliating and soothing body wash has a 4.5-star average rating from over 290 reviews at Kosas and is suitable for daily use for all skin types, according to the brand.  Reviewers say this helps combat acne breakouts and leaves skin feeling smooth, soft and with a subtle lingering scent. It has notes of jasmine, rose, orange flowers and sandalwood. If you prefer a different scent, this body wash is also available in Juicy Clean, which has notes of orange and vanilla. 

Consistency: Gel | Key ingredient: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid and allantoin | Noncomedogenic: Yes | Fragrance-free: No

Best bar soap: Joesoef Skin Care Anti-Acne Soap 

What we like

• Can treat other conditions
• Anti-bacterial ingredients
• Anti-fungal ingredients

Song recommended this bar soap because of its main ingredient, sulfur. “Sulfur is an effective acne-fighting ingredient suitable for sensitive skin prone to redness, including rosacea,” she says. 

Consistency: Bar | Key ingredient: Sulfur and salicylic acid | Noncomedogenic: n/a | Fragrance-free: n/a

Best for hyperpigmentation: Necessaire The Body Acne Wash

What we like

• Non-stripping
• Regulates sebum production
• Hydrating

Something to note

• Nothing to note at this time

One of Mian’s favorite acne body washes is this one from Necessaire because it’s great for those with acne-prone skin who need hydration. Aside from acne-fighting ingredients, it also has ingredients like niacinamide to help reduce any discoloration due to acne, according to the brand. 

Consistency: Gel | Key ingredient: Salicylic acid, glycerin and niacinamide | Noncomedogenic: Yes | Fragrance-free: Yes

Best exfoliating: CeraVe SA Body Wash

What we like

• Helps skin barrier
• Evens skin texture
• No physical exfoliants

Something to note

• Nothing to note at this time

This body wash is a great option because salicylic acid exfoliates the skin, while other ingredients, including ceramides, strengthen the skin barrier while exfoliating with salicylic acid, according to Mian. Luckily, because it has ceramides and additional ingredients, this counteracts the drying and stingy feeling one might get with using salicylic acid on its own, says Ibrahim. 

Consistency: Gel-to-foam | Key ingredient: Salicylic acid, ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide | Noncomedogenic: Yes | Fragrance-free: Yes

Best budget pick: Dove Acne Clear Body Wash

What we like

• Moisturizing
• Lathers easily
• Bottle lasts a long time

Something to note

• Not as potent as other options

This sudsy body uses plant-based cleansers to give your skin a deep clean without leaving your skin feeling dry and tight after using it, according to the brand. Reviewers say that this option from Dove helps with their mild to moderate acne, and rather than other body washes, this one has left their skin the most hydrated. They also say the fresh and herbal scent can linger on their skin for hours but doesn’t have an overwhelming quality. 

Consistency: Gel-to-foam | Key ingredient: Salicylic acid and glycerin | Noncomedogenic: n/a | Fragrance-free: No

Best for dry skin: Naturium Benzoyl Peroxide Cream Cleanser 5% 

What we like

• Safe for daily use
• Minimizes dryness
• Prevents breakouts

Something to note

• Nothing to note at this time

According to Ibrahim, this body wash is more suitable for those with acne-prone and dry skin because it contains a lower dose of benzoyl peroxide. It’s very gentle and hydrating without feeling greasy. 

Consistency: Cream | Key ingredient: Benzoyl peroxide, glycerin and aloe | Noncomedogenic: n/a | Fragrance-free: n/a

Best anti-inflammatory: Cerave Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser

What we like

• Soothing
• Non-drying
• Skin feels soft after

Something to note

• Nothing to note at this time

This product contains a key acne-fighting ingredient known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, says Song. It comes in a gentle cream formulation available in two different concentrations: 10% for oily skin and 4% for sensitive skin, she says.

Consistency: Cream-to-foam | Key ingredient: Benzoyl peroxide, ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide | Noncomedogenic: Yes | Fragrance-free: Yes

How to shop for acne body washes

Our dermatologists recommend considering factors like consistency and whether or not a product is noncomedogenic. However, the most important thing to note when shopping for an acne body wash is the ingredients found in the formula. Below, our experts talk about what you want and want to avoid in one: 

• Salicylic acid and retinoids: Salicylic acid is a smaller molecule of beta hydroxy acid. This goes down into your pores and cleans out debris, making sure your pores are not clogged, says Mian. 
• Retinoids: Like salicylic acid, retinoids will help with oil production by reducing it and can also clear clogged pores, according to Turegano.
• Alpha hydroxy acid: Regular exfoliation can help prevent dead skin cells from building up, according to Turegano. Lactic acid and glycolic acid are alpha hydroxy acids that work at the surface level of the skin, clearing away dead skin cells so they don’t block your pores, according to Mian. 
• Sulfur: This is proven to be an anti-acne ingredient, says Ibrahim. According to our experts, it helps exfoliate the skin and remove excess oil. 
• Niacinamide: This ingredient is gentle and often linked with hydrating the skin, along with improving its tone and texture. In addition, niacinamide can also help decrease oil production, says Mian. 
• Hypochlorous acid: Bacteria called Cutibacterium acnes, or C. acnes, can multiply and cause inflammatory breakouts. Turegano says that products containing hypochlorous acid can help reduce this bacterial growth, which often leads to acne. 
• Benzoyl peroxide: This ingredient is bactericidal, meaning it decreases bacterial count in the skin, which helps decrease inflammation, according to Mian. Like hypochlorous acid, products with this can reduce bacteria linked to acne, says Turegano.
• Common irritants: According to Song, some of these include alcohols and fragrances, which can lead to skin irritation and allergies. 

Although these formulas will include most ingredients, they may vary in concentration. Opt for lower concentrations (for example, benzoyl peroxide between 2-5%) to avoid excessive irritation, which can lead to worsening of acne and rashes, says Song. 

Meet our experts

At NBC Select, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.

• Dr. Mamina Turegano is a triple board-certified dermatologist, internist, and dermatopathologist in Louisiana.
• Dr. Omer Ibrahim is a board-certified dermatologist at Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology in Chicago.
• Dr. Teresa Song is a board-certified dermatologist at Marmur Medical in New York City.
• Dr. Kian Mian is a board-certified medical and aesthetic dermatologist at Hudson Dermatology & Laser Center in New York City.

Why trust NBC Select?

Bianca Alvarez is an associate reporter and has been covering beauty, including the best exfoliating products and retinol alternatives. For this piece, she interviewed four dermatologists and researched many acne body washes on the market. Bianca recommended products the dermatologists shared with us and met their shopping guidance.