The 15 Best Acne Treatments for Every Type of Spot

Best Overall

Paula's Choice CLEAR Regular Strength Daily Skin Clearing Treatment

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I’ve been using the Paula’s Choice Regular Strength Daily Skin Clearing Treatment for many years now and it never fails me. Formulated with 2.5% benzoyl peroxide, this treatment will help fight current breakouts while preventing others from popping up, too.

I love this treatment because, although it does contain potentially-irritating benzoyl peroxide, it also features two key calming and soothing ingredients: allantoin and bisabolol. Both of these ingredients help offset the irritation that sometimes can occur when using an active ingredient like benzoyl peroxide.

Corey L. Hartman, M.D., founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, AL, is also a big fan of this product. “The Paula’s Choice Clear Regular Strength Skin Clearing Treatment is a lightweight lotion that dries clear with a matte finish,” he explains. “It contains soothing plant extracts to combat any irritating dryness.”

I like to use this treatment only when I’m actively breaking out, but if you have a stronger skin barrier that can handle active ingredients, it’s probably safe for you to use this product daily for treatment and prevention. I like to apply this to any breakouts at night, wait 10-20 minutes for the product to penetrate into my skin, and then apply my nighttime moisturizer on top for hydration.

Price at time of publish: $22

Active Ingredient: 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide | Type of treatment: Spot treatment | Size: 2.25 fl oz.

Best Patch

Sweet Chef Carrot Ginger Blemish Rescue Patch

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The discovery of pimple patches has been a godsend for me in the last few years, and I’ve tried many on the market. This pick from Sweet Chef has a great assortment of different sizes and shapes, and does a wonderful job of absorbing excess fluid from pimples while accelerating the healing process, too.

I love these patches because they are on the thicker side and have an effective stickiness to them as well — I’ve tried other pimple patches that are thin and slide off after just an hour or so. These patches come in three different sizes and should be able to cover any type of pimple you’re looking to target — whether that be a baby bump or a cluster of monsters.

Another plus to these pimple patches is that they are loaded with ingredients to help treat acne lesions. Thanks to antioxidant-rich carrot and ginger, plus acne-fighting salicylic acid, these patches work overtime to calm inflammation.

The one aspect of these patches I don’t love is the decorated ones. First of all, they are decorated with little hearts and carrots, and I don’t think they are that cute (I’ve seen other patches that have cuter shapes and colors). Additionally, I don’t love that you can’t see how much gunk has been sucked out of your pimple with the decorated patches. It’s much harder to see if it made any difference, compared to the clear patches where you’re clearly able to tell its effectiveness. 

Price at time of publish: $16

Active Ingredient: Salicylic acid | Type of treatment: Pimple patch | Size: Variety-pack

Best Spot Treatment

La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Spot Treatment Cream

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One of La Roche-Posay’s best-sellers, this spot treatment is beloved by many for its effectiveness and non-drying formulation. Unlike other acne product treatments that contain around 2% benzoyl peroxide, this pick features 5.5% micronized benzoyl peroxide, making it a bit stronger.

What sets this spot treatment apart from the rest is that it contains lipo-hydroxy acid (LHA), glycerin, and silica. LHA is a derivative of salicylic acid (another popular acne-fighting ingredient) that works to exfoliate the skin’s surface to gently remove dead skin cells. On the other hand, glycerin is used as a humectant to hydrate the skin, preventing irritation from the benzoyl peroxide. Finally, silica is used as an oil-absorbing ingredient — a common issue among those with acne-prone skin.

While the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Spot Treatment Cream does a great job of working as a spot treatment to minimize current breakouts, many people love to add a bit of this into their moisturizer and apply to their skin daily as a sort of preventative treatment. If you do choose to use this every day, make sure you’re applying sunscreen during the day, as this product might make you more susceptible to sun damage.

Price at time of publish: $21

Active Ingredient: 5.5% Micronized benzoyl peroxide | Type of treatment: Spot treatment | Size: 0.7 fl oz.

Best Mask

JORI Daily Leave-On Acne Treatment Mask

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If you’ve got stubborn, hormonal acne that needs extra TLC, consider trying the JORI Daily Leave-On Acne Treatment Mask. Formulated with a proprietary active botanical blend to address the impacts of diet, stress, and hormones on the skin, this mask can be used daily as a spot treatment or on your entire face.

I love that this product contains ingredients you don’t normally find in a hormonal acne product. Saw palmetto, one of the mask’s transformative ingredients, is a botanical extract that’s been used orally to help balance DHT hormone levels in women (and men). Another ingredient I love to see is zinc, which has been known to diminish the appearance of blemishes (as well as other skin irritations, such as eczema). Finally, niacinamide is included to help calm irritation, which can sometimes happen with acne products.

The main active ingredient in this formulation is the 2.5% micronized benzoyl peroxide, which allows the product to really get deep into the pores to treat and prevent breakouts at the source. Unfortunately, I have the most sensitive, acne-prone skin, and this product is too strong for me to use every day. I prefer to use it as a spot treatment when I can feel a breakout forming — you can also apply your moisturizer right before applying this to your skin, so it can act as a barrier in case you are sensitive, too. If using a retinol product, make sure to use it on alternating days. 

Price at time of publish: $52

Active Ingredient: 2.5% Micronized Benzoyl Peroxide | Type of treatment: Mask | Size: 1.5 oz

Best Retinoid

Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment

4.8

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What was once only available via prescription, Differin is now available over-the-counter at your local pharmacy. This popular acne treatment contains 0.1% adapalene, a type of retinoid known to help treat and prevent acne from forming.

If used consistently, this gel can be an extremely effective defense against acne. That being said, it’s important to understand that it’s not just a spot treatment — this product should be used consistently, even when your acne has cleared up after 12 weeks. Adapalene is a vitamin A derivative that helps to regulate cell turnover, keeping your pores from clogging up with oil and targeting acne before it begins to form.

While millions of folks have found this retinoid to be effective in treating their acne, many complain about the dreaded purging phase that can occur anywhere from week two to week 12. Most dermatologists will tell you that it gets worse before it gets better when it comes to regular retinoid use. If you do choose to try Differin, make sure you’re prepared to stick it out until the 12-week mark.

Price at time of publish: $14

Active Ingredient: 0.1% Adapalene | Type of treatment: Retinoid | Size: 1.6 oz.

Best Clean

Skinfix Acne+ 2% BHA and Azelaic Acid Acne Spot Treatment

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Skinfix is known for its clean formulations and effective products to treat eczema. The brand recently dove into the acne space, and has had great success — the new Skinfix Acne+ 2% BHA and Azelaic Acid Acne Spot Treatment is a gentle yet powerful pimple-fighting product.

What I love about this product is that not only does it contain 2% salicylic acid (a well-known acne-fighting ingredient), but it also features 10% azelaic acid. This ingredient is being used more and more to treat acne recently, and it works by killing acne-causing bacteria, minimizing inflammation, and clearing clogged pores. Plus, it helps to diminish the appearance of those stubborn post-acne marks (also known as hyperpigmentation) you sometimes get after a pimple has healed.

While the ingredients in this pick are a win, many folks complain about the texture — it’s not an ideal pick for applying underneath makeup, as it may start pilling under a layer of moisturizer and foundation. Because of this, it’s probably best to apply this one at night before bed.

Price at time of publish: $30

Active Ingredient: Salicylic acid 2% | Type of treatment: Spot treatment | Size: 0.5 fl oz.

Best SPF

Proactiv Clear Skin SPF 30 Sunscreen

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Finally, a sunscreen that won’t cause you to break out! This new Proactiv product was specifically formulated with acne-prone skin in mind, and works to protect the skin from harmful rays while leaving your skin shine-free.

Formulated with avobenzone, octisalate, and octocrylene, this pick is a very lightweight, chemical sunscreen that won’t leave your skin feeling greasy. The product is marketed as a 3-in-1 moisturizer, sunscreen, and mattifying lotion, but I think it’s too lightweight to count as a moisturizer. Personally, I like to apply a thick moisturizer first, let it dry for five minutes, and then apply this sunscreen on top.  

Price at time of publish: $24

Active Ingredient: Avobenzone 3%, Octisalate 5%, Octocrylene 7% | Type of treatment: Sunscreen | Size: 1.5 fl oz.

Best Serum

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Oil Control Serum

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I was introduced to this product a few years ago and I find it very calming for my inflamed acne. While this pick is not specifically formulated as an acne treatment, many users claim that it’s helped clear up their breakouts, or at least made them appear less visible and inflamed.

The two hero ingredients in this serum are, you guessed it, niacinamide and zinc. Niacinamide (aka vitamin B3) is known to help reduce inflammation, while zinc works to improve the skin barrier function and smooth skin, too. Plus, The Ordinary makes extremely affordable products — a positive when you’re struggling to find acne products that work without breaking your bank.

The one downside to this product is that it might be irritating to some. If you have a sensitivity to niacinamide, stay away from this pick. Always do a patch test on your hand or neck to see how your skin reacts before applying this to your face.

Price at time of publish: $7

Active Ingredient: N/A | Type of treatment: Serum | Size: 1 oz.

Best Cleanser

Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Gel Cleanser

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Leave it to Caudalie to create a beautiful, spa-like-smelling cleanser for acne-prone skin. This pick features natural salicylic acid, organic grape water, and multiple essential oils (think lavender, lemongrass, peppermint, and rosemary) for a blend that smells truly divine.

This non-drying gel cleanser does a great job of removing any dirt, oil, and makeup to prep skin for any acne treatments, serums, or moisturizers. Although it’s not a creamy cleanser, it doesn’t leave your dermis feeling really dry after use — it does a great job of removing oil without completely stripping your skin.

That being said, this cleanser doesn’t contain any active ingredients to fight pimples. Because of this, it might not be as effective in treating your acne as other cleansers on the market. Personally, I prefer to use a gentle cleanser like this one, and then leave it up to my spot treatments or other acne serums and moisturizers to help treat my blemishes.

Price at time of publish: $28

Active Ingredient: None | Type of treatment: Cleanser | Size: 5 fl oz.

Best Moisturizer

PCA Skin Hydramatte Oil-Controlling Hydration

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Some folks have super dry, acne-prone skin (raises hand), while others are more oily. If you fall into the latter camp, consider trying this pick from PCA Skin. The Hydramatte Oil-Controlling Hydration does a fantastic job at hydrating your complexion just enough without going overboard on the moisture.

This pick uses pink pepper leaf extract to help reduce oil at the skin’s surface, further minimizing the appearance of pores and refining skin texture. Additionally, rosa centifolia flower extract and hydrolyzed rice extract work to add hydration to the skin without looking overly greasy.

While this moisturizer is great for oily skin types, those with dry skin types might want to look elsewhere. The product has a lightweight gel texture that absorbs quickly into the skin. It certainly adds a good amount of hydration, but might not be enough for those with a drier dermis.

Price at time of publish: $99

Active Ingredient: N/A | Type of treatment: Moisturizer | Size: 1.8 oz.

Best for Sensitive Skin

Avène Cleanance Concentrate Blemish Control Serum Cleanance Concentrate Blemish Control Serum

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Formulated with only 11 ingredients, this pick from Avène is ideal for those with sensitive, acne-prone skin. Avène is known for formulating skin care products specifically for sensitive skin, and their acne line is no different.

What I love about this product is that it doesn’t contain traditional acne-fighting ingredients, such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, which can be rather harsh on sensitive skin. Instead, the three hero ingredients in this formulation are comedoclastin™, silica, and the Avène thermal spring water. The comedoclastin™ is a stabilized extract derived from milk thistle that works to help reduce and limit the appearance of pimples, while the silica helps to absorb excess oil, creating a matte finish on the skin. Finally, the thermal spring water works to soothe, calm, and soften the skin for less visible irritation.

I love using this product when I’m breaking out but my skin is also being annoyingly sensitive. I apply this in the mornings on days when I’m at home and not wearing makeup, and I notice that it does a great job at reducing the appearance of my blemishes after about 30 minutes.

While I enjoy the efficacy and water-gel serum texture of this pick, I’m not a fan of the smell. It has a harsh, chemically, alcohol smell right when it’s pumped onto your finger, but it goes away once it’s rubbed onto the affected area.

Price at time of publish: $30

Active Ingredient: None | Type of treatment: Spot Treatment | Size: 1 fl oz.

Best LED Light Tool

TheraFace Pro

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Like the Dyson of skincare tools, this new launch from Therabody is a jack of all trades when it comes to skin health. I love the many attachments this pick comes with (including multiple percussive attachments, a cleansing ring, and a microcurrent ring), but the most useful choice for acne is the LED ring.

The innovative LED ring has three settings — a blue light, a red light, and a red+infrared light. Each setting can be paired with one of the percussive attachments (there’s the cone, the micro-point, and the flat), or you can use the LED ring by itself.

The blue light setting helps to reduce mild to moderate acne, and should not be used with any of the percussive tools (I guess because the brand doesn’t want you to disturb active acne lesions any further). The red light setting works to reduce wrinkles around the eyes and pairs well with the percussive attachments. Finally, the red+infrared setting will also help reduce wrinkles around the eyes and the warming effect of the infrared will help reduce pain, too.

Through my own testing with this device, I’ve found that the blue light works well to reduce future breakouts, while the red light actually works wonders in reducing any redness or irritation from my inflamed acne. I like to use all the settings on different days, depending on my needs.

While I love this device for many reasons, the high price tag is certainly something worth considering. Because the TheraFace PRO acts as four devices in one, I believe it is worth the investment.

Price at time of publish: $399

Active Ingredient: N/A | Type of treatment: Facial Tool | Size: N/A

Best High-Frequency Tool

Stacked Skincare Portable High-Frequency Device

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Bring the spa experience to your home with the help of this portable high-frequency device from Stacked Skincare. This handy little tool uses a small electrical current to kill acne-causing bacteria, minimize the appearance of inflammation and redness, reduce existing acne pustules, and prevent future zits from popping up, too.

I love that it’s cordless and small. It’s easy to pop into your bag when traveling and doesn’t take up much room on your bathroom counter. The downside is that, unlike other high-frequency devices that have various wands you can attach to the device to suit your specific acne-fighting needs, this pick only has the one ceramic head flush.

Additionally, this pick only offers two electrical current settings — high or low. Other high-frequency devices usually feature an electrical current dial you can increase or decrease, allowing you a wider range of electricity to target your breakouts.  

Price at time of publish: $129

Active Ingredient: N/A | Type of treatment: High-frequency device | Size: N/A

Best Toner

Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

4.8

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Okay, so technically this product is considered an exfoliant, but most folks with acne like to use this pick as their toner instead. The Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is a best-seller among acne-fighting products because it works wonders on inflamed skin.

Featuring 2% salicylic acid, this pick exfoliates dead skin while clearing clogged pores for a more radiant, healthy-looking glow. The salicylic acid will not only work to treat current breakouts, but if used regularly, it can also prevent pimples from popping up in the future, too.

It’s advised to start slow with the Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, as it might be too harsh if used daily on sensitive skin. I like to use this product on areas where I normally break out (my chin and nose) a few times per week. If you notice that your skin tolerates the product well, you can work up to using it twice daily.

Price at time of publish: $26

Active Ingredient: 2% Salicylic acid | Type of treatment: Exfoliant | Size: 4 fl oz.