15 of the Best Drugstore Acne Treatments To Ward Off Breakouts
Fact checked by Anna HarrisReviewed by Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAAD
Even if you have a dermatologist on speed dial, it's always good to have a stash of acne-fighting skincare in your stash when those pesky breakouts pop up. But don't worry—you don't have to fill your shelves with pricey products, some of the best acne treatments available come straight from the drugstore. Don't believe us? We got the tea from expert dermatologists on their favorite products and ingredients, all from the drugstore.
Meet Our Expert
Cindy Bae, MD, of the Laser and Skin Surgery Center of New York
Adam Friedman, MD, FAAD, professor and chair of dermatology at the George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences
Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin, MD, a dermatologist at Entière Dermatology
Differin Acne Treatment Gel
Differin Acne Treatment Gel ($15)
"Retinoids are the absolute backbone of an acne treatment," says Levin. "They de-clog pores by normalizing skin cell turnover to prevent dead skin cells from clogging pores, but they also act as an anti-inflammatory."
Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment
Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment ($8)
Salicylic acid is really that girl—and a great ingredient to have on deck when breakouts appear. "Salicylic acid is a common over-the-counter product that breaks up dead skin cells to clear out blackheads," says Levin. "More importantly, salicylic acid is a lipid-loving acid and, therefore, concentrates in pores, since pores are connected to our oil glands."
Cetaphil DermaControl Oil Control Moisturizer SPF 30
Cetaphil DermaControl Oil Control Moisturizer SPF 30 ($18)
Less is more with acne-fighting ingredients. Bae cautions against using them altogether, as they all contribute to drying out the skin. "Alcohol-based products like astringents can further exacerbate dry skin as a result of treating with these ingredients," she says. "It's so important to ensure daily sunscreen use and to moisturize." This Cetaphil moisturizer fights oil while providing UV protection.
Thayers Witch Hazel Alcohol-Free Toner - Rose Petal
Thayers Witch Hazel Alcohol-Free Toner - Rose Petal ($11)
Toner can be a godsend for those who regularly experience breakouts, but many formulas are very harsh and packed with a few too many acne-fighting ingredients. We're big fans of this alcohol-free witch hazel, which has aloe and rose petal meant to soothe while also controlling oil.
Cetaphil DermaControl Oil Removing Foam Wash
Cetaphil DermaControl Oil Removing Foam Wash ($19)
"The most important thing to remember is acneic skin is damaged skin. A harsh cleanser will cause more harm than good," says Friedman. "Mild cleansers that are pH balanced and do not contain surfactants (the part of soap that binds to dirt/fat on the skin) are ideal. Some foaming cleansers, like Cetaphil DermaControl, are mild and good for oily skin."
Differin Daily Deep Cleanser
Differin Daily Deep Cleanser ($11)
Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide is an organic acid in the peroxide family that has been used to treat acne because of its keratolytic, moderate comedolytic, and antibacterial properties, which include the reduction of Cutibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus aureus on the skin.
"An acne-free, oil-free cleanser with benzoyl peroxide and glycolic acid [is my favorite] because the lower percentage benzoyl peroxide is gentle yet effective to treat acne, and the added glycolic acid helps exfoliate the skin, like the Differin Daily Deep Cleanser, which contains 5 percent of benzoyl peroxide," says Bae. Friedman adds, "when it comes to benzoyl peroxide, less is more."
Burt's Bees Herbal Complexion Stick
Burt's Bees Herbal Complexion Stick ($20)
If you're sensitive to the popularly-touted, anti-acne ingredients mentioned in this article, like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, try this tea tree oil blemish stick from Burt's Bees. The combination of astringent tea tree and juniper oils, exfoliating willow bark, and soothing calendula come in a convenient roll-on stick form for easy reapplication.
Glytone Mild Gel Cleanser
Glytone Mild Gel Cleanser ($32)
"My favorite gentle acne cleansers are those with glycolic acid," says Levin. "Many of my patients who are dealing with female adult acne also have an intolerance to the traditional acne medications that they used to be able to tolerate as a teenager, such as benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. Using a mild exfoliating cleanser with glycolic acid chemically exfoliates the skin with a small percentage of glycolic acid."
Avène Cleanance Mattifying Emulsion
Avène Cleanance Mattifying Emulsion ($34)
For sensitive skin, Bae likes this product from Avène. It has a mattifying formula with a velvet-like texture that helps eliminate blemishes in the gentlest way possible.
Prosacea Medicated Rosacea Gel
Prosacea Medicated Rosacea Gel ($12)
Sulfur
Sulfur is a natural element that is an essential component for all living cells. Sulfur-based products tend to work best for mild-to-moderate acne, primarily whiteheads, blackheads, and papules.
As a spot treatment, Prosacea's product "contains sulfur, which is a keratolytic with antibacterial properties," says Bae. "The product also includes skin soothers like aloe to help moisturize and soothe the skin."
L'Oreal Detox & Brighten Clay Mask
L'Oreal Detox & Brighten Clay Mask ($14)
For a quick fix, clay masks are a great option. This affordable option contains activated charcoal meant to draw out impurities. It's a creamy, non-drying formula that can minimize breakouts in a pinch.
Cover Dot Acne Care Hydrocolloid Waterproof Clear Pimple Absorbing Acne Patch
Cover Dot Acne Care Hydrocolloid Waterproof Clear Pimple Absorbing Acne Patch ($12)
One of these patches will help heal a pimple faster "because it absorbs the fluid from the pimple; creates a moist environment to allow for faster and improved healing; protects the pimple from you picking and against sunlight, which accelerates healing; and minimizes exposure to UV radiation to minimize hyperpigmentation," says Levin.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream ($17)
One of the main causes of acne is clogged pores, so it's important to keep a lightweight moisturizer on hand. This hydrating, but water-based gel cream from Neutrogena definitely fits the bill.
EB5 Anti-Aging Vitamin C Serum Concentrate
EB5 Anti-Aging Vitamin C Serum Concentrate ($20)
"We are learning that free radicals can also contribute to acne. Therefore, using an antioxidant serum can help combat this cause," says Bae. "Plus, vitamin C is known to help brighten skin, so it will also help fade those acne marks."
Cortizone Maximum Strength Ointment
Cortizone Maximum Strength Ointment ($8)
When your breakouts have reached the point where they're inflamed to the point of pain, you'll want to break out the tube of cortisone ointment. No, it won't treat the acne at hand, but it will help calm down any redness, itchiness, irritation, and pain.
Related: What Are the Different Types of Acne? Dermatologists Explain All
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