8 Best Acne Products -- and the 10 Worst

Having tried everything under the sun for years, I finally found that glycolic acid is the only thing that saved me from my hormonal acne woes. I've been using it for over two years now and my skin have done a complete 180. You'd never guess that less than 10 years ago my brother called me crater face because it was THAT bad.

by Aleona1 Wednesday, May 8, 2013 at 08:49PM Report as inappropriate

in the past, i regularly used the neutrogena stress control cream cleanser. it felt very refreshing and cooling to the skin, but it was terrible at removing my makeup (especially around the eyes) so i had to use another facial wash afterwards. My dermatologist recommended Citrus Clear, because I wanted a natural product to help with the acne. i was pleasantly surprised to see my face and not a raccoon staring back at me in the mirror!! if it can remove my mascara and eyeliner, i know it removes a lot of other impurities too. i have mild acne and since i've been washing with Citrus Clear twice a day (anymore than that will dry out your skin), i've noticed significant improvement in my skin.

by mark_tennis Wednesday, April 3, 2013 at 05:29PM Report as inappropriate

Decent info

by Mollysunshine Saturday, March 9, 2013 at 03:39AM Report as inappropriate

@danny Just finished my Wipeout bottle and it worked! I need more though cause I had pretty bad acne... Anyone know if there are any facials that help with scarring?

by allissam Thursday, February 21, 2013 at 10:18AM Report as inappropriate

Nice to see the wide range of products here. Thanks, very helpful

by EricaF123 Wednesday, February 6, 2013 at 03:25AM Report as inappropriate

I would do anything for a product that works

by LittleBunny Monday, January 28, 2013 at 09:08PM Report as inappropriate

Same here man. I tried Proactiv, Clean and Clear, everything I found at Wallgreens and Walmart. What I found to help is standard benzoyl peroxide and a pill called Wipeout. I bought it at the stopacnefast website. Instead of shrinking the glands like Accutane, it stops oil production, stopping the acne. Stuff works wonders.

by dannysant Friday, January 18, 2013 at 07:09AM Report as inappropriate

helps a lott

by aishak55 Saturday, December 15, 2012 at 02:27PM Report as inappropriate

Have to agree with these ratings and suggestions. Search continues...

by BlackFleur145 Tuesday, November 20, 2012 at 08:28PM Report as inappropriate

I am always looking out for good products for acne prone skin as my husband has breakouts occasionally. It's amazing how men don't see to care about a skin care regimen as we do. If I don't remind him to wash his face and put lotion on etc. he won't do it!

by Lamexicana1 Wednesday, November 14, 2012 at 07:45AM Report as inappropriate

I checked each and every product mentioned in this article in the Beautipedia database. ALL of the "best" products received negative ratings, while the "worst" products received a mix of negative, neutral and positive ratings. The Clean & Clear Invisible Blemish Treatment has apparently been discontinued. A couple of products did not appear in the database. Personal reviews don't take into account variations in individual medical conditions, the impact of using other products, and the way in which the products have been used - in other words, it's nice to share impressions but it is hardly a control experiment. So, we've got to take this with the proverbial grain of salt... Personal reviews don't take into account variations in individual medical conditions, the impact of using other products, and the way in which the products have been used - in other words, it's nice to share impressions but it is hardly a control experiment. So, we've got to take this with the proverbial grain of salt...

by hollisnan Monday, October 29, 2012 at 06:36PM Report as inappropriate

I have only tried the proactiv one of these, and I didn't find it drying or harsh at all. It didn't help my acne any though.

by Chris213 Thursday, October 11, 2012 at 07:52PM Report as inappropriate

I have used some of the worst products for acne out there, it's amazing how much money you can waste on that when you are so desperate to get faster results. Looks like it's time to get rid of some useless products and get something that has good reviews =) Thank you for sharing this info, very helpful

by Natalia379 Saturday, September 15, 2012 at 06:47PM Report as inappropriate

This is a great list--I've only ever used a couple of the products listed, but if I ever decide to change what I'm currently using I'll remember these!

by tallredamanda Saturday, September 1, 2012 at 04:26PM Report as inappropriate

Mixed article for me. First off, all the "bad" products are fairly inexpensive whereas the "best" are very pricey. Everyone's skin is different and yeah some of these products won't work as well, but it might work for someone else. Proactiv has worked great for me. I didn't however get it because I saw a celebrity advertise it, I got it because everything else didn't work for me.

by BrookeSS Thursday, August 30, 2012 at 07:29PM Report as inappropriate

didnt know about the tea tree oil have to try that

by jenni84 Monday, August 27, 2012 at 06:13AM Report as inappropriate

The neutrogena pink grapefruit wash and proactive sucked for me as well

by rachaellh13 Wednesday, June 20, 2012 at 03:28PM Report as inappropriate

People with acne and acne prone skin are so unique, and because of that different products are going to produce different results. As consumers, we need to do research on ingredients and through trial and error, discover which acne ingredients work for us as individuals. Don’t get me wrong, it’s nice having suggestions, but just because it didn’t work for someone else doesn’t mean it wont work for you.

by Dwhitneee Tuesday, May 22, 2012 at 11:06AM Report as inappropriate

Good to know. I hate spending $ on a product I end up hating

by TBjunkie Thursday, May 3, 2012 at 09:48PM Report as inappropriate

Murad and proactiv really didn't work for me. I have to try out the good stuff, really pricey though.

by lisiana_de_bem_justino Tuesday, April 24, 2012 at 08:29PM Report as inappropriate

im sure these are all great but quite expensive for me

by olkrav319 Saturday, April 21, 2012 at 03:06PM Report as inappropriate

good information will try some of these product

by nikkiq Wednesday, April 18, 2012 at 11:50AM Report as inappropriate

It is great to have articles like these to know what to stay away from.

by beautybody Thursday, April 5, 2012 at 10:22AM Report as inappropriate

Never owned any of the bad ones, but I have had bad experiences with other products.

by yestfl Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at 11:23AM Report as inappropriate

Of course, the "good" ones are all expensive..

by ayegee Sunday, March 18, 2012 at 03:30PM Report as inappropriate

I love the Origins Super Spot Remover for spot treating my breakouts!

by powerwoman033 Sunday, March 18, 2012 at 02:05PM Report as inappropriate

I disagree with the bareminerals treatment, it works for me. And all the stuff they recommend is pretty expensive.

by Mysterylady Thursday, March 15, 2012 at 10:31AM Report as inappropriate

good to know what works

by JeepMom Thursday, March 8, 2012 at 07:00AM Report as inappropriate

So helpful! Acne products are so expensive and the majority are all gimmicky and almost always fail to deliver, I would like to give it another try using this and see if you really can get rid of acne with topical products.

by Alisunshine Thursday, February 23, 2012 at 09:18AM Report as inappropriate

@MissXu, OMG! I totally agree! I love my Neutrogena grapefruit!!!!! I use it everyday, and yes it does have an a-m-a-z-i-n-g smell! It quickly gets rid of my acne and I just love it!

by flash501 Sunday, February 19, 2012 at 11:10AM Report as inappropriate

I don't know, I really liked the Neutrogena grapefruit!

by MissXu Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at 09:26PM Report as inappropriate

I totally agree that the Neutrogena grapefruit stuff is just awful! I think it actually makes your acne worse by over-drying your skin.

by sportimonki13 Tuesday, December 27, 2011 at 03:31PM Report as inappropriate

I can't decide which of the best ones I should try. I feel like I've tried everything out on the market already...

by Secretblush13 Friday, December 23, 2011 at 01:30AM Report as inappropriate

I would reallyy like to try the Dermalogica Sebum Clearing Masque!

by lanigaga Sunday, December 18, 2011 at 01:13PM Report as inappropriate

The good ones are kinda expensive but will definitely avoid the worst

by andie Saturday, December 17, 2011 at 10:27PM Report as inappropriate

thankss

by Nicole2814 Saturday, December 17, 2011 at 09:16AM Report as inappropriate

I have tried the clinique clarifying lotion and it's pretty great. Will stay away from the worst products.

by MissXu Saturday, December 3, 2011 at 09:07PM Report as inappropriate

Cools

by doglova Thursday, November 3, 2011 at 01:32AM Report as inappropriate

When my acne was really bad I used the Clinique Acne Solutions and it really didn't do much for me. The alcohol doesn't help either. When I started to getting glycolic peels, the PTR pads were recommended, and I actually like those.

by msbrown822 Friday, October 28, 2011 at 08:31AM Report as inappropriate

I have tried everything for my severe acne. The only thing that worked was acne treatment from Daniel Kern and Clean and Clear facewash. I am now acne free.

by bnb1980 Friday, October 14, 2011 at 01:55PM Report as inappropriate

I'm gonna stick with my Boots anti-blemish serum, use it twice a day and it works wonders. Might try the tea tree oil from the body shop next time around.

by sarah_m Friday, August 19, 2011 at 09:24PM Report as inappropriate

I like that you put the reasons for acne in the article, besides just showing us what products to buy and use it's good to get to the root cause

by Bon_Bon Sunday, August 14, 2011 at 11:18PM Report as inappropriate

Boo boo zap does really suck.

by eatinglipstick Saturday, July 16, 2011 at 10:31PM Report as inappropriate

I need to relax, and drink more water. (and try some of the best list).

by MissPurple Wednesday, July 13, 2011 at 03:55PM Report as inappropriate

I'm surprised there weren't any products with sulfur mentioned in the 'best list'. Products with sulfur listed as the main active ingredient has by far the most effective in regards to time and results--I highly recommend using products with this ingredient. They come in the form of mask (DDF makes one), soap bar (in a yellow orange box, some CVS or Wallgreens carry it for about 1-2 bucks), powder (Bare Escentuals Blemish Therapy). Truly excellent stuff

by awan0912 Saturday, June 11, 2011 at 11:32PM Report as inappropriate

I've got to agree with some of the worst products here, although I've never heard of Benefit boo boo zap. XD

by bukiyounahito Thursday, June 9, 2011 at 08:50AM Report as inappropriate

I need to relax. That would help

by modinosaur Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at 06:14PM Report as inappropriate

Proactive stopped working on me after 2 months. Like literally made it worst than before i started using it. I still swear on Clinique and Stiefel Acne Aid Soap to help. As for new acne and pimples i stick to what my doctor has prescribed me. Benzac 5. Contains benzoyl peroxide but its really mild and effective.

by Eshia Tuesday, May 10, 2011 at 05:34AM Report as inappropriate

I've only tried Clinique's acne solutions toner and Proactiv, and neither worked well for me. I tried the Body Shops Tea Tree stick concealer, and it wasn't very good.

by LipglossandSpandex Sunday, April 17, 2011 at 04:58PM Report as inappropriate

love love loooovvveeee tea tree oil from the body shop!

by brendag20127 Tuesday, March 22, 2011 at 01:58PM Report as inappropriate

I love the Peter Thomas Roth Max Correction Pads, they do wonders for my skin. I also love the Effaclear line by La Roche Posay, they have made a huge difference in my clear skin routine!

by RoleModel Thursday, March 17, 2011 at 04:34PM Report as inappropriate

Proactiv is good, till you stop using it that is.

by Bon_Bon Sunday, February 20, 2011 at 05:57PM Report as inappropriate

Neutrogena makes amazing toners for acne.

by kenya Sunday, December 26, 2010 at 11:16PM Report as inappropriate

I place Proactive's Repairing Lotion on the blemishes and pimples I want gone fast. Nothing else has worked. Not Saliycilic acid or other types of benzoyl peroxide. I have sensitve skin also but if used as a spot treatmeant it works great. I agree the smell is bad but tolerable.

by chattycatty Friday, December 17, 2010 at 05:36PM Report as inappropriate

Tea tree oil is amazing! Put a dab on a zit before bed and in the morning it is completely gone or SERIOUSLY reduced in size.

by pynkNymphette Friday, November 26, 2010 at 04:58PM Report as inappropriate

Noxzema is the best for acne prone skin. And Ive used everything. I wash my face twice a day with it. And its been around forever. Now I know why! It works. Use it for 2 weeks and see if you can tell a difference!

by chelle0964 Monday, June 21, 2010 at 07:30PM Report as inappropriate

Tea Tree oil changed my skin forever! Buy this, they sell it at the drugstores for about $7. But its a small bottle so u gota really keep ur eye out for it.

by EstrellaBonita Wednesday, June 2, 2010 at 10:58PM Report as inappropriate

I too am a Proactiv believer. I've had adult acne for years and this is the ONLY product that has cleared up my skin. In order to get the most from Proactiv you must use the 3 piece system since the individual parts (repairing lotion, toner, and renewing cleanser) aren't nearly as effective separately as they are on their own. I also LOVE their green tea moisturizer.

by gretchkal Monday, October 26, 2009 at 10:41AM Report as inappropriate

Same with me the Acne Free clear skin treatment worked peferfectly for me and i have been using it for almost 3 years already. I only get one or two small pimples around that time of month, but other than that its perfect.

by paolacuorvo Thursday, July 30, 2009 at 02:04PM Report as inappropriate

Not true! I have extremely sensitive skin and I have been using Proactive for two years. I had a very bad case of acne and it completely cleared my skin and has kept it clear.

by jennicolette Tuesday, June 23, 2009 at 06:27PM Report as inappropriate

I love Proactiv. It's the ONLY products that have actually worked on my skin. I have tried the cheapest to the most expensive. I have used this product for over 8 years now and I absolutely love it.

by Averiesmom Tuesday, June 23, 2009 at 07:31AM Report as inappropriate