14 acne products that actually work, according thousands of positive reviews
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- Acne treatments aren't universal, but there are proven products that work for thousands of users.
- If you're unsure what to try next, check out the top-rated, internet-approved options below.
- Read more: Bestselling skincare products that Amazon customers swear by — all under $25
Skincare, and treating acne in particular, is an ongoing process that takes time, consistency, and plenty of experimentation.
Though everyone's skin is different, sometimes what works for one person might just work for you, too. When there are hundreds or even thousands of reviews that tout similar success stories, it's a good sign you should try the product.
The following cleansers, masks, spot treatments, and tools have earned their places at the top of bestseller lists because they're just plain effective. Some are admittedly pricey investments, while others only cost less than $10, so whatever your budget, you'll be able to find a top-rated acne product for you.
These 14 acne products have the support of tons of satisfied users across the internet:
A daily facial exfoliator for scrubbing blackheads
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Widely recommended by estheticians, this chemical exfoliator does not disappoint. We even included it in our best facial exfoliators list. It brightens and clears skin of blackheads and works especially well for oily skin. Start by using this two to three times a week before increasing to everyday use.
Paula's Choice rating: 4.2 stars out of 3,500+ reviews
An over-the-counter acne spot treatment
Differin Gel Acne Treatment
Differin Gel is a prescription-strength acne treatment that, until recently, you needed a prescription to get. Insider Reviews senior reporter Mara Leighton swears by this over-the-counter treatment. The gel contains a powerful retinoid that fights blackheads and whiteheads and prevents future blemishes. It's anti-inflammatory, so it reduces redness and swelling. Plus, it helps skin cell turnover, meaning pores are less likely to get clogged in the first place.
Amazon rating: 4.5 stars out of 37,000+ reviews
An affordable skin-clearing facial serum
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is an effective serum with a surprisingly high concentration of active ingredients for such an affordable price, earning our pick as the best budget niacinamide serum. The 10% niacinamide combined with zinc makes this a great choice if you tend to have breakouts all over. It helps cut down on excess oil production while minimizing the appearance of pores.
Sephora rating: 4.2 stars out 4,000+ ratings
A tiny, but mighty pimple patch
Mighty Patch Original
This award-winning pimple patch is also a winner in our book. Smaller than a penny, the hydrocolloid sticker shrinks zits in just six hours. Stick it on before bedtime, and you're on the fast track to flattening and healing your pimple.
Amazon rating: 4.5 stars out of 43,000+ reviews
A $9 clay mask that promises the 'world's most powerful facial'
Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay
This glowing review by senior reporter Mara Leighton confirms that this affordable clay mask is no ordinary mask. Keep it on for five to 10 minutes and it draws out impurities to make your skin clearer and smoother.
Amazon rating: 4.6 stars out of 15,000+ reviews
A plant-based vitamin C serum
TruSkin Naturals Vitamin C Serum
Acne sufferers have noticed a marked reduction in the number of breakouts after consistent use of this gentle serum. The great part is that it's not only for acne — it also helps with fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and sun spots. If you are just looking to delve into the world of vitamin C serums for glowy skin, former Insider Reviews reporter Remi Rosmarin thinks TruSkin Naturals will do the trick.
Amazon rating: 4.3 stars out of 68,000+ reviews
A tea tree oil cream for sensitive skin
Keeva Tea Tree Oil
If you have to deal with deep, painful cystic acne, you'll appreciate this tea tree oil treatment designed for sensitive skin. The tea tree oil dries out the gunk in your pimples without drying out your actual skin.
Amazon rating: 4.4 stars out of 900+ reviews
A spot treatment for whiteheads
Mario Badescu Drying Lotion
The powerful drying lotion has been described as "magic" for zapping whiteheads overnight. Dab a bit on your whitehead and it should be gone in the morning. A little goes a long way and the bottle can last you half a year.
Amazon rating: 4.6 stars out of 20,000+ reviews
A face and body wash with 10% benzoyl peroxide
Humane Benzoyl Peroxide 10% Acne Treatment Body & Face Wash
Based on the before-and-after photos, this treatment proves benzoyl peroxide will almost always be a good solution for moderate and severe acne. However, it contains a high concentration of the medication, so if you have sensitive skin, you might want to steer clear.
Amazon rating: 4.2 stars out of 5,000+ reviews
A spot treatment for deep, cystic acne
TreeActiv Cystic Acne Spot Treatment
Like the Aztec Healing Mask, TreeActiv's treatment contains bentonite clay to reduce inflammation and detoxify your skin. It also contains pink grapefruit essential oil and witch hazel to reduce swelling and balance oil production. Though the container is small, it's very effective.
Amazon rating: 4.1 stars out of 5,000+ reviews
A moisturizer that also actively prevents breakouts
Aveeno Clear Complexion Blemish Treatment Daily Moisturizer
Acne products tend to revolve around cleansers and spot treatments, but the moisturizer you layer on top also matters. This one has salicylic acid to treat acne but is still gentle enough for daily use. Meanwhile, the Total Soy Complex makes your face bright and radiant.
Target rating: 4.5 stars out of 800+ reviews
A cooling formula that works as both a cleanser and a mask
Neutrogena Clear Pore Facial Cleanser/Mask
Whether you want to incorporate this into a daily routine or only slather it on at the end of the week, your face will feel clean and smooth afterward. It contains 3.5% benzoyl peroxide to help kill the bacteria that cause acne.
Target rating: 4.3 stars out of 900+ reviews
A daily facial peel for preventing acne long-term
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Daily Face Peel
Certainly a splurge purchase, it's nonetheless a product Insider Reviews deputy editor Sally Kaplan says is completely worth the cost. The peel, which consists of two pre-soaked pads you swipe over your face, is not only an anti-aging treatment, it's also great for preventing acne. With alpha and beta hydroxy acids, it reduces the presence of bacteria and dead skin buildup, thus preventing breakouts.
Amazon rating: 4.6 stars out of 1,000+ reviews
A mask made from Dead Sea mud
Majestic Pure Dead Sea Mud Mask
The salt and minerals in this mask act as an excellent exfoliator, helping to fight breakouts and reduce the appearance of psoriasis, eczema, blackheads, whiteheads, and acne. It feels thick and luxurious on your skin so you'll feel like you're at a spa.
Amazon rating: 4.5 stars out of 6,000+ reviews