17 Best Acne Products of 2024, Tested & Reviewed by Experts

Acne is basically that uninvited houseguest who shows up early, eats all the snacks, and refuses to leave.
The good news: you don’t need a 14-step routine or a chemistry degree to get clearer skin. You need the
right products (for your type of breakout) and the patience to let them work.

This expert-informed roundup pulls from widely recommended, editor-tested favorites and dermatologist-backed
ingredients that were especially popular throughout 2024. You’ll find heavy hitters like benzoyl peroxide,
salicylic acid, adapalene (an OTC retinoid), azelaic acid, sulfur, and the “tiny band-aids of victory”
known as hydrocolloid patches.

Quick Acne Cheat Sheet (So You Buy Smarter)

1) Match the active ingredient to the breakout

• Blackheads/whiteheads + clogged pores: salicylic acid (BHA), adapalene
• Red, inflamed pimples: benzoyl peroxide (BPO), sulfur, hydrocolloid patches (for surface gunk)
• “Underground” bumps: adapalene, microdart patches, time (annoying but true)
• Post-acne marks + redness: azelaic acid, sunscreen, gentle consistency

2) Start low, go slow

Irritation is not a shortcut. If you start three strong actives at once, your skin may respond with dryness,
peeling, and a dramatic monologue. Add one active product, use it consistently, then adjust.

3) Acne routines fail without moisturizer and SPF

When your skin barrier is stressed, acne can look worse and feel worse. A lightweight, non-comedogenic
moisturizer plus a daily sunscreen makes acne treatments easier to tolerateand helps prevent dark marks
from lingering.

How These Picks Were Chosen

Instead of chasing hype, these products were selected for three reasons: (1) they use acne-fighting ingredients
supported by dermatology guidance, (2) they’re repeatedly recommended or positively tested by reputable U.S.
health/beauty outlets and professionals, and (3) they fit real-life routines (easy to find, straightforward
to use, and not dependent on a full moon).

The 17 Best Acne Products of 2024 (Expert-Tested Favorites)

1) Differin Gel (Adapalene 0.1%) Best Overall Long-Game Treatment

If you want one product that targets clogged pores, blackheads, and recurring breakouts, adapalene is the
closest thing to an “adult in the room.” Use a pea-size amount for the whole face at night (not a pea-size
amount per pimpleplease don’t).

• Best for: comedonal acne, mixed acne, maintenance
• Watch-outs: dryness/irritation early on; commit for 8–12 weeks

2) CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser (4% Benzoyl Peroxide) Best BPO Cleanser for Daily Use

Benzoyl peroxide helps reduce acne-causing bacteria and inflammation, and this cleanser pairs it with a
barrier-friendly feel. It’s a practical pick if leave-on BPO makes you flaky.

• Best for: inflamed breakouts, oily areas, teens and adults
• How to use: lather 30–60 seconds, rinse well, moisturize after

3) La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser (2% Salicylic Acid) Best for Oily Skin & Blackheads

Salicylic acid is a pore-unclogger with a talent for smoothing texture. This is a strong option when your
pores feel “crowded,” especially around the T-zone.

• Best for: blackheads, oily skin, congested pores
• Watch-outs: can feel dryingfollow with moisturizer

4) PanOxyl Acne Creamy Wash (4% Benzoyl Peroxide) Best Face/Body Multitasker

A classic for a reason. The 4% version is often easier to tolerate than higher strengths, and it works well
on face, chest, shoulders, and back when breakouts travel in packs.

• Best for: face + body acne, “summer sweat” breakouts
• Pro tip: BPO can bleach fabricsuse white towels you don’t emotionally depend on

5) Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant Best Leave-On for Texture

This leave-on BHA is famous for a reason: it helps unclog pores and smooth bumpy texture without the
“sandpaper scrub” vibes. Use a few times a week at first, then increase if your skin stays calm.

• Best for: blackheads, rough texture, clogged pores
• Watch-outs: overuse = dryness; don’t stack with too many exfoliants

6) La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Treatment (5.5% BPO) Best Fast-Acting BPO Leave-On

When you need a leave-on that gets to work on angry pimples, this is a reliable option. Many dermatologists
recommend lower strengths of BPO for similar effectiveness with less irritationso if 5.5% feels intense,
switch to a lower-strength spot product.

• Best for: inflamed pimples, quick spot or thin all-over use
• How to use: thin layer; start every other day if sensitive

7) Neutrogena On-the-Spot Acne Treatment (2.5% BPO) Best Budget Spot Treatment

Straightforward, widely available, and effective for red pimples. A lower BPO percentage can still do the job
while being kinder to your face (and your pillowcases).

• Best for: occasional pimples, beginners using BPO
• Watch-outs: drynessuse moisturizer

8) The INKEY List Succinic Acid Blemish Treatment Best “No Drama” Spot Gel

This creamy spot treatment is popular because it targets blemishes without leaving a crunchy, flaky halo
around them. It’s a good “school day” option when you want results without looking like you lost a fight
with a chalkboard.

• Best for: mild-to-moderate blemishes, combo skin, sensitive-leaning routines
• How to use: dab only on the blemish; avoid layering too many spot treatments

9) The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% Best for Redness + Post-Acne Marks

Azelaic acid is a multitasker: it can calm inflammation, help with clogged pores, and improve uneven tone
from old breakouts. If you’re dealing with “the zit is gone but the mark moved in permanently,” start here.

• Best for: redness, post-acne discoloration, sensitive acne-prone skin
• Watch-outs: can pill under some productsapply thinly

10) The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Best for Oil Control

Niacinamide helps support the skin barrier and can reduce the look of oiliness over time. It’s not a “zap a zit
overnight” ingredient, but it’s great for making your skin less of an oil slick by lunchtime.

• Best for: oily skin, visible pores, redness-prone breakouts
• How to use: 1–2 drops after cleansing, before moisturizer

11) De La Cruz Acne Treatment (10% Sulfur) Best Classic Sulfur Mask/Spot

Sulfur is old-school, smells… memorable, and can be excellent for drying out surface blemishes and reducing oil.
Use it as a short mask or targeted spot treatment when your skin feels congested.

• Best for: whiteheads, oily congestion, stubborn surface pimples
• Watch-outs: odor + dryness; don’t combine with harsh exfoliation the same night

12) Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Original Best Hydrocolloid Patch for Whiteheads

Hydrocolloid patches don’t “cure” acne, but they can absorb gunk from a surfaced pimple, protect it from
picking, and make the whole situation less chaotic. Put it on overnight and enjoy the oddly satisfying
morning reveal.

• Best for: whiteheads, popped pimples (cleanly), picking prevention
• Don’t use for: deep cysts that haven’t surfaced

13) ZitSticka KILLA Microdart Patch Best for Early-Stage “Under-the-Skin” Pimples

Microdart patches are designed for those “I can feel it forming” bumps. They’re pricier, but handy when you
catch a pimple early and want targeted ingredients without over-treating the whole face.

• Best for: blind pimples (early stage), chin/jawline flare-ups
• Watch-outs: costs add up; reserve for strategic emergencies

14) CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion Best Lightweight Moisturizer for Acne Routines

Acne treatments can be drying, and this moisturizer helps you stay consistent without feeling greasy. Think of
it as the supportive friend who shows up with water and snacks when your actives start acting up.

• Best for: oily-to-normal skin, retinoid routines, barrier support
• How to use: nightly (and morning if needed)

15) EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 Best Daily Sunscreen for Acne-Prone Skin

Sunscreen matters for acne because UV exposure can worsen post-acne marks and irritation. This one is loved for
acne-prone and discoloration-prone skin types and layers nicely under makeup.

• Best for: acne-prone skin, post-acne marks, daily wear
• Pro tip: apply generouslySPF works best when you don’t “ration” it

16) Neutrogena Body Clear Oil-Free Body Wash (2% Salicylic Acid) Best Body Acne Wash

Backne and chest acne are common (and rude). A salicylic acid body wash can help unclog pores on the body where
sweat, friction, and heavy products love to party.

• Best for: back, chest, shoulder breakouts
• How to use: let it sit 1–2 minutes before rinsing if tolerated

17) Differin Acne-Clearing Body Spray (2% Salicylic Acid) Best for Hard-to-Reach Breakouts

If your shoulder blades are hosting a breakout and your arms don’t bend like that, a 360° spray is genuinely
useful. This is a practical add-on for bacne season or sports-related breakouts.

• Best for: back acne, shoulders, post-workout breakouts
• Watch-outs: start once daily; moisturize if skin gets tight

Two Sample Routines (Copy/Paste Friendly)

Routine A: Mostly blackheads/texture (oily or combo skin)

1. AM: gentle cleanse (or salicylic cleanser if tolerated) → niacinamide serum → moisturizer → sunscreen
2. PM: cleanse → adapalene (2–4 nights/week to start) → moisturizer
3. Optional: leave-on BHA 1–3 nights/week (not the same night you’re extra irritated)

Routine B: Red, inflamed pimples (sensitive-leaning)

1. AM: benzoyl peroxide cleanser a few days/week → moisturizer → sunscreen
2. PM: gentle cleanse → moisturizer → spot treat (BPO or succinic gel) as needed
3. Optional: hydrocolloid patch overnight on surfaced pimples

Common Mistakes That Make Acne Harder to Manage

• Stacking too many actives: irritation can look like “more acne.” It’s not.
• Spot treating the entire face: powerful products belong where the problem is.
• Skipping sunscreen: post-acne marks tend to linger longer without it.
• Picking: your fingers are not part of the treatment plan.

Conclusion

The best acne products of 2024 weren’t magicthey were consistent, evidence-backed basics used the right way.
Start with one core treatment (adapalene for clogged pores or benzoyl peroxide for inflamed pimples), support
your skin barrier with moisturizer, and protect progress with sunscreen. If acne is painful, scarring, or
affecting your confidence a lot, a dermatologist can tailor a plan faster than trial-and-error ever will.

Real-World Experiences: What Using Acne Products Is Actually Like (500+ Words)

Most “before and after” photos skip the messy middlethe part where your skin is deciding whether it loves
your new routine or wants to file a formal complaint. In real life, acne progress is rarely a straight line.
It’s more like a road trip with construction, detours, and a snack stop you didn’t plan for.

A common experience in 2024 (especially with adapalene and exfoliants) was the early adjustment phase:
dryness around the mouth, a little flaking near the nose, and that moment you realize your moisturizer is no
longer optionalit’s your ride-or-die. People often think they need to “push through” irritation by adding
more treatments, but most skin does better with fewer actives and more barrier support. Many successful
routines got better when users simply cut frequency in half, used a gentler cleanser, and kept going
consistently.

Another very real moment: discovering that application amount matters. With retinoids like Differin,
the pea-size rule is there for a reason. Too much doesn’t speed resultsit just makes your face feel like it
has opinions about you. Many users found the “moisturizer sandwich” helpful (moisturizer, then a thin layer
of adapalene, then moisturizer again) during the first few weeks. It doesn’t ruin the product; it just makes
it easier to tolerate so you can stay consistent.

Spot treatments come with their own storyline. Benzoyl peroxide is effective, but it can leave behind a dry
patch that looks like a tiny weather system forming on your cheek. That’s why a lot of people kept a gentler
option (like a succinic acid spot gel) for daytime and reserved stronger BPO for night. Sulfur treatments
were another “love it or leave it” categorymany users praised how fast sulfur could flatten a surface
blemish, while others couldn’t get past the scent. The best tip? Use sulfur when you’re staying in for the
evening. Romance can wait; skincare is doing important work.

Hydrocolloid patches turned into a surprisingly emotional support tool: they don’t just absorb fluid; they
prevent mindless picking. People often described them as a “physical reminder” to stop touching their face,
especially during stress. The patch also makes a blemish look less angry, which helps you feel less like
everyone’s staring at it (spoiler: they usually aren’t). Microdart patches, meanwhile, became the “emergency
kit” itempricier, but useful when a deep pimple starts brewing before a big event.

Body acne routines had their own set of wins and lessons. A salicylic acid body wash helped many users, but
the real game-changer was changing out of sweaty clothes faster and avoiding heavy, fragranced body lotions
on breakout-prone areas. Sprays made treatment more realisticbecause if a product is annoying to apply, it
won’t get used consistently. In the end, the most successful experiences weren’t about finding the “one
miracle product.” They were about building a routine you can actually follow on a tired Tuesdayand letting
that consistency do the heavy lifting.