15 Best Face Wash for Hormonal Acne in U.S. [December, 2023]

Acne can be frustrating and painful to deal with. Hormonal acne in particular can be tricky to manage. The right face wash is important for keeping breakouts under control. Here are the top face washes for hormonal acne available in the U.S.

1. CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser Acne Treatment Face Wash with 4% Benzoyl Peroxide, Hyaluronic Acid, and Niacinamide | Cream to Foam Formula | Fragrance Free & Non Comedogenic | 5 Oz

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Key Features

• Contains 4% benzoyl peroxide to help clear acne
• Hyaluronic acid and niacinamide help soothe skin
• Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic formula

Our Expert Review

This foaming cleanser from CeraVe combines acne-fighting benzoyl peroxide with skin-soothing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. The 4% benzoyl peroxide concentration provides effectiveness against acne while being gentle enough for continued use. The cream-to-foam formula rinses clean without over-drying. It’s a great medicated face wash choice for hormonal acne.

2. Paula’s Choice CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser Salicylic Acid Acne Face Wash, Redness & Blackheads, 6 Ounce

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Key Features

• Contains 0.5% salicylic acid to exfoliate and fight acne
• Helps keep pores clear of blackheads and breakouts
• Fragrance-free, paraben-free formula

Our Expert Review

This salicylic acid cleanser from Paula’s Choice helps eliminate acne by exfoliating away pore-clogging dead skin cells and removing excess oil. The 0.5% concentration of salicylic acid is effective but gentle. It clears current breakouts while helping prevent new ones from forming. This face wash is a great choice for tackling hormonal acne and blackheads.

3. COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser

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Key Features

• Low pH formula gently cleanses without disrupting skin’s moisture barrier
• Contains tea tree oil, BHA, and botanical extracts to treat acne
• Lightweight gel formula rinses clean without dryness or residue

Our Expert Review

COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser is a highly effective face wash for acne-prone skin. The combination of tea tree oil, betaine salicylate BHA, and natural botanical extracts make it a gentle, clarifying cleanser ideal for hormonal breakouts. It maintains skin’s optimal pH balance while removing impurities. The refreshing gel texture lathers up nicely and leaves skin clean but not tight or stripped.

4. Cetaphil Face Wash Daily Facial Cleanser for Sensitive, Combination to Oily Skin, NEW 16 oz, Fragrance Free,Gentle Foaming, Soap Free, Hypoallergenic

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Key Features

• Gentle foaming cleanser specifically for acne-prone skin
• Removes excess oil, dirt, and makeup without irritation
• Fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic formula

Our Expert Review

Cetaphil’s daily cleanser for oily, acne-prone skin provides an effective wash that is free of harshness. The gentle foaming action lifts away impurities without over-drying or disrupting the skin. It cleans thoroughly but also calms and soothes, making it ideal for sensitive hormonal acne. The hypoallergenic formula won’t clog pores or cause new breakouts.

5. Youth To The People Kale + Green Tea Cleanser

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Key Features

• Contains kale, green tea, spinach, and alfalfa extracts to cleanse and nourish
• Gently removes makeup, oil, and impurities
• Soothes and hydrates without stripping or over-drying

Our Expert Review

This cleanser from Youth to the People combines powerful superfood extracts like kale and green tea with gentle surfactants to effectively cleanse acne-prone skin. The botanical ingredients not only clean but also provide antioxidants to soothe inflammation. The non-drying gel formula removes excess oil without compromising the skin’s moisture barrier. It leaves skin clear and refreshed.

6. CeraVe Face Wash Acne Treatment 2% Salicylic Acid Cleanser with Purifying Clay for Oily Skin Blackhead Remover and Clogged Pore Control Fragrance Free, Paraben Free & Non Comedogenic| 8 Ounce

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Key Features

• 2% salicylic acid helps clear acne breakouts
• Purifying clay absorbs excess oil
• Fragrance-free, non-comedogenic formula

Our Expert Review

This salicylic acid-powered cleanser from CeraVe combines a 2% concentration of acne-fighting BHA with kaolin clay to remove oil and impurities from clogged pores. The salicylic acid exfoliates to prevent breakouts while the clay draws out dirt and absorbs excess oil. It’s an effective way to combat hormonal acne and blackheads in an easy-to-use foaming cleanser.

7. AYADARA Acne Charcoal Face Wash 8 oz, Adult Acne Face Wash for Women & Men with Activated Charcoal, Charcoal Cleanser Face Wash Face Cleanser for All Skin Types, Facial Cleanser for Men, 425+ Uses

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Key Features

• Activated charcoal draws out impurities from pores
• Gentle creamy lather cleanses without drying
• Suitable for all skin types

Our Expert Review

This charcoal-infused face wash from AYADARA harnesses the pore-cleansing power of activated charcoal to combat acne. The ultra-fine charcoal powder penetrates deep to absorb excess oil, remove dirt, and draw out toxins. It leaves skin clean and mattified without dryness or irritation. The creamy lather rinses clean, making this a great daily cleanser for oily, blemish-prone skin.

8. COSRX Cystic & Hormonal Acne Treatment- Low pH Gel Cleanser + BHA Blackhead Liquid Mild Daily Exfoliation, pH Balancing, Remove Blackheads, Koeran Skincare

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Key Features

• Low pH gel cleanser gently removes impurities
• BHA blackhead power liquid provides chemical exfoliation
• Balances and clarifies skin

Our Expert Review

This set from COSRX contains a clarifying gel cleanser and potent blackhead liquid serum with BHA. The low pH cleanser prepares skin for the exfoliating serum by balancing and hydrating. The serum uses betaine salicylate to gently peel away dead skin cells and dissolve blackheads. Used together, these K-beauty favorites cleanse congested pores and treat acne without harshness. It’s a great combo for maintaining clear, healthy skin.

9. Mario Badescu Acne Facial Cleanser for Combination & Oily Skin Oil-Free Face Wash with Salicylic Acid & Aloe Vera, Deep Pore Clean, 6 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)

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Key Features

• Contains 2% salicylic acid to treat acne
• Aloe vera soothes irritation and redness
• Oil-free, non-comedogenic formula

Our Expert Review

Mario Badescu’s acne face wash combines salicylic acid to clear breakouts with soothing aloe vera for calming properties. The 2% BHA concentration provides effective acne treatment and exfoliation of pore-clogging dead skin cells. Aloe vera helps reduce redness and irritation that can come with acne. This cleanser is gentle enough for daily use but strong enough to combat hormonal acne.

10. ROSEN Super Smoothie Cleanser – 4.3 fl oz Face Wash with Pure Fruit Powders, Natural Exfoliation for Melanin Skin, Hormonal & Adult Acne Treatment, Hyperpigmentation Fading, Dark Spot Brightening, Smooths & Refreshes, Great for Mild to Moderate Acne Prone Skin

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Key Features

• Contains real superfood fruit extracts like acai and goji berry
• Natural glycolic and lactic acids provide chemical exfoliation
• For acne-prone skin of all ethnicities

Our Expert Review

ROSEN Super Smoothie Cleanser is an innovative gel cleanser powered by superfood fruit extracts and AHAs. Natural glycolic and lactic acids provide gentle chemical exfoliation to unclog pores and reveal brighter skin. The blend of antioxidant-rich superfruits also helps hydrate, clarify, and protect acne-prone skin. This cleanser is gentle yet effective for daily use on all skin tones.

11. Paula’s Choice RESIST Perfectly Balanced Foaming Cleanser Hyaluronic Acid & Aloe, Anti-Aging Face Wash, Large Pores & Oily Skin, 6.4 Ounce

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Key Features

• Foaming cleanser helps remove excess oil
• Hyaluronic acid and aloe hydrate skin
• Anti-aging antioxidants

Our Expert Review

Paula’s Choice RESIST foaming cleanser deeply cleanses oily, acne-prone skin while delivering anti-aging antioxidants. It removes dirt, oil, and makeup without stripping moisture thanks to skin-soothing hyaluronic acid and aloe. The creamy foam leaves skin feeling clean and refreshed without tightness or irritation. This cleanser both treats acne and improves skin’s appearance.

12. CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser Daily Face Wash for Oily Skin with Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides, and Niacinamide| Fragrance Free Paraben Free | 16 Fluid Ounce

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Key Features

• Foaming action removes excess oil
• Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and niacinamide hydrate and soothe
• Fragrance-free, non-comedogenic formula

Our Expert Review

CeraVe’s Foaming Facial Cleanser provides an effective yet gentle wash for acne-prone skin. The foaming action deep cleans pores while essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide hydrate and strengthen the skin barrier to help resist breakouts. It removes oil and makeup without stripping or irritation. The fragrance-free formula won’t clog pores or trigger hormonal acne.

13. IMAGE Skincare CLEAR CELL Salicylic Gel Cleanser, Gentle Foaming Face Wash Removes Excess Oil and Shine for Oily Prone Skin

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Key Features

• 0.5% salicylic acid clears acne
• Oil-fighting botanicals like tea tree oil
• Gentle creamy gel transforms to light foam

Our Expert Review

IMAGE Skincare CLEAR CELL cleanser harnesses salicylic acid and botanical extracts to clear hormonal acne. The 0.5% BHA dissolves pore-clogging oil and debris. Antimicrobial tea tree oil, saw palmetto, and rosemary fight bacteria to prevent breakouts. The creamy gel lathers into a light foaming wash that rinses clean without stripping the skin. It’s the perfect clarifying cleanser for acne-prone skin types.

14. RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Serum Facial Cleanser with Niacinamide for Anti-Aging and Fine Lines Makeup Remover, Fragrance Free Skin Care, Opthalmologist Tested, Stocking Stuffers, 6 Ounces

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Key Features

• Contains retinol to reduce acne and signs of aging
• Niacinamide (vitamin B3) calms inflammation
• Gentle creamy formula

Our Expert Review

RoC’s retinol facial cleanser fights acne while delivering anti-aging perks. The retinol clears and prevents breakouts by keeping pores clear. Niacinamide soothes inflammation to reduce redness. The creamy wash glides over skin, removing impurities without irritation. With consistent use, the retinol also improves skin texture, tone, and fine lines for hormonal acne-prone skin.

15. Mario Badescu Acne Facial Cleanser for Combination & Oily Skin Oil-Free Face Wash with Salicylic Acid & Aloe Vera, Deep Pore Clean, 6 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)

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Key Features

• Pre-moistened towelettes with salicylic acid
• Convenient pore-cleansing on the go
• Alcohol-free, hypoallergenic formula

Our Expert Review

These portable cleanser towelettes from Clean Skin Club provide an alcohol-free way to refresh skin and fight acne on the go. The soft towelettes contain acne-clearing salicylic acid to cleanse pores, remove oil, and prevent breakouts. They cleanse gently without needing water or rinsing so they can be used anytime, anywhere. Each individually wrapped towelette stays hygienic for easy travel. They’re great for controlling breakouts and oil throughout the day.

Comparison for Best Face Wash for Hormonal Acne

How to Choose the Best Face Wash for Hormonal Acne

When looking for the best face wash for hormonal acne, consider the following:

• Medicated ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to clear breakouts
• Gentle surfactants that won’t strip or irritate sensitive skin
• Skin-soothing extracts like green tea, aloe vera, chamomile
• Non-comedogenic formulas that won’t clog pores and cause more acne
• Hypoallergenic and fragrance-free formulas for sensitive skin
• pH-balanced formulas that won’t disrupt the skin’s moisture barrier

Look for a face wash that balances fighting acne with maintaining the health of your skin’s moisture barrier. Harsh ingredients can worsen hormonal acne, so aim for gentle effectiveness.

Types of Face Washes for Acne-Prone Skin

There are a few main types of face washes tailored for acne-prone skin:

• Salicylic acid cleansers use chemical exfoliation to clear pores. Concentrations typically range from 0.5-2%.
• Benzoyl peroxide cleansers kill acne bacteria and reduce inflammation. Common concentrations are 2.5-5%.
• Tea tree oil or charcoal cleansers contain natural ingredients that draw out impurities from pores.
• Low pH cleansers help maintain skin’s ideal slightly acidic pH balance.
• Sulfur-based cleansers absorb excess oil and treat breakouts.
• Acne cleansers with clay use ingredients like bentonite clay to absorb oil and deep clean pores.

Tips for Usage, Care & Maintenance

• Use your medicated acne face wash once or twice daily. Over-washing can dry out skin.
• If using a leave-on benzoyl peroxide product too, use the face wash in the morning and the leave-on at night.
• Acne washes can cause dryness or peeling, so moisturize after cleansing.
• Reduce frequency of use if your face feels dry, irritated, or overly tight after washing.
• Use a warm, wet washcloth if the face wash causes sensitivity around the eye area.
• Check that you aren’t allergic to any ingredients before long-term use.
• Store acne cleansers in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

FAQs about Best Face Wash for Hormonal Acne

Q. What is the best face wash for hormonal acne?

Some of the best face washes for hormonal acne contain acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Gentle cleansers with soothing botanicals like green tea, aloe vera, and chamomile are also recommended. The CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser and the Paula’s Choice CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser are examples of top-rated acne face washes that combat breakouts while maintaining gentle cleansing for sensitive, hormonal acne-prone skin.

Q. What is the best face wash and moisturizer for hormonal acne prone skin?

For hormonal acne-prone skin, look for an acne face wash with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to clear breakouts, paired with a lightweight oil-free moisturizer. The Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser followed by the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturizer is an excellent combination for hormonal acne. The cleanser removes impurities without irritation while the hydrating gel moisturizer provides moisture without clogging pores.

Q. How often should I use a medicated face wash for hormonal acne?

You can use a medicated acne face wash once or twice daily. It’s best to start with once daily and only increase to twice daily use if your skin tolerates it without dryness or irritation. Over-washing inflamed skin can worsen hormonal acne, so closely monitor your skin’s condition.

Q. What ingredients make a face wash good for hormonal acne?

The best ingredients in face washes for treating hormonal acne are salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, tea tree oil, sulfur, charcoal, and AHAs/BHAs. These help clear existing breakouts, remove excess oil, and exfoliate away dead skin cells clogging pores. Soothing ingredients like green tea, aloe, hyaluronic acid, and chamomile are also beneficial for reducing irritation.CopyRetry

Q. Should I use other acne treatments along with my medicated face wash?

A. Yes, you can pair medicated face washes with other acne treatments like benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, or salicylic acid serums for enhanced results. Introduce new products one at a time.

Q. Can I use an acne face wash if I have dry skin too?

A. Yes, look for acne face washes with added moisturizers or oils that cleanse gently without stripping the skin barrier. Avoid foaming or gel cleansers that can overly dry skin.

Q. Should I use a face wash for hormonal acne every day?

A. You can use a medicated acne face wash daily, but monitor your skin. Reduce usage if your skin becomes dry, irritated or overly stripped from daily washing. Take occasional breaks if needed.