9 Best Acne Body Washes for Bacne, Chestne, and Breakouts in 2020 – Cosmopolitan

Alright, pls do me (and your skin) a favor by staying away from physical exfoliators. Even though your body is tougher than your face, gritty scrubs do way more harm than good: They can create micro-tears in your skin that totally f*ck up your barrier and lead to more breakouts. Instead, opt for chemical exfoliants like glycolic and salicylic acids—which this acne body wash is full of—to gently and effectively clean your pores and minimize oil. 

Another thing about chemical exfoliants: Even though it’s tempting to slather them on everyday to destroy your body acne, you’ll want to slowly work them into your routine to avoid irritation (think: once every three days until your skin adjusts). This drugstore option from CeraVe is a great starter wash, since it’s loaded with salicylic acid (to gently treat acne and bumps) and ceramides (to hydrate and strengthen your skin barrier).

Not down to treat your body acne with a medicated wash? No prob, ’cause loading up on hydrating ingredients is just as important (and effective) in the fight against zits. This gentle body wash from Avène cleanses your skin without messing up your pH levels—a thing that can lead to breakouts—courtesy of gentle ingredients like glycerin and spring water.

I get it—liquid body washes aren’t for everyone. That’s where this bar soap from Clinique comes in. It’s formulated with everything you want in a body acne cleanser (pore-clearing salicylic acid and hydrating glycerin) but with the creamy texture of an easy-to-handle bar.

This acne body wash is great for fighting annoying breakouts (you can thank the formula’s 8.8 percent glycolic acid for its pore-unclogging powers). Smooth it over damp skin in the shower every three days to wash away dirt, excess oil, and (eventually) zits.

There’s a reason this drugstore acne body wash has been on the market for years: The classic formula is a tried-and-true option for treating breakouts on your back, chest, and shoulders. Salicylic acid is the hero ingredient, obvi (are you sensing a theme here?).

This prettily packaged acne body wash is spiked with a blend of alpha hydroxy acids—like papaya and grapefruit extracts—that fight rough, breakout-prone skin. This bb is gentle enough to use daily, BTW, and it hugs your skin with soothing oat protein and ginseng extract. 

The ingredients in this acne body wash are, like, ridiculously impressive. Alongside zit-fighters like glycolic and azelaic acids, you’ll also find vitamin C (helps brighten your skin tone) and vitamin E (soothes and hydrates). Tl,dr; you can’t go wrong with this one.

If salicylic acid is usually way too harsh and drying for your skin, don’t give up before you try this acne body wash from Epionce. Ultra-moisturizing coconut oil works alongside salicylic acid to keep your skin soft, hydrated, and zit-free.