13 of the Best Drugstore Acne Treatments to Ward Off Breakouts

Differin Acne Treatment Gel

"Retinoids are the absolute backbone of an acne treatment," says Levin. "They de-clog pores by normalizing skin cell turnover to prevent dead skin cells from clogging pores, but they also act as an anti-inflammatory."

Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment

Salicylic acid is really that girl—and a great ingredient to have on deck when breakouts appear. "Salicylic acid is a common over-the-counter product that breaks up dead skin cells to clear out blackheads," says Levin. "More importantly, salicylic acid is a lipid-loving acid and, therefore, concentrates in pores, since pores are connected to our oil glands."

Cetaphil DermaControl Oil Control Moisturizer SPF 30

Less is more with acne-fighting ingredients. Bae cautions against using them altogether, as they all contribute to drying out the skin. "Alcohol-based products like astringents can further exacerbate dry skin as a result of treating with these ingredients," she says. "It's so important to ensure daily sunscreen use and to moisturize." This Cetaphil moisturizer fights oil while providing UV protection.

Thayers Witch Hazel Alcohol-Free Toner - Rose Petal

Toner can be a godsend for those who regularly experience breakouts, but many formulas are very harsh and packed with a few too many acne-fighting ingredients. We're big fans of this alcohol-free witch hazel, which has aloe and rose petal meant to soothe while also controlling oil.

Cetaphil DermaControl Oil Removing Foam Wash

"The most important thing to remember is acneic skin is damaged skin. A harsh cleanser will cause more harm than good," says Friedman. "Mild cleansers that are pH balanced and do not contain surfactants (the part of soap that binds to dirt/fat on the skin) are ideal. Some foaming cleansers, like Cetaphil DermaControl, are mild and good for oily skin."

Differin Daily Deep Cleanser

"An acne-free, oil-free cleanser with benzoyl peroxide and glycolic acid [is my favorite] because the lower percentage benzoyl peroxide is gentle yet effective to treat acne, and the added glycolic acid helps exfoliate the skin, like the Differin Daily Deep Cleanser, which contains 5 percent of benzoyl peroxide," says Bae. Friedman adds, "when it comes to benzoyl peroxide, less is more."

Burt's Bees Herbal Complexion Stick

If you're sensitive to the popularly touted anti-acne ingredients mentioned in this article, like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, try this tea tree oil blemish stick from Burt's Bees. The combination of astringent tea tree and juniper oils, exfoliating willow bark, and soothing calendula come in a convenient roll-on stick form for easy reapplication.

Glytone Mild Gel Cleanser

"My favorite gentle acne cleansers are those with glycolic acid," says Levin. "Many of my patients who are dealing with female adult acne also have an intolerance to the traditional acne medications that they used to be able to tolerate as a teenager, such as benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. Using a mild exfoliating cleanser with glycolic acid chemically exfoliates the skin with a small percentage of glycolic acid."

Avène Cleanance Mattifying Emulsion

For sensitive skin, Bae likes this product from Avène. It has a mattifying formula with a velvet-like texture that helps eliminate blemishes in the gentlest way possible.

Prosacea Medicated Rosacea Gel

As a spot treatment, Prosacea's product "contains sulfur, which is a keratolytic with antibacterial properties," says Bae. "The product also includes skin soothers like aloe to help moisturize and soothe the skin."

Cover Dot Acne Care Hydrocolloid Waterproof Clear Pimple Absorbing Acne Patch

One of these patches will help heal a pimple faster "because it absorbs the fluid from the pimple; creates a moist environment to allow for faster and improved healing; protects the pimple from you picking and against sunlight, which accelerates healing; and minimizes exposure to UV radiation to minimize hyperpigmentation," says Levin.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream

One of the main causes of acne is clogged pores, so it's important to keep a lightweight moisturizer on hand. This hydrating, but water-based gel cream from Neutrogena definitely fits the bill.

Cortizone Maximum Strength Ointment

When your breakouts have reached the point where they're inflamed to the point of pain, you'll want to break out the tube of cortisone ointment. No, it won't treat the acne at hand, but it will help calm down any redness, itchiness, irritation, and pain.

What to Look for in Drugstore Acne Treatments

• Ingredients: Drugstore acne treatments rely on several different active ingredients, including benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, and salicylic acid. Which one works best for you may depend on a number of factors, including your age, skin type, and severity of the breakout.
• Form: There are lots of options when it comes to treating acne: gels, creams, face washes, toners, roll-ons, stick-on patches, masks, and more. Most work best on mild to moderate acne, and you may have to experiment a bit to see what's most effective for you (not to mention what feels best on your skin!).
• Cause of Acne: In order to treat breakouts, it's important to determine what caused them in the first place. While some types of acne are caused by excess oil production, others are caused by clogged hair follicles, bacteria, and inflammation. If drugstore products aren't working for you, it's always best to consult your dermatologist, who can prescribe stronger and more targeted treatments.