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2
Best Natural Formula
Mario Badescu A.H.A. Botanical Body Soap
2
Best Natural Formula
Mario Badescu A.H.A. Botanical Body Soap
This cleanser uses a blend of naturally derived alpha hydroxy acids (grapefruit peel extract and papaya extract) to unclog pores while glycerin and oat proteins keep skin from drying out.
Rave review: “I have been acne-prone for most of my life. Things got worse when I got pregnant. I can’t use any products with salicylic acid, so I tried this because it had all-natural ingredients. LOVE it. Not only did it help control the chest and back acne, but it did it without over-drying and irritating my skin. I hope they never discontinue this. And I can’t believe the price. You’d think something that works this well would be 5 times as expensive.”
3
Best Splurge
SkinMedica AHA & BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
3
Best Splurge
SkinMedica AHA & BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
Though this one is on the pricier side, it’s because it’s packed with acne-fighting ingredients. A blend of alpha hydroxy acids (glycolic, lactic, citric, and malic acids) and beta hydroxy acid (salicylic acid) exfoliate away dead skin cells and clear out pores while jojoba oil spheres keep skin calm and soothed.
Rave review: “Absolutely love this cleansing wash. it has the micro beads for extra exfoliation. My skin feels so clean and smooth after use.”
4
Best Budget Body Wash
Neutrogena Body Clear Pink Grapefruit Acne Body Wash
4
Best Budget Body Wash
Neutrogena Body Clear Pink Grapefruit Acne Body Wash
This drugstore staple not only includes salicylic acid to keep pores clear, it also includes vitamin C and grapefruit extract to help lighten hyperpigmentation that acne can leave behind.
Rave review: “This body wash smells amazing! I use it whenever I feel like the skin on my back starts to get slightly bumpy and it quickly gets rid of it and prevents them from turning into full blown backne.”
5
Best for Sensitive Skin
CeraVe Body Wash With Salicylic Acid
5
Best for Sensitive Skin
CeraVe Body Wash With Salicylic Acid
Now 11% Off
Salicylic and lactic acids help exfoliate away dead skin while hyaluronic acid, niacinimide, and ceramides work together to hydrate and repair your skin’s barrier. This makes it ideal for sensitive skin types. This combo is also great for treating those tiny bumps that show up on the backs of your arms—more formally known as keratosis pilaris.
Rave review: “I started seeing results from my first couple uses. It has greatly helped with clearing my back and chest acne. It dried out my active breakouts and it reduced my acne scaring.”
6
Best Benzoyl Peroxide Wash
PanOxyl Antimicrobial Acne Creamy Wash
6
Best Benzoyl Peroxide Wash
PanOxyl Antimicrobial Acne Creamy Wash
You may think that this is only for your face, but it’s suited for your body, too. Start off with a mid-level benzoyl peroxide wash, like this one, to reduce the risk of irritation.
Rave review: “Has really helped control my acne, especially on the body. Leave on a couple minutes while doing other things in the shower.”
7
Best For Shelfies
Murad Clarifying and Exfoliating Acne Body Wash
7
Best For Shelfies
Murad Clarifying and Exfoliating Acne Body Wash
Now 30% Off
This cleanser packs glycolic and salicylic acids to keep pores clear —It works best if you have blackhead-type acne on your back. Bonus: Apply an OTC retinoid like Differin on the area post-wash for a one-two exfoliating punch.
Rave review: “I just started using murad acne body wash four days ago and I already can see a huge difference with the acne on my back.”
8
Best Calming Formula
pHisoderm Anti-Blemish Body Wash for Acne
8
Best Calming Formula
pHisoderm Anti-Blemish Body Wash for Acne
Another great salicylic acid-based wash, it’s also formulated with vitamin E, aloe, and chamomile to calm touchy skin.
Rave review: “Greatly reduced my back acne!!! Highly recommend.”
9
Best Deep Clean
Differin Daily Deep Cleanser
9
Best Deep Clean
Differin Daily Deep Cleanser
Now 20% Off
Just because it says it’s for your face doesn’t mean it can’t go on your back and butt. This cleanser contains 5 percent benzoyl peroxide to lessen inflammatory lesions.
Rave review: “I have hormonal acne and this cleared it up right away. it also does not dry out my skin.”
10
Best Bar Soap
111MedCo 10% Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Bar
10
Best Bar Soap
111MedCo 10% Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Bar
I know people tend to have mixed feelings about bar soap, but this one made specifically for acne and blemishes uses benzoyl peroxide to deeply clean the skin by removing dirt and oil from your pores.
Rave review: “This product has really cleared up the acne that I have struggled with since I was a teenager, especially the back acne.”
11
Best For Reducing Inflammation
SKINRxLAB Made Cera Acne Clearing Body Wash for Sensitive Skin
11
Best For Reducing Inflammation
SKINRxLAB Made Cera Acne Clearing Body Wash for Sensitive Skin
A good body wash for acne also alleviates the inflammation that acne causes—this formula contains artemisia princeps leaf extract, which does just that.
Rave review:“Great moisturizing body wash with great benefits. I suffer with raspberry legs and it leaves my skin feeling very smooth and soft especially after shaving. I no longer have back acne. The scent is very light, nothing too overpowering. Works great for sensitive skin, I haven’t had any issues.”
12
Best Multitasking Body Wash
Kosas Good Body Skin AHA + Enzyme Exfoliating Body Wash
12
Best Multitasking Body Wash
Kosas Good Body Skin AHA + Enzyme Exfoliating Body Wash
This cleansing wash is a one-stop for cleaning pores, exfoliating, and hydrating acne-prone skin. The AHA blend of glycolic, lactic, and mandelic acids works together to exfoliate and clear all traces of blemishes.
Rave review: “This is my second bottle of this body wash. I love it. When I started spin cycle classes I started getting some small chest acne & was mortified. This cleared it up without over drying my skin. Bonus points as it lightened my armpit areas.”
Which cleanser is best for body acne?
“When it comes to acne washes, I recommend patients look for benzoyl peroxide, which is antibacterial and also reduces sebum production,” says Karan Lal, MD, board-certified dermatologist. “I also recommend looking for salicylic acid, which breaks open comedones and helps exfoliate the skin.” Dr. Lal also suggests looking for a body wash that contains sulfur. “Sulfur is an excellent agent in acne washes, too, because there is no bacterial resistance, and it is anti-inflammatory,” he says.
How do you get rid of back acne with body wash?
Once you’ve secured a body wash, use it daily to target your back, chest, and butt bumps. If you have dry skin, Dr. Lal suggests using the product a few times a week to avoid any other irritation. Then, make sure to follow up with a moisturizer, since some acne products are known for being drying. He recommends non-comedogenic moisturizers, which are essentially just moisturizers that won’t clog your pores.
Jessica Migala is a health writer specializing in general wellness, fitness, nutrition, and skincare, with work published in Women’s Health, Glamour, Health, Men’s Health, and more. She is based in the Chicago suburbs and is a mom to two little boys and rambunctious rescue pup.
Chelsea Burns is the Beauty Director for Women’s Health and has been writing in the beauty and wellness space for over six years with her work appearing in Real Simple, Health, Fitness, and Byrdie.com. She’s an expert at testing products and is always on the hunt for the best tinted moisturizer.
Taylor Lane is a former New Yorker, now based out of Baltimore, where she writes about beauty and wellness. When she’s not writing about the newest product launches and time-saving tips, Taylor teaches barre at her local studio. Follow her on Instagram
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