Best acne body wash: 9 formulas tested by beauty editors

There is a lot to love about Naturium's Salicylic Acid Body Wash: its blemish-fighting prowess, hydrating glycerin, moisturising plant oils and the huge 500ml bottle it comes in. But what really sets it apart is its staying power.

The formula uses a clever encapsulation system that helps the salicylic acid adhere to the skin and release gradually, rather than being rinsed away immediately. This controlled delivery is designed to make the 0.5% salicylic acid more effective in a wash-off format while reducing the dryness and irritation associated with free acid. Plus, the thick gel consistency not only means a little goes a long way, but it lingers on skin without sliding off – almost coating it – before rinsing.

It genuinely feels like the formula can stick around and get to work, and this is evident in the results too – it worked wonders on my upper arms and an area on my legs (where I cross them) that suffers from friction-induced bumps. Plus, because it comes in such a huge bottle, after I’d used it a few times for testing purposes, I gave it to a friend with stubborn back acne. She’s tried everything and texted me excitedly a week later to say it was finally shifting – a big win.

It's worth noting that because of this texture, it doesn't lather as much as some other washes, but that didn't bother me. It's also a tad more scented than others, but it's inoffensive, with a fresh, clean scent.

I'm a big fan of the pump format, which makes it so easy to use in the shower, and because it's loaded with glycerin and linoleic-rich plant oils, it leaves skin hydrated and moisturised rather than feeling stripped. To lock in that hydration, I follow with the brand's Urea 5% Body Serum, which acts as a humectant, drawing in and retaining moisture.

Thankfully, these days we know that the ‘squeaky clean’ feeling we chased in our teens is far from how our skin should feel post-cleanse. But when you’re tackling acne, it’s still easy for blemish-busting washes to err on the drying side. Not this one. BYOMA has gone out of its way to ensure its Blemish Clearing Body Wash is as hydrating as they come, combining glycerin and bakuchiol with its barrier-supporting Clearamide Complex.

The stats are compelling: BYOMA says the formula is clinically proven to increase hydration by up to 80% in just one hour and reduce the size of blemishes by up to 74% after four weeks, while also reducing visible redness and helping protect the skin barrier.

I put it to the test after a subpar wax left me with a crop of bumps and ingrown hairs, and it sorted them out within a few days – seriously impressive. Despite containing pore-clearing salicylic acid, it didn’t leave my skin feeling remotely stripped; instead, it felt noticeably soft and supple after every shower.

The consistency is a fairly thin gel, but a couple of pumps on a loofah was plenty to cover my whole body. It lathers well, transforming into a silky, almost microfoam-like layer of tiny bubbles. You won’t get the billowing suds of a creamy body wash, but that’s to be expected from a targeted formula like this.

The scent is almost imperceptible – and I say that as someone with a bloodhound-like nose. Try hard enough and you might detect the faintest medicinal note, but I doubt most people would notice it. I’m also a big fan of the pump bottle, which makes it quick and easy to dispense in the shower.

You may think that this Acne Creamy Wash is only for your face, but it’s suited for your body, too. This non-comedogenic formula contains 4% benzoyl peroxide, making it a gentler starting point for those new to the ingredient. The creamy consistency also makes it ideal for combating dryness.

‘My doctor had suggested I give PanOxyl a try after dealing with mild folliculitis, and I've definitely noticed fewer breakouts over time,’ says Women's Health US beauty assistant Sabrina Talbert. ‘It's become one of my go-to summer care products for post-workout showers.’ For treating stubborn areas, she recommends leaving it on for a minute or two before rinsing it off.

This cleanser uses a a blend of glycolic acid and exfoliating fruit extracts, including grapefruit and papaya, to unclog pores, while glycerin and oat proteins keep skin from drying out. Unlike some other picks on the list, this one has a foaming gel consistency that makes it ideal for all skin types.

Our editors also found that it gently exfoliates the skin, and several testers saw improvements in skin tone and texture as a result. The botanical scent isn't too harsh, so it won't bother those who are sensitive to fragrance. Compared to some of the other body washes, this one is budget-friendly and still delivers on quality.

If you're looking for a budget-friendly option or prefer a grainy texture, consider this face and body scrub from Alba Botanica. It's formulated with 2% salicylic acid and willow bark extract to treat and prevent breakouts. Salicylic acid provides chemical exfoliation, while ground walnut shells physically buff away dead skin – all working together to clear pores of dirt and oil.

This oil-free, non-comedogenic scrub works great on stubborn bacne, and the thick gel-like consistency is perfect for dry skin. Some users note that those with sensitive skin might find physical exfoliators like this one a bit irritating. Overall, our testers who tried this multiple times a week saw significant improvements in their acne and were able to achieve smooth, clear skin over time.

I know people tend to have mixed feelings about bar soap, but this one made specifically for acne and blemishes thoroughly cleanses the skin by removing dirt and oil from your pores. While some people see results from products with a lower percentage of benzoyl peroxide (like PanOxyl), others need something stronger.

This formula contains 10% benzoyl peroxide, which can be more effective, but also more drying. That said, it's recommended that you use it just once or every other day for one to two minutes to get your skin used to it. Not sure if the strength of this product will be too much? Consult with a dermatologist first to address your skin concerns.

Next on the list is this 2% salicylic acid-based wash from pHisoderm. It's formulated with ingredients such as vitamin E to improve skin tone, while aloe and chamomile work to soothe sensitive skin. Users who are prone to breakouts love the way this mineral oil-free foaming wash gently removes dirt. A few also noticed improvements in their dry patches in addition to a noticeable glow.

Unlike some of the major name brands on this list, this one provides results at a fraction of the cost. That said, the consistency is watery, which may require more product per use and frequent restocks.

While Differin's cleanser has a lower benzoyl peroxide concentration (5%) than 111MedCo, we found that its gentler formula that works great on sensitive skin. The gel removes excess oil without overly drying your skin. It's non-comedogenic, unscented, and can be used on your face and body.

Some users find that this product leaves them with softer skin over time, and we found that a little bit of product goes a long way. In testing, it worked especially well on cystic acne.