Our editors handpick the products that we feature. We may earn commission from the links on this page.

Expert-approved options, from spot treatments to SPF that won’t weigh your skin down.

Dealing with acne-prone skin is complicated whether you've experienced breakouts since you were a teenager or got your first set of pimples as an adult. It's a tricky skin condition to deal with because there are so many causes that can kick-start the formation of bumps and breakouts.

"Acne can be due to a variety of causes," says Dhaval Bhanusali, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. This includes an increase in oil production that leads to clogged pores, slow cell turnover, which causes dead skin to pile up and clog pores, and reactions to topical creams or makeup.

On top of all the different causes of acne, there are also varying types of the condition, says Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. "Generally speaking, acne is divided into inflammatory and non-inflammatory subtypes," he says. "Non-inflammatory acne includes blackheads and whiteheads typically seen in the T-zone, [and] inflammatory acne includes the red bumps, pus pimples, and even the deeper nodules and cysts."

If you're prone to breakouts, you probably know that there's no shortage of acne products available on the market, which is great but also intimidating if you don't know what to look for. Luckily, with the help of top dermatologists, we've gathered the best acne products. If your acne doesn't improve within a couple of months or you have scarring cystic acne, it's worth seeing a dermatologist who can give you a personalized regimen and prescription formulas. Newcomer Twyneo combines tretinoin and benzoyl peroxide—two key acne-fighters—into one formula that you apply nightly.

Ahead, keep reading for the best over-the-counter treatments, serums, cleansers, moisturizers, and more to help get rid of pimples.

Regularly cleansing your skin might be one of the most important steps in any skincare routine, but even more so when you have an acne-prone complexion. "We generally recommend regular cleansing, including a cleanser with up to 2 percent salicylic acid, which is great for dissolving the substances inside the clogged follicles," says Bhanusali. This acne treatment cleanser is formulated with 2 percent salicylic acid to keep pores clean, 1 percent azelaic acid to ward off acne-causing bacteria, and niacinamide to help decrease the look of scarring.

If you're looking for a cleanser that's effective and budget-friendly, this option contains salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and polyhydroxy acid to exfoliate the skin, smooth out uneven texture, and clear breakouts.

Adding a serum into your skincare routine helps as a treatment step to help target specific skin concerns. Those with acne-prone skin will love this powerful formula that helps reduce the formation and appearance of those painful, red, angry, and inflammatory bumps. It includes lactic acid to gently exfoliate, citric acid to help improve the look of discoloration, and Methyl Gluceth-20, a moisturizing ingredient that also reduces redness and inflammation, according to the brand.

Acne products are notoriously drying, but this toner-meets-serum is one of Zeichner's budget-friendly recommendations because its formula is non-irritating. It contains cica, a plant-derived moisturizing ingredient, that helps soothe skin and salicylic acid "to help remove excess oil and remove blockages from the pores," says Zeichner.

Benzoyl peroxide is another powerhouse ingredient for targeting acne. "Benzoyl peroxide is perhaps the most effective ingredient we have in treating inflammatory acne," says Zeichner. This lightweight mask can be used overnight or left on all day to help treat existing breakouts and prevent new ones from forming. "The formula is gentle enough for daily use, and contains a blend of botanicals and fatty acids that balance the root of adult acne, like hormones, diet, and stress," says Zeichner, who is a chief medical adviser for the brand.

This clay mask made with grapeseed and caffeine went viral on TikTok for its ability to purify the skin in as little as 10 minutes. Apply the mask to decongest pores, reduce pore size, and remove excess oil from the skin.

For those moments when you spot a random breakout, this rollerball spot treatment is clinically proven to reduce the look of blemishes in 24 hours. Its formula contains lactic acid and sulfur. Zeichner says the latter "has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties" and is great for "extremely sensitive skin." It's also small enough to take everywhere, so you'll always be prepared for spontaneous breakouts.

Formulated with salicylic and glycolic acids, this toner helps unclog pores, smooth skin texture, and reduce breakouts. Your skin will feel noticeably smoother with each use while blemishes and scarring will fade over time.

Oily skin and breakouts usually go hand in hand, so you'll want to choose a moisturizer that's lightweight but still keeps the skin hydrated. Try this fast-absorbing option made with niacinamide to brighten skin, azelaic acid to help with breakouts and redness, and squalane to moisturize.

Finding a sunscreen that doesn't make your probably already oily skin feel weighed down and greasy is tricky, but that's no excuse to skip out on this important step. Instead, opt for this lightweight chemical-meets-mineral SPF serum that blends easy into the skin and leaves a radiant finish that doesn't feel heavy.

These overnight pimple patches are a game changer for treating breakouts while you sleep. Apply a sticker over your blemish before bed and wake up to a visibly smaller (or completely vanished) bump by morning. The hydrocolloid patches work by removing the pus and fluids from breakouts. They also stop you from touching and picking at pimples, which can lead to scarring.

Smaller pimple patches are great for a singular breakout, but what about when you get a cluster of pimples on your chin or forehead? Enter these hydrocolloid patches that won a Beauty O-ward for their ability to target big pimple clusters and reduce the look of pores. Each pack comes with a patch made to fit the nose, chin, cheeks, and forehead.

"Topical retinoids are helpful in treating all types of acne," says Zeichner. "Think of them as pipe cleaners (Drano, not arts 'n' crafts) that prevent cells from sticking together and blocking pores." Adapalene is a topical retinoid that you can find over-the-counter, such as this formula that fights acne by regulating cellular turnover and reducing inflammation.

Retinol, while extremely helpful in targeting acne and aging concerns, is known for being irritating. Luckily, this formula is infused with tiger grass and chamomile to help prevent any potential flaking, irritation, and bumps. The peptides and tranexamic acid also help to even skin tone and texture for a smooth and clear-looking complexion.

If you're looking to elevate your acne-prone skincare routine, consider adding an LED device, like this one. It utilizes blue light therapy to help kill bacteria that cause breakouts and reduce the appearance of blemishes. It also improves product absorption and offers a warm facial massage making it the perfect, relaxing addition to your nighttime routine.