The 13 Best Acne Products for Teens, According to Dermatologists

An AHA Tonic

One of the buzziest skin-perfecting ingredients around right now is azelaic acid, a pore-minimizing, inflammation-soothing ingredient that also helps kill bacteria that leads to teen breakouts. REN Radiance Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic is packed with it, as well as alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy acids for gentle exfolation. The tonic can “help to gently remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and may improve the appearance of old acne marks,” notes NYC-based dermatologist Dr. Rachel Nazarian. Start slow and work your way up to using this exfoliator about three times a week.

Active ingredients: 

Azelaic acid
Lactic Acid
Salicin

Pros:

Kills bacteria
Tightens pores
Exfoliates dead skin
Treats acne scars
Good for all skin types

Cons:

Can be drying
Some don’t like the smell

A Foaming Face Wash

A favorite among derms, PanOxyl’s creamy formula features benzoyl peroxide, a highly effective agent to treat both blackheads and whiteheads as well as inflammatory acne. Be forewarned, this can leave skin a bit dry depending on skin type (I personally like to use it as a five-minute, wash-off spot treatment), but it’s a life-saver when it comes to angry, red acne.

Active ingredient: Benzoyl peroxide.

Pros:
Contains the highest concentration of benzoyl peroxide you can get over the counter
Treats the face and body
Highly rated

Cons:
Might be harsh on sensitive skin

An Acne-Fighting Cleanser

Maybe, it’s time to switch up your teen’s acne treatments for a new, game-changing product. The Inkey List’s Salicylic Acid Cleanser clears skin specifically for acne blemishes, combination, and oily-prone skin. The $13 gentle formula reduces the look of acne blemishes and blackheads without stripping moisture from the skin. 

Active ingredients: Salicylic acid; zinc; allantoin

Pros:
Reduces blemishes and blackheads
Contains skin-soothing agents to prevent irritation
Can be used day and night
Can be used on face and body

Cons:
Can be harsh on sensitive skin

An Acne Serum

Bubble Skincare has Instagramable products your teen will love. Aside from great packaging, the brand has some seriously effective formulas. Not sure what to pick up? We love the Super Clear Acne Serum — it treats and prevents stubborn bumps with salicylic acid, squalane, and colloidal oatmeal. All of the ingredients decrease inflammation and soothe the skin.

Active ingredient: Salicylic acid; squalene; collodial oatmeal

Pros:
Prevents zits from forming
Pretty packaging
4.8 star rating from hundreds of shoppers

Cons:
Can burn sensitive skin

Pimple Patches

Hydrocolloid pimple patches are great overnight spot treatments, especially for those tempted to pick. Slap a patch on the affected area and remove it in the morning. It’ll suck the gunk and grossness right out of pimples without leaving any redness or irritation behind. 

Active ingredients: Hydrocolloid

Pros:
Nontoxic formulation
Spot-treats zits
Works while your teen sleeps

Cons:
Pimple patches are conspicuous, so this is a nighttime-only treatment

A Three-Piece Skincare Regimen

Not sure which product to buy? Scoop ’em all up with The Acne Set by The Ordinary, which includes a foaming face wash, salicylic acid serum and lightweight moisturizer that let your teen tackle their skincare routine in one fell swoop. All the products are oil-free and clean. 

Active ingredients: Salicylic acid; beta glucan

Pros:
Nontoxic
Three products in one
Affordable

Cons:
Smaller-sized bottles run out quickly

A Clearing Skin Wash

This non-irritating, foaming cleanser uses salicylic acid and tea tree oil to remove excess oil and dead cells from the surface of the skin, keeping pores clean and less likely to grow acne. Zeichner says it can be used both daily on its own or alongside leave-on acne treatments depending on preference.

Active ingredients: Salicylic acid; lactic acid

Pros:
Balanced
Non-toxic formulation
Gentle enough to use everyday
Pleasing menthol smell

Cons:
May be too harsh for sensitive skin

A Deep Acne Treatment

Murad’s acne product heals deep, bothersome acne to reveal a clearer complexion for all skin types. This powerful leave-on treatment is loaded with active ingredients like salicylic acid for quick and long-term relief. 

Active ingredients: Salicylic acid; amino acids; phytosteroid

Pros:
Formulated to treat stubborn acne
Cose to prescription strength without a prescription
Can be used day and night

Cons:
Some customers don’t see an improvement

An Exfoliating Treatment Mask

Designed to be applied up to twice a week, this gentle exfoliating mask treats current acne while also preventing new ones from developing. This clay-based face mask buffs skin and draws out all the dirt, excess oil, and debris to reveal a smoother look. 

Active ingredients: Bentonite and kaolin clay; probitoics; volcanic sand; turmeric; rice extract

Pros:
Plant-based formulation
Only need to remember to use it once or twice a week
Great for sensitive skin

Cons:
Some customers say it burns and is hard to get off.

A Protective Cream

According to this TikTok video, this cream is Hailey Bieber’s secret to calming stressed skin, and it’s no surprise why. Avène’s cream promises to restore skin and soothe any redness and dryness. And it actually delivers on its claims — hundreds of shoppers confirm their skin looks (and feels) better than before.

Active ingredients: Probiotics; copper; zinc; thermal spring water

Pros:
Protects the skin microbiome for long-term results
Hydrates

Cons:
Some customers say the texture is too thick and hard to absorb

An Oil-Free Sunscreen

SPF is a must, especially for those with acne-prone skin, and starting daily use young is key. This lightweight, oil-free formula by Elta MD is loved by derms thanks to its ability to protect without causing breakouts on oily and acne-prone skin.

Active ingredients: 

Zinc Oxide

Pros:

Great for sensitive skin
Won’t cause breakouts
Treats acne scars and rosacea

Cons: 

Some say it pills
Some people of color say it leaves a white cast

A Clarifying Treatment

This treatment features a blend of salicylic and glycolic acid — an alpha hydroxy acid that helps improve skin texture — to treat acne, while honey, boswellia extract and rice extract soothe inflammation and prevent dryness. Simply apply a thin layer over the entire affected area once a day — in an independent clinical study, 96% of subjects noticed reduced pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads in just one week.

Active ingredients: Salicylic acid; plant extracts

Pros:
Non-toxic formulation
Lightweight
Fast results

Cons:
Some customers don’t find it very effective

A Face Mask for Period-Induced Breakouts

Banish period-induced breakouts with this gel mask. It helps to calm inflammation, minimize pore size, moisturize, and smooth uneven skin tone. How does it work? Skin looks clean and clear thanks to the potent (yet gentle) ingredients in the mask. Speaking of ingredients, there is hyaluronic acid, green tea, lavender, and zinc, which work together to keep your complexion balanced.

Active ingredients: Zinc; hyaluronic acid; clary; white willow; green tea

Pros:
Ethically sourced ingredients
Vegan
Non-toxic formulation
Gentle and hydrating
Smells like lavender
Specifically for period breakouts

Cons:
For girls only

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