Acne-Control Cleansers

Cleansers for oily or acne-prone skin

Many skin care products marketed for blemish-prone skin contain skin-tingling alcohol, witch hazel, menthol or camphor despite the fact that these compounds can be exceptionally drying and irritating to the skin -- a cycle which can trigger more acne and do nothing to combat pimple-causing bacteria. Nevertheless, many consumers prefer these skin-tingling products because they equate the sensation with a deeper clean.

Overall, we found pHisoderm Anti-Blemish Gel Facial Wash (*Est. $5 for 6 oz.) to be popular among reviews for blemish management. While Paula Begoun, skin-care expert and author of "Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me," says its main cleansing agent, sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate, is too irritating to skin, most users at Drugstore.com, MakeupAlley.com and Amazon.com disagree. They all give the cleanser high ratings, saying that it clears up acne sans skin irritation.

Some say pHisoderm can be a bit drying; however, the majority says it is gentle and does an excellent job of removing makeup. Most consumers also appreciate the low price, although this brand is a bit harder to find in stores. (It's available online at Drugstore.com.) Testers for Real Simple magazine say pHisoderm is the best budget cleanser for oily or acne-prone skin, due largely to the salicylic acid it contains, which helps to clarify the skin. (Note: Most experts say salicylic acid is best when used in a leave-on product, because it stays in contact with skin for longer periods of time.)

Julyne Derrick, beauty guide for About.com, praises Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash (*Est. $6.50 for 6 oz.) for including a high level of acne-fighting salicylic acid, as well as aloe and chamomile for their soothing qualities. Paula Begoun says it (as well as the grapefruit version) uses the same drying detergent, namely sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate, as pHisoderm. Users at MakeupAlley.com, TotalBeauty.com and Drugstore.com agree that the cleanser can be drying; some say it made their acne worse.

Some acne cleansers tout self-warming properties. Products like Biore Warming Anti-Blackhead Cream Cleanser (*Est. $7.75 for 6.25 oz.) heat up when applied to wet skin because of the inclusion of minerals from volcanic rock and ash. The claim is that the heat opens up pores and allows the product to better penetrate the skin. Begoun, however, is skeptical. She describes the heat as a tactile sensation that really has no benefit to the skin other than personal preference. Experts also advise against using any kind of bar soap for acne-prone skin, because the ingredients that keep bar soap in its solid form can clog pores. However, most experts say gentle, water-soluble cleansers like Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash (included as one of our Best Reviewed products) can also work well on acne-prone skin, as long as they come in a liquid or gel form.