It turns out that some of the most effective acne-fighting products can be found right in the drugstore aisle. Yes, those pricey acne treatments can really do the work, and we have a lot of favorites there, but don't write off their drugstore counterparts just because they're cheaper. And really, who doesn't love saving a buck or two?
It's all about browsing for the right product that works for you. "When shopping for drugstore acne treatments, look carefully at the ingredients," recommends dermatological nurse and celebrity aesthetician Natalie Aguilar. "It is important to avoid any ingredients you are allergic to or that are contraindicated when it comes to your health. For example, Retin-A should be avoided when pregnant, salicylic acid should be avoided if you are allergic to aspirin, and most acids should be used with caution when participating in outdoor activities because of increased sun sensitivity."
When reading the labels, prioritize certain ingredients. "Look for products that utilize salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, retinol, and sulfur, as each has been proven to treat acne and reduce a different aspect of the inflammatory cascade that leads to acne breakouts," says Corey L. Hartman, MD, FAAD, founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology.
Aguilar also suggests pinpointing what type of acne you have and how severe it is and then finding products that cater to that particular condition. She shared some of her recommendations for ingredients based on the type that you're experiencing:
Alpha Hydroxy Acids: Some examples include lactic, mandelic, and glycolic acids. "These acids are usually derived from foods and tend to be on the gentler side," she says. "These should be the first ingredients one should prioritize, as they are usually a great way to introduce acids to the skin. These products work by drying up whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples and exfoliating the top layer of your skin. They are usually found in face wipes, cleansers, toners, and moisturizers."
Salicylic Acid: "If one is experiencing a clogging type or congested type of acne, think blackheads, whiteheads, and dead skin, look for products that contain salicylic acid," Aguilar says. "SA is a preferred ingredient when treating blackheads and whiteheads because it breaks down the materials that clog pores such as excess oil and dead skin cells. SA is generally safer for sensitive skin and is best used as a cleanser, wipe, or mask."
Benzoyl Peroxide: Aguilar says it's also a popular ingredient when treating moderate to severe acne. It works to unclog the pores and stops bacteria from growing and causing blemishes and cystic lesions. Important note: You won't want to use benzoyl peroxide if you have sensitive skin, as it can be drying and cause redness and irritation. Aguilar adds that it works well in a cleanser.
Vitamin C: "When trying to deal with acne and acne scars, vitamin C is a beautiful ingredient to incorporate into a skincare routine," Aguilar says. "To start, vitamin C contains anti-inflammatory properties and helps reduce the redness and swelling that comes with acne. Vitamin C also stimulates collagen, which helps rebuild skin damaged from the rising and collapses into a crater. It is best used as a serum."
Vitamin A/Retinol: Both Aguilar and Hartman recommend this ingredient to treat acne—and Hartman even says it's an ingredient to prioritize. "Retinols are vitamin A derivatives that are among the most studied and published ingredients in skincare," he says. "Retinols regulate cell turnover, promote effective exfoliation, prevent acne, even discoloration, control oil, smooth fine lines, and wrinkles, unclog pores, and so much more." Aguilar adds that it's best used as a serum or treatment cream.
Ingredients to Avoid
Just as there are ingredients to prioritize, there are also some you'll want to avoid, as they may aggravate your acne. "Avoid shea butter, coconut oil, flaxseed oil, and cocoa butter, which are all comedogenic and clog pores to worsen acne and increase oiliness," Hartman says.
Aguilar also suggests avoiding ingredients that can cause irritation or inflammation, as you're already dealing with those things as is—so that means staying away from products that contain artificial fragrances and perfumes.
Other Tips for Treating Acne
Once you find the products that work for you, that doesn't necessarily mean you'll be 100% in the clear. There is such a thing as user error, after all. Both Hartman and Aguilar shared some other tips for treating acne with us:
Be consistent: "Commit to consistency. The products and the regimen are secondary to a commitment to actually using them regularly," Hartman says. "This one simple tactic will take you farther than the most expensive product or in-office procedure."
Start small: "The biggest mistake one can make when shopping for OTC drugstore acne treatments is buying and doing too much," Aguilar explains. "It's best to start small and with the basics. For example, a new cleanser and moisturizer is a great way to start. Then maybe after two weeks, a new product can be introduced. Acne doesn't clear up in a day, so going home with a cart full of new products isn't going to help. It's best to start minimal, asses, and reevaluate what is and isn't helping."
Follow the directions: Aguilar says this is another mistake. "I once received an email from someone asking for help," she recalls. "He left an acne mask on overnight! The instructions had clearly labeled the mask to be rinsed off after three to five minutes. He gave himself a severe chemical burn."
Only using one ingredient: Aguilar adds that some people might make the mistake of making a single ingredient the bathroom star. "You don't need a salicylic acid cleanser, followed by a salicylic acid serum finished with a salicylic moisturizer," she says. "A single star ingredient can alter your pH, making your skin feel uncomfortable and creating an imbalanced skin flora."
The Best Drugstore Acne Products to Try
And now that you have all that knowledge, it's time to shop. Take a look at some recommended finds below.
"The first product that comes to mind when I think drugstore acne treatments is Differin Gel (Adapalene Gel 0.1%). Differin is the first Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved prescription-strength retinoid acne treatment available over the counter. I remember when it became an OTC product in 2016," Aguilar says. "I was so excited because this product works for so many people who no longer have to deal with prescriptions and insurance drama. Finally, a product that works and is available at local drugstores! This once-a-day application helps normalize skin cell turnover, decrease inflammation, and reduce the risk of scarring and hyperpigmentation by treating acne and preventing new breakouts. Differin is a safe and effective retinoid that is oil‑free and fragrance‑free. I love that it can be applied as a spot treatment or to the full face."
Formulated with 2% salicylic acid, this spot treatment works to dissolve oil and reduce the size and redness of pimples. It also contains witch hazel to soothe.
"La Roche-Posay's Effaclar Medicated Acne Face Wash contains 2% salicylic acid in a hydrating vehicle that cleanses efficiently without overdrying," Hartman says.
Each of these cleansing pads contains salicylic acid to target acne, plus moisturizing soy extract to improve clarity, tone, and texture. It's also great for sensitive skin, and it won't overdry the skin.
Aguilar says this is another favorite acne product of hers. "It's a soap-free bar for oily skin that thoroughly removes dirt and excess oil without disrupting skin's natural protective barrier to leave skin feeling clean, not tight or dry," she says. "The kaolin clay absorbs excess oil; niacinamide helps calm inflammation; ceramides strengthen the skin's barrier; and hyaluronic helps retain moisture. It is free of fragrance and parabens and is pH-balanced. It can be used on the face and body. It's also very inexpensive."
After washing your face, apply this deep-cleaning astringent to deal with existing acne and prevent any other pimples from forming. The oil-free product can be used on all skin types, including normal, oily, and combination skin.
"For a prescription-strength retinoid in an over-the-counter gel, La Roche-Posay's Effaclar Adapalene Gel 0.1% takes it up a notch," Hartman says. "Previously only available as a prescription, this gel helps clear blackheads, whiteheads, acne blemishes, and clogged pores. Topical retinoids also help to treat textural irregularities and acne lesions that contribute to discoloration."
"Avène's Cleanance Concentrate Blemish Control Serum is great for acne-prone, sensitive skin that achieves acne clearance in a gentle, non-drying manner," Hartman says.
The 10% benzoyl peroxide in this product kills acne-causing bacteria and gets rid of dirt and clogged pores. You can use it on both your face and body.
Neutrogena's spot gel treatment is clinically proven to reduce the size and redness of acne in two hours. It's formulated with maximum-strength 10% benzoyl peroxide.
"For those with sensitive skin that is also acne-prone, try CeraVe's Acne Foaming Cleanser, which incorporates 4% benzoyl peroxide but no drying or irritation," Hartman recommends.
For a natural option, try this spot treatment from Burt's Bees. Its blemish-reducing formula contains tea tree, calendula, yarrow, and parsley extracts, plus salicylic acid naturally derived from willow bark.
If you have sensitive skin, you don't have to worry about this cleanser irritating it—it's formulated to be gentle. It works to cleanse, clear, and prevent breakouts while also hydrating and soothing the skin.
This oil-free formula gets to those clogged pores to clear acne, blackheads, and whiteheads—all thanks to benzoyl peroxide and micro-exfoliating LHA (lipo hydroxy acid).
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