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  • 10 Best Products for Body Acne in 2022 (Dermatologist-Reviewed) 1
  • 10 Best Products for Body Acne in 2022 (Dermatologist-Reviewed) 2
  • 10 Best Products for Body Acne in 2022 (Dermatologist-Reviewed) 3
  • 10 Best Products for Body Acne in 2022 (Dermatologist-Reviewed) 4
  • 10 Best Products for Body Acne in 2022 (Dermatologist-Reviewed) 5

10 Best Products for Body Acne in 2022 (Dermatologist-Reviewed)

Have you started breaking out on your back, shoulders, and chest? Or want to dress cooler for the summer but are embarrassed because of the way your skin looks? Luckily, there are plenty of products out there for body acne. From preventative exfoliators to leave-on treatments, you can use one or more of these items to help clear up your body acne. 


Our top 10 list gives you a preview of the various types of products you can use. We chose Proactiv's Deep Cleansing Acne Body Wash for its medicated and exfoliating ingredients, including salicylic acid. Be sure to also check out our buying guide, which has information on how to choose a product for body acne and when it's best to make an appointment with a dermatologist. Keep reading to find out more!

Last updated 09/26/2023

Quick List - Top Products For Body Acne

1

Proactiv

Deep Cleansing Body Wash
Deep Cleansing Body Wash

Prevent and Treat Body Acne Daily

2

Crown Laboratories, Inc.

PanOxylAcne Foaming Wash
Acne Foaming Wash

Fight Acne Bacteria With a Maximum Strength Formula

3

Maryann Inc.

Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Pads
Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Pads

Exfoliate Your Skin and Reduce Hyperpigmentation

4

Vie Naturelle

Acne Body Spray
Acne Body Spray

Convenient Body Spray With Benzoyl Peroxide and Salicylic Acid

5

Wonderfully Natural

African Black Soap
African Black Soap

A Natural Remedy for Acne

Dr. Lauren Levy
Expert
Board Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Lauren Levy

Dr. Levy is a board certified dermatologist practicing in NYC and Westport, Connecticut. She has expertise in treating inflammatory skin conditions like acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis. She has an interest in skincare and takes a personalized approach to all of her patients.

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The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.

Table of Contents

How to Choose Products For Body Acne

To find the best product for body acne, you may need to experiment a little. Everyone is different, and people's skin may react differently to the same product or ingredients.


Start by assessing the severity of your breakouts, then learn about the various ingredients you may come upon, and whether you want to try a preventative product or one that targets existing acne. If you're in doubt, check with a dermatologist before you commit to a product.

1

Evaluate the Severity of Your Body Acne

Evaluate the Severity of Your Body Acne

Body acne is typically caused by factors such as your DNA, hormonal fluctuations, excess oil, poor skin cell shedding, exposure to bacteria, and sweat, leading to clogged pores and inflammation. If you notice that you mostly get blackheads and small papules or pustules only occasionally, you may be able to resolve the problem with OTC products.


On the other hand, if you're experiencing larger breakouts, frequent body acne, or cysts, you may want to consult with a dermatologist or a medical professional that treats skin conditions. You may need a combination of over-the-counter preventative and prescription-strength products.


For moderate to severe acne, you can also try body acne products from Proactiv or Curology. These can be more effective than standard over-the-counter solutions since the formulas are developed either by dermatologists or with your specific skin-care needs in mind.

Dr. Lauren Levy
Board Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Lauren Levy

Many times, topical over-the-counter washes and lotions are sufficient for treating body acne, and I recommend these all the time. For deeper cystic lesions, oral prescription medications may be needed (like an antibiotic or a medication called Accutane) in addition to the topical products. 


If you are using the product for six weeks and not noticing any improvement, then you should be evaluated by a dermatologist to see if you need to change your routine.

2

Choose an Active Ingredient to Treat Your Acne

Choose an Active Ingredient to Treat Your Acne

Many body acne products contain the same type of ingredients used to treat facial acne. Active ingredients like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, alpha-hydroxy acids, witch hazel, charcoal, and retinol are common. These ingredients can come in different concentrations, ranging from one to 10 percent.


Higher concentrations usually produce faster results but can cause more irritation. If you have sensitive skin, choose low concentrations and stick with products that contain the same active ingredient.


Benzoyl peroxide is best for fighting p. acnes bacteria but can stain or bleach clothing, towels, and sheets. If you're using leave-on products with it, you'll want to ensure your face is dry before putting on clothes or going to bed. Salicylic acid, alpha-hydroxy acids, and retinol are best for stimulating cell turnover to unclog pores.


Most of the active ingredients in body acne products can dry out your skin or cause it to peel. With higher concentrations, you may also experience stinging, redness, or a flushed look to your skin.


If this happens, try a lower concentration or reduce the number of times you use the product per week. Additionally, make sure you pair the product with a good moisturizer if your skin gets dry.


In addition to active and conventional anti-acne ingredients, there are others that can fight breakouts and simultaneously be gentler on your skin. For example, antibacterial soaps, tea tree oil, non-medicated exfoliating scrubs, and black soap can help fight bacteria, remove dead skin cells, and reduce oil on the skin.

Dr. Lauren Levy
Board Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Lauren Levy

For larger cystic lesions, choose a higher concentration of benzoyl peroxide. Even if you have sensitive skin, washes are well tolerated since you rinse them off. Remember to leave the wash on for a few minutes before washing it off. 


For whiteheads and blackheads, salicylic acid washes can be helpful. Do not use salicylic acid if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, though! Leave-on retinol products can help with all kinds of body acne but should not be used if pregnant or breastfeeding. Make sure you are using sun protection with these ingredients as they can make you burn easily.

3

Consider Preventative and Treatment Products

Consider Preventative and Treatment Products

Washes and soaps that contain some medication or active ingredients can prevent future breakouts. They can also contain exfoliating ingredients like walnut or apricot in addition to benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.


Meanwhile, leave-on treatments can target existing breakouts. These usually come in the form of body sprays, lotions, gels, creams, and medicated pads and patches.


You might want to try a combination of preventative and leave-on treatment products for increased effectiveness. If your body acne is persistent or more severe, a combination of products can be more beneficial. However, it's recommended to use different active ingredients on alternating days, so as not to overdry the skin.


Be especially mindful of mixing different types of medication like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide if you have sensitive skin. Overuse can lead to increased irritation. Make sure to introduce new products to your skin slowly, starting with a few times a week and gradually increasing to daily.

Dr. Lauren Levy
Board Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Lauren Levy

Once your body acne is controlled, you may want to use the product a few times a week to prevent a recurrence, especially during the summer or humid months when sweat tends to occlude the follicles and cause more outbreaks. 


I always recommend a maintenance regimen of using the wash or product anywhere from two to three times a week to keep the acne under control.

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10 Best Products For Body Acne Ranking

Here are the best Products For Body Acne, ranked according to 10 Best Products for Body Acne (as of 11-04-2022). The products are ranked independently by mybest.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Key features
1

Proactiv

Deep Cleansing Body Wash

Proactiv Deep Cleansing Body Wash 1

Prevent and Treat Body Acne Daily

2

Crown Laboratories, Inc.

PanOxylAcne Foaming Wash

Crown Laboratories, Inc. Acne Foaming Wash 1

Fight Acne Bacteria With a Maximum Strength Formula

3

Maryann Inc.

Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Pads

Maryann Inc.  Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Pads 1

Exfoliate Your Skin and Reduce Hyperpigmentation

4

Vie Naturelle

Acne Body Spray

Vie Naturelle Acne Body Spray 1

Convenient Body Spray With Benzoyl Peroxide and Salicylic Acid

5

Wonderfully Natural

African Black Soap

Wonderfully Natural African Black Soap 1

A Natural Remedy for Acne

6

Lorelis Labs

Cystic Acne Spot Treatment

Lorelis Labs Cystic Acne Spot Treatment 1

Leave-One Spot Treatment for Breakouts

7

Mighty Patch

Mighty Patch Surface

Mighty Patch Mighty Patch Surface 1

Patch Treatment for Whiteheads

8

Mario Badescu Skincare

A.H.A. Botanical Body Soap

Mario Badescu Skincare A.H.A. Botanical Body Soap 1

Unconventional But Soothing Ingredients for Body Acne

9

Neutrogena

Body Clear Body Scrub

Neutrogena Body Clear Body Scrub 1

Medicated Exfoliating Scrub by a Trusted Brand

10

De La Cruz

Acne Treatment

De La Cruz Acne Treatment 1

Reduce Inflammation, Bacteria, and Oil

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Proactiv
Deep Cleansing Body Wash

Deep Cleansing Body Wash 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$33.60
High
Reference price
$33.60
High

Prevent and Treat Body Acne Daily

Proactiv's Deep Cleansing Body Wash has exfoliating ingredients to stimulate cell turnover and get rid of dead skin cells. It contains salicylic acid to treat and dry out existing blemishes and it's gentle enough to use every day. The brand's line of products is known for their effectiveness over time, even on more severe cases of acne.


A handful of reviewers complained about the 16 fluid-ounce bottle, saying it was frustrating to work with. They warned that it had no pump and it was sometimes difficult to get the wash out of it. However, there were no complaints about the 9 fluid-ounce bottle!


Still, many were pleased that they saw results with continued use. They liked that the product helped dry out existing acne and prevent new breakouts. Some of these reviewers noted they have been using the product for many years due to its effectiveness.

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No.2

Crown Laboratories, Inc.
PanOxylAcne Foaming Wash

Lowest price
$9.77
Low

Fight Acne Bacteria With a Maximum Strength Formula

This foaming wash for body acne has the maximum amount of benzoyl peroxide you can get over the counter. When used consistently, it kills bacteria on your skin and prevents breakouts. The wash also treats existing acne by reducing bacteria in blemishes.


Because of its high concentration of benzoyl peroxide, those with sensitive skin may want to steer clear of this one. And no matter your skin type, make sure to do a patch test before use and introduce it gradually.


Reviewers confirmed that this product wasn't ideal for sensitive skin. However, the majority of reviewers raved about the wash, saying it helped reduce acne in many different areas, such as the back and butt. A fair few also said it effectively treated maskne.

No.3

Maryann Inc.
Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Pads

Reference price
$17.49
Mid

Exfoliate Your Skin and Reduce Hyperpigmentation

This is a leave-on glycolic acid acne product that works within your skin to increase cell turnover. It acts as a chemical exfoliant while reducing the spots and marks left over from prior breakouts. The product can also stimulate collagen production within your skin, helping to reduce the appearance of shallow scarring.


A handful of reviewers advised that the product should be rinsed off after a minute or two and that it can cause irritation if used too often on sensitive skin. Still, the majority of reviewers were happy with the pads, saying they reduced breakouts, sun spots, and wrinkles. They liked that the pads came in a convenient, small container.

No.4

Vie Naturelle
Acne Body Spray

Reference price
$19.97
High Mid

Convenient Body Spray With Benzoyl Peroxide and Salicylic Acid

Vie Naturelle's body spray can help you treat more difficult-to-reach areas on your back. It has a low concentration of benzoyl peroxide as the main active ingredient so those with sensitive skin can give it a try.


It also contains ingredients like witch hazel and eucalyptus oil, which reduce inflammation. Natural tea tree oil and salicylic acid work to unclog pores. Since it has two active ingredients, it covers a lot of ground!


Some reviewers stated the product ended up bleaching their clothes or sheets even after letting it dry on their skin. On the other hand, most reviewers liked that the spray helped clear up their acne. They were impressed with how quickly they saw improvements.

No.5

Wonderfully Natural
African Black Soap

Reference price
$14.99
Mid

A Natural Remedy for Acne

This soap is a natural remedy for acne and other skin conditions like eczema. It can also reduce hyperpigmentation and scarring. It uses essential oils and natural ingredients like coconut oil and vitamin E to smooth your skin and clear away blemishes.


A few reviewers warned that the soap could grow mold easily. That's why it's advisable to keep it in a dry spot when not in use. Some also experienced dry skin after using the soap.


However, people with oily skin loved the soap because it alleviated them from excess oil as well as acne breakouts. Many highlighted that the soap did away with acne completely. A few recommended using it in conjunction with a good moisturizer.

No.6

Lorelis Labs
Cystic Acne Spot Treatment

Reference price
$17.95
Mid

Leave-One Spot Treatment for Breakouts

This spot treatment can be applied to isolated breakouts on your chest, back, or other areas of your body. You can also apply the treatment to areas where you regularly breakout to help treat clusters of acne. This formula contains natural ingredients to target the causes of acne, such as the build-up of dead skin cells, excess oil, and bacteria.


A handful of reviewers did not like the smell of the product or the texture. They thought it was too oily and melted easily. But, for the most part, reviewers liked the treatment. They noticed skin inflammation decreased significantly and they were able to get relief from their acne, including on the neck and back.

No.7

Mighty Patch
Mighty Patch Surface

Reference price
$17.99
Mid

Patch Treatment for Whiteheads

Mighty Patch Surface strips are ideal for breakouts on your chest or back. The strips work best on whiteheads and are not meant for blackheads or cystic acne. They work by absorbing waste from the skin. They can be worn for up to six hours, but may not be suitable for those with allergies to rubber or pectin.


The most common complaint from reviewers was that the strips left red marks and other signs of irritation. Some also stated the strips were difficult and painful to remove.


However, the majority of reviewers appreciated that these strips helped speed up the healing process for their acne. They noticed existing breakouts hurt less, looked less inflamed, and oil and debris were pulled to the surface quicker.

No.8

Mario Badescu Skincare
A.H.A. Botanical Body Soap

Reference price
$14.00
Mid

Unconventional But Soothing Ingredients for Body Acne

This is another natural product for body acne that can prevent breakouts by increasing skin cell turnover and reducing oil. The formula contains alpha-hydroxy acids from citrus fruits like grapefruit as well as oat protein to absorb excess oil. The body soap can be used daily.


A few reviewers experienced signs of irritation after using the product, such as red bumps and itching. However, the majority of reviewers liked that the soap lasted a long time and that it helped clean and exfoliate the skin without drying it out too much. Some saw a reduction in body acne on their back and shoulders.

No.9

Neutrogena
Body Clear Body Scrub

Reference price
$12.99
Low Mid

Medicated Exfoliating Scrub by a Trusted Brand

Neutrogena's body scrub contains exfoliating ingredients to slough away dead skin cells. For example, the salicylic acid continues to exfoliating process within your skin after your wash. It also treats existing breakouts, helping them come to the surface and dry out quicker. This body scrub is oil-free and non-comedogenic, making it perfect for oily skin.


A few reviewers noted that the scrub did not relieve severe cases of acne. They also warned that it was not good for sensitive skin. On a positive note, many reviewers liked the clean smell of the product and thought it did a good job of removing dirt and oil from the skin. They liked that it helped reduce breakouts, especially in the summer and warmer months.

No.10

De La Cruz
Acne Treatment

Reference price
$13.49
Low Mid

Reduce Inflammation, Bacteria, and Oil

Leave this treatment on for 10 minutes in areas where you have active breakouts or frequently suffer from acne. The formula contains 10 percent sulfur to draw out impurities and reduce the amount of oil your skin produces. Sulfur can also reduce inflammation and bacteria in existing breakouts, causing them to start the healing process faster.


Some reviewers didn't like the texture of the ointment and complained about burning and redness. But the majority of reviewers liked that the treatment helped clear up their acne. They also appreciated that it dried their skin and helped existing blemishes heal.

More Expert Tips for Dealing With Body Acne

More Expert Tips for Dealing With Body Acne

Dr. Levy says, "Body acne is one of the most common problems we see in the dermatology office. It can be stubborn to treat because the lesions cover large areas, and many times, the medicines or products are difficult to apply to the area or not enough product is used


This is why a wash is a great way to treat body acne! It's easy to spread the wash to large areas so you can make sure you are getting enough on the skin. 


Many times, I will see facial acne clear before body acne. This can be for many reasons, including not enough medicine or product used on the area, or the product is not strong enough to treat body acne. The skin on the body - especially the back, shoulders, and buttocks where we see a lot of body acne - can tolerate a stronger product than the more delicate facial skin.


Lastly, there are certain steps to take to reduce body acne, like immediately changing out of sweaty gym clothes and avoiding occlusive clothing for long periods of time. Other tips to prevent body acne include avoiding spandex pants if you suffer from acne on the buttocks, and avoiding heavy creams that may clog the pores."

In Collaboration With Board Certified Dermatologist Dr. Lauren Levy

Dr. Lauren Levy
Board Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Lauren Levy

This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.

Top 5 Products For Body Acne

No. 1: ProactivDeep Cleansing Body Wash

No. 2: Crown Laboratories, Inc.PanOxylAcne Foaming Wash

No. 3: Maryann Inc. Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Pads

No. 4: Vie NaturelleAcne Body Spray

No. 5: Wonderfully NaturalAfrican Black Soap

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The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.

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