7 Products That Will Banish Your Body Acne for Good

Gary Goldenberg, MD, of Goldenberg Dermatology likes Neutrogena’s Acne Proofing Daily Scrub since it contains salicylic acid to unclog pores and kill acne-causing bacteria. But if you’re looking to cover a bigger surface area, Neutrogena’s body wash also contains the active ingredient. Formulated with grapefruit extract and vitamin C, this wash will lather up without drying out your skin—leaving a fresh, citrus-y scent behind.

In addition to salicylic acid, this wash from Murad utilizes glycolic acid to clear away pore-clogging dirt and oil. Date seed powder exfoliates, humectants (a substance that keeps things moist) work to lock in moisture, while green tea and licorice root extracts calm any irritation to leave your skin feeling soft.

Is your medicine cabinet packed to the brim with organic beauty products? Then Mother Dirt’s cleanser is the blemish-banishing product for you, according to Dr. Goldenberg. Formulated without preservatives or fragrances, this wash is perfect for those with sensitive skin. “It helps wash away dirt and bacteria that cause acne, but is gentle,” he says.  

If you find that salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide just aren’t working for you, tea tree oil has been touted for its antibacterial properties and ability to improve blemish-prone skin. A cult favorite, the Body Shop’s tea tree line offers a refreshing wash infused with tea tree, lemon tea tree, and tamanu oils that work together to leave your skin feeling clean.

With sweltering temps approaching, it’s important to nix sweat right off your skin after working out to prevent body breakouts, says Tsippora Shainhouse, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Los Angeles. “Shower after exercising or swipe a salicylic acid acne wipe on your face, chest, and back to remove germs and unclog pores,” Dr. Shainhouse says. If you’re sticking with a wipe, make sure you slip into clean, dry clothes afterward, too.

If your skin needs a gentler treatment, this scrub from Peter Thomas Roth will treat acne without leaving that tight and dry feeling behind, thanks to its ultra-fine jojoba beads. Glycolic acid works alongside salicylic acid to scrub away dead skin, evening out any scarring and discoloration in the process.

Benzoyl peroxide is effective at zapping acne-causing bacteria, according to Dr. Shainhouse. This wash—which can be used on the face, chest and back—has the highest concentration of benzoyl peroxide you can get without a prescription. She recommends alternating a wash that contains benzoyl peroxide to get rid of bacteria and a salicylic acid-based one to unclog pores and dry up zits.