Which scrub is best for acne?

Oily and acne-prone skin can lead to severe breakouts, oiliness, and greasiness if not catered to properly. Your skin needs exfoliation to get rid of all these woes. The best face scrubs for acne-prone skin will help to make your skin clear, smooth, and refreshed, as exfoliation helps eliminate dead skin cells and oil or product build-up from your skin. In addition, a good face scrub will exfoliate grime oil and dirt while leaving your skin with a radiant and flawless glow. This article lists the best face scrubs for acne-prone skin that you can try. Keep scrolling to check out our top picks!

Our Top Picks
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Best Soap-Free:Aveeno Positively Radiant Skin Brightening Daily Scrub
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Best Anti-Aging:Era Organics Revive+Microdermabrasion Manuka Honey Walnut Scrub & Mask
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Best Dermatologist-Tested:St. Ives Acne Blemish Control Scrub
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Best Oil-Free:Solimo Oil-free Acne Scrub
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Best pH-Balanced:Bioré Blue Agave+Baking Soda Acne Scrub
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Best Non-Comedogenic:Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash
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Best Acne-Resistant:Neutrogena Acne Proofing Daily Facial Scrub
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Best Fragrance-Free:Acne Free New Blackhead Removing Scrub
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Best Vegan:Beauty By Earth Facial Scrub
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Best Sulfate-Free:Eva Naturals Exfoliating Facial Scrub
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In This Article

  • 10 Best Face Scrubs for Acne-Prone Skin
  • How To Use Face Scrubs For Acne
  • How To Choose The Best Face Scrubs For Acne
  • Infographic: A Guide To Face Scrubs For Acne: What To Look For & How To Use
  • Why Trust StyleCraze?

1. Best Soap-Free:Aveeno Positively Radiant Skin Brightening Daily Scrub

Aveeno Positively Radiant Skin Brightening Daily Scrub is formulated with radiance-boosting soy extract to cleanse and clarify your skin. Soy reduces the appearance of discoloration, while jojoba and castor oils balance your skin tone and texture. In addition, its moisture-rich and skin-brightening formula scrubs away dead skin cells and promotes smooth, glowing skin.

Key Ingredients: Soy extract, Jojoba oil, and Castor oil

Pros

  • Soap-free
  • Oil-free
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Dermatologist-tested

Cons

  • Contains parabens

2. Best Anti-Aging:Era Organics Revive+Microdermabrasion Manuka Honey Walnut Scrub & Mask

Era Organics Revive+Microdermabrasion Manuka Honey Walnut Scrub & Mask is an exfoliating skin mask and scrub featuring a microdermabrasion formula to renew your overall skin tone and texture. Its gentle formula loosens dirt, grime, and dead cells from your skin, leaving it nourished and healthy. It features the goodness of manuka honey and walnuts. It contains vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that repair dead skin cells. Aloe vera offers soothing properties to this product, while orange peel increases collagen production and blood flow.

Key Ingredients: Manuka honey, Walnut, Aloe vera, and Orange peel

Pros

  • Soothes the skin
  • Fighs the signs of aging
  • Sulfate-free
  • Vegan
  • Paraben-free
  • Cruelty-free
  • Gentle formula
  • Dye-free
  • Perfume-free

Cons

  • May not suit sensitive skin

3. Best Dermatologist-Tested:St. Ives Acne Blemish Control Scrub

St. Ives Acne Blemish Control Scrub has a deep exfoliating formula that fights acne. Say ‘goodbye’ to blemishes with this apricot-based scrub enriched with salicylic acid that will reduce breakouts and make your skin glow. The infusion of walnut shell powder in this scrub provides physical exfoliation by removing the outer layer of dead skin. The 100% natural exfoliants in its oil-free formula leave your skin natural, soft, and glowing.

Key Ingredients: Walnut shell powder, Salicylic acid, and Apricot

Pros

  • Oil-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Dermatologist-tested
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Cruelty-free

Cons

  • Not BPA-free

4. Best Oil-Free:Solimo Oil-free Acne Scrub

Solimo Oil-free Acne Scrub is tested for safety by dermatologists and pediatricians. It alleviates acne issues with the help of salicylic acid. It also contains pink grapefruit, which is known for its cell regenerating properties. Additionally, this oil-free acne scrub is free from parabens and phthalates. The facial scrub is designed to treat acne and blemishes to reveal nourished and healthy skin.

Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid and Pink grapefruit

Pros

  • Paraben-free
  • Phthalate-free
  • Cruelty-free
  • Dermatologist-tested
  • Pediatrician-tested
  • Oil-free
  • Polyethylene bead-free

Cons

  • May dry out the skin

5. Best pH-Balanced:Bioré Blue Agave+Baking Soda Acne Scrub

Bioré Blue Agave+Baking Soda Acne Scrub is best suited for combination skin. It is infused with natural baking soda that provides deep exfoliation to give clear skin in just two days. It comes with the acne-fighting power of salicylic acid, which heals existing acne and prevents future breakouts. Its gentle formula has a creamy texture that does not dry out your skin and leaves it silky smooth. This oil-free scrub is pH-balanced to prevent further loss of moisture.

Key Ingredients: Blue agave, Salicylic acid, and Natural baking soda

Pros

  • Cruelty-free
  • Vegan
  • Dermatologist-tested
  • pH-balanced formula
  • Oil-free

Cons

  • Unpleasant fragrance

6. Best Non-Comedogenic:Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash is formulated with MicroClear technology to eliminate acne and prevent future breakouts. Its non-comedogenic formula prevents the clogging of pores. It is powered by salicylic acid, which removes dead skin cells from your skin’s outer layer and offers a clear and glowing look. In addition, it features pink grapefruit that cleanses away dirt, grime, and skin impurities. Its special skin soothers protect the skin from drying out and prevent any irritation.

Key Ingredients: Pink grapefruit and Salicylic acid

Pros

  • Residue-free
  • Oil-free
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Non-irritating

Cons

  • May dry out the skin

7. Best Acne-Resistant:Neutrogena Acne Proofing Daily Facial Scrub

Neutrogena Acne Proofing Daily Facial Scrub is powered by ClearDefend technology to prevent future breakouts. Its oil-free formula is a skin-smoothing exfoliator that locks in moisture, keeping it soft and nourished. It is formulated with salicylic acid that eliminates dirt, grime, and bacteria, making your skin look healthy and nourished. This clinically-proven scrub contains gentle exfoliators and helps your skin become more acne-resistant.

Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid

Pros

  • Oil-free
  • Dermatologist-recommended
  • Clinically proven formula

Cons

  • Unpleasant fragrance

8. Best Fragrance-Free:Acne Free New Blackhead Removing Scrub

Acne Free New Blackhead Removing Scrub is a gel-based cleanser that combines the maximum strength of salicylic acid to remove blackheads. The natural exfoliators in this formula reduce the appearance of pores to give you smooth and clear skin. It is infused with purifying jojoba oil and natural charcoal to rejuvenate your skin without making it dry. This fragrance-free scrub prevents skin irritation, making your skin look brighter and cleaner.

Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, Jojoba oil, and Activated charcoal

Pros

  • Fragrance-free
  • Value for money
  • Just a little product required per use

Cons

  • Contain sulfates

9. Best Vegan:Beauty By Earth Facial Scrub

Beauty By Earth Facial Scrub contains a natural blend of nourishing ingredients. It is infused with organic ingredients like aloe vera and superfruit extract to provide deep hydration and accelerate skin cell growth. This scrub is a perfect solution for all your skin woes. It is balanced with a combination of organic ingredients and chlorophyll. This 2-in-1 face wash and scrub exfoliates and cleanses at the same time. Its vegan formula contains bamboo powder and vegetable cleansers that suit all skin types.

Key Ingredients: Super fruit, Chlorophyll, Bamboo powder, and Vegetable cleansers

Pros

  • All-natural ingredients
  • Vegan
  • Cruelty-free

Cons

None

10. Best Sulfate-Free:Eva Naturals Exfoliating Facial Scrub

Eva Naturals Exfoliating Facial Scrub has a gentle formula that moisturizes your skin. It is powered with natural ingredients like aloe vera and willow bark to provide deep nourishment and prevent premature aging. Its herbal infusion of salicylic acid exfoliates your skin to remove stubborn blackheads. It is formulated with fine cosmetic pumice that clears away your dry skin and combats cellular damage. In addition, its gentle formula is free of any harmful chemicals and safe for all skin types.

Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, Willow bark, Salicylic acid, and Pumice

Pros

  • Vegan
  • Cruelty-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Fragrance-free
  • Suitable for all skin types

Cons

None

It is important that you use a face scrub the right way on your acne-prone skin to get the best results. Find out how to use it in the next section!

How To Use Face Scrubs For Acne

  1. Tie your hair back and splash water on your face.
  2. Take a dime-size amount of the scrub on your fingertips and apply it to your cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead.
  3. Massage it into your skin gently in circular motions.
  4. Keep massaging it in till the scrub dries on your face.
  5. Wash your face gently with lukewarm water and use a towel to pat it dry.
  6. Follow up with your favorite toner, serum, or moisturizer.

Now, let us also learn about the factors to consider when buying a face scrub.

How To Choose The Best Face Scrubs For Acne

  • Ingredients

Natural ingredients like olive oil, eucalyptus, sandalwood, etc. help in controlling excess oil on your skin and prevent breakouts. Salicylic acid is good for acne-prone skin as it sucks out oil from the pores while improving your skin’s elasticity.

  • Physical Exfoliants

Look for products with grainy solid particles – like walnut and apricot shell powders, cellulose beads, or rice powder – as they act as natural exfoliators.

  • Brand

Your skin is the most sensitive part of your body. A good brand may be expensive, but it will not cheat you with its quality. So, choose quality over quantity.

Infographic: A Guide To Face Scrubs For Acne: What To Look For & How To Use

Caring for acne prone skin is not too difficult. You can manage acne with a good skin care routine. You may also include a face scrub for acne-prone skin to get rid of stubborn breakouts and eliminate the chances of new acne from overtaking your skin.

This infographic suggests the points to be kept in mind while looking for the perfect face scrub for acne. It sheds light on the effective steps that should be taken while using the face scrubs.

A Guide To Face Scrubs For Acne [infographic]

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Good face scrubs help eliminate dead skin cells, unclog pores, and prevent excess oil build-up on your skin. They also help exfoliate grime, oil, and dirt, while maintaining your skin’s natural glow. To get the best results, choose scrubs that are made of natural ingredients, including olive oil, eucalyptus, and sandalwood that are known to prevent breakouts. For users with oily skin, look out for scrubs with salicylic acid as one of its components, as it is good for acne-prone skin. However, avoid scrubs which have the tendency to dry out the skin after every use.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

Shiboli Chakraborti, the author of this article, is a certified skin care coach who knows what is good for the skin and what it needs. Her deep knowledge of skin care and issues like acne helps her pick the best for her readers. She has browsed through several user reviews and product details to prepare this list of the best face scrubs for acne-prone skin. These products help keep your skin clear, smooth, and refreshed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I scrub my face daily?

Face scrubs help to control sebum build-up in your pores. Using a scrub daily may dry our your skin. Hence, it is recommended to use a scrub only once or twice a week.

What is the best time to use a face scrub?

The best time to use face scrub is in the morning as the dead skin cells loosen up at night, making it easier to exfoliate them in the morning.

Are there any side effects of using face scrubs if I have acne?

Too much scrubbing may disrupt the upper layer of your skin, thereby exposing it to more UV rays. Therefore, limit its usage to once or twice a week.

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  • Author

Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified... more