The Best At-Home Acne Treatments, According to Dermatologists

Dr. Dennis Gross Spectra Lite FaceWare Pro ($455)

"Blue light has been shown in studies to reduce acne-causing bacteria and reduce the number of acne lesions on the skin. Red light boosts cellular metabolic processes to improve wound healing, reduce inflammation and improve skin texture. Dr. Dennis Gross Spectra Lite FaceWare Pro is a great at home LED light therapy device with both blue and red spectrum light. It is cordless and has a shorter suggested treatment time than many of its competitors. If you aren't quite ready to shell out the big bucks for a full face treatment, Dr. Dennis Gross also has the SpotLite Acne Treatment Device ($52) to target individual acne lesions." — Kristina Collins, MD, double board-certified dermatologist and founder of foy by Dr. Collins

Differin Acne Treatment ($15)

"The Differin Acne Treatment is by far the best over-the-counter acne treatment; in fact, it was only available by prescription until 2016. Differin targets multiple causative factors for acne and can even help lighten pigmented acne scars. Differin is most effective when applied in a thin layer over the entire affected area, rather than spot treating, so it can prevent new breakouts as well as treat those that are already visible." — dermatologist Jennifer Peterson, DO, FAAD

"Retinoids are one of the best acne treatments, backed by years and years of scientific studies. I highly recommend Differin Gel, as it is the only prescription-strength retinoid available over the counter. It is less potent than prescription-strength retinoids so patients with sensitive skin tolerate it better. I love Differin (and other retinoids) as they not only treat acne, but they can help with the dark spots seen after acne lesions clear. Also, retinoids have antiaging properties — what more can you ask for in an acne cream?" — dermatologist Charlotte Birnbaum, MD

"Differin is a retinoid, so it's great at clearing clogged pores and blackheads, which are oftentimes the nidus for formation of inflammatory bumps and pustules." — dermatologist Susan Bard, MD

"As a result [of Differin being a prescription treatment previously], it has been extensively studied and found to be great for acne. Not only that, compared to many prescription retinoids, it is gentler on the skin so it's easier to tolerate, especially if you're just starting out. Retinoids are great for acne prevention by helping to regulate skin turnover to prevent pores from getting clogged, so it can be especially helpful for whiteheads and blackheads." — dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD

"Differin, Differin, and Differin. It's now available OTC and is less than $15 dollars at Target, instead of $300 when it was only available RX — don't get me started on that nonsense." — dermatologist Tina Kinsley, MD

"One of my favorite OTC acne treatments is the Differin gel, which was originally approved by the FDA in 1996 as a prescription treatment for acne. Differin is an excellent choice for both papular acne as well as blackheads and whiteheads. It also helps control the oiliness of the skin. With costs of prescription medications soaring and limited insurance coverage for many medications, Differin Gel 0.1% is an excellent option as a starter medication for treating acne." — dermatologist Jennifer Kitchin, MD, FAAD

"Differin gel is a prescription-strength retinoid available at any drugstore and is one of the best treatments for whiteheads and blackheads, not to mention enlarged pores and wrinkles. I caution my patients to start three times a week and build up as tolerated." — dermatologist Kathryn Dempsey, MD

"Use Differin as a whole face (not spot) treatment, preferably but not exclusively in the evenings. Don't use Differin at the same time as a benzoyl peroxide treatment, which is an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory." — dermatologist Stephanie Daniel, MD

Peace Out Skincare Acne Healing Dots ($19)

"I love acne or pimple patches, like the Peace Out Skincare Acne Healing Dots. Pimple patches are essentially flesh-colored hydrocolloid bandages that are cut in the shape of circles so they cover pimples. Hydrocolloid is often used in wound healing because it draws moisture out of wounds and can stick to both dry and wet sites. I ask patients to very gently prick the pimple with a clean pin once, then apply the patch on top. It's great because it draws out the contents and, sometimes more importantly, keeps the patient from picking at it. Icing the area after taking off the pimple patch also helps to calm it down further (and if you don't have a pimple patch on hand, icing helps, too)." — dermatologist Papri Sarkar, MD

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Unifiant ($33)

"One of my favorite [acne treatments] is the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Unifiant. It combines micronized benzoyl peroxide with lipohydroxy acid (LHA) to zap the bacteria that causes acne, exfoliate cell by cell, and renew skin. This treatment is particularly effective because the benzoyl peroxide is formulated into smaller particles to go more deeply into the skin. In addition, LHA is actually derived from salicylic acid but has a slower penetration so it's more gentle." — dermatologist Nikki Tang, MD

"For mild acne I love Effeclar Duo Tinted. It has 2% salicylic acid to combat mild breakouts, and the mild tinted color works like a CC cream to neutralize any imperfections." — dermatologist Jordana Schachter, MD

MMSphere 2.0 ($795)

"The blue light of the MMSphere 2.0 kills acne bacteria, and the amber light helps improve your mood with endorphins, which will lessen stress. At night, my favorite is the red LED light on the meditation setting, which pulses steadily like a heartbeat and calms your mind with dopamine." — dermatologist Ellen Marmur, MD.

PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash with 10% Benzoyl Peroxide ($12)

"One of my favorite over-the-counter products for acne is the PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash with 10% Benzoyl Peroxide, which works to reduce skin bacteria. This med is recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology acne guidelines and is almost always a winner." — Dr. Bonati

Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser ($12)

"Although not specifically formulated for patients with acne, I always recommend the Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser to my acne patients, as acneic skin is sensitive and needs to be treated delicately. Additionally, acne products tend to be drying, so a gentle wash will prevent overstripping of the natural oils, thereby preventing further irritation." — Dr. Bard

Cetaphil Oil Control Moisturizer SPF 30 ($14)

"The Cetaphil Oil Control Moisturizer SPF 30 works great to combat shine, while the SPF takes care of sun protection for anyone using those sun-sensitive topical medications." — Dr. Schachter

"Always use a noncomedogenic sunscreen moisturizer in the morning, such as the Cetaphil Oil Control Moisturizer SPF 30, which will moisturize and protect without clogging pores." — Dr. Haygood

"I always say to rely on gentle, oil-free (noncomedogenic) moisturizers when treating acne because although many people believe acne-prone skin doesn't need moisturizer, it actually does, especially as some of the treatments for acne can be drying. The key is using a moisturizer like that is oil-free, like Cetaphil's, so it doesn't make the acne worse." — Dr. Garshick

"I warn patients that acne treatments can leave the skin feeling dry or even cause peeling, so I always recommend a noncomedogenic (oil-free) moisturizer to go with it. My favorite brands include the Cetaphil or CeraVe facial moisturizers in the morning, because they contain sunscreen." — dermatologist Lauren Bonati, MD

Codex Shaant Spot Hero ($25)

"Most of the spot treatments on the market are benzoyl peroxide-based and can be irritating to the skin, but this product offers a fresh take by incorporating both the sulfur and the Shaant complex. The inclusion of fruit-based acids adds alpha-hydroxy acids that are important in helping the skin turnover. Unlike topicals that incorporate benzoyl peroxide, this topical won't add to the oxidative stress in the skin and, instead, will add anti-inflammatory and antioxidant power to acne-prone skin." — Raja Sivamani MD, dermatologist, ayurvedic practitioner and director of clinical research at Integrative Skin Science and Research

Neutrogena Stubborn Acne AM Treatment ($12)

"I've found that benzoyl peroxide is best for inflammatory acne, which is the kind that can create red bumps and even those deeper cysts along the jawline. The Neutrogena Stubborn Acne AM Treatment is great for targeting that redness, in addition to post-acne red marks. BP also has oil control properties, and this treatment is lightweight and absorbs nicely, which makes it ideal for oily acne patients as well." — dermatologist Caroline Robinson, MD, FAAD

Dove Men + Care Derma Care Scalp 2-in-1 Dandruff Defense Shampoo ($35 for two)

"An outside-the-box approach, I have many of my patients who get acne after workout classes or yoga use shampoos with Zinc pyrithione (like the Dove Men + Care Derma Care Scalp 2-in-1 Dandruff Defense Shampoo, which is a good, affordable option) as a body wash. It helps treat pityrosporum, a yeast cause of acne that is often missed." — dermatologist Dhaval G. Bhanusali, MD FAAD

Neutrogena On-The-Spot Acne Treatment ($9)

"One of the best acne-fighting treatments we have via prescription can also be mimicked with over-the-counter medicines. The Neutrogena On-The-Spot Acne Treatment can be mixed with the Differin gel. The way to do it is to gently cleanse your face before bedtime, then apply a pea-size amount of each medicine to your entire face (not just as a spot treatment!) when it is dry. Follow this up with a noncomedogenic moisturizer, like the Cerave PM lotion. You need to be consistent for four to six weeks prior to seeing results. The benzoyl peroxide, which is in the Neutrogena Spot Treatment, may bleach your pillowcase, so make sure to sleep with a white pillowcase if you try this." — dermatologist Robert Finney, MD FAAD

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser ($18)

"Microbiome support and balance is extremely important for acne-prone skin, and this gentle cleanser contains pre-biotic thermal water to help maintain a healthy microbiome. Acne-prone skin is also often very sensitive and susceptible to inflammation. This cleanser will not strip the skin or cause micro-tears. I think it is a great idea for acne sufferers to cycle between a gentle cleanser like this and an active cleanser like Panoxyl for maximum benefits without irritation." — Dr. Collins

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser for Normal to Oily Skin ($6)

"I recommend all of my acne patients switch to a gentle cleanser and moisturizer. My favorite is CeraVe's Foaming Facial Cleanser for Normal to Oily Skin and its AM/PM oil-free facial moisturizing lotion. These products are formulated for acne-prone skin but should not contribute to dryness or irritation, so they serve as an excellent, neutral base upon which to build a topical acne medication regimen." — Dr. Peterson

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturizer ($25)

"Acne creams can really dry you out, which is why I love the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturizer. It has hyaluronic acid in it, which is a potent water attractant that keeps moisture on your skin. After washing your face, apply the Hydroboost immediately to seal in moisture." — dermatologist Sara Moghaddam, MD

"Neutrogena Hydroboost Gel Cream moistures for 24 hours and does not feel greasy or clog pores." — Dr. Vaidya

"A lot of people with acne still don't want to use a moisturizer because they're afraid it will be too oily. The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Face Moisturizer is super lightweight, and most people can tolerate it. It's also noncomedogenic, meaning it's not going to clog your pores, and if your skin is irritated or red from your acne or a breakout, it has a cooling feeling that feels really refreshing." — dermatologist Sandra Lee, MD, AKA Dr. Pimple Popper

SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense ($110)

"Harsh exfoliation can worsen the inflammation you are experiencing with an acne breakout. This is why you want to use a mild AHA such as salicylic acid, like in the SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense." — dermatologist Erin Gilbert, MD

Mighty Patch Original ($11)

"Hydrocolloid adhesive stickers such as the Mighty Patch that contain certain active ingredients such as salicylic acid and/or tea tree oil, which are delivered to the spot while it's in place. By covering the pimple, these active ingredients are able to penetrate the skin more deeply, allowing them to potentially work better." — dermatologist Shari Marchbein, MD

Nizoral Anti Dandruff Shampoo ($20)

"Fungal acne is best treated with oral antifungal medications that can be prescribed by your board-certified dermatologist. Your doctor may first prescribe an antifungal cream or shampoo to use as a body wash. If your skin does not clear with topicals, then you may require oral antifungal treatment. Topical antifungal creams and shampoos can help with preventing recurrence of fungal acne. I recommend the Nizoral Anti Dandruff Shampoo as a body wash, let it sit on your skin for a minute or two before rinsing it off." — dermatologist Claire Chang, MD

Renee Rodriguez is a staff writer and social producer for PS. She writes across all verticals, but her main areas of expertise focus on fashion and beauty content with an emphasis on reviews and editor experiments. She also produces social content for the PS TikTok and Instagram accounts.

Kelsey Castañon is a Brooklyn-based writer, editor, and content strategist with more than 13 years of experience in publishing. She is currently the senior content director at PS, where you can find her stockpiling (and reporting on) everything from skin care to wine.