6 Exfoliating Body Washes for Acne-Prone Skin That Smooth Unwanted Body Bumps and Blemishes

Trust us, we know just how frustrating it can be to deal with body acne, especially as an adult. Your genetics and hormones play a huge role in the production of body acne, but external variables—like, say, an excess of sweat (thanks, hot girl summer)—can also contribute to unwanted bumps on your bod.

Marla Diakow, MD, a dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in Garden City, New York, previously pointed to the accumulation of oil, dead skin, and bacteria on the skin’s surface as culprits for body acne. This means that introducing an exfoliating body wash for acne-prone skin—which cleanses your skin while helping to slough off that top layer of cells—into your daily routine can help reduce and prevent body acne.

We all have different skin types, but if you’re dealing with body acne, your best bet is to opt for gentle body washes made for sensitive skin that have exfoliating and hydrating ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and hyaluronic acid but little to no fragrance. Instead of making you do the hard work of sifting through labels, we went ahead and rounded up the best exfoliating body washes for acne-prone skin that will smooth, soften, and even out the texture of your skin.

Exfoliating body washes for acne-prone skin

Kosas Good Body Skin AHA + Enzyme Exfoliating Wash — $18.00

This gel cleanser is packed with AHAs and fruit enzymes to unclog your pores, smooth the texture of your skin, and prevent and reduce blemishes on your body. The AHA blend features glycolic, lactic, and mandelic acids to help turn over flaky skin, producing a natural glow. The best part is that you can use this gentle body wash every day.

CeraVe SA Body Wash for Rough and Bumpy Skin — $14.00

Even if you don’t consider your skin to be “rough and bumpy” you can benefit from this drugstore fave that’s formulated with salicylic acid to exfoliate and soften your skin. The niacinamide soothes your skin and essential ceramides restore and maintain your skin’s natural protective barrier. This body wash is also fragrance-free, paraben-free, non-irritating, and non-drying.

Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash — $6.00

This body wash is a winner when it comes to both price and effectiveness. This oil-free body wash was designed for acne-prone skin and will fight breakouts from neck to toe. It’s made with glycerin to maintain the hydration of your skin and also features 2 percent salicylic acid to prevent and reduce body acne.

Glytone Exfoliating Body Wash — $32.00

This Glytone body wash was created to smooth rough bumps and even out the texture of your skin. Made with glycolic acid, you’ll get a deep cleanse without any harshness.

Touch Keratosis Pilaris & Acne Exfoliating Body Wash — $31.00

This body wash is made with 15 percent glycolic acid and 2 percent salicylic acid to exfoliate and clear up any bumps on your skin. Aloe vera, gotu kola, and vitamin E work together to prevent irritation and protect the barrier of your skin. Plus, hyaluronic acid helps reduce moisture loss while leaving your skin feeling soft and smooth.

Jo Malone London Pomegranate Noir Exfoliating Shower Gel — $46.00

Jo Malone is known for its dreamy fragrances, and this shower gel cleanses and polishes your skin while leaving behind a subtle pomegranate scent. It’s made with jojoba beads and bamboo stem to eliminate dryness and impurities from your skin.

Learn more about reducing body acne with this derm’s tips: 

Want even more beauty intel from our editors? Join Well+Good’s Fine Print Facebook group (and follow us on Instagram) for must-know tips and tricks.