These Are the 16 Best Acne Products I’ve Tried

For me, skincare products are just one piece of the puzzle when treating acne. I’ve tried countless acne products over the years, but I only saw lasting change when I was prescribed spironolactone by my dermatologist to get my hormonal cystic acne under control. That being said, products played—and continue to play—a huge role in keeping my skin balanced while helping to prevent and treat acne. Sure, they’re not miracle workers, but anything that can help a troublesome skin condition certainly helps matters, and building a good skincare routine can go a long way. Especially if you also want to treat the acne scarring that breakouts leave in their wake.

Skincare expert Tijion Esho, founder of the Esho Clinic, is a firm advocate of long-term routines when it comes to treating acne. “One-off treatments can give skin a temporary boost, but we know that with conditions like acne, it’s a journey; not an overnight cure,” he explains. “Patients need successive cumulative treatments tailored to them personally using the correct ingredients for their skin type.” But with acne affecting nearly 80% of the population at some point during their lifetime, it’s not surprising that many of us want quick-fix solutions.