Acquiring clear skin doesn’t need to be costly. From cleanser that unclogs pores without over-drying to stabilized retinol serum that smoothes fine lines, dermatologists offer their advice for affordable drugstore skincare options for acne.

This 2% salicylic acid treatment is ideal for targeting breakouts and decreasing redness on the skin, and includes witch hazel to soothe and comfort it further.
1. CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser

CeraVe’s best-selling foaming face wash was developed with dermatologists to deep clean and remove excess oil without disturbing skin’s natural protective barrier. This formula features three essential ceramides from CeraVe, along with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide; cholesterol to repair holes in skin’s natural barrier while keeping soft; as well as thickening agents like Xanthan Gum to thicken texture while keeping ingredients together and Carbomer to help hold all products together!

This face wash is gentle on skin, not drying out your complexion. Plus, it’s free from colorants and fragrance, making it great for even those with sensitive skin types. Additionally, this non-comedogenic formula doesn’t contain sulfates or parabens which may cause breakouts.

This gel-like cleanser has an ideal consistency to lather up nicely without becoming dense or thick, coming packaged in a 236ml bottle with both dispenser and pump for convenience.

This drugstore cleanser for acne prone skin is one of the top choices available, gently cleansing away excess oil while unclogging pores to help prevent future outbreaks. Packed with exclusive ceramide complex to strengthen natural protective barriers of the skin as well as niacinamide to combat acne-causing bacteria, this must-have product makes an essential addition to any skincare routine! Additionally, its alcohol and fragrance-free nature makes it perfect for use every day!
2. Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Fighting Facial Cleanser

This face wash provides powerful acne treatment and cleansing with its 2% Salicylic Acid content, helping fight current breakouts as well as prevent future ones from forming. Penetrated deep into pores to purge debris out, it also fades dark marks left by previous pimples and leaves your skin looking fresh! With its gentle formula that rinses clean without over-drying or irritating the skin, this gel-based face wash has passed dermatological testing – suitable for all skin types!

Its non-comedogenic formula won’t clog pores. With 1% benzoyl peroxide to remove excess oil and unclog pores. Plus, regular use will help to diminish fine lines and wrinkles with continued use. Packaged in an easily dispensible pump dispenser bottle made of plastic to make use of face wash easier every time, it has an inviting light scent that won’t bother sensitive skin!

Affordable yet effective skincare treatment made in the US that works great for all skin types is easy to find at most drugstores and comes in different sizes to meet individual needs. Dermatologists regularly recommend it and it will leave your skin feeling fresh!
3. Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Moisturizer

This moisturizer from brand is an effective addition to an acne-fighting skincare routine, as it nourishes your skin while clearing away bacteria that causes acne and reduces breakouts. Plus, 0.5% salicylic acid provides powerful acne fighting ingredients! The lotion formula quickly absorbs to moisturize without leaving an oily feel on the face without clogging pores; its light grapefruit scent makes this suitable for all skin types!

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Moisturizer comes packaged in a white tube with an easy pump nozzle for effortless use and travel convenience. The product boasts a white runny-cream consistency with mild yet not overbearing fragrance – ideal for those prone to acne.

It contains only gentle ingredients, making it dermatologist-recommended acne-fighting moisturizer. Free from pore-clogging oil, parabens, SLS, phthalates and dyes – and featuring micro-clear technology which clears deep into pores to help prevent acne before it even appears – plus its normalizing and overdrying prevention abilities help restore balance to skin while helping avoid overdrying altogether. Both online and in stores this product are available; its great for combination skin as it moisturizes dry spots while controls shine in oily spots so your complexion looks balanced all day. For best results use sunscreen in tandem with this moisturizer to get optimal results.
4. Differin Gel

Differin Gel is an effective acne treatment that also works to diminish acne scarring. It works by unclogging pores, reducing inflammation and shrinking blemishes – and can be applied directly onto the face, neck or chest for use.

Dermatologist-recommended Retinoid 0.1% is the first and only over-the-counter retinoid available at 0.1% concentration, providing relief to pores clogged with dead skin cells by prompting their early shed/breakoff cycles. Studies indicate this retinoid helps keep pores clear of debris by prompting cells to shed/breakoff quicker than would normally happen, keeping pores from getting blocked up with dead cells and keeping pores unclogged with sebum production.

Retinoids like Differin can also help prevent future breakouts by regulating epithelial cell growth and improving how skin cells shed and regrow. (7)

One drawback of this treatment may be skin irritation, redness and dryness; however, these side effects tend to lessen over time as your body adapts. If irritations become excessively bothersome or uncomfortable for you try applying less frequently or reducing frequency.

Treatment options such as chemical peels or laser therapy may help those suffering from moderate to severe acne and acne scarring, and may help with scarring. If your acne is more severe, however, medical assistance may be needed as a stronger prescription or alternative treatments such as chemical peels or laser therapy may be required. If cost concerns arise regarding this option of care, check your insurance coverage or inquire with your employer about establishing a flexible spending account to cover these treatments.

Tags: drugstore, skincare