The repertoire of cleansers on the market is quite vast. From the lineage of products suited for sensitive skin to the elite, rising-in-popularity assortment of cleansing balms, choosing the best acne face wash is a careful choice.

Maybe you’ve struggled with hormonal or cystic acne for quite some time, rotating between all the spot treatments and body washes you can get your hands on. Or, perhaps your skin is mostly sensitive and you struggle with the occasional clogged pores or army of blackheads. After speaking with a trusted dermatologist, of course, you may find it appropriate to shop for the very best acne cleanser.

“Acne cleansers are specifically formulated for acne-prone skin, and often contain active ingredients such as salicylic acid, glycolic acid, benzoyl peroxide or sulfur that can help reduce breakouts,” Caroline Stull, MD, NYC-based double-board-certified dermatologist, told the New York Post. “In addition, acne cleansers should be non-comedogenic, meaning they are formulated without ingredients known to clog pores and contribute to acne.”

RELATED: Best acne scar treatments, per dermatologists

To help you understand some of the most-talked-about acne cleansers on the market, I put a select grouping to the test for as long as three years, detailing the top ones to shop in this review. My skin is surely sensitive though I find noticeable benefits when I opt for an acne face wash; a good one will make my overall complexion more clear and hydrate quite gently.

Additionally, be sure to check out the below q+a with board-certified dermatologists in the in-depth FAQ section following the top products tested.

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Versed Keep the Peace Acne-Calming Cream Cleanser

There’s something about the Versed Keep the Peace Acne-Calming Cream Cleanser that keeps me coming back for more. It’s one of the most gentle among my cleanser stockpile and is ultra-hydrating, too.

Not only is it among the more affordable options on this list but it also contains 1.5% salicylic acid, which is dermatologist-recommended for acne-prone skin. It offers the most beautiful lather that allows my breakouts to be kept at bay. Hey, they’re even diminished when I use this formulation consistently.

Its creamy formula moisturizes well while getting the job done. Aside from the star salicylic acid ingredient, I love how it contains apple fruit extract to serve as a gentle exfoliant, helping to remove buildup that may contribute to breakouts, while calming and moisturizing the skin. In tandem, its blue hue is thanks to the blue tansy ingredient, a natural antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties to help soothe and cool. For less than $20, it’s a rockstar.

When in doubt, go with CeraVe. It’s one of the best skincare brands I’ve reviewed, as I also love to layer my routine with the AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 30 ($14) — one of the best moisturizers with SPF I’ve reviewed — and the Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum ($17).

This acne wash contains 2% salicylic which is somewhat higher than some other options on this list but it’s ultra-gentle. Whenever I apply the product to rinse my face, I notice that larger pores are diminished.

The Acne Control Cleanser tends to leave my skin more matte, which some users may not prefer, though it’s not a dealbreaker. I love how it makes my skin feel and, whenever I want a drugstore recommendation, I always flock to this one.

Meet Curology, one of the best brands appealing to acne-prone skin. It contains 2.5% benzoyl peroxide, a dermatologist-recommended ingredient for acne-prone skin, and is also safe to use on my sensitive skin. Whenever I want to feel like I’m receiving a “deeper cleanse” and want to see the foam appear on my face, this is the one I reach for.

It’s easily absorbable and, while it contains a subtle fragrance, it’s not strong enough to make me want to toss it aside. Its ability to lather is one of the best among the litter I’ve tested and I love how benzoyl peroxide is a topical microbial that helps kill surface bacteria. This helps fight any blemishes or acne spots whenever I have them while effectively leaving my skin hydrated and well-balanced.

When I first used the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser for Oily Skin, I thought, “wow, this is a really good cleanser.” Whenever I use it, it leaves my skin incredibly well-balanced and nourished. Even better, I love its gel consistency that leaves my skin oil-free. Hence, its award for oily skin types in particular.

What’s more, this cleanser contains zinc to purify and help prevent breakouts. I always feel like I have the deepest cleanse when I use this formulation and it’s one I reach for regularly. Even though I don’t have fully oily skin, I appreciate its ability to cleanse away impurities, resulting in that super-clean feeling. While its price point is more expensive than some other cleansers tested, it’s surely worth it.

At this point, I think I need to bow down to Paula’s Choice. Whether I’m using the brand’s BOOST C15 Super Booster ($55) to its Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 ($38), I always feel like I’m treating myself to an incredibly gentle yet effective formula.

It’s cosmetically elegant when applied and has an affinity to help diminish the look of larger pores. I love how it’s hydrating and versatile for morning and evening use, in addition to it leaving the most stunning, lightweight glow. As a result, it’s effective, pleasing to use and worth every penny. My sensitive skin truly can’t get enough of the product.

When I went to an in-person facial at the Mario Badescu Salon in NYC (which I highly recommend, BTW), I was told to begin using the Mario Badescu Acne Facial Cleanser whenever I was experiencing a breakout. My skin tends to be on the dry side around my jawline and by my ears and the creamy nature of this formulation cancels that out completely.

Whenever I’m experiencing a bout of hormonal acne, I love reaching for this less-than-$20 cleanser. It’s the closest acne face wash to a spa cleanser among all options I’ve used and it’s always pleasing to use.

While it contains a subtle fragrance, it’s nothing averse to my skin. I love using the product with the brand’s Clarifying Serum ($17) to help clear breakouts even more and its Flower & Tonic Mask ($24) to help tackle excess oil and blemishes.

The obsession with the Hero Cosmetics Dissolve Away Daily Cleansing Balm is real, especially because it deserved an entire review on its effective, non-greasy texture. It always helps balance my skin to make it look healthier than before. Oh, and it’s hydrating and affordable. What’s not to love?

Helping to cleanse my skin in the morning and wash the day away in the evenings, it’s my go-to cleansing balm as of late. However, you’ll want to use it with caution; it may leave a shiny or greasy look if overused, so be wary of how much you apply. I find a dime-sized amount to work perfectly. Plus, it leaves the skin more youthful with a dewy feel.

The Peach & Lily Ginger Melt Oil Cleanser is a splurge, but one worth making. I love the fresh scents the brand includes in most of its formulation and, while I don’t normally resort to cleansing oils of any kind, this one right here is the only one I’ll use.

Whenever I use this product, there’s never a greasy residue. My skin always feels bouncy, hydrated and supple. It’s safe to use on the eyes and doubles as an effective makeup remover. It’s also 100% vegan and consciously curated with grapeseed oil to help fight bacteria and even the skin tone. As a whole, all of these benefits are ones I find to be near-instantaneous.

Ahead, two board-certified dermatologists deliver the intel on acne cleansers. Here, you’ll find how to shop for one, ingredients to scout out and more.

“Acne cleansers contain active ingredients that treat and prevent acne,” Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, a board-certified cosmetic, medical and surgical dermatologist specializing in laser rejuvenation at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York and clinical instructor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College, plainly told The Post. “Some common such ingredients include salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide and sulfur.”

What’s more, acne cleansers typically contain active ingredients that work to exfoliate the skin, decrease oil production and reduce concentrations of bacteria that contribute to acne.

“Regular use of an acne cleanser can help minimize clogged pores, improve skin texture and reduce breakouts,” Dr. Stull listed. “In addition, by exfoliating dead skin cells, cleansers prepare the skin for topical treatments and allow them to be absorbed more effectively.”

While exfoliating the skin, a quality acne cleanser may reduce bacteria which, in turn, helps clear pores, and/or reduce inflammation, per Dr. Murphy-Rose.

Acne cleansers often contain exfoliants such as salicylic or glycolic acid, or antibacterial agents such as benzoyl peroxide. “While these agents can effectively cleanse the skin of excess sebum and debris, they can also cause irritation, particularly in patients with sensitive skin,” Murphy-Rose said. “It’s important to select products with low enough concentrations of these active ingredients to avoid excessive irritation, which can compromise skin barrier function.”

A breakdown of these active ingredients is as follows:

According to Stull, avoid comedogenic or pore-clogging ingredients like oils, butters and tocopherol (vitamin) that occlude skin. “Also avoid skin irritants like fragrance, dyes, parabens and common allergens that can increase inflammation contributing to breakouts,” she added.

“Foaming cleansers contain surfactants that form foam when mixed with water, helping to lift dirt and oil from the skin,” Stull explained. “They are best for oily or combination skin and may be too harsh for dry or sensitive skin types.”

Many foaming cleansers also contain sulfates, which can effectively remove dirt and oil but may be irritating to sensitive skin, Murphy-Rose warned.

According to Stull, look for translucent gel cleansers that contain an acne-fighting active like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Above all, salicylic acid is the clear-cut winner as it “can help regulate sebum production,” Murphy-Rose added.

“Those with sensitive skin should select acne cleansers with lower percentages of active ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid or glycolic acid to avoid excessive irritation,” Murphy-Rose advised. “Opting for a cream or gel-based formula, and avoiding products containing potential irritants such as fragrance, may also be helpful. Cleansers with a lower pH, closer to the normal range of human skin (5.4-5.9) are generally less irritating than those with a higher pH.”

More, Stull recommended an oil-free, hypoallergenic hydrating cleanser containing barrier-supporting ceramides is best for sensitive skin. “Usually, I recommend use of a non-active gentle cleanser to be paired with a skincare routine that contains a leave-on product with an acne-fighting active (like an OTC retinoid or low concentration salicylic acid),” she shared.

“Hormonal acne may appear as papules, pustules, or deeper cystic lesions most commonly in a jawline and temple distribution. It may be associated with menstrual cycle flares,” Stull said.

Hormonal acne is acne that is triggered by fluctuations in hormone levels and can be associated with high levels of androgens like testosterone. “Hormonal acne can arise in puberty, in association with menstrual cycles, during pregnancy or during menopause,” Murphy-Rose added. “It’s also commonly seen in a condition called polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).”

This type of acne is typically characterized by tender cysts or papules affecting the perioral region chin and jawline. “These pimples are often deeper than typical whiteheads or blackheads,” Murphy-Rose explained. “When it comes to treatment, best results are often seen when topicals are combined with oral therapies like spironolactone or contraceptive pills.”

When searching for a cleanser suited for hormonal acne, it’s important to understand that the hormonal fluctuations that trigger acne prior to a menstrual cycle can also make the skin more sensitive. “Because of this, gentle cleansers that do not excessively dry or irritate the skin are best,” Murphy-Rose recommended.

Cystic acne often affects the face, chest and back with deeper reddish nodules that may be painful and have an increased tendency to scar, according to Stull. As far as acne washes go, she recommends looking for “translucent gel cleansers that contain an acne-fighting active like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.”

It’s characterized by inflammatory, painful cysts and nodules underneath the surface of the skin. “This type of acne is also more likely to result in scarring, and can have a significant psychological impact,” Stull noted.

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