Contrary to the marketing promises of “blemish banishers” and “zit zappers,” immediate results are not the trademark of acne treatments — a frustrating truth to anyone suffering through a breakout. And while pimples are personal (your stress-induced spots will look and act differently than your best friend’s breakout), the best acne treatments will include a regimen of products to hit all of acne’s root causes. We tested hundreds of acne kits to find the most well-rounded breakout-fighting solutions on the market.
OUR SKINCARE EXPERTS HAVE EVALUATED OVER 100 OF THE TOP ACNE PRODUCTS & reviewed thousands of customer reviews
This post features 5 carefully chosen acne treatments with the most effective results available in the market today. When I say carefully, it means that our listing is based on the analysis of over 3140 real user reviews, dermatological tests, and in depth understanding of the brands behind these products.
Our team of skincare experts and dermatologists only picked the highest rated and most successful products that work best for acne prone skins.
How We Chose the Best Acne Treatment
Here are a couple of factors we keep in mind when choosing the best acne treatment.
1. Quality of Ingredients
A few ingredients to look for in your acne treatment: salicylic acid (to exfoliate and remove pore-clogging debris and break up blackheads and whiteheads), glycolic acid (the best at exfoliating and unclogging impurities and excess oil due to it’s tiny molecules), lactic acid (to fight acne and even out skin tone),  benzoyl peroxide (to clean out the P. acnes bacteria that contributes to acne), or sulfur (to lessen inflammation).
2. Regimen Sets
“I recommend acne kits because sticking to one product line, with products designed to work well with one another, will have the most effective results.” – Jessica Fitz PatrickAesthetician and Rodan + Fields Consultant
We’ve gathered and evaluated over three thousand real customer reviews. This is a no censor, no filter skincare review zone. We say it like it is.
4. Test Results
Yup, our skincare experts test all our top products on our team of adults over 20 years who are battling breakouts.
 5. Customer Service and company Policy
We only recommend companies that we trust operate with integrity, are good to their customers and their environment, and have hassle-free return policies and exceptional customer service.
5 Best Acne Treatments 2024
#1- Misumi Complete Clear 3-Step System
Now only $79.95
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Finally an acne kit that lives up to its hype! Misumi’s Complete Clear 3-Step System has proven time and time again to be extremely effective. It is our favorite acne kit for achieving blemish-free skin and preventing future breakouts. The best part is that it is only 3 easy steps and is manageable for those of us with a busy schedule.
This brand has been a favorite about dermatologists and high-end skincare specialists for over 25 years but has only just been made available directly to consumers lasts year. Their 3-Step System includes their signature AHA 10% Skin Perfecting Cleanser, their All Day Moisturizer with SPF 30, and their best-selling Pore Purifying Toner that everyone has been raving about.
Unlike many acne products nowadays that contain harsh chemicals that irritate the skin, all of Misumi’s products are based on natural and healthy ingredients. Their AHA cleanser is a unique and powerful blend of Glycolic Acid, Chamomile, Japanese Plum, Seaweed Extract, Rosehip Oil, and more. You could say it has all the things we would want in an acne-fighting cleanser or face wash. Their Pore Purifying Toner combines Witch Hazel Extract, Lavender, Sage, and many other acne-fighting herbs that will help calm breakouts, clear the skin, and close pores to prevent future breakouts.
When it comes to strength, effectiveness and quality, we are yet to find an acne system on the market that beats this one.
Customer Before and After Picture
Best For: Oily, normal, and acne-prone skin
Pros
- High concentration of premium quality ingredients
- Calms breakouts and reduces redness and swelling
- Only 3 easy steps that are super manageable and will deliver real and fast results. (Or else they guarantee money back)
- Toner contains Lavender Oil which is great for preventing severe acne scars, controlling oily skin, and calming breakouts
- Made in the USA in an FDA licensed facility
- Their chief chemist has been making some of the world’s leading acne products for over 25 years. This is their most effective formula to date.
- Lots of loyal customers who say Misumi has been the only thing that has worked for them. Real reviews with before and after photos to prove it.
- They are so confident you will see fast results that if you haven’t noticed a difference within 3 weeks, they will give you your money back.
- 60 Day Money Back Guarantee
Cons
- High quality comes with a high price. This premium acne system will cost you $79.95. We recommend purchasing their 30 day or 60 day subscription option to get a cheaper price. If this is above your budget, we recommend starting with their 2-Step Clear Skin Duo Kit which will save you $30 and is an excellent starter kit that will deliver real results.
Pro tip: Choose a subscription plan (30 or 60 days) and get 20% savings on the kit. Easy cancellation anytime.
Check out customer reviews of complete clear 3-Step system
The only thing that works for me
I’m so impressed with these Misumi products. I’ve tried so many expensive acne systems from Proactiv to Exposed to even accurtane but nothing has worked until I found Misumi’s 3 step kit. The cleanser cleared by face up in only after a few uses. I saw a big difference in about two weeks. The toner seems like oily skin under control. I can already see my pores have gotten a lot less noticeable. I’ve recommended Misumi to all my friends and family. Thank YOU!
Thanks for giving me my skin back
I’ve tried a million products before Misumi but this is by far the best thing that suits by skin. I used to wear my hair down to cover my face cus I was so embarrassed. Acne makes me feel less hygienic and insecure. I’m finishing my second tube of the aha cleanser now and am so happy that I can finally wear my hair up and take selfies again.
The BEST products for adult acne!
Ever since I turned forty, I’ve been struggling to keep adult acne at bay. Finding the right product for my skin that works has been so tough, especially since I need something for the lines and wrinkles as well as the acne. I’m so In love with Misumis acne kit. The cleanser toner and moisturizer is basically all I need and all I use now for both acne and anti-aging. My skin is clearer and brighter. My pores are noticeably smaller too! I’ll be purchasing more.
#2 – Murad Anti-aging Acne Bonus Regimen
The Anti-aging Acne Bonus Regimen by Murad has been called the Proactiv+ for adults with acne-prone and sensitive skin. It’s a three-step system with a similar list of active ingredients and a drastically lower price tag.
One ingredient that is unique to this system is low concentration of salicylic acid. It’s gentler on skin and soaks in slower, delivering its exfoliating goodness evenly without missing anything.
Like many systems, there is a cleanser and moisturizer that you use twice daily and an acne treatment lotion you can use up to three times a day. What is missing here is a toner which we’d really love to see Murad develop and include in their kit, as toners are an integral product for managing acne-prone skin.
Some people get positive results with this system within two weeks, and for others it can take more like eight weeks.
Pros:
- contains Salicylic acid
- good for deep cleansing
- good price, compared to competitors like Proactiv
- gentle formula for more sensitive skin
Cons:
- Missing a non-comedogenic tonerÂ
#3 – Exposed Skincare Expanded Kit
Coming at #1 is Exposed Skincare’s 5 Step Expanded Kit. To be honest, we were quite skeptical of this brand, due to it’s strong push for subscription and membership. It was also quite hard to track down all the ingredients in their products. We believe skincare brands should make their ingredients list as transparent as possible, but since we saw so many positive customer reviews, we had to see if they live up to their reputation.
While Exposed Skincare products may not have the most potent formulation, the kit has a more allergen-free product due to its formula that combines both artificial and natural ingredients. It also boasts of a more robust skincare system than Murad, but we think it’s too complicated for the usual customer hence the #3 spot.Â
Exposed Skin Care works by making sure your face is as dirt and bacteria free as possible for long periods of time. This explains its complex morning and evening routine. The ingredients it makes use also optimizes cleansing, clearing, and acne treatment applications.
Kit Includes: Facial Cleanser, Clearing Tonic, Acne Treatment Serum, Clear Pore Serum, Moisture Complex, Free Derm-X Cloth
Pros:
- Great for blackheads and whiteheads
- Good choice for individuals with mild acne
- Long lasting results that clears skin from the inside out
Cons:
- 6 Piece Kit can be exhausting to manage consistently
- You will need to subscribe to their membership to receive a discounted price
- Not that easy to return products
#4 – Misumi AHA 10% Skin Perfecting Cleanser
This product goes double duty as a daily cleanser (to clear breakouts) and also a great anti-aging treatment (to reduce fine lines and wrinkles). The Skin Perfecting Cleanser’s list of naturally derived ingredients makes it stand out from the crowd. The advanced formula combines the acne fighting benefits of Glycolic Acid with other natural miracle ingredients including Rosehip Oil (antioxidant), Chamomile (reducing redness and swelling), Seaweed extract (heal acne), Japanese Plum and so many more natural treatments. It also helps control that shiny forehead you deal with by 3 p.m., thanks to oil-controlling Grapefruit and Lemon.
Pros:
- Simple and affordable, 1 step treatment that works
- Tackles both acne and premature aging
- Contains Glycolic Acid, the most effective exfoliator for deep pore cleansing
- Helps kill acne bacteria
- Natural ingredients
- Helps control excess oil without drying the skin
- Amazing customer reviews and results
- Acne Fighting with Anti-aging bonus!
Cons:
- Not suitable for those allergic to Glycolic Acid
Best cleanser EVER
Before I bought the AHA 10% cleanser I had moderate acne; A couple pimples a week. When I began using this AMAZING product my face felt light( not oily), reduces redness and my pores were smaller. Within about 1-2 weeks I saw a major difference. I do recommend this cleanser for those who have moderate acne, spend a long time in the sun/sports/etc.
#5 – Proactiv+ 3 Step Acne Treatment System
Proactiv+ is pretty much required for any acne treatment system list. It’s the most well known and, for many, the most effective that people have found. Proactiv+ is still around and people still swear by it. If you haven’t considered it before, here’s a quick rundown of the three steps you do twice a day.
First, the Skin Smoothing Exfoliator uses a mild exfoliator, 2.5 percent benzoyl peroxide, and glycolic acid to kill bacteria, dry up oils, and remove dead skin.
Second, the Pore Targeting Treatment uses 2.5 percent benzoyl peroxide to reach deep into pores.
Lastly, the Complexion Perfecting Hydrator uses salicylic acid, botanicals, moisturizing oils, and hyaluronic acid spheres which are ultra-hydrating and reduce the signs of aging. This lotion will also lighten your skin, helping to hide acne scarring.
Pros:
- Uses benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and botanical extracts
- Lots of people have great success
- Years of testing and perfecting
- Lightens acne scarring
Cons:
- Contains silicone
- Not oil free
- Not everyone wants skin lighteners
- Benzoyl peroxide can stain fabrics
Conclusion
If you’re tired of acne, try one of the top rated acne treatments for adult acne and let us know what works (or doesn’t) for you. We’re constantly updating our list to give our readers the most current and best products to test and try for themselves.