17 Best Acne Products Under $75
Welcome to Teen Vogue’s 2020 Acne Awards where we’re going back to the basics of our skincare routines, and getting to the bottom of what really works for us from effective ingredients and affordable products to understanding how to protect our skin barriers and that, say it with us, having acne is normal.
Calling this year tough is an understatement, and to cope many of us have turned to different things that make us feel in control, or in some way comforting. For some, it’s bread baking and cottagecore. For some, it’s investing in a Peloton and setting up their own home gym. And for some, it was really going back to the basics with our skincare routines and getting to the bottom of what really works.
While our 2019 acne awards were all about acne representation. This year, it was important for us to keep in mind the current state of the world. Instead of getting sent hundreds of products to test, we crowdsourced our winners from a survey completed by over 150 people (and relied on the expert advice of dermatologists Dr. Shereen Idriss, Dr. Joshua Zeichner and Dr. Papri Sarkar and cosmetic chemist Kelly Dubos to explain exactly what the ingredients in these products are supposed to do). The world truly doesn’t need any more excess, so we wanted to know what was already working for you in combating your acne and back that up with science. We narrowed down our list from 35 product winners, as adding more skincare products is almost never the solution, less is more when it comes to protecting our skin barrier. And finally, all of the products selected are under $75 as expensive skincare is not a necessity when it comes to being effective and with so many people losing their jobs, many have less money to spend on non-essential skincare.
This is your go-to-guide for the 17 most effective acne products from treating dark spots and hyperpigmentation to body acne and, the newly coined, maskne (and you might already have some of these products, and/or ingredients, in rotation, so, don’t feel the need to buy new things you don’t need). Remember, while consistent use of these products can help combat breakouts, acne is normal and there is no such thing as perfect skin.
1/17Best (Gel) Moisturizer (aka Michelle’s Pick): Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
I’m a recent Neutrogena hydro boost convert. I was recently put on to Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel by my boyfriend, who has very sensitive skin and a lot of issues dealing with acne. My initial hesitation was from my deep hatred for gel moisturizers, well, gel skincare products in general. The gel products I’ve used in the past have always been too sticky and never fully absorbed into my skin. But the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel melts. There’s no waiting time in between application and continuing with the rest of my products and makeup routine, which makes it a great primer.
The gel moisturizer contains hyaluronic acid which according to dermatologist Dr. Shereene Idriss is “a big sugar molecule that acts as a humectant, which attracts water, and helps plump your skin.” As the weather gets colder, I’m stocking up and trusting the Hydro Boost Water Gel to come through and keep my skin hydrated.
2/17Best for Maskne: Zitsticka Killa Patches
The Zitsticka Killa patches are not your usual run-of-the-mill pimple patches. Designed for the early-stage zit, these zit patches come equipped with “microdarts” full of four superstar ingredients that dissolve into the targeted breakout, helping to keep zits at bay: hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid, niacinamide, and oligopeptide -76.
According to Dr. Idriss, oligopeptide -76 aka OG-76 is “a small chain of amino acids that can help promote collagen production, has the ability to reduce surface bacteria and calm inflammation.” And, since acne can be caused by both bacteria and inflammation, this can ingredient works wonders. Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that does a host of different things: it “helps promote the production of ceramides, resulting in a stronger skin barrier”, it “helps even out skin discoloration, while boosting collagen production”, and “it has sebum regulating and anti-inflammatory properties that help with acne and redness,” according to Dr. Idriss. Lastly, salicylic acid, this beta hydroxy acid is a great ingredient for acne-prone skin as it helps to get rid of excess oils and dead skin cells that can clog your pores.
Best Moisturizer: Cerave PM Moisturizer
Sometimes, the best thing you can do for your skin when you have a flare-up or breakout is not doing too much. To help support your healing process is this gentle and dermatologist-recommended moisturizer from Cerave. It’s three main ingredients are: ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid. It’s oil and fragrance-free, which means it’s not likely to irritate your skin. And, a tip: This PM moisturizer can be used in the daytime too, as long as you add additional SPF.
4/17Best Retinoid: Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment
In the market for a retinoid? Look no further. Differin’s Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment is our pick. Unlike the prescription retinol treatment tretinoin, this treatment contains adapalene, a less-irritating synthetic retinoid. “It helps promote cellular proliferation, and collagen production, minimize clogged pores and smoothening out fine lines and wrinkles along the way,” says Dr. Idriss. Plus, you can get it over-the-counter. A win-win situation for those dealing with acne.
5/17Best for Hyperpigmentation (aka Asia’s Pick): Murad’s Rapid Dark Spot Correcting Serum
I never really suffered from acne or breakouts like I have this year. Excess hair oils combined with sweat from outdoor workouts cause me to have a severe forehead breakout. While I was very emotional about it for a few weeks, I took the time to really test out products to see which ones really worked. The biggest challenge for me came post-breakout with most of my pimples turning into dark spots leaving scars on my face, otherwise known as hyperpigmentation. Murad’s Rapid Dark Spot Correcting Serum was the one that worked the best for me. Within weeks, it helped to fade my dark spots and gave my complexion a glow. The serum is formulated with tranexamic acid, glycolic acid, and resorcinol vital. According to dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner, tranexamic acid helps to improve hyperpigmentation as “it is thought to have alterations in blood flow and delivery of heat to the skin, as heat is a known trigger for pigmentation.” Resorcinol helps to exfoliate dead skin cells, and “by enhancing cell turnover and shedding of pigmented cells, it can help lighten dark spots left behind after pimples resolve,” according to Dr. Ziechner.
6/17Best Overall Serum: The Ordinary Niacinamide
We already know that niacinamide is a hero skincare ingredient, which is why this serum has been picked as a winner for the 2nd year in a row. Not only does the serum contain niacinamide, but it’s also under $10, making it an affordable product to add to your routine. As a caution, more is not better, so ease the product into your routine and make sure to consult with your dermatologist when it comes to the potency that’s right for your skin.
7/17Best SPF: Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen
SPF is the essential part of your skincare routine, so finding the right one that you can commit to wearing daily is important. Supergoop’s Unseen SPF 40 chemical sunscreen is oil-free with a clear application making it suitable for all skin tones. In addition to that, the sunscreen has frankincense, an essential oil that has calming benefits to the skin, and meadowfoam seed, which according to Dr. Papri Sarkar is an oil that “helps to prevent skin from losing its moisture.”
8/17Best Acne Treatment: Neutrogena Stubborn Acne AM + Stubborn Marks PM Treatment
Neutrogena’s Stubborn Acne Treatment is a two-step treatment that holds you down (and fights your acne) while you’re getting your beauty sleep and during the day when you’re on all of your Zoom meetings or classes. The AM treatment is formulated with benzoyl peroxide, which works to kill acne-causing bacteria and “helps break apart dead cells on the surface of the skin that contribute to blockages of the pores”. The PM treatment is made with retinol, a vitamin A derivative which works to enhance cell turnover. “It is a great option for people with acne prone skin to help keep the pores clear and to even skin tone and texture,” says Dr. Ziechner.
9/17Best Vitamin C (aka Bianca’s Pick): Good (Skin) Days C’s The Day Serum
Due to my very sensitive and eczema-prone skin, I thought Vitamin C serums weren’t for me. I’ve tried a handful of them, but all have left my face burning and itching, even if I mixed them with my daily moisturizer. That is until I discovered Good (Skin) Days C’s The Day Serum. Created by Soko Glam Labs and Charlotte Cho, I knew I had to try it out. Cho is the mastermind behind my favorite double cleansing duo from Then I Met You. The serum is with 10% Vitamin C as well as camu camu, which the brand describes as a “potent cherry-like fruit” that is rich in Vitamin C. Because it’s fragrance-free, this serum goes gently on my skin without irritating it. At first, I applied three drops in a dime-sized blob of my moisturizer, but now I apply it directly to my skin and after a few months of using it my dark spots have faded considerably and they have been replaced with a new-found glow. Which comes to no surprise since, according to dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner, Vitamin C is the most potent antioxidant we have in skin care. “Vitamin C blocks production of abnormal pigmentation and helps even skin tone,” says Zeichner. “For this reason, it is a great ingredient to address the dark spots that pimples leave behind as they heal.”
10/17Best for Pimples: Mario Badescu Drying Lotion
Thanks to its star ingredients, Mario Badescu’s Drying Lotion has reached cult status. Seriously, Kylie Jenner once shared that she kept her acne breakouts under control with this under $20 product. And we can see why. From its star ingredient, calamine, which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties (aka calming inflamed areas!) to salicylic acid, this product not only helps treat your pimples, but it also soothes. Just have a clean cotton bud ready and a few dabs on each spot will treat some of your acne while you sleep.
11/17Best Exfoliant: Paula’s Choice 2% BHA
You’ve probably seen this exfoliant all over TikTok. Now, we’re here to share why it has won best exfoliant in our books, too. This leave-on, liquid exfoliant has won the hearts of so many because it works. Its 2% BHA, or salicylic acid, is the star. However, as with any beauty product that contains acid, make sure you add this to your routine gradually to make sure it doesn’t irritate your skin, and hopefully see a difference in appearance and texture.
12/17Best for Body Acne: Murad Acne Body Wash
For another year in a row, Murad’s Acne Body Wash has won Best for Body Acne. Why? Well, bacne, shoulder, and overall body breakouts tremble at the mere mention of this product. This gently exfoliates with salicylic acid. Plus, it also contains green tea and licorice root extract. According to Dr. Sarkar, when used in skincare green tea, a powerful antioxidant, can “help to neutralize compounds that cause cellular damage called free radicals” and “help to protect skin”. Licorice root extract “lightens and brightens skin by inhibiting the pathway responsible for making pigment (called the tyrosinase/pigmentation pathway),” according to Dr. Sakar, making it great to help treat hyperpigmentation.
Best Pimple Patch To Wear In Public (aka Tahirah’s Pick): Starface Hydro-Star Pat
To be completely honest, when I first learned of Starface Hydro-Stars I was immediately skeptical. Sure, these star-shaped patches are cute, but do they actually work or is it just marketing? I was proven wrong. I went to bed with my zits covered in stars, and I woke up with them looking smaller. I’ve been using these all year and I love them because I can wear them all day (even on store-runs and Zoom meetings) feeling cute, not pick at my face and know that they are working to treat my pimples. These patches are made with hydrocolloids, which according to cosmetic chemist Kelly Dobos, is “a highly absorptive cellulose-based polymer applied to a semi-occlusive polyurethane film to form an absorbent, self-adhesive, oxygen permeable patch.” She says they “have been used medically for years to aid in wound healing because of those properties.”
14/17Best Cleanser: CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
CeraVe’s foaming facial cleanser helps to remove excess oil, dirt, and makeup with minimal disruption to your skin’s natural protective barrier. It’s non-comedogenic which means that it shouldn’t clog pores. It also contains niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides. “Ceramides are waxy fats that hold our skin cells together,” says Dr. Idriss. “As a result, they help seal our skin keeping our moisture barrier intact and playing a very important role in having a hydrated skin.” A simple, but effective formula. Just what we need after a long 2020. Next up in 2021, clean and radiant skin!
Best Brand That’s Changing The Way We Think About Acne: Topicals
Topicals, a new brand founded by two women of color, wants to help promote the idea of loving your skin at every stage, whether it’s pimple-free or in the midst of a breakout. Their Instagram account is full of people showcasing their normal skin, acne and all, which feels liberating, along with hashtags like #acnepositvity and #freethepimple, in a sea of people wanting to attain glass-like skin. As it is a brand, Topicals does offer solutions to those looking to treat their skin concerns. One of their two products, a gel-serum Faded, was created to help treat dark spots and sun-damage using ingredients: tranexamic acid, azelaic acid, and kojic acid. According to dermatologist Sarkar, azelaic acid and kojic acid both work to “inhibit the pigmentation pathway”, while tranexamic acid, according to cosmetic chemist Dobos, is “believed to inhibit interaction between the specialized cells that produce pigment called melanocytes and skin cells called keratinocytes.”
The founders Olamide and Claudia are also aware of the mental health issues that can come with experiencing a chronic skin condition, so Topicals also donates 1% of their profits to organizations that help with mental health. So far, they’ve donated to Sad Girls Club, Black Girl Therapy and JED Foundation. Now that’s what we call a skincare brand that...should we say, does it all?
Best Sheet Mask (aka Lindsay’s Pick): Mediheal Sheet Masks
One key element I never realized would really help with my acne was hydration! In the past, I would try a hundred different acids to tame my acne but never spent much time applying products that calmed my skin and helped the overall texture. I've been using this sheet mask for years, and whenever I run low on them, I nervously order more. They’re incredible because they’re affordable; a pack includes five masks for $10, has niacinamide and aquaxyl, which according to Dobos “helps boost skin's natural hydration reservoirs.” It’s hard to find a sheet mask that really hydrates the skin and that is also affordable enough to use over time so that you actually see results. That’s precisely why I fell in love with this sheet mask--even when I'm having bad breakouts I'll put one of these on while watching something on Netflix, and the swelling of pimples will go down, as well as leaving my skin with a glass-like glow and softer texture!
Best AHA Exfoliant (aka Sara’s Pick): Cosrx AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid
When you are getting into skin care, over-exfoliating is a common mistake. Finding the exfoliator for your skin type can be a journey but COSRX’s AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid has been working wonders for mine. It’s formulated with 7% glycolic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid that Dobos says helps exfoliate the skin and increase cell turnover. I currently use it once a week at night and it’s proven useful in keeping small whiteheads at bay while making my complexion a little brighter and smoother. “It [glycolic acid] helps to decrease acne and the hyperpigmentation that it can leave behind,” says Dr. Sarkar, “Hyperpigmentation are the dark spots that often appear in people of color after the acne has already healed. It drives people crazy (rightly) because even after the actual lesion is gone, the dark spot makes it look like the person still has acne.”
