Skin Care

The Best Face Wash For Hormonal Acne: Top 7

Young Woman Washing Her Face in the Bathroom

Hormonal acne is a common skin condition that can be frustrating to deal with. It often manifests as stubborn breakouts on the face, chin, or jawline and can be caused by a variety of factors, such as genetics and hormonal imbalances.

Finding the right face wash to effectively control and manage hormonal acne is crucial for many individuals.

In this article, we have compiled a list of the Top 7 face washes specifically formulated to target hormonal acne, providing options for those seeking relief from this condition.

 

How Imbalances Affect Acne Prone Skin

Hormonal imbalances play a significant role in the development of hormonal acne. When hormone levels, such as androgens, fluctuate or become imbalanced, they can stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum.

Excess sebum can clog pores and create an ideal environment for acne-causing bacteria to thrive. Additionally, hormonal imbalances can also affect the skin’s natural shedding process, leading to the accumulation of dead skin cells and further clogged pores.

Understanding the impact of hormonal imbalances on acne development is crucial for selecting the most effective face wash for managing hormonal acne.

The Importance of using the Proper Face Wash

Using the proper face wash is essential for effectively managing hormonal acne. Certain ingredients in face washes can help unclog pores, reduce inflammation, and control excess oil production, all of which are key factors in preventing and treating acne breakouts.

By choosing a face wash specifically formulated to target hormonal acne, individuals can address the underlying causes of their breakouts and achieve clearer, healthier skin.

Choosing the Best Face Wash For Hormonal Acne

When choosing a face wash for hormonal acne, it’s important to consider several factors. Firstly, consider your skin type – whether it’s oily, dry, or sensitive – as this will help determine the type of formulation that will work best for you.

Additionally, consider any specific acne concerns you may have, such as excessive oiliness or inflammation, and look for ingredients that target those concerns.

Lastly, consider your personal ingredient preferences, such as whether you prefer natural or synthetic ingredients. By taking these factors into account, you can make an informed decision and choose a face wash that is tailored to your specific needs.

Here are our Top 7 recommended Face Washes for Hormonal Acne that cater to various skin types, ranging from Dry to Sensitive Skin

African American female with long dark curly hair washing cheeks with facial foam

 

Here are seven impressive face washes that are excellent for treating or controlling hormonal acne. These products have been carefully selected based on their ingredients and clinically proven effectiveness in combating existing acne breakouts and future breakouts.

The Best Face Wash For Hormonal Acne - Almond Clear Face and Body Wash

1. Almond Clear – Body & Face Wash

Almond Clear Body & Face Wash is a versatile cleanser designed to target hormonal acne on both the body and face.

It contains mandelic acid, a gentle exfoliating ingredient that helps unclog pores and reduce acne.

The formula also includes botanical extracts such as green tea, witch hazel, and pomegranate, which provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.

In stores, the availability of Almond Clear products may vary, but they may be more commonly found online.

Almond Clear’s line of products, including their Body & Face Wash, effectively addresses hormonal acne using mandelic acid and botanical extracts that provide antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Pros:

  • It contains mandelic acid, an exceptionally gentle exfoliating ingredient that helps unclog pores and reduce acne
  • It is enriched with botanical extracts like green tea, witch hazel, and pomegranate, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
  • It is suitable for both body and face, making it versatile for addressing acne on various body parts
  • Benefits all skin types
  • Good for cystic acne
  • Refines skin texture
  • Fungal acne safe

Cons:

  • It may be less readily available in stores compared to other brands
  • Very dry or dehydrated skin may experience dryness with prolonged use

 

The Best Face Wash For Hormonal Acne - EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser

2. EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser

EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser is a popular choice for those with hormonal acne. It features a gentle amino acid-based surfactant that removes impurities without stripping the skin’s natural oils.

The cleanser also contains bromelain, an enzyme derived from pineapple, which has exfoliating properties and helps remove dead skin cells.

Overall, the EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser is a popular option for individuals dealing with hormonal acne. It effectively removes impurities without drying out the skin, thanks to its gentle amino acid-based surfactant.

Additionally, the inclusion of bromelain, derived from pineapple, provides exfoliating benefits by removing dead skin cells and eliminating uneven skin tone.

Pros:

  • Contains Bromelain – an anti-inflammatory agent to calm and soothe inflamed skin
  • Formulated with a gentle amino acid-based surfactant that removes impurities without stripping the skin’s natural oils
  • Contains bromelain, an enzyme derived from pineapple, which has exfoliating properties and helps remove dead skin cells
  • Non-comedogenic and suitable for sensitive skin

Cons:

  • Contains fragrance, which may irritate some individuals with sensitive skin

 

The Best Face Wash For Hormonal Acne - Geek & Gorgeous 101 -Jelly Joker

3. Geek and Gorgeous – Jelly Joker

Geek and Gorgeous Jelly Joker is a lightweight gel cleanser for acne-prone skin. It effectively cleanses hormonal acne prone skin without leaving it feeling dry or tight.

The formula includes allantoin and panthenol, which are soothing and help calm inflammation and irritated skin.

While the combination of anhydroxylitol, xylitylglucoside, and xylitol helps to improve skin barrier functions.

It is free from harsh sulfates and fragrances, making it suitable for sensitive skin.

Pros:

  • Lightweight gel cleanser that effectively cleanses the skin without leaving it feeling dry or tight
  • pH balanced
  • Contains allantoin and panthenol, which are soothing and help calm inflammation
  • No harsh sulfates, making it suitable for sensitive skin
  • Reinforces skin barrier functions
  • Fungal acne safe

Cons:

  • It may lather less than other cleansers, which some individuals may find less gratifying.

 

 

Moreover, you should also read our previous article about itchy acne and what it could mean.

The Best Face Wash For Hormonal Acne -PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash Benzoyl Peroxide 10% Maximum Strength

4. PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash Benzoyl Peroxide 10% Maximum Strength

PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash is a powerful cleanser containing 10% benzoyl peroxide, known for killing acne-causing bacteria and reducing inflammation.

This dermatologist-recommended face wash offers maximum strength for more severe acne cases. The wash also helps to control excess oil production and clears clogged pores. Additionally, it includes moisturizing ingredients to aid in the prevention of dryness.

Within just 15 seconds, the PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash with 10% Benzoyl Peroxide can kill up to 99.9% of the bacteria that causes acne. [1]

Pros:

  • Contains benzoyl peroxide, a powerful ingredient known for its ability to kill acne-causing bacteria and reduce inflammation
  • Offers maximum strength with 10% benzoyl peroxide, making it suitable for more severe acne cases
  • Helps to control excess oil production and clear clogged pores
  • Excellent for face, chest, or back acne

Cons:

  • It may cause dryness, peeling, or irritation, especially for sensitive or dry skin
  • The high concentration of benzoyl peroxide may stain clothing or towels

 

The Best Face Wash For Hormonal Acne -La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Facial Cleanser-

5. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser (salicylic acid @ 2% )

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Facial Cleanser is specifically formulated for oily skin that is prone to hormonal acne.

It contains zinc gluconate, which helps regulate sebum production, oiliness, and inflammation.

The gentle formula effectively cleanses the skin without irritating it.

This dermatologist-tested product contains 2% salicylic acid and capryloyl salicylic acid, which are known for their ability to exfoliate and renew the skin and reduce and unclog pores.

Pros:

  • Formulated with zinc gluconate, which helps regulate sebum production
  • Gentle and non-irritating formula suitable for oily and sensitive skin types
  • Improves skin tone and minimizes the appearance of blocked pores with capryloyl salicylic acid and salicylic acid
  • Recommended for normal, combination, and oily skin

Cons:

  • May be too drying for dry skin types

 

The Best Face Wash For Hormonal Acne - Youth To The People Superfood Cleanser -

6. Youth To The People – Superfood Cleanser

Youth To The People Superfood Cleanser is a gentle yet effective cleanser enriched with superfood extracts, including green tea, spinach, and kale. These ingredients provide potent antioxidants, vitamins, and anti-inflammatory benefits for the skin.

This powerful pH-balancing face wash effectively removes impurities and excess oil without stripping the skin. It is suitable for all normal, oily, dry, and combination skin.

Although not specifically designed as an acne face wash, this award-winning product can be very helpful when your skin is inflamed, red, or irritated but still needs cleansing. It also works well to remove makeup and daily buildup.

Overall, YTTP’s Superfood is a natural face wash that offers numerous benefits for the skin, including antioxidants, soothing vitamins, and powerful anti-inflammatory properties.

This makes it an excellent choice for individuals with hormonal acne and most skin types.

Pros:

  • Contains a blend of superfood extracts, including spinach, kale, and green tea, rich in antioxidants and vitamins
  • Gentle yet effective at removing impurities and excess oil and makeup without stripping the skin
  • All vegan ingredients
  • Compliant with Skin pH

Cons:

  • The largest size does not come with a pump
  • The product’s price point may be higher than similar facial washes available on the market

 

The Best Face Wash For Hormonal Acne -La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Facial Cleanser

7. Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Facial Cleanser

Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Facial Cleanser by La Roche-Posay is a hydrating cleanser formulated with ceramide NP and niacinamide.

These ingredients help restore the skin’s barrier and improve its overall health. The gentle formula is suitable for dry, dehydrated, and sensitive skin.

This product is free of fragrance and harsh surfactants, making it appropriate for individuals with even the most sensitive skin.

With its hydration and gentle cleansing, this product is most useful for days when you want to give your skin a break and some love from all the harsh acne medication you may be using.

Pros:

  • Formulated with ceramide NP and niacinamide, which helps to restore and improve overall skin health
  • Gentle and hydrating formula suitable for dry and sensitive skin
  • Does not contain fragrance or harsh surfactants
  • Maintains the skin’s pH and moisture barrier
  • A substantial amount of product at a reasonable cost

Cons:

  • May not provide a deep cleansing and crisp after-wash experience
  • The bottle packaging may not be ideal for travel or on-the-go use
  • Not for stubborn hormonal acne

 

Potential side effects and Precautions

While face washes can be effective in managing hormonal acne, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects and take necessary precautions.

Some common side effects of certain face washes include dryness or irritation, especially with long-term use. Individuals with sensitive or dry skin should be particularly cautious and may need to adjust their skincare routine accordingly.

It’s always a good idea to patch-test new products and consult with a dermatologist if you have any concerns or experience persistent side effects.

Other Skincare Recommendations for Acne Prone Skin

While using a suitable face wash is crucial for managing hormonal acne, it’s important to remember that skincare is a holistic process.

In addition to using a targeted face wash, individuals with hormonal acne should also consider incorporating other skincare steps into their routine.

This may include moisturizing with products containing hyaluronic acid to keep the skin hydrated, exfoliating to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores, and using sunscreen to protect the skin from UV damage.

By adopting a well-rounded skincare routine, individuals can optimize their acne management and promote overall skin health.

When to see a Dermatologist; Professional intervention for Severe Hormonal Acne

In some cases, hormonal acne may be severe and difficult to manage with over-the-counter face washes alone.

It’s important to recognize when professional intervention may be necessary. Dermatologists can prescribe medications, such as oral contraceptives or anti-androgens, to help regulate hormone levels and manage hormonal acne.

In more severe cases, dermatological procedures like chemical peels, laser therapy, or corticosteroid injections may be recommended to reduce inflammation and promote skin healing.

If hormonal acne persists despite using recommended face washes and making lifestyle changes, it is advisable to consult with a dermatologist for personalized acne treatment and plan.

Conclusion

Smiling ethnic woman wiping face skin during morning cleanse

 

In conclusion, choosing a suitable face wash is essential for managing hormonal acne. The products mentioned above, including Almond Clear – Body & Face Wash, EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser, Geek and Gorgeous – Jelly Joker, PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash, La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser, Youth To The People – Superfood Cleanser, and Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Facial Cleanser, are all excellent options for individuals dealing with hormonal acne.

However, it is essential to remember that everyone’s skin is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. It is advisable to consult with a dermatologist or skincare professional to determine the best face wash for your specific needs and skin type.

By using a face wash as part of a well-rounded skincare routine, hormonal acne can be effectively managed, leading to visibly clearer and healthier skin.

We also wrote a blog post about Fungal Acne vs. Closed Comedones: What’s The Difference?

  • Ebede TL, Arch EL, Berson D. Hormonal treatment of acne in women. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2009 Dec;2(12):16-22. PMID: 20725580; PMCID: PMC2923944.
  • Bagatin E, Freitas THP, Rivitti-Machado MC, Machado MCR, Ribeiro BM, Nunes S, Rocha MADD. Adult female acne: a guide to clinical practice. An Bras Dermatol. 2019 Jan-Feb;94(1):62-75. doi: 10.1590/abd1806-4841.20198203. Erratum in: An Bras Dermatol. 2019 Mar-Apr;94(2):255. Machado MCR [corrected to Rivitti-Machado MC]. PMID: 30726466; PMCID: PMC6360964.

 

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