What to Look for in Cleansers for Summer Breakouts

Choosing the right cleanser can help keep summer breakouts at bay and leave your skin feeling fresh.

1. Active Ingredients

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Look for cleansers with breakout-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or tea tree oil. These help unclog pores and reduce excess oil that can lead to blemishes.

2. Skin Type Compatibility

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Select a formula designed for your skin type—whether oily, combination, or sensitive. Gel-based or foaming cleansers are great for oily skin, while creamier options may suit sensitive types better.

3. Gentle Formulation

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Summer skin can be more sensitive due to sun exposure and sweat. Choose cleansers that are gentle and non-stripping to avoid irritation or over-drying.

4. Non-Comedogenic Properties

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Ensure your cleanser is labeled non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores. This helps prevent new breakouts while treating existing ones.

  1. 1
    All About Clean Rinse-Off Foaming Face Cleanser
    1,944 REVIEWS
    Clinique All About Clean Rinse-Off Foaming Cleanser is a cream-mousse cleanser that gently and effectively rinses away makeup.
  2. 2
    Special Cleansing Gel

    Dermalogica

    1,852 REVIEWS
    BestSeller
    Soap-free, foaming gel cleanser. Formulated with lavender and removes impurities and excess oils, leaving the skin feeling smooth and clean.
  3. 3
    Clarifying Cleanser

    Tata Harper

    1,455 REVIEWS
    A foaming gel cleanser that targets blemish-causing impurities and balances oil for clear, comfortably matte skin.
  4. 4
    Acne Solutions Cleansing Foam
    1,264 REVIEWS
    Gentle yet effective cleanser for all types of acne-prone skin
  5. 5
    Jumbo Clarifying Lotion 3
    1,162 REVIEWS
    a dermatologist-developed formula that helps reveal fresher skin, sweeping away dulling flakes for skin that accepts moisture better.
  6. 6
    Acne Solutions Clarifying Lotion
    911 REVIEWS
    Medicated acne formula solution to unclog skin and rid it of blemishes.
  7. 7
    Ultra Facial Cleanser

    Kiehl's Since 1851

    724 REVIEWS
    BestSeller
    A foaming cleanser formulated to help remove excess oil, dirt and debris.
  8. 8
    Botanical Brilliance Exfoliating Cleanser
    606 REVIEWS
    A triple-action exfoliating cleanser that botanically buffs away impurities for visibly smooth, soft skin.
  9. 9
    Clearing Skin Wash

    Dermalogica

    517 REVIEWS
    Salicylic Acid and Tea Tree Oil Cleanser is a naturally-foaming cleanser that is perfect for controlling breakouts and excess surface oils.
  10. 10
    Ocean Cleansing Mudd
    486 REVIEWS
    Clarifying seaweed-infused cleanser designed to purify and decongest skin.

What to Look for in Cleansers for Summer Breakouts

Choosing the right cleanser can help keep summer breakouts at bay and leave your skin feeling fresh.

1. Active Ingredients

Citrus catapult arrow

Look for cleansers with breakout-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or tea tree oil. These help unclog pores and reduce excess oil that can lead to blemishes.

2. Skin Type Compatibility

Citrus catapult arrow

Select a formula designed for your skin type—whether oily, combination, or sensitive. Gel-based or foaming cleansers are great for oily skin, while creamier options may suit sensitive types better.

3. Gentle Formulation

Citrus catapult arrow

Summer skin can be more sensitive due to sun exposure and sweat. Choose cleansers that are gentle and non-stripping to avoid irritation or over-drying.

4. Non-Comedogenic Properties

Citrus catapult arrow

Ensure your cleanser is labeled non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores. This helps prevent new breakouts while treating existing ones.