We’ve Got Your Back With These Best Shower Gels and Soaps for Body Acne

Studies show that one of the most chronic skin conditions in the world is acne but that’s not the worst part. Learning that you can develop acne at any age and not just during your teens is trumped only by discovering that you can get acne absolutely anywhere on your body. Thankfully, we’re familiar with the best soaps, shower gels, and drying lotions that can help control these annoying breakouts — not just on your shoulders and back, but your chest and arms too!

What Causes Body Acne?

The pores on our bodies can become congested in a similar manner to facial pores. Dead skin cells, sebum (natural oil), and other substances can clog the hair follicles, leading to inflammation of the skin known as a pimple or acne. In other words, body acne is caused by the exact same thing that leads to facial acne. Here’s a list for easy viewing, courtesy of Forbes:

• Increased sebaceous or oil gland production
• Excessive perspiration
• Imbalance in hormone levels
• Buildup of bacteria
• Obstruction of follicles and friction from attire, perspiration, backpacks, or sports gear
• Genetic predisposition to acne

The Best Soaps and Shower Gels for Body Acne

1. Medicube Red Acne Body Wash

Medicube’s Red Acne Body Wash targets back acne (backne), underarm bumps, and acne on the chest and buttocks. This effective acne treatment product gently exfoliates dead skin cells and removes impurities, soothing irritated skin to prevent breakouts. Its deep-cleansing properties eliminate impurities without stripping the skin, restoring pH balance.

Why we love it:

• Made with five natural herb extracts
• Gently exfoliates
• Restores the skin’s pH balance

Cons:

• Works best for mild acne

Price: $38.10

Where to buy: The Medicube

2. Dr. Kaufmann Medicated Sulfur Soap

Dr. Kaufmann’s Medicated Sulfur Soap is rich in sulfur which contains natural antifungal properties. This makes it ideal for addressing fungal skin infections like ringworm or athlete’s foot. It is also incredibly beneficial for managing acne, pimples, psoriasis, and eczema. This soap regulates oil production, diminishes inflammation, and enhances skin clarity.

Why we love it:

• Addresses fungal skin infections
• Thoroughly cleanses skin
• Light scent

Cons:

• Might be too harsh for some people

Price: $15.00

Where to buy: Lazada

3. VMV Hypoallergenics id Clarifying Body Soap

This Hypoallergenics id Clarifying Body Soap from VMH doesn’t just fight pimples, it can fade blemishes and dark spots, making your skin look smoother. It contains salicylic acid, virgin coconut oil, and glycerin. Since it’s a gentle body soap, you can use it from head to toe without any worries and yes, that includes on your face. Go ahead and give yourself a bath massage!

Why we love it:

• Fades dark spots
• Suitable for bath massages
• Contains hydrating coconut oil

Cons:

• Only 135g per product

Price: $23.92

Where to buy: Amazon

4. Incredible by Nature African Black Soap

Incredible by Nature’s African Black Soap can help to treat acne, rashes, and burns. It even fades scars and heals dry, irritated skin. This natural body soap for body acne is made of unrefined shea butter, cocoa butter, and palm oil. It’s very potent and concentrated, so don’t rub it directly on the skin. You will have to lather the soap with a loofah or sponge before applying, so one tiny bar lasts forever!

Why we love it:

• Fragrance free
• Vegan
• Effective at clearing up skin

Cons:

• Higher price point
• Cannot be applied directly to the skin

Price: $102.01

Where to buy: Amazon

5. Mario Badescu A.H.A. Botanical Body Soap

Mario Badescu’s A.H.A. Botanical Body Soap clears and rejuvenates the skin. It contains papaya and grapefruit extracts that helps to clear out dead skin cells and brightens uneven skin tones. It also has ginseng extract and oat proteins which both helps to heal the skin. This is one of the best shower gels for anyone with sensitive and acne-prone skin. We also love the fresh and subtle scent!

Why we love it:

• Contains A.H.A and fresh fruit extracts
• Brightens the skin
• Available in two different volumes (8 ounces and 16 ounces)

Cons:

• The scent might not be for everyone

Price: $23.90

Where to buy: Amazon

6. Murad Acne Body Wash

Murad’s Acne Body Wash utilises salicylic acid to delve deep into the pores and combat existing breakouts while thwarting new ones. The date seed powder and glycolic acid within exfoliates for clearer, smoother skin. Infused with green tea and licorice root extracts, this acne-fighting body wash aids in calming irritated skin for a rejuvenated feel.

Why we love it:

• Calms irritated skin
• Combines physical and chemical exfoliants
• Helps prevent breakouts

Cons:

• Higher price point
• Comes in a tube instead of a pump bottle

Price: $118.60

Where to buy: Amazon

7. Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash

Neutrogena’s Body Clear Body Wash is an affordable yet effective shower gel to fight body acne. It contains Salicylic Acid AKA a renowned acne-fighting component. This body wash lathers up well and rinses away cleanly, leaving no pore-clogging residue and ensuring your skin feels refreshed and clear. Plus, it has Neutrogena’s patented microclear technology, which breaks down oils and declogs pores.

Why we love it:

• Affordable shower gel option
• Contains Salicylic Acid acne treatment
• Recommended by dermatologists

Cons:

• Does not come with a pump

Price: $32.63

Where to buy: Amazon

8. Pixi Glow Tonic

Breaking news: Pixi Glow Tonic, a cult product and one of our favourite face toners, also doubles as an amazing back acne treatment! It has 5% glycolic acid which is effective in fighting pesky zits. If your back is as red and itchy as your face, this product has soothing aloe and ginseng extracts to help calm it. Your skin will be smooth and clear in no time and we’re not just talking about the skin on your face!

Why we love it:

• Made with botanical extracts
• Soothes sensitive skin
• Hypoallergenic

Cons:

• Only 250ml worth of product which will be used up quickly when used all over the body

Price: $49.00

Where to buy: Sephora

9. COSRX One Step Original Clear Pad

COSRX’s One Step Original Clear Pad are very popular for quickly clearing out pimples on the face but why stop there? Try using it on your body acne too! These pimple-clearing pads are soaked with an essence containing BHAs that helps to clear out pores and lighten acne marks. FYI, some people love using these to lighten their armpits as well. Is there anything these pads can’t do?

Why we love it:

• Pimple clearing pads
• Contains BHAs
• Works its magic quickly

Cons:

• Can be difficult to apply the pads to your back

Price: $19.05

Where to buy: Watsons

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