Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (2024)

Those of us with acne-prone skin know that you cannot buy a skincare or makeup product without doing thesis-level research first. Will the coconut oil in this clog pores or make me glowy? Is salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide better for my hormonal acne? Am I using the right kind of pimple patch on this zit? Does this foundation actually cover giant cysts? So on and so on.

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (1)

But who really has the time for all this investigating? I mean, I do because I’m a beauty editor and it’s my job to test products on my acne-prone face. But I’m sure you don’t, which is exactly why I and nine other pimple-prone Cosmo editors did the hard work for you. Over the last six months, we’ve tested legit hundreds of acne products to bring you this list of 71 award-winning finds.

Keep reading for a full edit of skincare that will basically erase your blackheads and whiteheads, below-the-chin picks your bacne and chestne will hate, makeup that will cover up breakouts without causing more breakouts, tools worth your time and money, and all the pro treatments to ask your derm about.

Jump to:

  • The best face products for acne-prone skin.
  • The best body care for acne-prone skin
  • The best makeup for acne-prone skin
  • The best tools and treatments for acne-prone skin
  • Meet the testers
  • Our methodology

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (2)

Reut earrings. Echo scarf. Wolford bodysuit.

The best face products for acne-prone skin.

Best Face Moisturizer for Oily Skin

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (4)

CeraVe Oil Control Moisturizing Gel-Cream

Now 19% Off

“All my oily-skin girlies need this lotion ASAP. Hydration is necessary and this gets the job done without creating grease or clogging pores.” —Daisy Maldonado, associate shopping editor

Best Face Moisturizer for Combination Skin

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (5)

“Not too thick yet not too light, this bouncy gel-like moisturizer is juuuust right for my combo skin. It hydrates but doesn’t make my oily T-zone overly greasy.” —Lauren Balsamo, deputy beauty director

Best Face Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (6)

Dr. Loretta Barrier Repair Gel Cream

“Sure, a barrier repair cream sounds like a superfluous skincare step, but trust me when I say a strong barrier is key to preventing breakouts. Enter this lightweight gel from Dr. Loretta that strengthens my skin without causing breakouts or messing with my other products.” —Jasmine Hyman, assistant shopping editor

Best Face Moisturizer for Dry Skin

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (7)

Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Facial Moisturizer

“This silky lotion spreads across my face super easily and quickly melts into my skin. I love using it under makeup in the morning or applying a thick layer before bed to mitigate the drying effects of my retinoid.” —Emily Adar, senior visual editor

Best Retinol

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (8)

Medik8 Crystal Retinal 24

“I normally stick to the Rx kind, but this OTC option has won me over. It’s just as effective as tretinoin for keeping my pores clear and skin smooth but with less dryness and flaking.” —LB

Best Pimple Patch

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (9)

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (10)

Proactiv Zits Happen Patches

Now 25% Off

“I firmly believe in the power of hydrocolloid pimple patches. These ones in particular helped shrink a massive pimple on my forehead literally overnight.” —Beth Gillette, beauty editor

Best Post-Breakout Patch

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (11)

Hero Cosmetics Rescue Patch

“These ultra-soothing patches come in clutch when I’ve committed one of the deadly sins of acne by picking at a pimple. They flood my irritated zits with creamy, hydrating ingredients that help heal them faster.” —BG

Best Microdart Pimple Patch

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (12)

Peace Out Skincare Early Stage Acne Dots

“I love that these patches are big enough to cover a giant growing breakout and stay put on my skin all night. And, ofc, they really do what they say: shrink and calm a breakout so it doesn’t fester under the skin for weeks.” —Olivia Truffaut-Wong, editor

Best Treatment for Whiteheads

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (13)

ZO Skin Health Complexion Clarifying Serum

“The second it feels like my skin is starting to break out, I bust out this oil-regulating serum. It really keeps my skin balanced and hydrated.” —Julee Wilson, beauty editor-at-large

Best Treatment for Blackheads

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (14)

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (15)

Filorga Skin-Prep Enzymatic Exfoliating Cream

“This is hands down the most effective way to get rid of nose blackheads. The combo of an exfoliating enzyme and little volcanic sand particles buff away buildup like no other.” —LB

Best Treatment for Hormonal Acne

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (16)

Apostrophe Custom Topical Formula

“With tretinoin, spironolactone, and tranexamic acid, this full- strength trio is the antidote to my cystic zits. And I didn’t have to leave my couch to get the Rx.” —BG

Best Treatment for Uneven Skin Texture

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (17)

SkinMedica Acne Clarifying Treatment

“I’ve been slathering my face in this salicylic acid serum every single morning for months because it gently smooths all the bumps on my face without drying out my skin.” —BG

Best Treatment for Dark Spots

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (18)

TULA Dark Spot Serum 7% Pro-Niacinamide Treatment

“I have two bottles of this highly effective niacinamide-packed serum—one at home and one at work. Basically, my post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation has no chance of sticking around. It’s been handled!” —JW

Best Pore Minimizing Treatment

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (19)

Skincare Junkie Pore Therapy Daily Toner Pads

“These pads are pure sorcery. Rubbing my skin with anything usually results in redness, but not with these! I noticed a difference in the first week of use, and my skin has never felt so smooth.”
OTW

Best Post-Breakout Serum

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (20)

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (21)

Cetaphil Gentle Clear Repairing Post-Acne Serum

“This serum is the best for fading marks and spots from old breakouts—plus, it doesn’t irritate the sensitive areas on my face. And the price? A steal.” —JH

Best Antioxidant Serum

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (22)

Drunk Elephant C-Luma Hydrabright Serum

“Dullness and lack of hydration can be a battle when you’re acne-prone, but C-Luma addresses concerns without clogging pores. It gives me seriously glowy skin with just two pumps.” —JH

Best Calming Serum

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (23)

Prequel Redness Reform Soothing Serum

"This gel-serum not only worked to tone down my redness, it’s so pleasurable to use. It’s not quite cooling, but the gel just melts into the skin beautifully. I love using it in the mornings because it gives my skin the perfect reset.” —OTW

Best Hydrating Serum

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (24)

Shani Darden Skin Care Moisture Boost Plumping Serum

“The way this lightweight formula rehydrates my skin after a breakout is truly life and skin-changing. The combo of plumping snow mushroom and glycerin is pure magic.” —JW

Best Face Mist

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (25)

Clearstem Skinspray All Day

“Hypochlorous acid—the hero ingredient in this versatile face mist—is the GOAT for acne-prone faces everywhere because it’s both antibacterial and soothing as hell.” —BG

Best Overnight Treatment

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (26)

Remedy Remedy for Dark Spots

“I’ve endured years of hormonal acne, and my chin isn’t afraid to show it. This overnight treatment was actually helpful in getting rid of my most recent spots, thanks to super brighteners like tranexamic acid, kojic acid, and niacinamide.” —JH

Best Face Sunscreen

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (27)

DRMTLGY Broad Spectrum SPF 45

“This glorious SPF leaves no white cast, doesn’t burn my eyes, and leaves my skin feeling hydrated (but not shiny or sticky). The lightweight formula doesn’t break me out at all. TYSM, DRMTLGY.” —Kara Miller, designer

Best Tinted Face Sunscreen

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (28)

EltaMD UV Clear Deep Tinted Broad Spectrum SPF 46

Now 20% Off

“When you discover an SPF like this one that fully protects your skin from the sun and blends beautifully into the deepest of skin tones, then you definitely award it and tell the world to stock up!”
—JW

Best Makeup Remover

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (29)

Olay Gentle Cleansing Balm

Now 12% Off

“Once I massage this balm into my skin, it completely removes all of my makeup. Like, full-coverage foundation, concealer, glitter eyeshadow, waterproof mascara—everything. And it does so without clogging my pores or making my eyes cloudy.” —BG

Best Gentle Face Wash

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (30)

Skinfix Barrier+ Ceramide + Ectoin Gentle Gel Cleanser

“This face wash dispenses through the mess-free twisty top as a watery liquid but then lathers into the most delightful non-drying foam. It always leaves my skin feeling clean (but not squeaky) and unbothered.” —EA

Best Face Wash With Benzoyl Peroxide

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (31)

Curology Acne Cleanser

“With glycerin to hydrate and benzoyl peroxide to treat stubborn breakouts, I feel like my skin is actually getting the love and attention it deserves everything I was with this cleanser.” —DM

Best Exfoliating Face Wash

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (32)

Skinbetter Science Refining Foam Cleanser

“I love all things Skinbetter for my acne-prone skin, including this foamy cleanser with a blend of AHAs and salicylic acid. It keeps pores clear and skin soft, never stripped.” —LB

Best Exfoliant

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (33)

Éminence Organic Skin Care Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant

“Most skincare is a long game, but this exfoliator is one of the few products out there that legit gives instant results. Immediately after I use it, my face is noticeably softer and smoother so that light easily bounces off of it for a radiant glow.” —LB

Best Gentle Toner

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (34)

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (35)

COSRX Pure Fit CICA Toner

Now 16% Off

“Softening, soothing, and moisturizing: literally everything I want in a toner for my sensitive, acne-prone skin. When I added this toner to my routine after a few weeks of traveling left my skin dry and red, I noticed the calming effect almost immediately.” —Mary Fama, art director

Best Exfoliating Toner

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (36)

Environ Sebu-Tone Clarifier

“Environ is one of those under-the-radar brands loved by skincare insiders and aestheticians. The brand’s hero product is this exfoliating toner, IMO. It’s pure magic for unclogging pores and smoothing bumpy skin texture.” —LB

Best Face Mask

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (37)

Sofie Pavitt Face Reset Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Treatment Mask

“Whenever I’ve got a first date coming up, I coat my T-zone in this mask to make sure I don’t break out. The benzoyl peroxide is an MVP for killing acne-causing bacteria.” —BG

The best body care for acne-prone skin

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (38)

Soft Goat balaclava. Pomellato rings.

The Best Exfoliating Body Wash

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (39)

Geologie Acne Control Superclean Body Wash

“OMG, this stuff is good. It’s filled with salicylic and glycolic acids to help chemically exfoliate the hell out of my skin, but—plot twist—it doesn’t leave me tight or dry post-wash.” —BG

Best Brightening Body Wash

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (40)

Iota Supervitamin Body Wash+ Brightening

“After a summer of sweating and breaking out, I’ve got way more hyperpigmentation than normal. Enter: This niacinamide-rich body wash that helps brighten dullness and smooth my skin with pineapple extract, all while hydrating it with aloe vera juice and sunflower seed oil.” —BG

Best Body Bar

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (41)

Topicals Faded Brightening & Cleansing Bar

“This hardworking body bar cleanses and, thanks to the clever combo of kojic acid and vitamin C, fades hyperpigmentation from head to toe like nobody’s business.” —JW

Best Lightweight Body Moisturizer

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (42)

The INKEY List PHA Exfoliating and Hydrating Body Water Cream

“For having such a fast-absorbing texture, this lotion makes my skin shockingly supple. It exfoliates and hydrates, which is the ultimate recipe for soft, clear skin.” —LB

Best Body Serum

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (43)

Nécessaire The Body Vitamin C

“Finally a body serum that makes me actually want to take the time to use a body serum. It is loaded with THD ascorbate to brighten skin and has been incredibly effective at lightening the dark spots on my chest and upper shoulders.” —LB

Best Rich Body Moisturizer

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (44)

La Roche-Posay Lipikar Urea 10% Roughness Smoothing Lotion

“This lotion is more than an excellent hydrator—it helps smooth out rough bumpy skin in just a few weeks. Combined it with an acne-safe body wash and you will have the clearest, softest skin of your life—trust me.” —JH

Best Body Oil

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (45)

Hanni Good Aura Body Oil

“Applying oil to already oily skin seems...scary, I know. But, but! The Good Aura Body oil literally m-e-l-t-s into your skin and there’s legit zero greasy residue. It’s the best body oily I’ve ever tried, and I have zero fear of it breaking me out.” —SG

Best Body Scrub

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (46)

Fig. 1 Exfoliating Body Polish

“This stuff delivers silky smooth skin without irritation. I don’t feel like I’m scratching my skin off when I use it, and it smells so so good.” —OTW

Best Bodne Patches

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (47)

Peach Slices Body Breakout Patches

“I used to stick multiple pimple patches on my back zits because that’s all I had. Now I just opt for these body-specific ones, which are legit massive, so they cover big clusters of pimples in one shot.” —BG

Best Body Pads

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (48)

“I’ve been burned (literally) by acne pads in the past, but these really helped clear up my bacne and body bumps without making my skin raw or chapped.” —BG

Best Treatment for Body Bumps

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (49)

Cocokind KP Smoothing Stick

Now 20% Off

“This exfoliating stick is technically for smoothing KP, but it’s also the best—and most convenient—way to get rid of the clogged pores on my chest.” —BG

Best Body Spray

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (50)

Dermalogica Clear Start Clarifying Bacne Spray

“I cannot begin to describe how cooling and soothing this ultra-fine mist feels on my irritated bacne. With one spritz, it covers basically my entire upper back in a formula comprised of acne-fighting salicylic acid, witch hazel, and tea tree oils plus moisturizing argan oil.” —BG

Best Body Sunscreen

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (51)

ISDIN Fusion Mineral Body SPF 40

Now 30% Off

"This sunscreen glides on so smoothly sans stickiness and doesn’t leave a white cast, both of which are nonnegotiable for me when it comes to using SPF on my acne-prone bod. And, of course, it thoroughly protects skin with SPF 40 too.” —DM

The best makeup for acne-prone skin

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (52)

Lapointe top. Patricia von Musulin earrings. DEFAÏENCE arm cuff.

Best Full-Coverage Matte Foundation

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (53)

Clinique Even Better Clinical Serum Foundation SPF 25

“This foundation combos SPF and full-coverage pigments into one serum-like product that doesn’t cake up around acne scabs or newly forming pimples.” —SG

Best Full-Coverage Dewy Foundation

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (54)

Patrick Ta Major Skin Hydra-Luxe Luminous Skin Perfecting Foundation

“Dewy makeup + acne usually don’t mix, but Patrick Ta has nailed it. The lightweight formula makes my face look like I’ve got a real-life filter on it.” —BG

Best Powder Foundation

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (55)

MAC Cosmetics Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation

Now 30% Off

“Matte skin that isn’t cakey, dry, or flat? Yup. It’s all because of this cult-fave powder foundation that helps even out my skin tone and smooth uneven texture.” —BG

Best Primer

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (56)

ONE/SIZE Oil Sucker Extreme Mattifying Alkaline Primer

“This is an absolute gem that I’ll forever keep in my makeup bag. Not only does it keep my skin matte without drying it out, but my foundation clings to it like glue for hours.” —DM

Best Concealer

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (57)

WYN BEAUTY Nothing to See Soft Matte Creamy Concealer

“I’ve been wearing this all over to cover up zits with a skin tint, and it’s the perfect no-makeup makeup look. The formula is blendable and light but has a medium coverage that I love.” —BG

Best Skin Tint

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (58)

Naked Sundays BeautyScreen SPF50 Peptide Foundation Tint

“I’m all about efficiency, and this skincare/makeup/SPF hybrid is as efficient as they come. It is spreadable with just fingers and has peptides to plump and SPF 50 to protect from UV damage.” —LB

Best Sheer Foundation

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (59)

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (60)

Covergirl Simply Ageless Skin Perfector Essence

Now 54% Off

“If your vibe is no-makeup makeup then add this to your cart immediately. The lightweight gel foundation is filled with pigmented capsules that blend down to a barely there, flawless finish.” —JW

Best Color Corrector

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (61)

Tarte Creaseless Corrector

“These Tarte color correctors come in five different shades and have a super-thin texture so they never look cakey when layered with concealer. Just one tiny dot the green totally neutralizes the look of an angry, red breakout.” —SG

Best Blush

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (62)

HAUS LABS BY LADY GAGA Color Fuse Glassy Blush Balm

“This is perfection. It’s super pigmented, creamy, and easy to blend. And it sinks into skin seamlessly for a flush that looks nice and natural.” —EA

Best Highlighter

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (63)

Saie Glowy Super Gel

“Whether I use this illuminating liquid under makeup, mixed with foundation, or tapped on the tops of my cheekbones, it never pills or emphasizes bumpy texture.” —OTW

Best Setting Spray

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (64)

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (65)

L’Oréal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Spray Mist

Now 22% Off

“This setting spray is loved by Team USA gymnast Suni Lee, so you better believe that if it kept her makeup in place during her routines, it’ll keep yours looking amazing while you’re at your desk.” —SG

Best Bronzer

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (66)

Makeup by Mario SoftSculpt Bronzing & Shaping Serum

“I was truly shocked with how pigmented such a lightweight serum could be. Typically, creamier formulas feel too heavy on my acne-prone skin, so I love how the SoftSculpt provided the color payoff I wanted without suffocating my skin.” —SG

Best Setting Powder

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (67)

Rare Beauty True to Myself Tinted Pressed Finishing Powder

“I’m always wary of powders because I’m quite literally pressing and pushing the product into my pores during application, but Rare Beauty’s is a dream to use. It keeps my shine to a minimum and isn’t too heavy on my sensitive skin. I also love that it is talc-free and has an expansive shade range. Other brands with four or five options, take notes!” —JH

The best tools and treatments for acne-prone skin

Best LED Face Mask

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (68)

CurrentBody Skin Anti-Acne LED Face Mask

“I’m a connoisseur of LED masks (brag) and CurrentBody’s has my top vote. It’s comfy and easy to use, and the combo of red and blue lights is perfect for minimizing inflammation and breakouts.” —LB

Best High Frequency Wand

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (69)

Stacked Skincare High Frequency Acne Device

“A high-tech skincare device like this can seem intimidating to use at home, yet this one from Stacked Skincare is anything but. I had an angry breakout that was brewing on my chin right before a big event. The night before, I zapped it using this device and I woke up to a pimple that was nearly gone!” —SG

Best Cleansing Device

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (70)

Skin Gym Tilka Cleansing Brush with LED

Now 20% Off

“This gentle brush combines LED therapy and sonic vibration to make my PM cleaning routine quicker and more thorough. After I use it, my pores are ultra clean.” —SG

Best Blackhead Removal Tool

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (71)

Dermaflash Dermapore+ Ultrasonic Pore Extractor & Serum Infuser

Now 30% Off

“The ~dramatic~ appearance of my pores is one of my biggest skin insecurities. Luckily, this device is so great at unclogging them without irritating my skin. It’s soooo much better than manual extractions, IMO.” —DM

Best Facial for Acne

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (72)

“DiamondGlow is my favorite facial of all time. I love the pore-purifying version, which has seriously helped reduce my bumpy texture and clogged pores. After one of these facials, my skin glows for weeks.” —BG

From $150

Best Treatment for Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (73)

“After months of hormonal acne breakouts, my skin was suffering from serious post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. But one Aquagold treatment (which I paired with PRP for a vampire facial effect, because I’m extra like that) transformed it all, making my dark marks practically disappear.” —BG

From $400

Best Chemical Peel for Acne-Prone Skin

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (74)

“My love for the VI Peel is real. I did a series of three over the summer to help with congestion and dark spots from old breakouts, and the results were impressive, to say the least.” —LB

From $300

Best Microneedling Treatment for Acne Scars

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (75)

“I know the idea of microneedling can be scary. I know I certainly was a bit nervous. But trust me when I say there’s nothing to worry about with SkinPen. It does such an effective job of resurfacing skin and reducing all types of acne scars—even the stubborn pitted ones.” —DM

$350 on average

Best Laser Treatment for Uneven Skin Texture

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (76)

“If large pores are your enemy, this is the fractional laser treatment for you. It’s intense, yes, but the way just one session made my skin absurdly smooth and glass-like makes the price tag and downtime totally worth it.” —LB

$1,500 on average

Meet the testers

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (77)

Lauren Balsamo, deputy beauty director

Lauren Balsamo is deputy beauty director at Cosmopolitan with more than a decade of experience researching, writing, and editing acne content. She regularly tests and analyzes acne products and treatments for efficacy, while working with the industry’s top dermatologists and aesthetician to assess new formulas, brands, and technologies.

Acne type: T-zone congestion with hormonal chin and jawline cysts

Her current skincare obsession: “I can’t say enough good things about VI Peel. A series of treatments made a serious difference with my clogged pores and dark spots.”

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (78)

Beth Gillette, beauty editor

Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan with more than six years of writing, researching, and editing stories to share the info she wish she knew her first decade of life with hormonal acne. She’s well-versed in all types of acne though, including scalp acne, whiteheads, blind pimples, and butt acne (yup). She’s interviewed countless dermatologists and aestheticians over her career to find out the best tips for acne-prone skin and is constantly testing and reviewing new products, treatments, and brands.

Acne type: Cystic breakouts

Her current skincare obsession: “Lili Reinhart’s new brand, Personal Day, is honestly so good (and dare I say, my favorite celeb-owned skincare brand). The Dive Deep Melavonic Moisturizer keeps my skin from drying out but doesn’t feel heavy at all.”

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (79)

Julee Wilson, beauty editor-at-large

Julee Wilson is the beauty editor-at-large at Cosmopolitan. Previously, Julee was beauty director at Cosmopolitan and global beauty director at Essence and has held various editorial positions at Huffington Post and Real Simple. She counts herself lucky AF that she gets to play with beauty products for a living and tell dope stories.

Acne type: Whiteheads and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation

Her current skincare obsession: “EltaMD’s UV Clear! I love how thoughtful the brand was about making sure this effective SPF blends into deep skin tones. We deserve!”

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (80)

Siena Gagliano, associate editor

Siena Gagliano is an associate editor at Cosmopolitan with more than four years of experience writing in the makeup, skin, and hair spaces. She is constantly speaking with cosmetic chemists and dermatologists on the newest and greatest in the beauty world, with a particular interest and expertise in the acne space.

Acne type: Hormonal breakouts with congestion around the chin and mouth.

Her current skincare obsession:The Hanni Good Aura Body Oil is a game changer. Ever since I started testing it for these acne awards, I’ve used it every single night. It absorbs in a matter of seconds, doesn’t feel greasy, leaves my skin glowy, and most importantly, doesn’t break me out.”

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (81)

Jasmine Hyman, assistant shopping editor

Jasmine Hyman is the assistant shopping editor at Cosmopolitan where she writes about all the best things you can add to your cart—including skincare, of course. As an acne-prone girlie, she is always researching, testing, and reviewing the best products for her hormonal breakouts and hyperpigmentation. Jasmine’s most prized possession? Her skincare routine.

Acne type: Hormonal acne and blackheads

Her current skincare obsession: “Cetaphil’s post-acne serum is like a magic eraser for breakout-induced dark spots...it’s like my pimples were never even there.”

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (82)

Olivia Truffaut-Wong, editor

Olivia Truffaut-Wong is an editor at Cosmopolitan covering all things beauty, style, and entertainment. Having dealt with acne for 20+ years, she loves nothing more than trying out new skincare products and learning about new ingredients.

Acne type: Hormonal acne with hyperpigmentation and rosacea

Her current skincare obsession: “It’s the Skincare Junkie Toner Pads for me. I honestly feel like they’re magic for my face.”

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (83)

Daisy Maldonado, associate shopping editor

Daisy Maldonado is the associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan with more than four years of experience researching, writing, and editing beauty stories that range from the best cleansers to the best body scrubs. She’s an authority in all beauty categories but an expert when it comes to acne, thanks to her personal experience with hormonal breakouts.

Acne type: Oily skin with hormonal breakouts

Her current skincare obsession: "“SkinPen is such a game changer...probably the single most effective thing I’ve tried for my uneven skin texture.”

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (84)

Mary Fama, art director

Mary Fama is the art director at Cosmopolitan with more than a decade of magazine design and art direction experience. While you can often find her making mood boards for photo shoots or working on layouts for the print magazine, she considers herself lucky when she gets to test products and cosplay as an editor for beauty awards.

Acne type: Occasional hormone-related flare-ups

Her current skincare obsession: “I can’t wash my face without using the COSRx toner after—it makes my skin so, so, soft and hydrated.”

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (85)

Emily Adar, senior visual editor

Emily Adar is the senior visual editor at Cosmopolitan. She works to produce both creative beauty and fashion content for both digital and print platforms. She has dealt with acne on and off for the past decade and has tested countless treatments and products as a result.

Acne type: Hormone-induced cystic breakouts

Her current skin obsession: “Haus Labs Blush Balm Stick has made me a blush girlie through and through. It lights up my skin but doesn’t break me out or settle into any of the uneven texture on my cheeks.”

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (86)

Kara Miller, art designer

Kara Miller is an art designer at Cosmopolitan with more than six years of experience making magazines. She enjoys creating designs that engage and delight readers. In her free time, Kara loves to get crafty while testing out new sheet masks.

Acne type: Hormonal breakouts

Her current skincare obsession: “I used to dread applying sunscreen until I found DRMTLGY’s SPF 45. I genuinely look forward to applying it each morning.”

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (87)

Issey Miyake top. Patricia von Musulin earrings and ring.

Our methodology

June 2024: 10 Cosmo editors and writers begin researching, testing, and reviewing more than 600 products, medications, and treatments—all designed to prevent and treat various forms of acne and acne scarring.

July 2024: These editors and writers nominate 215 finalists across 71 different categories spanning skincare, body care, makeup, tools, and pro treatments.

September 2024: After eight weeks of testing and reviewing, Cosmo editors and writers select a winner among the nominees in every category. Selects are made based on various factors, including efficacy, ease of use, accessibility, affordability, and dermatologist insights.

November 2024: We share our list of winners—complete with first-person reviews and tester notes—with you!

Lead Image: Ganni sweater. MEUCHNER necklace and ring. Patricia von Musulin earrings.

Photographs: Lian Benoit. Stylist: Andrea Zendejas. Hair: Shinya Nakagawa at BRIDGE using R+Co. Makeup: Ai Yokomizo at BRIDGE using Dior. Manicure: Elina Ogawa at BRIDGE using Aprés Nail. Models: Liushan at Elite Models; Ahlem Zehdi at Stetts. Casting: Alicia Bridgewater.


Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (88)

Lauren Balsamo

Deputy Beauty Director

Lauren Balsamo is deputy beauty director at Cosmopolitan, where she writes, edits, and produces all types of beauty content—from product reviews to personal essays and trend reports. She has covered beauty for nine years at Cosmopolitan and has contributed to Women’s Health and Seventeen magazines as well. Follow her on Instagram.

Acne Game Changers: 71 Products That Cosmo Editors Swear By (2024)

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