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Body acne is completely normal, whether it shows up on your butt, chest, or back. But if you're looking to keep it in check, the best body acne treatments give you plenty of options. Many contain familiar acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid, which helps clear out the oil and dead skin cells that clog pores and lead to breakouts. They come in all kinds of easy-to-use formats, too, from bacne sprays that make reapplication a breeze to lotions, pads, and body washes that fit right into your existing body-care routine. To find out which ones actually deliver the breakout control you need, we asked board-certified dermatologists and Allure editors to share their favorites for treating body acne and helping prevent new bumps from popping up.
Our Top Body Acne Treatments
- Best Body Serum: Topicals Slather Exfoliating Body Serum, $30
- Best Body Wash: Byoma Blemish Acne Clearing Body Wash, $14
- Best Body Lotion: Paula's Choice Weightless Body Treatment 2% BHA, $35
- Best Body Scrub: Nécessaire The Body Exfoliator, $35
Frequently Asked Questions
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- What is body acne?
- What is the best way to treat body acne?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review our products
- Our staff and testers
Best Body Serum: Topicals Slather Exfoliating Body Serum
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Slather Exfoliating Body Serum
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Why it’s worth it: You might associate retinol with smoothing fine lines and wrinkles, but it can help with pimples, too. By encouraging skin cell turnover, it helps keep dead skin cells from piling up and clogging pores, which can lead to breakouts. That's why it's a key ingredient in the Topicals Slather Exfoliating Body Serum, which tackles both body breakouts and the dark marks they leave behind. Glycolic and lactic acids also sweep away dead skin cells and smooth rough texture. Together, these ingredients help with discoloration as well as remove dead skin cells on the surface," Geeta Yadav, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Toronto, previously told Allure. Because acne treatments can leave skin feeling dry, it also includes squalane and urea to soften and hydrate.
Despite being called a body serum, the milky texture feels more like a lightweight body lotion, so it's easy to work into your routine. (However, you may need to follow it with a dedicated body cream in the winter or if your skin is dry.) Just remember to apply SPF 30 or higher to exposed skin during the day, since retinol can make skin more sensitive to the sun.
Tester feedback from former associate special projects manager Talia Gutierrez
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"Even as a beauty editor, it used to feel counterintuitive to rub body lotion over my clogged and bumpy KP-prone arms. That was until I began using a chemical exfoliating serum like this one from Topicals. The texture is more like a lightweight body lotion that dispenses white, but after slathering a generous dollop onto my palm and rubbing it along my arms and chest, the product fully absorbs into my brown skin." —Talia Gutierrez, former associate special projects manager
More to know
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- Key ingredients: retinol, glycolic acid, lactic acid, squalane, urea
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Body Wash: Byoma Blemish Acne Clearing Body Wash
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Blemish Acne Clearing Body Wash
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Why it’s worth it: You might think a body wash wouldn't do much for acne since it goes right down the drain, but even 60 seconds of contact with the right ingredients can help. Byoma's Blemish Acne Clearing Body Wash uses 2% salicylic acid to help clear excess oil and dead skin cells from pores, plus bakuchiol, a plant-derived retinol alternative that can help regulate skin cell turnover and calm inflammation.
The formula doesn't skimp on skin-supporting ingredients, either: Ceramides and phytosphingosine (a lipid naturally found in the skin that also has antimicrobial properties) help maintain the skin's protective barrier, while glycerin draws in moisture. "What I appreciate about this one is that it tackles body acne without completely wrecking the skin barrier, which is a common complaint I hear from patients who've tried more aggressive options," Alexandra Bowles, MD, board-certified dermatologist based in Cincinnati, previously told Allure. If your skin is particularly sensitive, keep in mind the formula also contains witch hazel water, which helps remove excess oil but can irritate some skin types.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: 2% salicylic acid, bakuchiol, ceramides, phytosphingosine, glycerin, witch hazel water
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Body Lotion: Paula's Choice Weightless Body Treatment 2% BHA
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Paula's Choice
Weightless Body Treatment 2% BHA
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Why it’s worth it: If your acne-prone skin could use a little extra hydration, Paula’s Choice Weightless Body Treatment 2% BHA gives you the best of both worlds. Vitamin E and dimethicone soften skin and prevent moisture loss, so it feels more like an everyday body lotion than a treatment. But don’t let that fool you: It still packs 2% salicylic acid to keep breakouts in check.
“This lightweight lotion is one of my go-to recommendations for body acne, clogged pores, or uneven texture because salicylic acid penetrates pores to clear debris while gently exfoliating,” Dendy Engelman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, previously told Allure. And if you got a little overzealous with a body scrub, green tea, chamomile, and allantoin help calm irritated skin.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: 2% salicylic acid, vitamin E, dimethicone, green tea extract, chamomile extract, allantoin
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Body Scrub: Nécessaire The Body Exfoliator
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The Body Exfoliator
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Why it’s worth it: You'd be hard-pressed to find an Allure editor who couldn't wax poetic about at least one Nécessaire product. For our acne-prone tester, it's The Body Exfoliator, a 2023 Allure Best of Beauty Award winner that tackles rough texture and clogged pores in two ways. Fine pumice particles buff away dead skin, while a mix of glycolic, lactic, salicylic, and gluconolactone acids loosens buildup, clears pores, and smooths uneven texture. Marula oil and niacinamide help keep skin moisturized and more even-toned.
Lauren Moy, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist based in Los Angeles, previously told Allure it's "best for those dealing with congestion, as it dissolves cellular bonds while manually sweeping away surface debris." And while we love the refreshing eucalyptus scent, there's also a fragrance-free version for acne-prone skin that's sensitive to essential oils.
Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
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“Ever since a publicist grabbed my dry, ashy arm and slathered body oil on it—rude but helpful?—I’ve been diligent about my body-care routine. This scrub is a big part of it. I love that it combines chemical and physical exfoliators to deal with roughness and the occasional body acne alike, and it always leaves my skin smooth and soft. Plus, it builds to a really nice lather that’s easy to rinse, and the pumice doesn’t leave any residue in my shower.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: pumice, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, gluconolactone, marula oil, niacinamide, glycerin, eucalyptus oil
- Fragrance-free: free of synthetic fragrance (eucalyptus scent)
Best Exfoliating Pads: First Aid Beauty Acne Clearing Pads
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Acne Clearing Pads
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Why it’s worth it: These Acne Clearing pads from First Aid Beauty are so handy to keep in your bag for a quick midday refresher or post-shower swipe to help unclog pores and sweep away buildup. They’re also gentle enough for your face if you’re dealing with breakouts, rough texture, or dullness all over. Formulated with 2% salicylic acid (spotting a trend?), they help clear excess oil and minimize the look of pores without drying your skin out. They’re also infused with rosemary extract, which lends a fresh, clean feeling, especially on hot, sweaty days when you’re trying to keep new breakouts at bay.
Tester feedback from Pai
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“Since I’m not going to slather my chest and back with my fancy azelaic acid serum, I use these convenient pads to make quick work of breakouts below the neck. They’re easy to swipe on in the mornings, and I can reach my upper back without much contortion. They help resolve zits more quickly, and my post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is pretty much nonexistent as a result, too.”—Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: 2% salicylic acid, rosemary
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Spray: Glytone Acne Back & Chest Treatment Spray
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Acne Back & Chest Treatment Spray
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Why it's worth it: After cleansing, Texas-based, board-certified dermatologist Heidi Prather, MD, suggests applying a toner with acne-fighting ingredients. Targeting tough-to-reach areas like the back can be challenging, but that’s where a product like the quick-drying Glytone Acne Treatment Spray Back & Chest comes in. "Because the back is a hard-to-reach area to apply topicals, look for user-friendly products in a spray bottle that you can mist on your back, such as this bacne spray formulated with 2% salicylic acid," she explains. Centella asiatica, also known as cica, helps soothe the skin and balance the actives.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: 2% salicylic acid, cica, gluconolactone
- Fragrance-free: yes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is body acne?
Body acne arises from "the inconvenient and unfortunate cycle of clogged pores, inflammation, and poor skin turnover," says Dr. Prather. She explains that back acne can appear as small blackheads, inflammatory pustules, or sometimes deep, tender cystic lesions.
What's the best way to treat body acne?
To start, Dr. Prather encourages her patients to identify anything that might be triggering outbreaks. "Hair products such as conditioners or leave-in products that contain silicones and oils can leave a residue on your skin, resulting in clogged pores and acne," she notes. "Screen your products for ingredients that are known to be comedogenic, and when getting a massage, opt for lighter lotions in place of heavy creams and massage oils that can exacerbate acne."
After eliminating potential triggers, look for over-the-counter treatments that target body acne—just don’t treat your back like your face. “Although our back skin seems tough, it [usually] cannot handle the same acne treatment routines we use on our face,” warns Dr. Prather. A study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that back acne is often more sensitive due to a weaker skin barrier and microbial imbalances, especially when combined with harsh cleansers. “This discrepancy may lead to a vicious cycle in which the natural lipid barrier of the back is compromised, promoting further oil production and microbial imbalance,” explains New York-based board-certified dermatologist Kseniya Kobets, MD. She recommends a gentler approach: pH-balanced cleansers with humectants like glycerin, followed by a lightweight, non-comedogenic lotion with ceramides and niacinamide. Another tip? Use actives like benzoyl peroxide sparingly (no more than a few times a week and ideally over moisturizer).
Meet the experts
- Dendy Engelman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Shafer Clinic based in New York City
- David Kim, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist
- Kseniya Kobets, MD, a New York-based board-certified dermatologist
- Lauren Moy, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist based in Los Angeles
- Heidi Prather, MD, a Texas-based board-certified dermatologist
- Geeta Yadav, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Toronto
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best body acne treatments, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
