If you have acne, choosing the right cleanser can help rid your skin of the bacteria that make their way into clogged hair follicles and lead to breakouts. A thorough cleaning also removes dead cells on the surface of your skin, which makes it easier for your acne medication to be absorbed.

Are cleansers good for acne?

“Soap isn't necessarily bad for acne, but the wrong type of soap or cleanser can irritate the skin, making acne worse or making it difficult to use appropriate acne medications — many of which are drying,” Welsh says. “A good acne cleanser will remove surface oils and makeup thoroughly without irritation.”

Can a cleanser cause acne?

If you don't rinse your skin well, leftover cleansing agents might dry out your skin and lead to excessive oil production that triggers breakouts.