The 10 Best Back Acne Products of 2024

Treatments with salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and hydrocolloid patches can provide relief.

In short: pimples are really annoying. “I’m glad I had a pimple”—no one ever said that.

And for good reason. A big pimple on your face—no matter how small or easily covered—can wreak havoc on your self-confidence.

The same goes for pimples elsewhere, like your back. The only consolation: “Back acne” is easier to hide under clothing than an inflamed pimple on your nose or chin.

The bad news? If you have one problem, you may also have another. “It’s estimated that 50 percent of people with facial acne also get acne on their backs and/or chests,” explains board-certified dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner.

“Only about 10 percent of people get acne on their backs or chests, not their face.” If you’re already treating pimples on your face, you can easily use some of the same products to treat acne on your back.

However, if you use expensive topicals to treat your expensive skin, then it’s understandable that you’d want a cheaper alternative to treat the rest of your body – and we’re here to help.

Best Overall: Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Light Body Cream

The brand is known for its facial BHA liquid exfoliants, which also contain 2% salicylic acid for excellent pore-clearing benefits. This body version also helps remove layers of skin that can cause acne on the body.

The feather-light lotion absorbs instantly into the skin for a silky exfoliating feel. The formula contains vitamin E, chamomile, and green tea to provide soothing hydration.

Such an effective formula also has an equally rich scent. It’s not a perfume, but it has been described by users as unusual. However, the smell disappears quickly after rubbing it in.

Best Value: The Ordinary 2% Salicylic Acid Solution

This simple serum is actually meant for the face, and it’s as simple as it can be. Salicylic acid is oil-soluble, so it can penetrate deep into the pores to remove dirt and oil, thereby preventing acne.

Because of its affordable price, you might be more willing to apply it to larger areas like your back. Just remember to apply a moisturizing lotion afterward, though, to prevent your skin from becoming too dry or irritated.

Best Body Lotion for Back Acne: CeraVe SA Body Lotion for Rough and Uneven Skin

It’s easy to take advantage of a host of acne-targeting active ingredients to cleanse your pores and remove skin impurities. But as it goes, your skin also loses moisture (i.e. seriously dry and possibly even flaky).

Not only is dry skin an unpleasant side effect, but it also leads to more oil production, which can trigger acne—something you definitely don’t want. Discover this lotion that combines the best of both worlds:

It has salicylic acid to clear up acne, and ceramides to act as a moisture barrier for smoother, more hydrated skin.

Best Spray: Differin Clear Body Spray

This spray literally has you covered. Similar to sunscreen sprays that you can use to cover your entire body (without any help), this one lets you effortlessly spritz problem areas.

This formula contains 2% salicylic acid (to fight acne), 3% glycolic acid, and 2.5% witch hazel (to exfoliate and reduce oil). Use up to three times a day if needed.

Best Body Wash: PanOxyl Anti-Acne Foaming Face Wash

This effective duo can be used on both the face and body. This high-performance formula contains 10% benzoyl peroxide (BP), which is known for its acne-treating and acne-preventing properties.

The antibacterial face wash creates a lather that removes dirt and oil while opening up the pores. Since it’s a cleanser that needs to be washed off, a high active ingredient content is important so that the active ingredients can fully work within a short skin contact time.

“Generally, I recommend using a low concentration of benzoyl peroxide in a leave-on product,” says Dr. Illustrator. However, for cleansing products, the higher the concentration of the active ingredient, the better the active ingredient will penetrate the skin within a short period of time.

Best Back Acne Patches: Rael XL Spot Control Cover

Acne patches are popular for their nearly invisible appearance. You can simply stick them on and forget about them until you remove them. This super-sized version is perfect for larger areas with acne, such as your back.

They prevent breakouts and irritation and keep the affected area clean. Remove the patch after 4-8 hours when it turns white. This means it has done its job of absorbing oil and pus—gross, but satisfying. You’ll notice that the pimple is flatter and less sensitive.

Best Product for Acne Scars: Gold Bond Age Renew Retinol Night Lotion

Retinol is the gold standard in anti-aging care because it boosts skin cell turnover for a smoother, more even complexion. Until recently, this ingredient, which is usually used on the face, has also been recommended as a retinol body lotion for the neck and throat area.

For back acne in particular, this moisturizing formula can help reduce discoloration after a breakout. However, keep in mind that retinol can make your skin sensitive to the sun. Therefore, use at least SPF 30 when using this formula.

Best Body Scrub: Pacifica Acne Warrior Body Scrub

Chemical peels work well, but sometimes dead skin needs extra removal—and this peel does both. The soothing combination of cucumber and aloe helps reduce swelling and inflammation and moisturizes the skin.

Body scrubs are an excellent preventative measure to remove skin buildup and excess oil. However, it may be too aggressive for skin blemishes with acute acne.

Best Pads: Neutrogena Rapid Cleansing Treatment Pads

One of the main causes of pimples is sweat. That’s why dermatologists recommend always removing wet clothing after exercise. That’s not always possible when you’re on the move. That’s where salicylic acid-soaked pads come into play.

Stuff a few pads into a Ziploc bag and keep them in your gym bag (or in your purse for those days when you sweat). Wipe them on after your workout. The formula is clinically proven to reduce pimple size, swelling, and redness in just eight hours. That way, you can benefit from the positive effects of the application.

Best All-Round Product: Soft Services Clearing Clay

This multi-benefit formula takes a unique approach to treating pimples with sulfur, which is commonly used in facial acne treatments. Sulfur has antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it perfect for treating back acne, which is often caused by sebum, sweat, and bacteria.

The clay paste can be used as a cleanser in the shower, as a long-term deep-cleansing mask, or as a topical treatment. We like using it as a mask for back acne, but be careful: It has a strong sulfur and rotten egg smell.

Final Verdict

When it comes to choosing the best products for back acne, it comes down to which product works best for you. Lotions like Paula’s Choice Weightless Body Treatment 2% BHA can be used daily as part of your daily moisturizing routine and work similarly to a leave-on treatment.

Soft Services Clearing Clay, on the other hand, is a topical treatment that can be rinsed off. If you live alone or your acne is located in hard-to-reach areas, a spray like Differin Cleansing Body Spray is your best option.

What to Look For When Choosing Products for Back Acne Treatment

Ingredients

The best ingredients for acne treatments include acids—alpha hydroxy acids (glycolic acid) and beta hydroxy acids (salicylic acid). They work on different layers of the skin to remove dead skin cells, excess oil, and keep pores clear.

Salicylic acid is often recommended by dermatologists for acne treatments, and it’s found in The Ordinary’s 2% Salicylic Acid Solution. This helps heal existing outbreaks and prevent future ones.

Benzoyl peroxide is another proven formula found in Panoxyl Foaming Face Wash with 10% Benzoyl Peroxide. It has antiseptic properties, which can reduce the number of bacteria on the skin, thus fighting acne.

The concentration of these ingredients varies depending on skin sensitivity. Pimple patches can also help remove pus from pimple heads – we recommend Rael XL Spot Control Cover.

Formulas

Now that you know which ingredients fight acne, you can choose the formula that best suits your needs. You can choose a leave-on product (such as a lotion or treatment) or a rinse-off product (such as a shower gel or a spot treatment).

Also consider how often you use the product: a lower-concentration product can be used every day as part of your daily skincare routine, while a higher-concentration or more targeted treatment may only be enough a few times a week. Treating acne can be difficult, but sticking to the method you choose is crucial.

FAQs

How to get rid of back acne?

The main cause of back acne is bacteria. Therefore, it is extremely important to keep your skin clean and wear textiles that do not absorb sweat and bacteria (this is why dermatologists warn against sitting all day in sweaty gym clothes).

In addition to lifestyle changes, you should also use cleansers and care products specifically for acne, such as benzoyl peroxide washes and salicylic acid sprays. Sprays or pads, like Neutrogena Rapid Cleansing Pads, are great for on-the-go use to keep skin clean and prevent dirt and oil buildup.

What’s the difference between salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide?

“Benzoyl peroxide works by reducing the concentration of acne-causing bacteria, which reduces inflammation in the skin,” says Dr. Zeichner. “It also helps open up pimples.

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that removes excess oil and dead skin cells, keeping pores clear. It also dries out pimples. Both active ingredients target the root cause of acne—the pores—but they work in different ways.”