Juicy red pimples might feel like the ugliest thing you could wear to school. You’re not alone, though, 90% of U.S. teens experience acne, As someone who has struggled with severe acne, I know some days are great and some are terrible. There are good products and bad products, and I can tell you from my experience what works and what makes things worse.

Let’s start with skin types. I have combination skin, which means skin that is both oily and dry, and it’s the most common skin type. My skin is also pretty sensitive, and cheap products break me out right away. Other skin types include sensitive, oily and dry, but most teens experience it all. The same products that work for me might not work for you, but chances are, you’ll see results.

Before I get into the best products I’ve used, we’ll talk about brands and products to stay away from.

For example, most Neutrogena products have caused a bad reaction in my skin. Neutrogena Acne Wash Oil Free can cause a serious allergic reaction or severe skin irritation. It has been reported via X, formerly known as Twitter, that people have experienced hives, itching, difficulty breathing, feeling light-headed, or swelling of the face and lips, and these users tagged Neutrogena directly in their posts. 

Face products to steer clear of immediately are ones that include alcohol, sulphates and fragrances. St. Ives and other scrubs are a definite no. Any exfoliants with almonds are a no, as well as peel-off face masks. Over-exfoliation can cause mini-tears on the face, which only grow with time. If it’s cheap in quality or it burns, don’t use it.

Now that the negative is out of the way, let’s chat about what clears my skin. The best thing you can do is eat healthy and drink water, but some acne is out of your control. The following ratings are based on how well they work, their pricepoint and their ingredient list.

First on the list is Differin Cleanser. Differin is a great overall brand for acne, but not great for those with already dry skin. This cleanser can be found at any drugstore for $13.99. Like a majority of these products, it has 5% benzoyl peroxide that penetrates the skin to prevent acne. It does dry you out, so it needs to be balanced with a good moisturizer. The overuse of this product will leave your skin flaky. On the bright side, the brand has a variety of products for acne and is entirely cruelty-free.

Next, the better of the two toners on this list is a toner from Good Molecules. The miniature bottle of this toner is an even $5 at Target. This toner is good for uneven skin tone, dullness and enlarged pores. It is a great step in any skincare regimen and is fully cruelty-free and vegan. The only thing keeping it from being a ten is its’ lack of wow factor.

Then we have the Panoxyl Acne Spray. This innovative product applies like a sunscreen but works like a cream. It dries out acne anywhere on the body with Salicylic acid. You can find this at most pharmacies and beauty stores for $13.59. The brand is cruelty-free and has many amazing products. The only downside? Like many acne products, it dries you out. Be careful not to get these products in places with thin skin like fingers, armpits and toes, or your skin will become flaky and peel off. This spray gets rid of body acne over time and is a great product for its price.

Going from dry to wet, we have the Laneige Water Sleeping Mask. This product goes for $32 online or in-store at Sephora. Although pricey, the overnight mask really does expel dryness. The brand is cruelty-free as well as vegan and is Leaping-Bunny Certified. It is not the most amazing product out there, and it’s pricey but good.

The next product is the only one on the list that is NOT cruelty-free, losing some serious points. The POND’S creams are wonderful for the skin and range in price from $3-$4. They hydrate and smooth skin and are lightly scented. You can find them almost anywhere, but specifically in the travel mini section of Target.

Next is a cult classic, the Glow Recipe Toner. This toner is heavily scented like watermelon. The brand Glow Recipe is cruelty-free, on the bright side. The toner doesn’t do much, bad or good, but it does keep you hydrated. The full size is a whopping $35. The mini version is $16 at Sephora.

Lastly, the best product is the Rael Miracle Patches. These are $8 at Target and belong to a cruelty-free brand. These function exactly the same as the famous Hero Mighty Patches, but at a better price point. They also come in a variety of sizes, like a nose strip. They get massive amounts of white gunk out of your pimples and work anywhere on the body. These patches are phenomenal, no notes.

The best acne brand in my experience overall is most certainly Panoxyl. The wash is great, the spray gives insane results and the patches come in large numbers for low prices. I have yet to try a moisturizer from them, but one is needed for these drying products. A cruelty-free and cheap brand, Panoxyl helps your skin shed more effectively and targets acne from the root. It’s a definite must-try.

by CARSON NICHOLS