Checklist · 12 picks · 5 categories
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Breakouts are annoying enough without a 12-step routine that makes your skin angrier. Keep it simple: a gentle cleanser, one treatment, a moisturizer and sunscreen every morning.
Everything here comes from NBC Select's acne product tests, including its best cleanser and the over-the-counter Differin gel it named best serum. Pimple patches are the fun extra for surprise spots. NBC Select notes that piling on products can sometimes make breakouts worse, so add things slowly and be patient, since treatments take a while. Each card shows the drawback the testers called out. Breakouts that are painful, deep or not getting better? A dermatologist can help way more than any list.
Who this is not for. Skip this if your skin is mostly clear and you just want a simple routine; our Skincare Starter list is the gentler place to begin.
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Estimates based on typical prices, checked Oct 30, 2026. Prices change; see the store for today's price.
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Best face cleanserbudget pick · Bottle
Best for breakout-prone skin that isn't dry
NBC Select's best cleanser in its 100 best acne products test: a lightweight foaming wash with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide.
Heads up. Not for dry skin
1 outlet. NBC Select best cleanser.
under $15
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mid pick · Bottle
Best for skin that breaks out
NBC Select's best cleanser for acne-prone skin: a soothing foam-cream that isn't drying and leaves skin feeling soft.
Heads up. Not the best pick for dry skin
1 outlet. NBC Select best cleanser for acne-prone skin.
$15-25
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| Pick | Tier | Price | Best for | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Differin Acne Treatment Gel | budget | $15-25 | a slow-and-steady treatment for your whole face | 1 outlet |
| Mario Badescu Drying Lotion | mid | $15-25 | overnight spot care on a budget | Limited evidence |
| La Roche-Posay Effaclar BPO Multi-Target Acne Treatment | splurge | $25-50 | overnight benzoyl peroxide treatment | Limited evidence |
Best acne treatmentbudget pick · 15 g tube
Best for a slow-and-steady treatment for your whole face
NBC Select's best serum in its acne products test: an over-the-counter adapalene 0.1% gel. Its tester's advice: don't expect it to work right away, but stick with it.
Heads up. Can dry out and irritate skin
1 outlet. NBC Select best serum.
$15-25
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mid pick · 1 fl oz
Best for overnight spot care on a budget
A pink drying lotion for spot treatment, from NBC Select's acne product roundup.
Heads up. Chalky texture, and it's pink
Limited evidence. No outlet has named this one yet. It is here as a reasonable option, not a reviewed one.
$15-25
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splurge pick · 20 mL
Best for overnight benzoyl peroxide treatment
An overnight benzoyl peroxide spot treatment from NBC Select's acne product roundup. Follow it with SPF during the day.
Heads up. Can be drying, and you must follow with SPF during the day
Limited evidence. No outlet has named this one yet. It is here as a reasonable option, not a reviewed one.
$25-50
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Best face moisturizerbudget pick · Bottle
Best for a light, no-fuss daily moisturizer
NBC Select's best moisturizer for sensitive skin: it absorbs quickly and layers under makeup and sunscreen without pilling.
1 outlet. NBC Select best moisturizer for sensitive skin.
under $15
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mid pick · 1.7 fl oz
Best for hydration that doesn't feel greasy
A lightweight hyaluronic acid gel moisturizer from NBC Select's acne product roundup: hydrating, non-greasy and quick to absorb.
Heads up. Tub packaging
Limited evidence. No outlet has named this one yet. It is here as a reasonable option, not a reviewed one.
$15-25
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| Pick | Tier | Price | Best for | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peach Slices Acne Spot Dots | budget | under $15 | sensitive skin and surprise breakouts | 1 outlet |
| Rael Miracle Patch | budget | under $15 | small pimples you want to cover all day | Limited evidence |
| Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Invisible+ | mid | $15-25 | wearing a patch out during the day | 1 outlet |
Best acne patchesbudget pick · 30 patches
Best for sensitive skin and surprise breakouts
NBC Select's best pimple patch for sensitive skin: easy to put on, works quickly and doesn't cause irritation.
Heads up. Not made for cystic acne
1 outlet. NBC Select best pimple patch for sensitive skin.
under $15
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budget pick · Pack
Best for small pimples you want to cover all day
In NBC Select's acne products test, its tester says these nearly invisible patches stay on all day.
Heads up. Best for small budding pimples
Limited evidence. No outlet has named this one yet. It is here as a reasonable option, not a reviewed one.
under $15
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mid pick · 39 patches
Best for wearing a patch out during the day
NBC Select's editor's pick pimple patch: a translucent patch that's good for daytime, suits all skin types and is allergy-reviewed.
Heads up. Can be a little sticky
1 outlet. NBC Select editor's pick pimple patch.
$15-25
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Best sunscreenbudget pick · Bottle
Best for daily SPF that's easy to find
NBC Select's best drugstore face sunscreen: it doesn't burn, doesn't leave residue and comes at a great price point.
Heads up. Has a coconut scent
1 outlet. NBC Select best drugstore face sunscreen.
$15-25
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splurge pick · 48 g
Best for sensitive, breakout-prone skin that hates white cast
In NBC Select's acne products test, its tester calls it the sunscreen that actually made her want to wear sunscreen every day.
Heads up. May pill
Limited evidence. No outlet has named this one yet. It is here as a reasonable option, not a reviewed one.
$25-50
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means three independent outlets recommend a pick, means one, and limited evidence means none has yet. I research these picks. I have not tested them myself. How I pick · Broken link, wrong price range or an outdated pick? Tell me
Cleanse, treat, moisturize, and wear sunscreen in the morning. NBC Select notes that trying lots of products can sometimes make the problem worse, so keep it simple.
Not right away. NBC Select's tester says to stick with it. It can dry out and irritate skin, so ease in, keep moisturizing and check the directions on the box.
Yes. NBC Select notes you must follow La Roche-Posay's Effaclar BPO with SPF during the day. NBC Select found EltaMD UV Clear leaves no white cast and Sun Bum leaves no residue.