Body acne is common and can appear on areas including the back, chest and buttocks. The breakouts often develop when oil and dead skin cells clog pores, sometimes alongside inflammation and uneven skin-cell turnover. Treatments containing ingredients such as salicylic acid can help clear that buildup, while different formats make it easier to treat hard-to-reach areas.
The following six products were highlighted by Allure editors and board-certified dermatologists for their ingredients, usability and performance across body acne concerns.
Topicals Slather Exfoliating Body Serum — $30
This lightweight, milky serum combines retinol with glycolic and lactic acids to encourage skin-cell turnover, remove surface buildup and help address the dark marks that can remain after breakouts. Squalane and urea provide hydration to counter some of the dryness associated with exfoliating treatments. Although it feels more like a body lotion than a traditional serum, a separate cream may be useful for very dry skin or during winter. Because it contains retinol, exposed skin should be protected with SPF 30 or higher during the day.
The product is fragrance-free. Its key ingredients are retinol, glycolic acid, lactic acid, squalane and urea.
Byoma Blemish Acne Clearing Body Wash — $14
Byoma’s body wash uses 2% salicylic acid to help remove excess oil and dead skin cells from pores. It also contains bakuchiol, a plant-derived retinol alternative, along with ceramides, phytosphingosine and glycerin to support the skin barrier and maintain moisture.
Dermatologist Alexandra Bowles said the formula addresses body acne without excessively compromising the skin barrier. However, its witch hazel water may irritate particularly sensitive skin. The wash is fragrance-free, and its listed key ingredients include 2% salicylic acid, bakuchiol, ceramides, phytosphingosine, glycerin and witch hazel water.
Paula’s Choice Weightless Body Treatment 2% BHA — $35
Designed to function like an everyday body lotion, this treatment pairs 2% salicylic acid with vitamin E and dimethicone. The formula is intended to clear pore buildup while softening skin and reducing moisture loss. Green tea, chamomile and allantoin help calm skin that may have become irritated by excessive scrubbing.
New York dermatologist Dendy Engelman described it as a recommendation for body acne, clogged pores and uneven texture. The product is fragrance-free and also contains green tea extract, chamomile extract and allantoin.
Nécessaire The Body Exfoliator — $35
This 2023 Allure Best of Beauty Award winner combines physical and chemical exfoliation. Fine pumice particles buff away surface debris, while glycolic, lactic, salicylic and gluconolactone acids help loosen buildup, clear pores and smooth rough texture. Marula oil and niacinamide support moisture and a more even-looking tone.
Los Angeles dermatologist Lauren Moy said the product is suited to congestion because it combines the loosening of cellular bonds with manual removal of surface debris. It has a eucalyptus scent, but a fragrance-free version is available for skin sensitive to essential oils. Other listed ingredients include glycerin and the exfoliating acids mentioned above.
First Aid Beauty Acne Clearing Pads
These pre-soaked pads are designed for quick use after showering or during the day. Their 2% salicylic acid helps clear excess oil and buildup, and the formula can also be used on the face for breakouts, rough texture or dullness. Rosemary extract contributes a fresh sensation, particularly in warm or sweaty conditions.
A tester said the pads made it easier to treat breakouts below the neck, including the upper back, and helped resolve blemishes more quickly. They are fragrance-free and contain 2% salicylic acid and rosemary.
Glytone Acne Back & Chest Treatment Spray
A spray format can make it easier to apply acne treatments to areas such as the back. Glytone’s treatment contains 2% salicylic acid to target clogged pores, along with centella asiatica, also known as cica, to soothe the skin, and gluconolactone. Texas dermatologist Heidi Prather recommended spray products for hard-to-reach areas because they can be misted directly onto the back after cleansing.
The spray is fragrance-free. Its key ingredients are 2% salicylic acid, cica and gluconolactone.
How to approach body acne
Dermatologist Heidi Prather advises looking for possible triggers before adding treatments. Hair products containing silicones or oils can leave residue on the skin, while heavy creams and massage oils may contribute to clogged pores. Checking product labels for ingredients that may be comedogenic and choosing lighter lotions can help reduce potential triggers.
Dermatologists also caution against treating the back exactly like the face. Although back skin may seem tough, harsh cleansers and aggressive routines can compromise its protective barrier. A gentler approach may include pH-balanced cleansers with humectants such as glycerin, followed by a lightweight, non-comedogenic lotion containing barrier-supporting ingredients such as ceramides and niacinamide. Active ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide should be used sparingly, ideally no more than a few times per week and over moisturizer, according to the guidance included in the source material.
Sources: Allure.