Top 10 Face Washes for Acne, Pimples and Dark Spots in India (2025 Edition)

Struggling with pimples that just won’t quit? Or dark spots that stick around long after a breakout is gone? Whether you're dealing with oily skin, clogged pores, or post-acne marks, the right face wash can make all the difference.

We’ve researched and ranked the best face washes for pimples and dark spots in India — updated for 2025 — based on ingredients, skin-friendliness, user popularity, and acne-fighting effectiveness.

These aren’t just trending products — they’re formulas that work, especially if you’ve tried everything else. Let’s get into it.

 

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1. HiPer Acne Eradicate Sulphur Cleanser

Best for: Oily, acne-prone skin with stubborn pimples & barrier damage
Key Ingredients: 3% Sulphur, Ceramides, Oat Beta-Glucans

If you’re looking for a pimple face wash that actually clears acne without drying you out, HiPer’s sulphur cleanser should be your first pick. It contains dermatologist-approved 3% sulphur to kill acne-causing bacteria, reduce excess oil, and flush out clogged pores — all without leaving your skin stripped.

What sets it apart is the inclusion of ceramides and oat β-glucans, which calm inflammation and help rebuild your barrier while the sulphur gets to work.

Why we recommend it:

• Tackles oil, bacteria, and inflammation all at once
  
  

• Doesn’t leave your skin tight or flaky
  
  

• Reduces new pimples and fades post-acne spots with consistent use

 

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2. Minimalist 2% Salicylic Acid Face Cleanser

Best for: Blackheads, whiteheads, and oily skin
Key Ingredients: 2% Salicylic Acid, LHA, Zinc

This is a classic anti-pimple cleanser that remains a favorite thanks to its focused formula. Salicylic acid dives deep into your pores to remove gunk, while LHA exfoliates gently on the surface. Zinc helps reduce sebum production and calm breakouts.

Great if your main concern is clogged pores, but might be drying for sensitive skin types.

 

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3. Saslic DS Foaming Face Wash

Best for: Moderate to severe acne with excess oil
Key Ingredient: 2% Salicylic Acid

Dermatologists have recommended Saslic DS for years — and for good reason. This strong salicylic acid-based foaming face wash is a top pick for those battling frequent breakouts. It exfoliates deeply and unclogs pores fast, though it may be too strong for dry or sensitive skin.

Use once a day if you’re new to actives.

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4. CeraVe Foaming Cleanser

Best for: Sensitive, oily, and acne-prone skin
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides

While not marketed as an “acne face wash,” this dermatologist-favorite foaming cleanser helps manage oiliness and supports the skin barrier — a huge win if you’re using strong acne treatments. It’s fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and a staple for acne-safe skincare.

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5. The Derma Co 1% Salicylic Acid Gel Face Wash

Best for: Mild acne, open pores, and beginner exfoliation
Key Ingredients: 1% Salicylic Acid, Witch Hazel

This gentle exfoliating cleanser is ideal if you’re just starting out with active acne ingredients. It cleanses without over-drying and helps prevent future breakouts. The addition of Witch Hazel helps soothe irritation and shrink pores.

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6. Dot & Key Cica & Salicylic Face Wash

Best for: Red, inflamed acne with sensitive skin
Key Ingredients: Salicylic Acid, Cica, Green Tea

If your skin breaks out and gets irritated just as quickly, this Cica-powered cleanser could be your go-to. It contains salicylic acid to unclog pores, while cica and green tea calm down redness and inflammation.

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7. Saslic Foaming Face Wash

Best for: Frequent breakouts and open pores
Key Ingredient: 1% Salicylic Acid

This is a milder version of Saslic DS and works well as a daily cleanser for oily skin types. It exfoliates gently while helping reduce blackheads and small pimples. Great for those who want to maintain results after a stronger active phase.

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8. The Derma Co 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide Face Wash

Best for: Inflammatory acne and whiteheads
Key Ingredient: Benzoyl Peroxide (2.5%)

For those prone to pus-filled pimples or whiteheads, benzoyl peroxide is often the dermatologist’s pick. It works by killing acne-causing bacteria and reducing inflammation. This face wash delivers results without going too harsh (2.5% is beginner-friendly).

Note: May bleach fabrics — use with care!

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9. Re’equil Oil Control Face Wash

Best for: Oily but sensitive skin
Key Ingredients: Zinc PCA, Citric Acid, Cocamidopropyl Betaine

This gentle gel cleanser removes excess oil without disrupting your skin’s pH balance. It’s especially helpful if most acne cleansers make your face feel tight or reactive. Mildly exfoliating and soothing at the same time.

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10. Ethiglo Anti Acne Face Wash

Best for: Dull skin, dark spots, and mild acne
Key Ingredients: Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Kojic Acid

This multi-active cleanser is ideal for post-acne dark spots and dullness. Glycolic acid brightens the skin, salicylic acid clears pores, and kojic acid helps lighten hyperpigmentation over time

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Final Thoughts

When it comes to acne and dark spots, your face wash can either help you heal — or make things worse. Choosing the right cleanser for pimples means looking for actives like salicylic acid, sulphur, or benzoyl peroxide — but balanced with skin-loving ingredients like ceramides, Cica, or niacinamide.

Whether you're just starting your acne journey or looking to upgrade from what isn’t working anymore, this list covers every need — from barrier-friendly to breakout-busting.

👉 Looking for the best face wash for pimples & acne? Look no further than HiPer’s Acne Eradicate Sulphur cleanser that suits your skin type and stick with it consistently — your future skin will thank you.

FAQs on Choosing the Best Face Wash for Pimples and Dark Spots

**Q. Which is the best face wash for pimples in India (2025)?**  

The HiPer Acne Eradicate Sulphur Cleanser ranks highest for its dermatologist-backed formula with 3% sulphur and niacinamide. It’s especially effective for oily, acne-prone skin and works on both breakouts and post-acne marks.

**Q. Can sulphur remove pimples?**  

Yes, sulphur is a proven anti-acne ingredient. It helps reduce pimples by drying out excess oil, unclogging pores, and fighting acne-causing bacteria. It’s also gentler than benzoyl peroxide or AHAs, making it a great pick for sensitive acne-prone skin.

**Q. What is a good face wash for pimples and black spots?**  

Look for face washes with ingredients like sulphur, salicylic acid, or niacinamide. These ingredients help clear breakouts and fade post-acne hyperpigmentation. HiPer, Minimalist, and The Derma Co have strong options.

**Q. How to get rid of acne overnight?**  

While there’s no magic overnight fix, cleansing with a sulphur or salicylic acid face wash, followed by a targeted spot treatment (like succinic acid or benzoyl peroxide), can visibly reduce inflammation by morning.

**Q. What’s better: salicylic acid or sulphur face wash?**  

Salicylic acid is best for blackheads and oily, congested skin. Sulphur works well for inflamed, pus-filled pimples and is less drying. You can even alternate the two depending on your acne stage.

**Q. Which face wash works best for teenage acne?**  

Mild but effective cleansers like Saslic or Re’equil are great for teen skin. If acne is severe, the HiPer or Derma Co benzoyl peroxide cleansers may be better suited — but always patch test first.