7 Best Body Lotions for Acne-Prone Skin

Acne doesn’t just affect your face, it often shows up on your back, chest, and shoulders too. The right body lotion for acne-prone skin should hydrate without clogging pores, and ideally include acne-fighting or calming ingredients. Here’s a curated list of 7 top-rated lotions that cater to breakout-prone body skin in 2025.

1. CeraVe SA Lotion for Rough & Bumpy Skin

Unique Description:
A dermatologist-developed body lotion that gently exfoliates and hydrates simultaneously. This cult favorite targets body acne, KP (keratosis pilaris), and texture issues without irritating sensitive skin.

Key Ingredients:

• Salicylic Acid (BHA)
  
• Lactic Acid
  
• Niacinamide
  
• Ceramides
  
• Hyaluronic Acid
  

Pros:

• Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic
  
• Gently exfoliates dead skin cells
  
• Restores skin barrier
  

Cons:

• May feel slightly tacky after application
  
• Not an overnight acne treatment
  

Best Way to Use:
Apply daily on clean, dry skin after showering. Use sunscreen on exposed areas due to exfoliating acids.

2. Neutrogena Body Clear Body Lotion

Unique Description:
Designed specifically for body acne, this lightweight lotion combines moisture with salicylic acid to treat and prevent breakouts on your back, chest, and shoulders without drying out your skin.

Key Ingredients:

• Salicylic Acid (2%)
  
• Glycerin
  
• Dimethicone
  

Pros:

• Fast-absorbing
  
• Great for oily, breakout-prone skin
  
• Doesn’t leave residue
  

Cons:

• Not deeply hydrating for very dry skin
  
• Contains alcohol (may sting open pimples)
  

Best Way to Use:
Use morning and/or night on clean, dry skin, especially after a salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide body wash.

3. Eucerin Roughness Relief Lotion

Unique Description:
A thick but non-greasy lotion that smooths rough, acne-prone skin while delivering deep hydration. Excellent for body acne caused by dry, irritated skin or shaving.

Key Ingredients:

• Urea (5%)
  
• Lactic Acid
  
• Sunflower Seed Oil
  
• Ceramides
  

Pros:

• Effective for KP and back acne
  
• Fragrance-free and sensitive-skin friendly
  
• Deeply moisturizing
  

Cons:

• Slight medicinal scent
  
• Not a quick fix — shows results over time
  

Best Way to Use:
Apply at night, especially on arms, back, or legs. Can be used with exfoliating body washes.

4. Paula’s Choice Weightless Body Treatment 2% BHA

Unique Description:
A true acne treatment in lotion form, it delivers powerful exfoliation with 2% salicylic acid in a lightweight, non-greasy formula. Great for clearing existing breakouts and preventing new ones.

Key Ingredients:

• Salicylic Acid (2%)
  
• Antioxidants (Green Tea Extract)
  
• Glycerin
  

Pros:

• Treats and prevents breakouts
  
• Evens skin tone and texture
  
• Non-irritating formula
  

Cons:

• On the pricier side
  
• Requires consistent use for best results
  

Best Way to Use:
Apply a thin layer once daily, preferably at night. Avoid using other strong acids unless directed by a dermatologist.

5. Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Moisturizer (Body-Safe)

Unique Description:
Although marketed for the face, Aveeno’s gentle formula with soy and salicylic acid works beautifully on acne-prone body areas, especially for sensitive skin types needing mild exfoliation.

Key Ingredients:

• Salicylic Acid (0.5%)
  
• Total Soy Complex
  
• Glycerin
  

Pros:

• Soothes redness and evens skin tone
  
• Lightweight and non-greasy
  
• Safe for daily use even on delicate areas
  

Cons:

• Low percentage of salicylic acid
  
• Not strong enough for cystic or severe body acne
  

Best Way to Use:
Use daily after showering, or in the morning routine for the upper body. Works well with sensitive-skin body washes.

6. Amlactin Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion

Unique Description:
One of the most effective lotions for rough, textured skin and ingrown-related acne. This lactic acid-based formula gently exfoliates while keeping skin smooth and hydrated.

Key Ingredients:

• Lactic Acid (12%)
  
• Mineral Oil
  
• Glycerin
  

Pros:

• Helps with bumps, acne scars, and keratosis pilaris
  
• Softens rough skin
  
• Excellent for arms and legs
  

Cons:

• Slight chemical smell
  
• Sun sensitivity (due to AHA)
  

Best Way to Use:
Use at night. Always wear SPF the next day. Avoid freshly shaved skin due to potential sting.

7. Murad Acne Body Clarifying Treatment Lotion

Unique Description:
A luxury body acne solution formulated with encapsulated salicylic acid to offer sustained treatment. Fights breakouts while calming inflammation — ideal for post-workout acne and body congestion.

Key Ingredients:

• Encapsulated Salicylic Acid
  
• Glycolic Acid
  
• Allantoin
  
• Tea Tree Extract
  

Pros:

• Time-release formula for long-lasting effects
  
• Helps unclog pores and soothe skin
  
• Dermatologist-developed
  

Cons:

• Expensive
  
• May be too strong for ultra-sensitive skin
  

Best Way to Use:
Use 2–3 times per week or as directed. Pair with a gentle body wash and avoid layering too many activities.

Pro Tips for Using Body Lotion on Acne-Prone Skin:

• Apply to clean, dry skin after showering.
  
• Choose fragrance-free, non-comedogenic formulas.
  
• Don’t over-apply. A thin, even layer is enough.
  
• Exfoliating ingredients like salicylic or lactic acid may increase sun sensitivity — always wear SPF on exposed skin.
  
• For best results, combine with gentle body washes (preferably salicylic acid-based or sulfur-based).
  

Best Body Lotions for Acne-Prone Skin – Comparison Table

Product	Best For	Price Range (USD)	Key Exfoliant	Skin Type
CeraVe SA Lotion	Textured & acne-prone skin	$13 – $18	Salicylic & Lactic Acid	Normal to oily
Neutrogena Body Clear	Daily body acne treatment	$10 – $14	Salicylic Acid	Oily & acne-prone
Eucerin Roughness Relief	Dry, rough acne-prone skin	$10 – $15	Urea & Lactic Acid	Dry & acne-prone
Paula’s Choice 2% BHA	Active acne & body breakouts	$25 – $30	Salicylic Acid	All skin types
Aveeno Clear Complexion	Sensitive, mild acne	$10 – $13	Salicylic Acid	Sensitive & acne-prone
Amlactin Daily Lotion	KP & ingrown-related acne	$12 – $16	Lactic Acid	Dry, rough skin
Murad Acne Body Lotion	Severe or stubborn body acne	$38 – $45	Salicylic & Glycolic Acid	Oily, congested skin