The Best Butt Acne Treatments Experts Love For Keeping Buttne at Bay
Bumps on your bum? No problem.
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ICYMI: Booty beauty is a major thing. But not everyone's bum is a perfectly smooth peach — most of us have cellulite, scarring, and even butt acne. Our beauty editor, Nicole Saunders, connected with several board-certified dermatologists who shared everything worth knowing about this very common skin problem. They also shared a few of their go-to butt acne product solutions, and we also researched other picks aligned with their expertise and are confident are worth using.
The Best Butt Acne Treatments
Is It Normal to Get Acne on Your Butt?
Yes, it is totally normal to experience butt acne. But get this: Those “pimples'' on the booty aren’t actually breakouts, like on the face — it’s a little something called folliculitis. WTF is folliculitis? It sounds funky, but it’s just the medical term for inflammation of the hair follicles. They have a pimple-like appearance, which is why people commonly refer to them as butt acne, or butt-ne.
“Folliculitis does not necessarily reflect poor hygiene — it can happen to anyone,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Farber, M.D., of Schweiger Dermatology Group. Celebrity dermatologist Dr. Sandra Lee, aka Dr. Pimple Popper, of SLMD Skincare, adds: "It’s not your fault — you’re not unclean. Some people just get it. You're not alone!"
What Causes Butt Acne?
The inflammation someone is experiencing is either infectious — by bacteria, fungi, or viruses — or non-infectious, which is usually caused by trauma or occlusion of the follicle, explains Farber. For example, an infectious cause is when someone experiences an overgrowth of bacteria from sweating, notes board-certified dermatologist Dr.Sheila Farhang, M.D. By contrast, non-infectious causes include shaving and irritation from clothing.
- Keratosis pilaris (KP), also called strawberry skin, is common on the upper arms, but it can happen on the butt, too. According to Farhang, this condition is caused by skin cells clogging the hair follicles, and it can be genetic or common in those with eczema. Using body scrubs or exfoliating gloves is a cheap solution to banishing KP on the butt.
- Tight clothing can also irritate hair follicles and clog the pores — similar to acne on the face or back (backne), explains Lee. A simple fix is to wear loose clothing or opt for garments made from moisture-wicking fabrics, especially while exercising.
- Not showering after exercising can also cause butt acne. Be sure to quickly change out of dirty clothes and shower in order to wash away grime and acne-causing bacteria. This guidance also applies to wearing wet swimsuits and swim trunks for too long, adds Farber.
How to Treat Butt Acne
If the going gets tough on the rump, Lee has some good news: In most cases, butt acne is treatable! Butt acne is treated similarly to how someone would banish breakouts on the face or other parts of their body, including their chest and back. “In fact, you can probably be a little more aggressive and use higher-strength anti-acne products, since dryness, redness, and irritation from acne medications is usually more tolerable in that area,” she explains. “Also, the skin is ‘tougher’ in this area, which means it can tolerate higher-strength products.”
👍 Best Ingredients
So, what exactly should someone look for in products that treat butt acne? It’s all about the ingredients on the label. Fortunately, Saunders got the dermatologists to spill the tea on which ingredients to look out for and why.
For the gluteus maximus, all three dermatologists recommend using classic acne-fighting ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid.
- Benzoyl peroxide is ideal for eliminating the bacteria that cause acne and folliculitis. Just be careful: Benzoyl peroxide can bleach fabric — so wear some pajama pants you don't care about so you don't accidentally bleach your bed sheets.
- Salicylic acid, on the other hand, is a gentle chemical exfoliant that decongests pores and balances oil production. It helps improve the uneven tone and texture of your skin.
Farber also suggests glycolic acid, which is a type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that is gentle, and easily penetrates the skin to leave the bum glowing.
Retinoids can also help fade dark spots on your booty, notes Farber. The most common type of retinoid is retinol — a popular anti-aging ingredient typically found in face and eye creams. It exfoliates the skin, promotes cell turnover, treats acne, and clears congested pores.
👎 Worst Ingredients
“More is not more! Using too many ingredients — especially ones that can dry out your skin — often will make things worse,” cautions Farber. The Pennsylvania-based doctor advises against essential oils since they’re typically highly concentrated and fragrant: This can further irritate the skin.
She notes that those with butt acne should also avoid highly comedogenic ingredients like coconut oiland cocoa butter that will clog your pores. Farhang recommends avoiding “super irritating products” like hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol as well.
How We Chose
Jennifer Hussein, our former beauty editor, is the first to admit that she gets the occasional butt acne that needs extra TLC. When the going gets rough on her bum, these products are the ones that seem to work best for her butt acne. But don't just take her word for it: These cheeky products for the tush also have rave reviews on Amazon, Dermstore, Sephora, and more.
Saunders also researched a few standout products that are adored by the dermatologists we consulted. From an anti-acne body scrub and cheap retinoid treatment to sprays and masks for your backside, these butt acne treatments are totally worth incorporating into a beauty routine. Prepare to say bye bye to buttne!
This butt acne treatment duo offers double the results: The no-frills lotion is packed with arnica and calendula, and it can improve the appearance of butt acne in as little as 24 hours.
It's also packed with AHAs to exfoliate and slough away the dead skin cells that can cause acne in the derriere region, ensuring that you stay soft and smooth.
More: How Experts Recommend Shopping for a Lip Plumping Gloss
Benzoyl Peroxide 10% Acne Treatment Body Wash
This acne wash from Humane contains 10% benzoyl peroxide to bust your blemishes. It effectively kills bacteria on your butt and bod, thanks to its potent blend of ingredients.
But you might want to be careful with this powerful wash if you have overly sensitive skin. Benzoyl peroxide also tends to bleach towels, so make sure you use a white one if you're showering with this stuff.
One of the most common culprits of butt breakouts is clogged pores, and even ingrown hairs that are as annoying as your typical pimple. To ward off all types of red bumps, it's important to keep your skin exfoliated and free of dead skin cells.
This butt acne treatment from Mario Badescu is formulated with papaya and grapefruit extracts to help break down those dead skin cells, leaving skin soft and acne-free.
Zap acne on your pimple-prone booty with this easy-to-use exfoliating spray! “I love that this is a spray, since the buttock and back can be a hard-to-reach area,” says Farhang. It’s made with salicylic acid to unclog your pores, while the zinc prevents breakouts and the witch hazel calms inflammation.
Mighty Patch Surface from Hero Cosmetics
These jumbo pimple patches are the perfect spot treatments for pesky butt acne. The breathable acne stickers are left on overnight and drain dirt and oil from inflamed pimples, leaving behind smooth, flattened skin. Given their larger size, they can also be used on the forehead, jawline, cheeks, nose, chin, back, or even chest. Who doesn't love a multiuse product?!
Doctors previously named this the best acne face wash for oily skin – and PanOxyl's product does wonders for butt acne. It's made with 10% benzoyl peroxide, which is the highest level available in over-the-counter products. The ingredient decongests oil and dirt stuck in the pores that cause zits on the bum and reduces bacteria and inflation.
Just don't forget to follow board-certified dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp's advice when using any benzoyl peroxide product: Always be sure to rinse all of the product off in the shower. "If any of it comes in contact with fabric, like a towel, it might bleach the fabric, leaving behind a yellow or orange stain," says the medical doctor.
SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Salicylic Acid Exfoliant
This viral butt acne treatment is a lightweight, fast-absorbing liquid that can be used up to twice daily. It contains salicylic acid to penetrate the pores and treat zits at the source and boost exfoliation. Don't worry: It's also infused with antioxidant-rich green tea to soothe irritation, while methylpropanediol adds a welcome glow factor.
Body Wash with Salicylic Acid
CeraVe makes viral, dermatologist-loved products, but their underrated body wash is also worth a purchase for treating butt acne. It's fragrance-free and allergy-tested, so users won't have to worry about it causing skin irritation. Instead, it lightly exfoliates away rough, bumpy skin without harsh microbeads found in other exfoliants. There's also a blend of soothing hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and ceramides, to help hydrate and restore the skin's natural barrier.
Effaclar Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment
The only thing worse than butt acne is the annoying marks it leaves behind. Enter La Roche-Posay Effaclar Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment, an award-winning treatment that clears blemishes, minimizes pores, and fades acne marks.
The secret sauce contains a trio of acids that shrinks all types of acne, including blackheads, whiteheads, and red, raised pimples. There's also the brand's signature soothing thermal water to calm skin irritation and niacinamide to brighten uneven skin tone, refine large pores, and provide an antiaging effect.
Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion
A moisturizer and an exfoliator for your body? Yes, it totally exists, all thanks to this lotion from AmLactin. This butt acne treatment is formulated with a whopping 12% of alpha hydroxy acid. It gets rid of any gunk and grime in your nether regions, all while hydrating the skin for a soft, smooth, and clear feel.
“Differin Gel is one of the strongest over-the-counter retinoids to help with clogging and dark marks,” says Farber.
This cheap treatment contains adapalene, a type of retinoid that's loved by dermatologists because it both targets existing acne and prevents new blemishes from popping up. It also helps improve uneven skin tone and texture.
These medicated pads are double-sided, and perfect for a swipe on each cheek. Formulated with an effective combination of acne-fighting salicylic acid and exfoliating glycolic acid, the pads also contain extracts of chamomile and green tea to soothe the skin on your bum (or your face).
Body Clear Oil-Free Acne Body Scrub
While Neutrogena's Body Clear Body Scrub is not a butt-exclusive exfoliator, it works well to control blemishes and breakouts in the bottom region. It's packed with acne-fighting salicylic acid to both treat current blemishes and prevent future breakouts, while botanical extracts help calm any redness on your body.
Bump buttne to the curb with this butt acne treatment. It absorbs any acne-causing oil with kaolin clay, while pro-vitamins B-5 and B-3 work to hydrate and protect your buttocks.
But its booty-boosting powers don't stop there: This mask also contains collagen to firm and plump your rear.
This butt acne treatment contains collagen to combat loss of elasticity, skin dryness, acne, and irritation. It's also packed with other ingredients that ensure your bottom stays breakout-free — like antibacterial chamomile and acne-fighting aloe leaf.
It also helps to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles, leaving your skin both plump and completely refreshed!
A common trigger of butt acne is wearing tight clothing like gym leggings — especially if you stay in them for too long after you get sweaty.
If you're in a pinch and don't have time to shower, wipe your rump with these wipes that contain 2% salicylic acid and witch hazel to help correct acne, all while quickly and gently cleansing the skin. They're also packed with aloe vera and antioxidants to soothe inflammation.
Nicole Saunders is the beauty editor at Women's Health and has over eight years of experience researching, writing, and editing lifestyle content. She specializes in breaking down complicated topics, like red light therapy for hair growth and LED face masks, into easy-to-understand guides. Saunders takes great pride in heavily researching and testing featured beauty products, such as strengthening shampoos and body washes for dry skin on our site.
Previously, she was the beauty editor at Best Products where she tested quite literally thousands of launches for her quarterly column and the Best New Beauty Awards package. She also launched the beauty and wellness coverage at NBC News and contributed to CNN, Cosmopolitan, Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter, and Harper's BAZAAR.
You can follow her on Instagram to stay in the loop on her product testing adventures.
Jennifer is the former beauty editor for BestProducts.com, where she’s testing out everything from the latest lip gloss to the craziest skincare trend sweeping the online beauty-verse. Her work has been featured in Allure, Byrdie, HelloGiggles, and more. When she’s not swatching eyeshadow all over her arms, you can find the NYC-based editor scouring for hours on end for vintage finds, eating pad thai, and hanging out with her cat, Chunks.
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