Finally, I Found A Product That Clears My Chest And Back Acne – And It's £7

Graziadaily

11-06-2025

Struggling with chest and back acne has been a long-standing source of embarrassment for me - a feeling that only intensified when I became a beauty journalist. How could anyone take me seriously when my own skin was marked with angry, red blemishes? Surely I, of all people, should know the importance of washing, at the very least? Of course, I now recognise that was my own insecurity talking and nothing more. These days, it's widely understood that acne, whether on the face or body, is rarely linked to hygiene. According to the NHS, around 95% of people will experience acne at some point in their lives, and more than half of them will develop it on their back and chest. Over the years, I've tried and tested a myriad products claiming to be the cure. The Murad Clarifying Body Spray fast became the stand out. And while I have made repeated purchases since, it's undeniably expensive at £46 per bottle, which I get through so quickly. This is why I was eager to try Boots's newest answer to body acne - the Dermacare Acne Back Treatment Spray, priced at an impressively affordable £7.97. Scroll on for my full review.
This spray is specially formulated to help prevent the build-up of excess oil, unclog hair follicles, and inhibit the growth of acne-causing bacteria - all of which contribute to reducing blemishes and breakouts. It features a powerful blend of active ingredients, including benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, niacinamide, and retinol, expertly combined to promote clearer, healthier skin. 1.
Boots Dermacare Acne Back Treatment Spray
Price: $7.97 (was £11.95)
What Boots says: 'Boots Dermacare Acne multi-action back treatment spray is a medical device which helps to treat mild acne on the back. Containing 6% benzoyl peroxide and a blend of other exfoliating ingredients, it helps to prevent the build-up of excess oil, unblock hair follicles and reduce the growth of breakout-causing bacteria.'
What we know: Brimming with active ingredients - 6% Benzoyl Peroxide, 5% Azelaic acid derivative 5, Niacinamide and 0.5% Retinol Palmitate you best bet this is a tonic for back and chest acne.
Rachael Martin, beauty editor says: 'The skin on my chest and back looks impressively clear. I haven't had a single one of those deep, under-the-skin spots, and the overall tone and texture have noticeably improved. If you struggle with body acne, this could be a very affordable and effective option.' Pros Generous bottle
Great price Cons Spray function is tempermental
Unusual scent
After showering, shake the bottle well to ensure ingredients are adequately mixed. You can then spritz across the affected areas (for me, this is my back and chest) before gently massaging it in. It takes a few minutes to absorb, so be patient and allow it to dry before dressing. Struggling with very sensitive skin? Apply every other day instead of daily.
Rachael Martin, beauty editor:
It's the texture that surprises me at first - it's milky and thicker than expected, which means it doesn't spray quite as smoothly as I'd like. In fact, it feels more like a light cream than a mist, making application a bit fiddly - having someone available to rub it into your back, will help. There's also a peculiar scent- it's not exactly unpleasant, but it's definitely unusual. That said, once I got past the initial hassle and it had absorbed into my skin, the texture and scent became virtually undetectable. I've been using it for the past couple of months and, as with most exfoliating acne treatments, I did experience some initial dryness. After a few days, there was a bit of peeling across my chest, but this soon settled down.
Now? The skin on my chest and back looks impressively clear. I haven't had a single one of those deep, under-the-skin spots, and the overall tone and texture have noticeably improved. If you struggle with body acne, this could be a very affordable and effective option. Will it cure my acne completely? Probably not. But I do believe it's made a real difference.
While the Murad Clarifying Body Spray remains my ride-or-die, the Boots Dermacare Acne Back Treatment Spray makes for a welcome, more affordable alternative for those dealing with back and chest acne this summer
Rachael Martin is Grazia's beauty editor. Originally from Northern Ireland, she studied English Literature at Queen's University Belfast, before moving to London to pursue a career in magazine journalism. After interning at Stylist and Harper's Bazaar she dipped her toes into the world of beauty writing and never looked back. Rachael became Style Writer for heat! magazine before going onto work as Digital Writer for Boots Health and Beauty. Her special interests include fragrance (rose based scents have her at hello), new skincare innovations, and copious cups of tea. Now, at Grazia, you'll find her writing about beauty, health and wellbeing. Follow her on Instagram @rachael.alice.martin