If you suffer from acne, you may feel as though you’re stuck in a vicious cycle. Don’t worry! You have time to start again with a new skincare routine in which every single step helps treat and prevent breakouts. From blemish-fighting cleansers to face masks and serums, we’ve got you covered. Find out more of our favourite blemish fighting products in our guide The 8 Best Anti Blemish Solutions
4.5 of 65 reviews
Perfect for boosting antioxidant protection to soothe irritation and prevent further breakouts. Featuring almost 100% pure Davidson Plum, a potent antioxidant, this is a must-have for repairing and protecting acne-prone skin. Davidson Plum is a fruit found in the Australian rainforest, containing more antioxidants than blueberries and possessing the power to completely transform skin. With its anti-inflammatory and protective properties, the fruit also works to speed up skin cell renewal, strengthen the skin’s barrier, and minimise pores and redness.
Biologi Bd Luminosity Face Serum 30ml with Davidson Plum is the perfect serum to tackle acne-prone skin and minimise active breakouts. This anti-acne serum helps reduce skin congestion, hydrate and plump the skin, reduce the healing time of blemishes and scars, and minimise dark spots and pigmentation. The antioxidant-rich formula will also protect skin against environmental aggressors to prevent further breakouts. Apply in the evening for best use and build a tolerance up to everyday use.
4.7 of 658 reviews
Harness the benefits of Retinoids for treating acne and fading pigmentation. The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid Emulsion 2% is a high-performance, Retinoid-based product, designed to speed up skin cell renewal to reveal a clearer and brighter complexion. Perfect for use on acne-prone skin, this potent emulsion will effortlessly remove acne-causing bacteria and damaged skin cells while generating healthier cells. This formula can also slow down the degeneration of collagen for a plumper and smoother complexion.
This particular Retinoid serum is a moderate-strength emulsion with low irritation levels, making it less abrasive than prescription retinol products and retinoic acid. The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid Emulsion 2% will help to minimise the appearance of dark spots and fade acne scarring without causing skin congestion or breakouts. Retinoids can cause irritation if introduced too quickly into your skincare routine, especially if you have sensitive skin. Start by applying weekly and slowly increase usage to 4 times a week. Use the serum in the evenings only to prevent UV sensitivity.
4.4 of 75 reviews
Ideal for soothing inflammation from acne breakouts and resetting calm or problematic skin. SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Gel is a calming and hydrating treatment to rescue problematic skin after or during a breakout. Suitable for even the most sensitive skin types, this refreshing gel formulation will cool and soothe troubled skin, helping to reduce redness and inflammation for a calmer complexion.
During and after a breakout, skin can look red and inflamed, and feel itchy and uncomfortable. SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Gel contains:
Cooling Cucumber to eliminate redness and irritation
Antibacterial and antiseptic Eucalyptus to decongest skin and remove acne-causing bacteria
Olive Leaf Extract to stimulate skin cell renewal
Mulberry Extract to fade acne spots and pigmentation
This soothing treatment is also rich in antioxidants to protect skin against environmental aggressors, which can cause breakouts. For best results, apply 2 to 3 drops to the skin morning and night.
4.7 of 150 reviews
The ultimate supercharged serum for regenerating acne-prone skin. AHAs are a skincare essential for sloughing away bacteria, excess oil, and dead skin cells. These acids help to tone and smooth chaotic complexions, reducing scarring and pigmentation for clearer skin. BHAs exfoliate deep within the pores to remove impurities and fight acne breakouts at the source. Peptides stimulate collagen production for a plumper, smoother, and more hydrated complexion. Suitable for all skin types, asap radiance serum should be introduced in a night-time routine. Get ready to wake up to clearer and healthier skin.
asap radiance serum contains a complex blend of high-performance alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), and peptides to offer complete skin-cell renewal. This powerful product rids acne-prone skin of bacteria and pigmentation, leaving you with a smoother and brighter complexion. Radiance serum with AHA/BHA is a must-have for troublesome skin.
4.7 of 48 reviews
Dermalogica Clear Start Kit is the perfect introduction to an anti-acne skincare routine. The 3 products include a face wash, treatment, and face lotion to help you achieve a clearer and brighter complexion. Effortlessly removing bacteria-ridden impurities, reducing breakouts, clearing excess oils, and hydrating the skin, this 3-step system is an easy and manageable way to target acne head-on.
Start your routine with Dermalogica Clear Start Breakout Clearing Foaming Wash, an everyday cleanser designed to decongest the skin and remove impurities that lead to breakouts. This gentle formulation will ensure skin is thoroughly cleansed without causing irritation.
Dermalogica Clear Start Breakout Clearing Booster 30ml is a high-performance spot treatment. Apply to active pimples to reduce redness, calm irritation, and banish the breakout. Complete your routine with Skin Soothing Hydrating Lotion, the perfect daily moisturiser for congested and oily skin types. This lightweight lotion ensures hydration levels are balanced and skin is left shine-free from morning to night.
4.5 of 41 reviews
Hydrate your complexion with this non-greasy moisturiser, specifically formulated for skin prone to breakouts. This fast-acting moisturiser is packed full of skin-loving ingredients to combat acne and banish breakouts. Vitamin A helps speed up cell renewal, improving skin texture and tone to reveal a brighter and clearer complexion. Niacinamide, a form of Vitamin B3, is a popular skincare ingredient, known and loved for protecting and balancing oily skin types and reducing congestion. B3 also helps fade acne scarring and pigmentation. Lemongrass, Cucumber, and Marigold Flower Oil are combined to calm the skin and prevent further breakouts. Antibacterial Bisabolol speeds up recovery.
PCA Skin Clearskin 48.2g has been developed with acne-prone complexions in mind, providing the optimal amount of hydration without causing skin congestion or encouraging breakouts. This non-greasy, lightweight moisturiser is perfect for normal, combination, and oily skin types. This effective moisturiser packed with Niacinamide is perfect as both a day and night moisturiser.
4.7 of 37 reviews
Nourish damaged, troublesome, and acne-prone skin with this soothing lotion. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Light is the ultimate post-breakout treatment to soothe and repair acne damage while preventing further breakouts. This incredibly lightweight moisturising lotion glides onto the skin to provide optimal hydration and skincare benefits without leaving an oily or greasy residue. Perfect for even the most sensitive skin types, this daily moisturiser is a must for acne-prone skin.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Light works to calm and cool irritation, inflammation, and sensitivity caused by a breakout. While richer moisturisers may sit on the skin and cause congestion, La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Light is fast-absorbing, delivering important nutrients without clogging the complexion. Bursting with antioxidants and hydrators, this face lotion naturally soothes the skin and locks in moisture while protecting against the free-radical damage that can cause future breakouts. Use morning and evening for best results.
4.5 of 22 reviews
Give your skin the best possible chance from the first step of your skincare routine with this acne-clearing cleanser. Kiehl's Blue Herbal Acne Cleanser Treatment is the perfect way to start your skincare routine if you have acne-prone or oily skin. A thorough cleanse is essential for acne-prone skin, as you need to remove bacteria and impurities to lessen the chance of a breakout. This powerful daily cleanser is formulated with Salicylic Acid, a potent BHA, which works deep within the pores to break down bacteria and absorb excess oils.
Kiehl's Blue Herbal Acne Cleanser Treatment 150ml is also infused with Ginger Root Extract to soothe skin and Frankincense to control and regulate sebum production—perfect for oily complexions. The foaming, medicated formulation of this acne cleanser will leave skin feeling squeaky-clean. Better yet, anti-acne serums and treatments can penetrate the skin more deeply and work more effectively.
A morning and night serum to protect and repair acne-prone skin from environmental attacks. This oil-free serum not only protects vulnerable complexions but also contains an anti-acne blend of Niacinamide and Beta-Glucan, which work simultaneously to heal existing damage. Your complexion is left free of congestion, with an even skin texture and restored luminosity. For best results, apply this lightweight gel in the morning and evening, before moisturiser.
Medik8 Breakout Defence + Age Repair Oil-Free Antioxidant Serum 50ml has been developed to protect skin against acne-causing environmental aggressors. Every day, your skin encounters pollutants, impurities, and bacteria, all of which can provoke a breakout and make existing breakouts even more damaging. This powerful everyday serum is boosted with high-performance antioxidants to neutralise free radicals and shield the skin.
4.6 of 71 reviews
A dual-purpose exfoliator and cleanser for renewing troublesome skin. Cosmedix Purity Clean Exfoliating Cleanser is a potent daily face wash, developed to renew and rejuvenate problematic skin with its 2-in-1 cleansing and exfoliation action. This high-performance cleanser delivers a pre-peel to remove impurities and dead skin cells, revealing a brighter and clearer complexion. Perfect for unclogging pores and refreshing the skin, this cleanser is suitable for all skin types but particularly beneficial to sun-damaged and acne-prone skin.
To deliver its cleanse and exfoliation, Cosmedix Purity Clean Exfoliating Cleanser uses chirally correct L-Lactic Acid. This naturally moisturising exfoliant lightly restores balance within the skin while removing congestion, leaving your face feeling soft and supple. This cleanser is the perfect first step in your beauty skincare routine, allowing serums and treatments to better penetrate the skin for maximum results.
4.6 of 144 reviews
Tackle single blemishes or all-over acne with this powerful clarifying masque. Aesop Chamomile Concentrate Anti-Blemish Masque combines potent plant actives and purified clays to draw out bacteria and calm inflammation. This cocktail includes Chamomile Bud, Tea Tree Leaf, Rosemary, Sage, Lemon Peel, and Lemon Verbena extracts, all of which have antioxidant properties to protect skin against acne-causing environmental aggressors. This face mask can be applied as an instant 10-minute treatment or worn overnight for maximum benefits.
Aesop Chamomile Concentrate Anti-Blemish Masque is a fast-acting, dual-use skincare treatment. Apply the product directly on a pimple to reduce its severity, or use as an all-over facial mask on acne-prone skin. Instantly, inflammation is reduced and the spread of bacteria halted, yielding a clearer and brighter complexion with less chance of further breakouts.
4.7 of 50 reviews
Delivering dramatic results, SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0 is a fast-acting way to treat acne-prone skin. Offering the highest concentration of pure Retinol, this highly potent serum will help to reduce fine lines, blotchiness, enlarged pores, and breakouts for a clearer and more luminous complexion. Introduce SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0 into your skincare routine slowly to build up a tolerance. Start by applying it once a week in your night-time routine. Build up to every other day. Always apply a sunscreen the morning after to protect skin from UV rays.
Retinol is a powerful ingredient that speeds up the skin-cell renewal process, helping to rid skin of impurities and damaged cells. Once applied, skin will regenerate new, healthy cells for clearer-looking skin. SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0 contains a stabilized form of Retinol, which allows for easy absorption without causing irritation. Skin will not only be lightly exfoliated for radiance and clarity. The serum will also kickstart collagen production for plumper and more hydrated skin.
Looking for more great acne-treatments? Check out our guides The Best Acne Treatments for Pesky Pimples and Breakouts and Best Face Cleansers & Body Washes for Acne
If you're looking to start a new acne-fighting routine, try out our Best Skincare Routine for Oily Acne Prone Skin
Brand and product inclusions are at the sole discretion of Adore Beauty’s highly trained Customer Service team. We do not seek or accept payment from brands or individuals listed in our guides.
Brand and product inclusions are at the sole discretion of Adore Beauty’s highly trained Customer Service team. We do not seek or accept payment from brands or individuals listed in our guides.
This article has been updated on 22/01 to replace discontinued products with our recent product recommendations. Zara from our Customer Service team has helped to bring you our most recommended products and up-to-date information.
