Breakout-Prone Skin? You Need One of These Acne Serums

September 13, 2023
Alanna Martine Kilkeary
By: Alanna Martine Kilkeary | skincare.com by L'Oréal
person holding acne serum bottle with dropper
When you have oily, acne-prone skin, various spot treatments and zit-zapping face washes can be your skin-care BFFs. But if whiteheads, red pimples and blackheads still seem to be rearing their nasty heads despite your efforts, you may want to consider upping the ante with an acne serum. From salicylic acid formulas and calming face oils to formulas that help improve skin tone and texture, we’re rounding up our favorite blemish-fighting serums, ahead.

Kiehl’s Truly Targeted Acne-Clearing Pimple Patch with Salicylic Acid

This acne-clearing solution is formulated with 2% salicylic acid, plus licorice root and niacinamide to help clarify and soothe breakouts. It has a special liquid-patch technology that wraps around a pimple for a spot-treatment-like effect that can even be applied on top of makeup!


Kiehl’s Truly Targeted Acne-Clearing Pimple Patch with Salicylic Acid

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Breakout Salicylic Acid Acne Serum

Zap blemishes in their tracks with this serum that’s infused with salicylic acid, lactic acid and postbiotic ferment. It helps reduce the appearance of acne in just three days, and works to help fade post-acne marks in around eight weeks.

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Breakout Salicylic Acid Acne Serum

L'Oreal Paris Bright Reveal 12% Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum

If you struggle with dark spots due to acne, we recommend incorporating this potent serum into your regimen. It has 12% niacinamide plus ferulic acid and amino sulfonic acid to help minimize the appearance of dark marks and uneven texture.

L'Oreal Paris Bright Reveal 12% Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum

SkinCeuticals Blemish and Age Defense 

If you’re experiencing breakouts as an adult, we recommend this SkinCeuticals serum. The oil-free formula reduces the formation of acne and clogged pores and also addresses anti-aging concerns like fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots.

SkinCeuticals Blemish and Age Defense

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Salicylic Acne Treatment Serum

Refine your pores with this anti-acne formula that has 1.5% salicylic acid, glycolic acid and lipo-hydroxy acid. It will lessen the appearance of pimples and will give you a smooth, more clarified and less congested complexion.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Salicylic Acne Treatment Serum

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum

Once your pimple has subsided, it can leave behind hyperpigmentation and post-acne marks. Formulated with retinol, ceramides and niacinamide, this non-comedogenic serum works to resurface the skin and even out tone. We also love that it has a lightweight texture and is gentle enough for daily use on sensitive skin.

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum

SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Clearing Serum 30 ml

Improve clarity and texture of your skin with this acne serum that’s chock full of BHAs. It helps reduce overall oiliness and clear out congested skin — leaving you with a smoother, blemish-free complexion.

SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Clearing Serum 30 ml

Glow Recipe Strawberry Smooth BHA + AHA Salicylic Acid Serum

Smooth out skin texture and tone with this BHA and AHA serum. It has a mixture of glycolic acid, plus strawberry extract and hyaluronic acid to help gently exfoliate without leaving the skin feeling stripped.

Glow Recipe Strawberry Smooth BHA + AHA Salicylic Acid Serum

Sunday Riley U.F.O. Salicylic Acid BHA Acne Treatment Face Oil

For a serum that won’t dry or strip your skin, try this acne treatment face oil. With 1.5% salicylic acid, it works to decongest the skin and reduce the appearance of large pores.

Sunday Riley U.F.O. Salicylic Acid BHA Acne Treatment Face Oil

Biossance Squalane + 10% Lactic Acid Resurfacing Serum

This night serum is a must-try if you’re looking to even out skin texture. It has lactic acid and clover to gently smooth and exfoliate plus squalane to hydrate and replenish your complexion by morning.

Biossance Squalane + 10% Lactic Acid Resurfacing Serum

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