Buzz
1. The prescription-strength Differin Retinoid Gel remains a go-to favorite for good reason. It helps to accelerate skin cell turnover, which aids in clearing up existing breakouts, calming inflammation, and preventing new acne from forming.
2. The Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum boasts over 1,800 five-star reviews for its ability to deliver that sought-after "glass skin" with potent ingredients like niacinamide (a personal favorite), hyaluronic acid, and a blend of delightful ingredients such as peach and East Asian mountain yam.
Rave review: "This serum has been incredibly effective in keeping my skin clear and smooth. My acne has diminished, along with scars and pores! My skin genuinely looks like glass with a dewy glow. Plus, unlike other serums, it’s not sticky, tacky, or residue-heavy. It’s fantastic!" —Mikaela C.
Available at Peach & Lily or Ulta for $39.
Peach & Lily is a small, woman-owned, Korean-inspired beauty brand that has gained significant popularity in the K-beauty world.
3. Cosrx’s snail mucin repairing essence might sound a little off-putting at first, but it’s well worth incorporating into your routine. No, you won’t end up with snail-like effects—just apply it in the evening, and you’ll instantly notice the moisturizing benefits. Reviewers also mention how it helps with acne, inflammation, peeling, fine lines, and even eczema!
4. CeraVe's Hydrating Facial Cleanser upholds the CeraVe brand’s reputation with its blend of deeply hydrating and gentle ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid. Don’t worry about the lack of foam—it effectively cleanses away dirt, grime, and excess oil without stripping away moisture. It's my absolute Holy Grail cleanser!
5. Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant (a go-to product for your favorite skincare TikTokers) works wonders by unclogging pores that could cause breakouts, removing dead skin cells, and balancing skin tone. It’s also a top choice for the exfoliation step in the "skin cycling" skincare routine. A staggering 172 reviewers have described it as a "miracle."
6. Blume Meltdown Acne Oil is an excellent pre-moisturizer spot treatment for when you feel a breakout coming on. It works to soothe, heal, and reduce inflammation while you sleep. You can even mix it into your favorite clay mask for added benefits!
Highly rated review: "The best oil for adult acne! This is hands down my favorite acne treatment. Other products either dried me out or worsened my acne. Since my acne is hormonal, not teenage acne, I couldn’t use the harsh, drying treatments that are so popular. This oil is incredibly hydrating, doesn’t cause breakouts, and actually helps heal my skin while improving its clarity. I even add a pump of it to my DIY clay masks once a week, and it works wonders. Plus, it smells absolutely amazing. I was shocked by the results!" —Sophia G.
Get it from Blume for $28.
Blume is a WOC-founded business run by two sisters, offering period and skincare products for both teens and adults.
7. Tower 28's SOS Daily Rescue Spray is a refreshing mist that you can spray directly on your face whenever your skin needs calming. Its three simple ingredients work to activate your skin’s immune response, reduce redness from acne, calm irritation, and minimize inflammation.
Raving review: "This really works. I discovered this product on Instagram, checked out the reviews, and decided to give it a go. My skin looks totally transformed in just 10 days. My maskne is much better, redness has vanished, and my skin feels amazing. Despite having aging, oily, acne-prone skin, this product hasn’t broken me out and has cleared up the small breakout I was dealing with. I’m completely in love." —Bonnie
Purchase it from Tower 28 or Sephora for $28 (also available in a mini size).
Tower 28 is an Asian woman-owned brand founded by Amy Liu, created specifically for sensitive skin. Their products are free of irritants, vegan, and cruelty-free.
8. Nip + Fab Daily Cleansing Pads feature 2.8% glycolic acid for a gentle chemical exfoliation, helping to clear your skin with less buildup from dead skin cells. They also contain hyaluronic acid for hydration and witch hazel to tone and brighten your complexion!
9. Cosrx Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser is designed to tackle breakouts while gently purging impurities, without harshly stripping or drying out your skin (and potentially triggering more acne) thanks to its combination of tea tree leaf extract and salicylic acid.
10. Diva Stuff Anti-Bacterial Pillow Mist helps eliminate acne-causing bacteria, reducing the need to frequently swap out pillowcases. Plus, with its calming lavender scent, it’ll lull you into a peaceful night’s sleep in no time.
11. Glossier Solution is an exfoliating treatment packed with powerful acids (AHA, BHA, and PHA) that target acne, dark spots, skin tone, texture, and clogged pores, all while smoothing and refreshing your skin. It's a multi-tasking powerhouse for a variety of skin concerns.
Noteworthy review: "After struggling with adult cystic acne for two years, I've tried everything, from organic products to expensive treatments. Nothing worked as well as Solution did. In just a week, I noticed a visible reduction in acne and fewer new cysts. I use this nightly, and paired with the Super Pure serum ($28) in the morning, my acne has almost completely disappeared within a month! Thank you, Glossier!" —Tash
Available from Glossier for $26.
12. Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum offers a refreshing burst of antioxidants, with vitamin C to reduce inflammation, redness, and acne scars, as well as vitamin E, ferulic acid, and hyaluronic acid. It brightens the skin and helps clear up discoloration, and many users swear by it for clearer skin and that glowing, fresh-faced look.
13. If you're seeking a more potent option, Eva Naturals Skin-Clearing Serum blends 20% vitamin C with 2% salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, retinol, and niacinamide to calm inflammation, alleviate irritation, and balance skin tone.
14. Humane Benzoyl Peroxide 10% Treatment is packed with the highest concentration of benzoyl peroxide, making it perfect for tackling stubborn acne. It's not suitable for sensitive skin but is a great cruelty-free choice to deeply cleanse pores and eliminate bacteria for long-term acne relief.
15. If SPF products typically cause breakouts for you, La Roche Posay Toleraine Moisturizer offers a fragrance-free alternative with SPF 30. It contains niacinamide, ceramides, and glycerin, providing smooth, hydrated skin without irritation or excess oil, and best of all—no breakouts.
16. Bye Bye Blemish Acne Treatment Drying Lotion uses salicylic acid, sulfur, and natural ingredients to target acne spots while keeping your skin hydrated. Be sure not to shake the bottle! Simply dip a Q-tip and apply directly to the affected areas.
17. Another option is the Bolden Overnight Spa Treatment, which works overnight to prevent pimples from developing. Just apply a small amount as needed, and its sulfur and willow bark formula will kill bacteria and exfoliate to speed up the healing process of the zit.
Positive review: "I've seen great results since I started using this product. I apply it at night, and by morning, my acne has significantly reduced in size and inflammation. I'm impressed!" —Bridget A.
Positive review: "I can't get enough of this product!! Where has it been all my life? I have PCOS, and my skin has always been a struggle. This product has been a true lifesaver." —Shannon B
Get it from Bolden or Amazon for $14.50.
Bolden is a Black woman–owned brand creating cruelty-free products designed specifically for people of color.
18. Versed Just Breathe Clarifying Serum helps clear out pores, manage excess oil production, and soothe inflammation. (Thanks to niacinamide, zinc, and willow bark extract!) Pro tip: apply it to damp skin for better absorption.
Positive review: “I’m on my third bottle and I’m so grateful for this product. I’m in my mid-20s and started dealing with hormonal acne, especially around my chin and jawline. Nothing seemed to help, and I would always break out around my period. My skin would take weeks to recover, only to break out again. By day two, my skin was noticeably less red, and it had full control over my breakouts for the next period. Even when I do break out now, it’s smaller and clears up quickly.” —Laurasogo
Available at Versed for $19.99.
19. Alba Botanica Hawaiian Pineapple Enzyme Facial Cleanser gently removes impurities and exfoliates dead skin, thanks to a powerful mix of pineapple and papaya enzymes. A tropical escape from acne? Yes, please!
20. Aztec Secret Healing Clay Mask works wonders, deeply cleansing your pores and tackling even the most stubborn acne with its powerful calcium bentonite clay.
21. Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water is your go-to for effortless skin cleansing, especially if traditional cleansers or makeup removers irritate your skin or cause breakouts. It removes makeup, dirt, and residue gently, leaving your skin fresh and clean without stripping it. Ideal for double cleansing too!
22. Radha Rosehip Oil has garnered over 13,000 5-star reviews from users who praise its ability to not only hydrate the skin but also reduce redness and acne, thanks to its potent blend of fatty acids and antioxidants.
Dr. Oracle A-Thera Tea Tree Peeling Sticks are designed to target congested pores and blackheads. These swab-like sticks exfoliate with a potent combination of AHA and BHA, lifting away dead skin cells and smoothing out uneven textures with ease.
TreeActive Invisible Acne Treatment works exactly as promised, applying clear so it remains undetectable under makeup. The peppermint and tea tree oil blend gets to work on acne, shrinking blemishes and reducing redness without anyone noticing.
