7 Skincare Brands That Belong on Your Top Shelf If You Have Acne
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The Inkey List is an affordable and accessible brand known for its educational efforts to empowering its people with science-backed skincare knowledge. Its popular concierge-style services #AskInkey and Recipe Builder help skincare newbies and enthusiasts alike find the best products for their specific skin concerns. Top picks for treating breakouts include its Salicylic Acid Cleanser and Succinic Acid Treatment, both of which contain salicylic acid, an oil-soluble beta-hydroxy acid that works deep inside the pore to dissolve debris and reduce inflammation that can cause breakouts.
This beloved French pharmacy brand formulates for all skin types from normal to sensitive, and yes, even acne-prone. The Effaclar line, specially designed for acneic and oily skin, includes cleansers, serums, and spot treatments all aimed at clearing zits. Gohara calls out the Effaclar Adapalene Gel 0.1% Topical Retinoid as one of her favorites. “It's a retinoid that is strong, yet cosmetically elegant. It helps the pimples and the marks left behind,” she says.
Rosen founder Jamika Martin dealt with acne for most of her life, so this brand is a direct response to a hole she saw in the market for an effective line to treat acne with clean formulations. Rosen embraces acne-positivity and ingredient transparency in its products—its initiative, Rosen routines, takes the guesswork of finding a suitable regimen based on all the different kinds of breakouts. One of its bestsellers, the Break-Out Spot Treatment, banishes bumps overnight using zinc oxide and apple cider vinegar.
Paula’s Choice bears the tagline “beauty begins with truth,” and takes that mission super seriously. You won't find a single product offering not backed by science and extensive research. The brand's Clear lineup is made specifically to treat acne and heavily features blemish-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide to reduce excess oil, unclog pores, and dislodge blackheads.
Versed is more than just a clean skincare company; it's also a community-driven brand that's constantly innovating when it comes to sustainability and product formulation. The new-ish acne range is meant to treat blemishes and comfort the skin at the same time, which is why you won't find run-of-the-mill ingredients that benzoyl peroxide, which can be too harsh even in OTC formulas. Instead, you'll find less irritating yet equally effective ingredients like salicylic acid, sulfur, and tea tree oil.
A dermatologist-founded skincare line stacked with science-backed treatments, Murad offers a clinical, solution-based product offering, including a range specifically designed to treat acne and blemishes from head to toe. (Struggles with backne anyone?)
This drugstore staple is cheap, but that doesn't mean it lacks acne-fighting powers. Its cult-adored Adapalene Gel is perhaps the most buzzed-about acne treatment out there, and for good reason—it really works. Its other offerings include a host of oil-free, active-laced products to help clear even the most severe breakouts.
