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17 Best Acne Spot Treatments for pimple-free skin

Today, there are several options to treat acne, from topical skincare to oral drugs and in-office laser treatments. Buying an over-the-counter spot treatment to treat current breakouts and stop new ones from forming is one of the easiest and most popular ways to treat acne. You can start saying goodbye to breakouts from now on as these 16 best acne spot treatments can save you.

Best splurge treatment – Skinfix Acne+ 2% BHA Spot Treatment

By combining the potency of BHAs, azelaic acid, and niacinamide, this cream-style spot treatment from Skinfix decreases blemish size and irritation with just one application. The vegan and cruelty-free product employs salicylic acid to draw excess sebum and bacteria from even the most visible places without drying out the top layer of skin. It has a lightweight consistency that dries down like your favorite detox mask. Additionally, this spot treatment contains azelaic acid to reduce the possibility of post-acne scarring, unlike other treatments available. It is not, however, for those who want to treat cystic acne.

Best Drugstore Treatment -Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment

Your dermatologist may have suggested Differin if you have ever had persistent acne or moderate to severe acne. Because it contains adapalene (a topical retinoid), this over-the-counter retinol has a track record of reducing the frequency and severity of breakouts. This inexpensive pharmacy staple frees trapped germs in the pores and pushes them to the surface by boosting skin cell turnover. Although it is a successful treatment, retinoids and retinol have the potential to cause skin purging, irritation, and photosensitivity.

BEST BENZOYL PEROXIDE SPOT TREATMENT – La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Acne Spot Treatment

When it comes to French drugstore skincare, we all have to talk about La Roche-Posay. To quickly treat skin areas that are prone to breakouts, the Effaclar Duo Acne Treatment employs benzoyl peroxide at a concentration of little under 6%. According to the manufacturer, results can be observed in as little as three days, and extreme acne is reduced by 60% within 10 days. This lotion works for most skin types and is the ideal remedy for anyone with sensitive skin conditions because of the non-drying and oil-free recipe.

Best cruelty-free treatment – Versed Game Over Acne Drying Treatment

When it comes to cruelty-free, vegan, and green skincare, Versed has the market cornered. Sulfur and kaolin clay are used in the company’s Game Over Acne Drying Treatment to absorb excess sebum and gently exfoliate the skin, which helps to reduce the size and redness of most pustules and papules. Since the formula is opaque, apply it just at night or on days when you have no plans because it will not layer with other makeup.

Best Treatment for Hyperpigmentation – Topicals Faded Serum

The Topicals Faded Serum will help you say goodbye to hyperpigmentation. This vegan and cruelty-free brand used tranexamic acid, azelaic acid, and niacinamide in its composition to visibly lessen the look of post-acne discoloration and uneven skin tone as opposed to using skin lighteners like hydroquinone. It is a reliable serum that is simple to use.

Best budget treatment – Clean & Clear Advantage Spot Treatment

When it comes to treating acne, the Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment has been around for a very, very long time and is a tried-and-true solution. This option is fairly affordable and easily accessible at most drugstores. The Clean & Clear Advantage spot treatment goes on clear and leaves no residue while reducing the size and redness of pimples in just about four hours. You can use this cream during the day under your moisturizer and makeup because it’s quite light-weight. Unfortunately, this recipe does contain fragrance, therefore it might not be the best choice for someone who is sensitive to aroma.

Best Accessible Treatment – Clearasil Rapid Rescue Spot Treatment Cream

The Clearasil Rapid Rescue Spot Treatment Cream, which contains 10% benzoyl peroxide, will begin treating your breakouts in just four hours. It is a very thin gel that applies to the skin without any effort. Some people may find this formula a little bit irritating because of the high concentration of benzoyl peroxide it contains. Use this product sparingly at first, such as once every other night, if you have sensitive skin that is prone to breakouts. Additionally, benzoyl peroxide is known to stain clothing, so wash your hands after using it and use white pillowcases when you sleep.

Best Sulfur Treatment – Naturium Sulfur Spot Treatment

Sulfur is one of the less well-known but potent substances for treating acne. Niacinamide and fermented reishi also help to brighten your complexion. The Naturium Sulfur Spot Treatment works to gently diminish the appearance of blemishes and redness. Due to its scent, sulfur is not as popular as other acne treatments. But for people with more sensitive skin who can not handle adapalene, benzoyl peroxide, or any hydroxy acids, its drying, keratolytic, and antibacterial qualities help diminish acne lesions. Unfortunately, it can occasionally be a little drying. Although sulfur is not as potent an ingredient as retinols or benzoyl peroxide, you should still apply it to your breakouts with caution.

Best Packaging Treatment – Hero Cosmetics Pimple Correct Acne Clearing Gel Pen

Hero Cosmetics Pimple Correct Acne Clearing Gel Pen for a variety of reasons, including the fact that it contains substances uncommon in spot treatments, successfully eliminates hyperpigmentation and comes in a unique pen format. This selection also includes lactic acid and azelaic acid in addition to salicylic acid, which aids in pore cleansing. Particularly azelaic acid offers antibacterial, keratolytic, anti-inflammatory, and brightening advantages. Some people do, however, take issue with how picky the packing design is. 

BEST VALUE TREATMENT – Neutrogena On-the-Spot Acne Treatment

Compared to other spot treatments on this list, the Neutrogena On-The-Spot Acne Treatment is less irritating to the skin and contains a comparatively low amount of benzoyl peroxide (2.5%). This spot treatment cream, which contains 2.5% benzoyl peroxide, is lightweight, fast absorbed, and works discreetly. Its clinically proven effectiveness is without burning or drying the skin. When using this product, as with all benzoyl peroxide-containing treatments, you should exercise caution around clothing, towels, and linens because it can easily stain fabrics.

Best Daytime Treatment – Yon-Ka SOS Spot Acne Treatment

The Yon-Ka SOS Spot Acne Treatment is a fantastic blemish-fighter for the daytime because it is compact but potent. This selection, which is convenient to carry around in your bag and use throughout the day, has 95% ingredients of natural origin and is alcohol-free. Numerous organic components in this roll-on effectively heal blemishes. Ichthyol, which is high in sulfur and helps to cleanse the skin, and lactic acid, which has postbiotics to help balance the microbiota of your skin, work together to assist your skin. The lime also assists in clearing up your pores. 

Best Plant-Based Treatment – Kinship Pimple Potion Retinal and Salicylic Acid Treatment

The yellow gel used in the Kinship Pimple Potion Retinol and Salicylic Acid Treatment works on the skin overnight to minimize pigmentation and blemishes. For people who do not react well to benzoyl peroxide, this is a fantastic alternative. Additionally, we believe it is a wonderful choice for overnight because it contains retinol, which is best used at night because it can make your skin more susceptible to sunburn when used during the day. If you choose to use this product, you might want to start out slowly because some people have trouble tolerating retinol.  

Best non-drying treatment – CeraVe Blemish Control Gel

It is not unexpected that CeraVe did so well in our test of the top spot treatments given the brand’s reputation for affordable, effective skincare. This gel cleared blemishes and worked for all skin types because it was enriched with three crucial ceramides and a potent combination of alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids, including glycolic acid, lactic acid, and 2% salicylic acid (which is proven to reduce swelling and redness). 

Best Fast Treatment – Philosophy Clear Days Ahead Fast-Acting Acne Spot Treatment

Salicylic acid is used in this clever remedy to first target dead skin cells, and then antimicrobial substances are used to kill acne-causing bacteria. Salicylic acid helps keep pores clear in part by removing the very top layer of skin through exfoliation. You can use the mixture without worrying about flaking or inflammation because, despite the formula’s strength, it balances out any dryness and redness that may result from the use of nutritious squalane oil.

Best spot sticker Treatment – Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch The Original

One of the finest ways to quickly heal a spot is with pimple patches. Because it does an excellent job of adhering to your blemish and absorbing pus from a pimple, this choice from Hero Cosmetics is a best-seller. There are two ways pimple patches function. First of all, they prevent you from picking at your blemish or doing anything else that would aggravate your pimple by creating a protective seal around the skin. Second, the hydrocolloid patch efficiently drains the pus from your zit, making it less prominent on the skin and promoting faster healing. While pimple patches are effective for treating whiteheads and cysts that are on the skin’s surface, they are ineffective for treating blackheads or cysts that are deeply buried beneath the epidermis. 

Best Mask Treatment – JORI Daily Leave-On Acne Treatment Mask

JORI Skincare Daily Leave-On Acne Treatment Mask is a leave-on mask that may also be applied as a spot treatment. It was created by a board-certified dermatologist and his wife (who also experienced hormonal acne). In addition to saw palmetto, zinc, and niacinamide to address hormonal concerns on the skin and alleviate any irritation, it employs micronized 2.5% benzoyl peroxide to treat acne. This selection can be used as an overnight mask at night or as a makeup base throughout the day. If you are sensitive to benzoyl peroxide, you may want to begin by using this every other day or a few times a week until your skin becomes more tolerable. 

Best Toner treatment – Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner

This is a gentle resurfacing toner that brightens and balances the skin after cleansing. Glycolic Acid, Grapefruit, and Aloe work together to refine pores and reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone, revealing a more radiant and youthful-looking complexion. The aroma is mild, it stings a little, and it works wonderfully. It also goes a long way, since three to four drops on a gauze pad are sufficient for a full face.

We can help you make your life much easier with these fantastic acne treatments because life is difficult enough without having to constantly worry about the condition of our skin. We are confident that you can choose the best one without overspending on skincare because the 16 items listed above can treat acne.

20 BEST EXFOLIATORS FOR FACE, (TESTED AND REVIEWED FOR 2024)

Getting a natural shine might be difficult. Your complexion may appear a little lifeless when dead skin cells remain on the surface of your skin for far longer than they should. Fortunately, the top facial exfoliators can assist in removing that doubt. Excessive force could result in irritation, which can lead to hyperpigmentation. Give up using the product if you become red and raw. You’ve come to the perfect spot if you’re searching for the best exfoliator for face.

DERMALOGICA RAPID REVEAL PEEL

Want a peel that looks professional without having to get out of your house? Try this incredible Dermalogica peel. Users gave it high marks for smoothing wrinkles, brightening skin, evening skin tone, and reducing the visibility of pores. An astounding 100% of respondents agreed that their skin tone was more balanced and that their skin was brighter and smoother. In the meantime, 75% of customers concurred that pores, fine lines, and wrinkles were less noticeable. The tubes, however, may be hard for you to open.

ACURE BRIGHTENING FACIAL SCRUB

This scrub is an excellent choice for people with sensitive skin because it works best at preventing severe skin irritation. The best facial exfoliant for achieving a brighter, more radiant complexion was this one, as it gave the deepest cleanse. People adore how it leaves my skin feeling soft and nourished while still leaving me with a deep sense of cleanliness. Be advised that using this scrub could get messy because of the possibility of sink stains caused by its rich color.

ST. IVES FRESH SKIN APRICOT SCRUB

Without a doubt, the best drugstore face exfoliator is St. Ives’ traditional creamy scrub. It minimizes the look of pores, efficiently cleans and removes makeup, and removes debris, oil, and other contaminants. Because it leaves skin feeling smooth, hydrated, clean, and healthy, most consumers adore it. Additionally, it makes their skin sparkle and helps makeup apply more smoothly. Be aware that some people may find this physical exfoliant’s abrasive particles to be very irritating. 

DR.DENNIS GROSS ALPHA BETA UNIVERSAL DAILY PEEL PADS

The typical amount of beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) in most skin care products is 2%, which is also present in this liquid exfoliant. According to the manufacturer, the exfoliant is good for all skin types and aids in pore cleaning and fine-line smoothing. Use your fingertips or a cotton pad that has been lightly moistened to apply the liquid to your face and neck. Do not rinse it off.

PAULA CHOICE 2% BHA LIQUID EXFOLIATOR

This toner, which is made with a blend of BHAs and PHAs, is a fantastic choice for people who are new to using chemical exfoliants because it is mild on the face. According to the firm, because PHAs like gluconolactone are large molecules at the molecular level, they assist in giving the skin more time to respond to their exfoliating benefits. This makes them suitable for sensitive skin. In addition to the chemical exfoliants, the recipe contains hyaluronic acid to maintain moisture and moisturize, as well as tea tree extract to lessen irritation.

TULA SKINCARE EXFOLIATING SUGAR SCRUB

People’s #1 choice for the best non-abrasive scrub is the Tula Skincare So Polished Exfoliating Sugar Scrub. This skin exfoliant boasts a chemical and physical formula that is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. It is made with a blend of probiotic extracts for smoothing and improving texture, pineapple and papaya extracts for breaking down dead skin and brightening the complexion, and sugar for gently polishing the skin. Although the product’s label claims that it can be used without water, we discovered that this had a slight pulling effect on the skin. Nevertheless, this is still a good exfoliator for face.

NEUTROGENA DEEP CLEAN GENTLE DAILY FACIAL SCRUB

We suggest the Neutrogena Deep Clean Gentle Daily Facial Scrub as a more affordable option. This face scrub polishes and softens the skin by removing dead skin cells gently using a combination of chemical and physical exfoliants. The non-abrasive face scrub is a great choice for skin types who are oily or prone to acne because it is also oil-free and non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores. 

PCA SKIN PORE REFINING TREATMENT

We suggest the PCA Skin Pore Refining Treatment, which is made with mandelic acid, rice powder, pumice, papain, kaolin, and bentonite, if you want softer skin. In order to brighten, even out uneven texture, absorb extra oil and pollutants, and gently exfoliate without causing irritation, the exfoliating recipe combines physical and chemical ingredients. Customers particularly enjoy that their complexion does not feel tight or raw after using it and that it has a lovely viscous consistency that makes it simple to apply evenly over the skin. It’s not a daily exfoliator because you can only use it once or three times a week. 

PEACH & LILY GLASS SKIN FACE POLISHER

Including regular exfoliation in your skincare routine is one of the greatest strategies to rid your skin of blackheads. The Peach & Lily Glass Skin Face Polisher is a product we adored due to its powerful combination of physical and chemical exfoliants that gently remove dry skin and prevent oil buildup. This exfoliating scrub targets premature symptoms of aging, brightens, and soothes the skin. It is enhanced with salicylic acid, fruit extracts, angelica root, and ginseng.

CETAPHIL EXTRA GENTLE DAILY SCRUB

An excellent substitute for a face scrub if you don’t like face scrub but still want the benefit of using it, this is the exfoliating cleanser you will love. In order to offer a deep clean without stripping, the solution is enhanced with micro-fine granules that pull away dirt, debris, and dead skin buildup. One of the best cleansers for oily skin, its hypoallergenic formula is also mild enough to use on more sensitive skin types. Its formulation targets dirt, debris, and excess oil buildup. Nevertheless, it doesn’t do much to lighten skin tone.

KIEHL’S DAILY REFINING MILK PEEL TONER

This product is incredibly fulfilling and yields immediate outcomes. If you are striving for “glass skin,” you should look into this. It literally makes you glow and is all about giving yourself a really mild exfoliation and intense hydration boost. Almond milk, 23 percent emollients, and lipo-hydroxy acid, a derivative of salicylic acid, are combined in a dual-phase composition for the peel. When you mix it up, the ingredients combine to clear blocked pores and remove dead skin cells from the skin’s surface, leaving the skin looking radiant and hydrated. 

AESOP PURIFYING FACIAL EXFOLIANT PASTE

Aesop’s purifying face exfoliator paste is definitely worth keeping in your cupboard because it combines the benefits of manual exfoliation with chemical components for fast velvety soft results. Fine quartz and lactic acid are added to the cream-based washing recipe to help exfoliate dead skin cells, and the fine-grain textured paste evens and smoothes your face. It’s easy to apply: just give your face and neck a gentle massage twice a week. A little goes a long way, which is great given the price, and the subtle earthy aroma appeals to a lot of consumers.

DR BARBARA STURM FACIAL SCRUB

Benefits of this refining facial peel from DR. Barbara includes anti-aging and cell renewal. The scrub buffs away at dry, flaky skin as the chemical components work to soften your complexion. It’s an excellent choice for people who steer clear of more physically demanding scrubs. The mild product, which dispenses as a thick cream with fine grains and leaves skin soft and soothed without causing irritation, is easy to wash off. 

REN CLEAN SKINCARE READY STEADY GLOW AHA TONIC

For years, REN’s ready steady glow tonic has been a beloved mainstay in our skincare routine, living up to its cult status. The non-invasive exfoliating mix includes salicin to soothe, lactic acid to exfoliate dead skin cells, and a combination of AHAs and BHAs to refine skin. REN’s toner is made for everyday use and fits into your evening routine with ease. It applies smoothly with a cotton pad. It not only makes your face look cleaner at the end of the day, but it also makes your skin look younger.

KATE SOMERVILLE EXFOLIKATE INTENSIVE EXFOLIATING TREATMENT

For good cause, Kate Somerville’s exfolikate is a cult favorite. The dual-action exfoliant provides brightness at home by utilizing both chemical and physical components. The lotion uses natural alpha hydroxy acid, lactic acid, and enzymes from papaya, pineapple, and pumpkin to gently exfoliate dull skin. Rosewood and cinnamon extracts work together to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while a calming combination of aloe vera, antioxidant vitamin E, and honey works to relieve any irritation. When applying the cream to your face, there is a tiny tingling sensation at first, but the effects are an unmatched radiance.

CHARLOTTE TILBURY SUPER RADIANCE RESURFACING FACIAL

Two years ago, Charlotte Tilbury’s first exfoliation product was released, and it did not let down. This dual-purpose product promises to give skin the instant glow that comes from a spa facial at home. It does this by exfoliating and resurfacing the skin. The treatment is meant to be used once a week, and it needs to be applied evenly and kept on the skin for up to 20 minutes. Charlotte Tilbury’s mask exfoliator dried swiftly and wasn’t sticky like some other mask exfoliators.

MURAD VITAMIN C EXFOLIATING FACIAL

Murad’s triple-action exfoliating facial with vitamin C is designed to revitalize skin by combining physical, chemical, and enzymatic techniques for remarkable outcomes. Enzymes work toward radiance, micro-mineral exfoliants manually remove dead surface cells to significantly smooth skin, and vitamin C supports healthier-looking, brighter skin. Glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acids complete the trifecta by brightening and cleansing pores.

AVEENO POSITIVELY RADIANT SKIN BRIGHTENING EXFOLIATING DAILY SCRUB

This inexpensive scrub does a great job cleaning. Microbeads softly polish skin while soy extract helps to moisturize and brighten. For acne-prone skin types, it’s non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores, and it’s oil-free, so there’s no need to worry about outbreaks.

BOSCIA EXFOLIATING PEEL GEL

This cool peeling gel exfoliator uses both chemical and physical means. Because the formula’s molecules really join together as you apply it, it helps remove debris and dead skin cells from the skin’s surface. Buffing is a unique pampering sensation that will make your skin ball up. Then, much deeper, alpha-hydroxy acids from different fruits truly remove bacteria or oil. Even skin types that are sensitive will benefit greatly from it because of the combination of calming botanicals and the absence of preservatives.

M-61 BY BLUEMERCURY POWERGLOW PEEL

This one-step peel uses a combination of salicylic and glycolic acids to tighten pores and remove dead skin cells. It’s great if you’re having trouble with breakouts because it also helps to enhance the texture and tone of your skin. Additionally, chamomile and lavender are added to the pre-soaked wipes to reduce redness and irritation. Please be aware that it could take some time to become used to it. To prevent peeling or dryness as your skin adjusts, start by applying them three times a week before bed and lather on your favorite moisturizer. If your skin is sensitive, cut back or, once your skin is able to tolerate it, use every day.

FINAL TAKEAWAY

Sunscreen use and daily washing are essential for healthy skin practices. However, exfoliation may be the unsung hero of any skincare regimen. Why? Even though dead skin cells are naturally shed by the skin, this process isn’t always successful. Allowing those dead cells to remain and build up can lead to a host of issues with the complexion, including hyperpigmentation, flaky spots, dullness, clogged pores, and more obvious fine wrinkles. To address these concerns, exfoliating can assist in hastening the skin’s turnover process. Check out our list for clear, luminous skin.