The 16 best acne treatments for every skin type
Everyone gets the occasional pimple or acne breakout, but we understand how frustrating an unexpected blemish can be. Treating acne might seem confusing, but there are some amazing acne products you can use in your skincare routine to kiss breakouts goodbye.
If you’re wondering how to get rid of acne, don’t worry. Flip has your back with a selection of the best acne treatments with reviews from real customers.
Whether you have acne-prone skin or just need an acne spot treatment, we have options for you to find the perfect products for your skin.
1. Kate Somerville EradiKate Acne Treatment
Unexpected breakout? Clear pimples fast with this spot treatment formulated with the highest level of sulfur allowed for clinical acne control. EradiKate® works quickly to clear existing pimples, reduce redness, and prevent future breakouts by going deep into the skin to clear pores and control oil production. It’s clinically proven to diminish breakouts in just one hour.
2. Kinship Pimple Potion Salicylic Acid Acne Treat
This powerful acne treatment helps to clear and prevent pimples with several superstar ingredients. It is made with retinal, a potent derivative of retinol (Vitamin A) that promotes skin renewal to improve skin texture. Salicylic Acid 2% helps clear blackheads and aids in preventing new breakouts. This product is enhanced with Bakuchiol, a plant-based retinol-like ingredient that helps brighten and clear skin, and Kinbiome, a plant-based probiotic that supports clear skin and a strong skin barrier.
3. Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% The Ordinary
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is an exceptional serum for acne and oily skin types, delivering noticeable results without irritation. This water-based formula combines 10% niacinamide, known for its brightening and skin-evening properties, with 1% zinc PCA to effectively regulate oil production and minimize shine. Ideal for various skin types, it addresses visible shine, enlarged pores, and textural irregularities, making it a versatile solution for those struggling with breakouts. Users praise its ability to enhance skin elasticity and dewiness while significantly reducing blemishes and controlling pore appearance.
4. Florence by Mills Spot a Spot Acne Patches
The Florence by Mills Spot a Spot Acne Patches are cute blemish spot stickers and the ultimate shields for every spot, dot, or blemish peeking out of the skin. These patches help protect spots from bacteria and can be used overnight or during the day to help reduce spots. The hydrocolloid patch seals each spot from bacteria and removes dirt, oils, and impurities. They’re perfect for a pesky pimple that just won’t go away and needs some serious TLC. Dermatologist tested.
5. Murad Rapid Relief Acne Spot Treatment
The maximum strength formula reduces blemish size and redness within 4 hours. Salicylic acid exfoliates to clear pores and smooth skin. Inspired by pine and thyme extracts, a patented complex fights irritants while preserving skin’s healthy balance. Want some results of this on-the-spot acne treatment? 97% agree blemish appearance improved after just one day.
6. Dr. Dennis Gross DRx Blemish Acne Eliminating Gel
A fast-acting, all-over acne gel treatment powered by 2% salicylic acid, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), niacinamide, and monk’s pepper to fight acne blemishes, reduce redness, unclog pores, control visible oiliness, and prevent future breakouts. Aloe vera and green tea soothe skin for a clear, balanced complexion. Niacinamide (B3) is essential to our body's optimal health and helps refine pores, control visible oiliness, and reduce redness and post-acne marks while preventing future breakouts.
7. Pacifica Acne Defense Face Wash
Maximum strength salicylic acid in this lathering face wash is designed to deep clean pores and help eliminate blemishes. Additional ingredients include sage, cucumber, mint, and niacinamide.
This face wash is made specifically for acne-prone and oily skin. To use, wet your face and gently massage all over your face, avoiding the eye area. Then, rinse thoroughly and pat dry for clean and happy skin.
8. Burt’s Bees Acne Clarifying Toner
Burt’s Bees acne facial toner removes lingering traces of cleanser, dirt, oil, and makeup. Naturally derived Salicylic Acid penetrates pores, reduces acne, and prevents future breakouts with extra help from soothing Cica. The result? Naturally clear, healthy-looking skin. This alcohol-free formula doesn't leave skin feeling dry or irritated, and is formulated without parabens, phthalates, petrolatum, or SLS.
9. Murad Outsmart Acne Clarifying Treatment
This medicated lightweight gel serum is clinically proven to reduce pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads in just one week. Salicylic acid combines with lysophosphatidic, hydroxydecanoic, sebacic, and glycolic acids in Penta-Acid Technology to clear skin of acne-causing bacteria, oiliness, and blackheads while minimizing dryness and irritation.
10. Some by Mi AHA, BHA, PHA 30 Days Acne Clear Foam
This high-quality foam cleanser helps soothe acne-prone skin. This cleanser combines AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs to clear acne and calm your skin. This is a mild cleanser that can be used on sensitive skin to help clear pimples. The Acne Clear Foam helps exfoliate your skin to clear pores without being harsh on your skin.
11. Pacifica Dry It Out Acne Gel Spot Treatment
Witch hazel and maximum strength salicylic acid come together in this effective spot treatment designed to dry out blemishes on the spot. Additional ingredients include sage, cucumber, mint, and niacinamide. Skin irritation and dryness are more likely to occur if you use another topical acne medication at the same time. If irritation occurs, only use one topical acne medication at a time.
12. Murad Acne control 30 Day Trial kit 4 Pcs
This amazing skincare kit from Murad includes four trial sizes for clearer, healthier skin. In a three-day clinical study, 97% said Clarifying Cleanser, this acne face wash, dissolves excess oil. Oil and Pore Control Mattifier SPF 45 delivers 10 hours of oil, shine, and control. With Rapid Relief Acne Spot Treatment, 97% agree blemish appearance improved after just one day. The InvisiScar™ Resurfacing Treatment minimizes the appearance of post-acne scar-size, depth, and discoloration in eight weeks.
13. Ren Clean Skincare Clearcalm Non-Drying Acne Treatment Gel
The skin-loving acne solution with 0.5% salicylic acid is a fast-acting, non-drying solution for bothersome blemishes and visible pores. Apply twice a day, directly on acne. Amplify results with ClearCalm Clarifying Clay Cleanser and ClearCalm Replenishing Gel Cream (both sold separately).
14. Pacifica Acne Warrior Clearing Astringent
Witch hazel and maximum strength salicylic acid in a lightweight astringent designed to be your final cleansing step to tighten pores, remove oil and fight acne. Additional ingredients include sage, cucumber, mint, and niacinamide.
15. Glamglow SUPERSMOOTH Acne Clearing Mask to Scrub
A five-minute face mask that doubles as a scrub to help clear acne and leave skin feeling smoother. This five-minute mask to scrub will make you want to swing both ways: Mask it to detoxify skin or scrub it to exfoliate. The creamy, clay-based formula with salicylic acid goes deep into pores to help purge acne-causing oil and debris. Pores look minimized while skin is left clearer and smoother.
16. Yes To Tomatoes Acne Paper Mask
Breakouts will be history in no time with this paper mask and acne treatment in one. The single-use 100% natural cotton sheet mask works to fight acne in just 10 minutes. The gentle exfoliation and cleansing power of 0.5% salicylic acid, combined with antioxidant tomato extract help purify pores and prevent pesky new pimples from forming.
FAQ
What is the most effective treatment for acne?
Everyone’s skin is different, so what works for one person might not work for you, but don’t worry. Acne is a very treatable skin condition. The best treatments for acne depend on what type of acne you have and its severity. Some common types of acne include hormonal acne or cystic acne.
Many over-the-counter (OTC) treatment options available (like the ones on Flip) can be very effective in treating all types of acne. Some common acne treatments include benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, retinol or retinoids such as adapalene, and topical antibiotics, while some oral medicines for acne include oral contraceptives or Accutane. Removing all of your makeup and SPF at night and regularly washing your makeup brushes, face cloths, and pillowcases may also help limit acne-causing bacteria.
Does drinking water help acne?
You might have heard that drinking plenty of water helps keep your skin clear, but there has been no direct link between drinking water and acne. But water is essential to our health, so being hydrated is good for your body’s overall function and digestion, which can’t hurt your skin.
Which is better for acne: benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid?
Benzoyl peroxide for acne can effectively treat breakouts by fighting the bacteria that can contribute to causing acne, while salicylic acid is great to help unclog your pores and remove the buildup of excess oil and dead skin cells that can clog pores. Using too many skincare products with active ingredients in the same routine might be very harsh and drying, so ease into using both to prevent irritation.
