While we can't think of anyone who's happy to see a blemish break out, we have all been there. Whether it's a long-term struggle or a surprise, pimples pop up uninvited . . . and often leave scarring as a parting gift [1].
Now, as beauty editors, we've tried many different spot treatments and serums [2] over the years — and have rounded up some of our favourite acne-fighting products [3] found right at Sephora, for all skin types. These even work on newly irritated skin [4] and body acne [5], and there's not a single one on this list that costs more than $19.
See which acne treatments get our stamp of approval ahead, and read our reviews, too.
Mario Badescu Drying Lotion
Item: Mario Badescu Drying Lotion [7] ($17)
What our editor said: "I followed the instructions and used a cotton swab to dab the pink lotion on every little bump I could find. I woke up the next day and there was no trace of the lotion or of a blemish. At last, a product that I saw results with! If you're wondering what makes this treatment so special, it's the pink substance itself: the calamine lotion. (Yes, that's the same lotion that you may have used if you've ever suffered from poison ivy or insect bites as a kid.) This soothing lotion is mixed with acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid and sulfur, which work together to dry out clogged pores, kill bacteria, and diminish your spots." — Krista Jones, associate editor, Shop
If you want to read more, here is the complete review [8].
Dr. Jart+ Focuspot Micro Tip Patches
Item: Dr. Jart+ Focuspot Micro Tip Patches [9] ($18)
What our editor said: "Whenever I get an annoying zit or dark spot, these nifty little patches always seem to do the trick. They reduce the size of my zit and help make dark spots lighter. I'm hooked." — Nikita Ramsinghani, associate editor, Fashion
If you want to read more, here is the complete review [10].
Peace Out Acne Healing Dots
Item: Peace Out Acne Healing Dots [11] ($19)
What our editor said: "After buying the patches, I had about 24 hours until I needed to wear a full face of wedding makeup. I stuck a few of the dots to my most noticeable spots and crossed my fingers. I changed out the bandages every few hours and, excuse the grossness, noticed they were extracting gunk from the inside out... I didn't mind wearing the dots, since they actually kept my inflamed spots close to flesh toned for me. When they did come off, I noticed the zits had reduced in size and were significantly less red. " — Karenna Meredith, assistant editor, Trending and Viral Features
If you want to read more, here is the complete review [12].
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Item: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% [13] ($6)
What our editor said: "Niacinamide is one of those ingredients that you always hear about, but you should own more products that contain it. The thing is, if you have acne-prone skin, it's key. It flushes out pores to prevent future breakouts and in the case of [this serum, it] uses niacinamide in tandem with zinc PCA to control sebum production." — Samantha Sasso, associate beauty editor, Native
If you want to read more, here is the complete review [14].
Dr. Jart+ Dermask Micro Jet Clearing Solution
Item: Dr. Jart+ Dermask Micro Jet Clearing Solution [15] ($9)
What our editor said: "Whether it's an under-the-surface blemish or ready to be popped, I'm not kidding when I say [this mask] clears up anything overnight — or at least reduces it significantly. I always have at least one on hand so that I can stop a breakout in its tracks without having to make a trip to Sephora." — Carrie Carrollo, contributor, Native
If you want to read more, here is the complete review.
Sephora Collection Clear and Cover Acne Treatment Cream Concealer with 2% Salicylic Acid
Item: Sephora Collection Clear and Cover Acne Treatment Cream Concealer with 2% Salicylic Acid [16] ($14)
What our editor said: "I find a lot of concealers always made my breakouts look cakey and more noticeable. I tried this Sephora Collection Clear and Cover Acne Treatment Cream Concealer with 2% Salicylic Acid on a whim, not thinking it would be a game changer, and I was wrong. Not only does it cover a majority of my breakouts but the acne-fighting formula helps them go away quicker, too." — KJ
If you want to read more, here is the complete review [17].
The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil
Item: The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil [18] ($10)
What our editor said: "The only facial oil my acne will tolerate these days is The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil. Rose hip is rich with vitamin A and linoleic acid, which both control sebum production and prevent both black- and whiteheads. It's also been said to reduce the appearance of scars and is deeply hydrating, especially when worn on top of your go-to nighttime moisturiser." — SS
If you want to read more, here is the complete review [19].
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Extra Strength Daily Peel Mini
Item: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Extra Strength Daily Peel Mini [20] ($17)
What our editor said: "[This peel] is actually a two-step process where each wipe is applied to skin with a two-minute pause in between. The first one packs in AHAs and BHAs like mandelic and salicylic acids to take on acne and dark spots, while the second one features retinol and resveratrol to plump in fine lines and reduce redness. The individual pads also make it easy to travel with, and to not worry about a liquid losing potency in a bottle over time." — Morgan Ashley Parker, contributing editor, Beauty
If you want to read more, here is the complete review [21].
Clinique Acne Solutions Cleansing Face and Body Soap
Item: Clinique Acne Solutions Cleansing Face and Body Soap [22] ($17)
What our editor said: "Sometimes when I work out a lot, I break out on my chest and back. I always keep this Clinique Acne Solutions Cleansing Face and Body Soap in my shower to help combat sweat blemishes." — KJ
If you want to read more, here is the complete review [23].
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