We've Tried Everything—and These Are the Acne Serums We Actually Trust (2025)

We won't sugarcoat it: Breakouts are a pain, but the best serums for acne offer a reprieve—and by that, we mean a hard-hitting ingredient lineup that treats existing acne, fades post-acne pigmentation, and helps prevent future breakouts. While certainly nourishing, a run-of-the-mill hydrating serum won't do the trick when it comes to battling enlarged pores, blackheads, whiteheads, cystic acne, and acne scars. Instead, you'll want to look for a serum that incorporates ingredients such as beta hydroxy acid (BHA), alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), retinol, benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, niacinamide, and zinc PCA to promote dead skin cell turnover, unclog congested pores, dispatch acne-causing bacteria, balance oil production, and induce collagen synthesis.

But don't let the actives scare you: These powerhouse formulas are usually buffered by calming ingredients you know and love like glycerin, jojoba seed oil, cica, and hyaluronic acid. Now that you've got an initial rundown of what to look for when treating (and preventing) acne, let's dive into expert-approved face serums and treatments to do the hard work for you. Clearer skin, here we come.

Our Top Serums for Acne

• Best Overall: SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF, $182
• Best for Enlarged Pores: Iope Retinol Super Bounce Serum, $50
• Best for Blackheads: Rael Miracle Clear Complete Acne Serum, $20
• Best for Whiteheads: Kiehl's Truly Targeted Acne Spot Treatment, $30
• Best for Experienced Retinol Users: Paula's Choice Clinical Pro Retinaldehyde Dual-Retinoid Treatment, $68
• Best for Inflamed Acne: Personal Day Doing the Work Salicylic Acne Treatment, $36
• Best for Acne Scars: Musely The Spot Cream, $69
• Best for Mature Skin: Beauty Pie Youthbomb Double-Retinol Action Skin Overhaul Serum, $150
• Best for Combination Skin: La Roche Posay Effaclar Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment, $43
• Best for Sensitive Skin: BringGreen Zinc Teca Blemish Serum, $28
• Best for Dry Skin: Cetaphil Gentle Clear Triple-Action Acne Serum, $15

Frequently Asked Questions

• What ingredients should people with acne-prone skin look for?
• Can these serums act as effective preventative measures for acne?
• How should other skin types use acne serums?
• Meet our experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Overall: Skinceuticals Silymarin CF

Why it's worth it: Many Allure editors over the years have vouched that the SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF serum is one of the best products for oily and acne-prone skin. This antioxidant superhero features a classic SkinCeuticals duo, vitamin C and ferulic acid, to seriously brighten, refine texture, and even your skin tone. But, you might not be as familiar with its other namesake ingredient, silymarin, which is extracted from herb milk thistle to prevent oil oxidation that leads to signs of aging forming, as Alabama-based board-certified dermatologist Corey L. Hartman, MD, previously explained. Salicylic acid rounds out this powerful lineup, providing ever-reliable exfoliation to keep skin looking clearer.

More to know: Another SkinCeuticals formula backed by Mamina Turegano, MD, a triple board-certified dermatologist based in New Orleans, is the Blemish + Age Defense. "This one is expensive but I like that it incorporates salicylic acid (1.5%) and lipohydroxy acid to help with oil and breakouts, as well as dioic acid (2%), glycolic acid, and citric acid to help exfoliate."

Tester feedback: "My two primary concerns (in beauty, in life) are acne and aging, which is why I swear by SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF," says Allure interim shopping director Deanna Pai. "I've tried other vitamin C serums, including the much-loved C E Ferulic, but this is the only one that actually kept my breakouts under control—while giving me the collagen-boosting, dark spot-fading perks of vitamin C."

Key ingredients: L-ascorbic acid (15%), silymarin (0.5%), ferulic acid (0.5%), salicylic acid (0.5%) | Who it's for: anyone who struggles with acne and dark spots | Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Enlarged Pores: Iope Retinol Super Bounce Serum

Why it's worth it: When a product is inspired by radio-frequency technology—a.k.a. sending radio waves below the skin to induce collagen and elastin—you know it's not messing around. The goal of Iope's Retinol Super Bounce is to help lift and tighten skin. To achieve this, the lightweight serum is infused with four types of retinol—pure retinol, encapsulated/time-released retinol, granactive retinoid, and bio-seletinoid—for four times the firming, elasticity-boosting benefits with lower chances of irritation. As a refresher, retinol boosts cell turnover, which in turn helps unclog pores, Sheila Farhang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Arizona, explained. "This also helps decrease the appearance of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, as well as help collagen synthesis for acne scarring." Cushioning these actives are soothing cypress leaf and barrier-restoring Lactobacillus ferment lysate. TL;DR Retinol Super Bounce is one well-rounded treatment.

Tester feedback: "Now that I'm definitively in my 30s, I've committed to finding a retinol serum that works for me, and Iope's been my North Star," commerce editor Sarah Han says. "My first foray was the Best of Beauty-winning Retinol Expert, and while I still use that, I've found myself leaning towards Retinol Bounce during the colder months for an extra boost of hydration. It melts into my skin and makes my complexion notably plumper—and my thicker nighttime moisturizers seem to absorb better, too."

Key ingredients: pure retinol, encapsulated retinol, granactive retinoid, bio-seletinoid, cypress leaf, Lactobacillus ferment lysate | Who it's for: people with clogged pores, acne scars, or sagging skin | Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Blackheads: Rael Miracle Clear Complete Acne Serum

Why it's worth it: Treating acne shouldn't cause your bank account to suffer, and Rael gets it. This $20 bottle of Miracle Clear Complete Acne Serum provides a skin-loving balance of exfoliants (salicylic acid) and anti-inflammatory, calming ingredients (succinic acid, niacinamide, and zinc PCA) that also help regulate sebum production. The milky texture feels extra soothing going on and leaves your skin with a noticeable dewiness.

Tester feedback: "When my skin decides to freak out, I reach for the Rael Miracle Clear Complete Acne Serum," shopping market editor Angela Trakoshis. "It calms down breakouts fast, clears up redness, and somehow keeps my skin hydrated at the same time. Honestly, it's like a little miracle in a bottle, and I'm not letting it go."

Key ingredients: salicylic acid (1.5%), succinic acid, niacinamide, zinc PCA, jojoba seed oil | Who it's for: people who experience redness and inflammation with their breakouts | Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Whiteheads: Kiehl's Truly Targeted Acne Spot Treatment

Why it's worth it: We're here for the innovation—a.k.a. the invisible liquid pimple patch called Kiehl's Truly Targeted Acne Spot Treatment. Jenny Liu, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in the Twin Cities notes that this spot treatment "contains salicylic acid and niacinamide to treat active acne while soothing inflammation and minimizing redness." For a brightening, discoloration-minimizing boost, there's biobased licorice root. All it takes is a light pat of this liquid on an active pimple, wait for it to dry down, and you're good to apply sunscreen and/or makeup on top (or head to bed). In terms of timelines, the brand claims it visibly calms pimple coloring in just two hours, reduces pimple size in 24 hours, and post-acne scars in four weeks.

Key ingredients: salicylic acid (2%), niacinamide (4%), biobased licorice root (0.2%) | Who it's for: people looking to spot treat | Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Experienced Retinol Users: Paula's Choice Clinical Pro Retinaldehyde Dual-Retinoid Treatment

Why it's worth it: The "Pro" in this Paula's Choice product name alludes to its powerful ingredients—namely, retinaldehyde, which is also in its name (we love transparency). Retinaldehyde, also known as retinal, is ideal for those who want to target unforgiving skin conditions like cystic acne but can't tolerate prescription-strength tretinoin. Paul Jarrod Frank, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, vouched for the Clinical Pro Retinaldehyde Dual-Retinoid Treatment, noting that "its retinaldehyde is encapsulated with calcium, which minimizes irritation." Also at bat is retinoid oleyl adapalenate—a precursor to adapalane, an ingredient known to treat cystic acne—which is gentle on the skin and frequently used to treat clogged pores.

Key ingredients: retinal (0.1%), jojoba seed oil, oleyl adapalenate (0.16%), pomegranate peel | Who it's for: people with cystic acne and/or stubborn acne scars, experienced retinol users | Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Inflamed Acne: Personal Day Doing the Work Salicylic Acne Treatment

Why it's worth it: Lili Reinhart has never shied away from sharing her experiences with acne, so launching a brand targeting the skin concern was right up her alley. Personal Day's Doing the Work Salicylic Acne Treatment doesn't leave out any of the results-driven ingredients we've come to know and love, including salicylic acid, azelaic acid, and lactic acid, to flatten and clear existing breakouts—without triggering new ones. David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, notes the duo of salicylic acidand azelaic acid in particular "helps target blackheads and acne."

This toner also hydrates skin and calms any inflammation with the help of zinc hyaluronate and niacinamide. "It's also great for those wanting to work on their post-acne marks and hyperpigmentation," says Dr. Turegano (who helped develop the products, along with a psychologist and esthetician).

Key ingredients: salicylic acid, azelaic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, niacinamide, zinc hyaluronate | Who it's for: people with persistent acne, congested pores, inflammation, and hyperpigmentation | Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Acne Scars: Musely The Spot Cream

Why it's worth it: Looking for a prescription-strength cream to address acne scars, melasma, and age spots that you can order online? It exists, and it's called The Spot Cream. Musely's process is pretty streamlined: You take a three-minute questionnaire and a board-certified dermatologist reviews your answers and images before prescribing a custom formulation, which is then freshly compounded and shipped to you. It's like a visit to the derm but you don't actually have to leave your home.

In total, there are four formulas: Erase, Nurture, M+, and HQ Free+—the latter is best for sensitive skin that can't tolerate hydroquinone, a melanin-inhibiting ingredient, whereas the other formulas include it. No matter which formula the derm determines is best for you, don't forget to wear sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to prevent your sensitized skin from further damage.

Key ingredients: varies based on the formula but can include hydroquinone, niacinamide, vitamin C, tranexamic acid, azelaic acid, hydrocortisone, and tretinoin | Who it's for: people who want a prescription-strength treatment, including tretinoin | Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Mature Skin: Beauty Pie Youthbomb Double-Retinol Action Skin Overhaul Serum

Why it's worth it: Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, shared she's a fan of this splurge-y but effective formula. Said efficacy? That's courtesy of two types of fine line-smoothing retinol: 3% slow-release, microencapsulated retinol to maximize potency, and 2% granactive retinoid, a gentle variation that resurfaces without causing irritation. "This serum also contains niacinamide, which helps to improve tone and texture, lactic acid to gently exfoliate as well as increase penetration of the other active ingredients, hyaluronic acid to hydrate, and ceramides support the skin barrier," Dr. King adds.

Key ingredients: slow-release, microencapsulated retinol (3%), granactive retinoid (2%), lactic acid, niacinamide (5%), squalane | Who it's for: mature or sensitive skin | Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Combination Skin: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment

Why it's worth it: La Roche-Posay is a gem when it comes to balancing price and efficacy—and we can't fail to mention the brand's signature thermal spring water, an antioxidant- and mineral-rich core ingredient that instantly soothes our skin. The Effaclar Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment is packed with 1.5% salicylic acid, glycolic acid, lipohydroxy acid, and niacinamide to unclog pores, rev up surface cell turnover, and fade discoloration—all encompassed in a lightweight, quick-absorbing formula that's a delight to apply. Dr. Turegano recommends this serum for combination skin or mature skin. Want a one-two acne-busting punch? Kick off your routine with La Roche-Posay's Effaclar Medicated Acne Face Wash.

Key ingredients: salicylic acid (1.5%), glycolic acid, lipohydroxy acid, niacinamide, La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water | Who it's for: combination skin, mature skin | Fragrance-free: no

Best for Sensitive Skin: BringGreen Zinc Teca Blemish Serum

Why it's worth it: Korean skin care is often focused on gentle ingredients that flood the skin with hydration and strengthen the barrier, and its acne-focused treatments are no different. It makes sense, after all. "Dry skin, in particular, is a prime breeding ground for bacteria and clogged pores," Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at New York City's Union Square Dermatology, explained.

Brute Choi, a skin-care influencer on Instagram and TikTok who specializes in acne skin-care recommendations, is a fan of Bring Green’s Zinc Teca Serum, which he says "hits acne hard without wrecking your skin barrier." As for key ingredients, "Zinc and tea tree fight bacteria or P.acnes," which can cause acne to form, without the potential dryness and peeling associated with more intensive ingredients (such as benzoyl peroxide). To boot, "Centella asiatica and niacinamide work together to soothe, repair, and improve overall brightness and tone," Choi adds. In short? This combination of antimicrobial and calming properties makes your skin happy and hydrated, and not further irritated.

Key ingredients: tea tree, zinc, Centella asiatica, niacinamide | Who it's for: people with sensitive skin or want a gentler formula | Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Dry Skin: Cetaphil Gentle Clear Triple-Action Acne Serum

Why it's worth it: The most budget-friendly pick on this list is Cetaphil's Gentle Clear Triple-Action Acne Serum, which has a soothing milky-gel texture and is Dr. Liu-approved. The ingredient list stars 0.5% salicylic acid, succinic acid, and PHA for gentle resurfacing, while zinc, niacinamide, and probiotics curb inflammation and maintain the integrity of your barrier. Ringing it at $16, it's a total skin-care steal.

P.S. Cetaphil's Gentle Clear Complexion-Clearing BPO Acne Cleanser is a benzoyl peroxide–loaded Best of Beauty winner that pairs well with this serum.

Key ingredients: salicylic acid (0.5%), succinic acid, PHA, niacinamide, zinc, and prebiotics Who it's for: people with dry or sensitive skin | Fragrance-free: yes

What ingredients should people with acne-prone skin look for?

For people with active acne, Dr. Turegano recommends the following ingredients:

• Benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, azelaic acid, and tea tree oil for a quick treatment that targets bacteria and inflammation
• Retinoids (like over-the-counter adapalene) to reduce inflammation and clear out pores
• Salicylic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, and mandelic acid to exfoliate and clean pores
• Niacinamide and zinc PSA to regulate and balance oil production

Can these serums act as effective preventative measures for acne?

Dr. Turegano says yes. "Serums with acne-fighting ingredients can serve as excellent preventative measures for acne, even if you're not currently experiencing breakouts," she explains. "They work by maintaining clear pores, balancing oil production, and reducing factors that contribute to acne formation, such as inflammation and bacterial overgrowth." As often in the case of skin care, prevention is the name of the game—rather than addressing issues as they pop up. Stay one step ahead and incorporate regular exfoliation into your skin-care routine.

How should other skin types use acne serums?

Dr. Turegano breaks down what different skin types should look for in terms of ingredients and concentrations:

• Normal skin: low concentrations of salicylic acid (1%) and mandelic acid for a gentle exfoliant, niacinamide to balance oil production and strengthen the skin barrier
• Dry or sensitive skin: azelaic acid to cleanse pores and curb inflammation, low concentrations of lactic acid for dry, acne-prone skin, and low concentrations of salicylic acid for sensitive, acne-prone skin
• Oily skin: salicylic acid (2%), niacinamide, zinc, mandelic acid, and azelaic acid
• Combination skin: low concentrations of salicylic acid (1%), glycolic acid, niacinamide, zinc, mandelic acid, and azelaic acid
• Mature skin: glycolic acid, azelaic acid

Meet the experts

• Mamina Turegano, MD, a triple board-certified dermatologist based in New Orleans
• Sheila Farhang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Arizona
• Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City and founder of Lightsaver
• Jenny Liu, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in the Twin Cities
• Paul Jarrod Frank, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City
• Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• Brute Choi, a skin-care influencer on Instagram and TikTok who specializes in acne-prone skin-care recommendations

How we test and review products

When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.

For our list of the best serums for acne, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists and skin-care experts. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

Acne woes? Keep reading for our expert-approved recs:

• 11 Best Body Acne Treatments to Fight Breakouts Below the Neck
• These Cleansers Were Formulated With Acne in Mind
• 12 Best Moisturizers for Oily Skin, According to Dermatologists

Done reading? Now, watch a ballerina's entire routine:

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