13 Of The Best Acne Treatment Products That Won’t Dry Out Your Skin

Did you know that June is Acne Awareness Month? An initiative designed to raise awareness, highlight treatment options and reduce the stigma surrounding acne, when the sixth month of the year rolls around it is important for us all to do our bit to bring the conversation to the forefront of the beauty industry. If you have struggled with or do struggle with acne, you’ll know all too well how debilitating it can be. Your confidence takes a hit and leaving the house can feel like mission impossible. Beauty is more than just pretty products–it’s about feeling like your best self.

In the spirit of Acne Awareness Month, we felt it necessary to roundup the best over-the-counter acne treatment products that will work hard without drying out your skin. It’s a fine balance to master but, luckily for us, these products do so with ease…

Formulated with the brand’s patented, clear skin active ingredient, 5Beta-Scymnol, the Skin Shark Clearing Serum is perfect for those suffering from a congested complexion. Working to fight bacteria, soothe the skin, control excess oil and boost hydration, this product really is an acne-fighting powerhouse.

If an acne-fighting cleanser (that won’t break the bank) is more your speed, then the Paula’s Choice Clear Pore Normalising Cleanser is worth adding to your cart. Formulated with salicylic acid to remove excess oil, unclog pores and refresh irritated skin, this cleanser can be used morning and night and will leave your complexion ultra-calm and hydrated.

It goes without saying that if Gwyneth Paltrow loves a product, it’s likely we all will too. And so is the case for the Moon Juice Acid Potion Resurfacing Exfoliator. An acid-rich, hydrating exfoliant that contains glycolic, lactic and salicylic acids to speed up cell turnover and niacinamide to soothe the skin, this potion is perfect for getting your complexion to behave.

A fast-acting, dual-action formula that works to relieve irritation and prevent further breakouts, the Avène Cleanance Comedomed Anti Blemish Concentrate is perfect for those of us who have a few pesky under-the-skin breakouts to bring to the surface. With hero ingredient, milk thistle oil, a heavy hitter when it comes to rebalancing the skin and preventing congestion, you can rest easy knowing this product is doing all the hard work for you.

If a really, really good spot treatment is all you’re after, then the Sunday Riley Saturn Sulfur Spot Treatment deserves a place on your vanity. Crafted with a mighty mix of sulfur (to dry out active breakouts), bentonite (to absorb excess oil and clear impurities) and niacinamide (to reduce redness), this formula is the gold standard.

A hyaluronic acid serum with a botanical blend of cucumber, thyme and olive leaf, this SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Gel Soothing Serum is blatant wizardry. Working to soothe the skin while reducing inflammation and congestion, this bad boy also works to support your skin barrier to prevent future breakouts. Genius!

Blackheads giving you the most grief? The Kiehl’s Blue Herbal Acne Cleanser Treatment could be the answer to your prayers. Inspired by the brand’s classic Blue Astringent Herbal Lotion, the cleanser contains salicylic acid to visibly reduce the appearance of blackheads and regulate oil production.

It’s a little known fact that one of the biggest causes of acne is not hormonal imbalances or sleeping in your makeup but rather the impact of environmental aggressors on the skin. Cue: MediK8’s Breakout Defence + Age Repair Oil-Free Antioxidant Serum. Formulated with patented copper PCA and niacinamide to repair the skin barrier and prevent further inflammation, this product is a real do-gooder.

A lightweight gel-cream that is perfect for soothing irritated skin in the warmer months (read: no excess oiliness), the BeautyBio The ZenBubble Gel Cream Calming Skin Shield is just that: a skin shield. Blocking out the haters (i.e. pollution, bacteria and makeup) to protect the skin and prevent breakouts, this moisturiser is a blemish-prone girlies dream.

If you’re looking to splurge on an anti-blemish serum that will also look chic af on your vanity, then allow us to introduce you to Omorovicza’s Acid Fix. Promising to reverse the damage caused by the sun, pollution and acne to unveil your most perfected and youthful complexion to date, this serum heroes Australian caviar lime extract which helps to soften, smooth and improve the luminosity of the skin while reducing the appearance of whiteheads. Say no more.

There’s a reason why the Caudalie Vinopure Blemish Control Infusion Serum is often sold out: it’s quite magical. Formulated with a combination of salicylic acid to zap blemishes and purge excess oil and rosewater to hydrate the skin and bring back your natural glow, the wonder serum flies off the shelves quicker then you can say ‘clear skin’, so be quick.

The perfect cleansing formula for temperamental skin, the Habitual Beauty Balancing Cleanser contains aloe vera, lactic acid, vitamin B5 and niacinamide to clarify while maintaining healthy hydration levels. Suitable for all skin types, this is a beauty cupboard cult-favourite for a reason.

Delivering hydration with blemish-blocking ingredients, the Tata Harper Clarifying Moisturiser is the perfect product for oily-skinned girls who avoid moisturiser for fear of breakouts (not true, btw). With super-seeds to comfort the skin and counteract discolouration, this formula is as effective as it is chic.