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: