Acne & Breakout Solutions

Clear Skin Now & Later

Tackle breakouts, blackheads, or the spots they leave behind.

Best Acne Treatments Ever! Shop the best acne treatments of 2026 at Sephora. Choose from cleansers, all-over treatments, spot treatments, and even makeup.

Acne

Tackle consistent breakouts with care

The Ordinary — Sulfur 10% Powder-to-Cream Concentrate Acne Spot Treatment, 0.176 oz/5 g, $9.90, product P518623 Caudalie — Vinopure Acne Serum to Treat and Prevent Blemishes, 1 Fl. Oz./30 mL, $49.00, product P518523 innisfree — Gentle Retinol + Salicylic Acid Acne Serum for Blemishes + Post-Acne Scars​, 1 oz / 30 ml, $34.00, product P515336 INNBEAUTY PROJECT — Acne Serum Medicated Treatment for Acne & Blackheads, 1 oz / 30 ml, $38.00, product P507327 Topicals — Clearly Clarifying & Calming Mist For Acne-Prone Skin, 3.4/100, $26.00, product P514708 Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare — Alpha Beta® 2% BHA + Breakout Solution, 5 oz / 150 mL, $38.00, product P510519 MARA — Clear Skin Mineral Milk 2% Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment with Niacinamide + Copper, 1 oz / 30 mL, $64.00, product P513359 Skinfix — acne+ adapinoid Gel with Niacinamide + Squalane, 1 oz / 30 ml, $48.00, product P506836 Paula's Choice — Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Exfoliating Toner Pads for Clear Skin, 10 pads/pack, $16.00, product P516871 PHYLA — Acne Phage Serum, 1 oz / 30 mL, $70.00, product P514853 banu — 2% Salicylic Acid & Mandelic Acid Pore-Clearing Exfoliating Serum, 1 oz/30 mL, $50.00, product P517677 Sunday Riley — Peacekeeper Azaleic and Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Serum, 1 oz/30 mL, $85.00, product P517688

Dark Spots

Fade post-blemish marks and discoloration

Dr. Idriss — Major Fade Hyper Serum with Alpha Arbutin and Niacinamide for Brightening and Dark Spots, 0.96 oz, $68.00, product P510575 Topicals — Faded Brightening Serum for Dark Spots and Discoloration (UNSCENTED), 1 oz / 30 mL, $28.00, product P515090 Caudalie — Vinoperfect Brightening Dark Spot Serum Vitamin C Alternative, 1 oz / 30 ml, $82.00, product P94421 Beauty of Joseon — Glow Deep Hydrating Serum with Rice + Alpha-Arbutin for Dull Looking Skin, 1.01 oz/30 mL, $17.00, product P517704 Biodance — Radiant Vita Niacinamide Real Deep Mask – 4 Pack for Brightening Dull Skin & Dark Spot Care, 4 Masks/1 Pack, $19.00, product P515946 EADEM — Milk Marvel Dark Spot Serum with Niacinamide and Vitamin C, 1 oz/ 30 mL, $68.00, product P475932 Peace Out — Microneedling Targeted Dark Spot Brightening Dots for Uneven Tone and Texture, $28.00, product P472052 The Ordinary — Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating and Brightening Daily Toner, 8 oz/ 240 mL, $13.50, product P427406 YISE Beauty — Morning Cocktail Vitamin C Serum with Niacinamide + Azelaic Acid, 1 oz/30 mL, $85.00, product P517099 MARA — Sea Vitamin C Serum for Brightening Dark Spots & Redness with Algae, 1 oz / 30 mL, $96.00, product P504059

Pores

Clear visible blackheads and keep buildup away

Youth To The People — Superfood Gentle Antioxidant Refillable Cleanser with Kale & Green Tea​, 8.0 oz/237 ml, $39.00, product P411387 SOFIE PAVITT FACE — Mandelic Acid Exfoliating & Clearing Serum, 0.95 oz/28 mL, $54.00, product P514512 Kiehl's Since 1851 — Clearly Corrective™ Daily Re-Texturizing Triple Acid Peel, 1 oz / 30 ml, $55.00, product P510437 Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare — Alpha Beta® Universal Daily AHA/BHA Exfoliating Peel Pads for Pores, Fine Lines & Texture, 30 Treatments + 5 Bonus, $94.00, product P377533 The Ordinary — Balancing & Clarifying Serum for Oily Skin and Pore Refinement, 1 oz / 30 ml, $19.90, product P511984 First Aid Beauty — Acne Clearing Pads - 2% Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment, 60 pads/pack, $39.00, product P517864 EADEM — Cashmere Peel Milky Exfoliant & Hydrating Essence — Daily AHA + PHA Formula with 9% Azelaic, Lactic & Tranexamic Acids, 5.07 oz, $42.00, product P509392 Biodance — Collagen Gel Toner Pads for Pore Minimizing & Firming Care, 60 Pads/140 g, $26.00, product P515948 Beauty of Joseon — Red Bean Refreshing Pore Mask for Purifying Pore Care, 4.73 oz/140 mL, $20.00, product P517700 YISE Beauty — Your Favorite Ex™ Refillable Exfoliating Pads with Glycolic Acid & Ectoin, 45 Pads/pack, $75.00, product P517098 PHYLA — pH Balancing Gel Cleanser, 4.05 oz / 120 mL, $30.00, product P515042 banu — Chamomile Jelly Gentle Hydrating Cleanser for Pore Clarifying, 5 oz/150 mL, $30.00, product P517641 Clarins — DOUBLE SERUM® To Firm, Boost Radiance & Refine Pores, 1.7 oz / 50 ml, $142.00, product P513530 OLEHENRIKSEN — Violet Ice Cold Plunge Pore Clay Mask, 3 oz/89 mL, $42.00, product P517126 ALPYN — 2% Salicylic Acid Liquid Exfoliating Toner for Pores, Blemishes & Brighter Skin, 4 oz / 118 mL, $39.00, product P505338

Spot Treatments

Target active breakouts with fast-acting formulas

The Ordinary — Sulfur 10% Powder-to-Cream Concentrate Acne Spot Treatment, 0.176 oz/5 g, $9.90, product P518623 Peace Out — Salicylic Acid & Hydrocolloid Acne Treatment Pimple Patches, 20 Healing Dots, $19.00, product P421275 Kiehl's Since 1851 — Truly Targeted Acne-Clearing Liquid Pimple Patch with Salicylic Acid, $30.00, product P506460 Dr. Idriss — Patch It Azelaic Acid Rescue Pimple Patches, 24 patches/pack, $18.00, product P516992 Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare — Alpha Beta® On The Spot Eliminator 2% Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Gel, 1 oz / 30 ml, $40.00, product P510546 Skinfix — Acne+ 2% BHA and Azelaic Acid Acne Spot Treatment, 0.5 oz/ 15 mL, $30.00, product P479348 banu — 10% Sulfur Acne & Pimple Spot Treatment, 0.5 oz/15 mL, $30.00, product P517652 Topicals — Clearly Clarifying & Calming Mask For Breakout-Prone Skin, 1 oz / 30 mL, $26.00, product P514700 The INKEY List — Succinic Acid Acne Treatment, 0.5 oz/ 15 mL, $15.00, product P467655 The INKEY List — Hydrocolloid Invisible Pimple Patches + Salicylic Acid, $10.00, product P511705

Body & Wellness

All-over solutions to support your clear skin goals

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare — DRx SpectraLite™ FaceWare Pro 3-Minute LED Device, $455.00, product P435378 HigherDOSE — Red Light Face Mask for Fine Lines & Glowing Skin, $349.00, product P508179 Topicals — Slather Exfoliating & Smoothing Bar - For Soft Skin, 2 bars/pack, $28.00, product P518739 The Ordinary — Salicylic Acid 0.5% Body Serum Exfoliating Treatment for Acne, 8 oz / 240 ml, $15.00, product P513221 Nécessaire — The Body Retinol - Repair Serum With 0.1% Pure Retinol, 10% AHA + 5 Peptides, 5.1 oz / 150 mL, $65.00, product P506006 Topicals — Slather Exfoliating Body Serum with Retinol and AHAs, 5 oz / 150 mL, $30.00, product P481500 The INKEY List — Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Stick, 1.5 oz, $20.00, product P511123 Soft Services — Speed Soak Fast-Absorbing + Hydrating Body Gel Moisturizer, 5.5 oz, $28.00, product P510365 OUI the People — Cheat Sheet Resurfacing Body Exfoliant Serum with AHA + BHA, 3.4 oz / 100 ml, $45.00, product P506716 Luna Daily — The Repair Treatment – For Scars & Hyperpigmentation - Best For Acne and Post-Surgery - Silicone Free, 1.69 oz / 50 ml, $56.00, product P511388

Clear Skin Value Sets

Curated kits cut out the guesswork

Caudalie — Vinopure Acne-Prone Skin Essentials, $29.00, product P517646 The Ordinary — The Acne Set with Salicylic Acid, $16.70, product P507659 Topicals — Faded Brightening Bundle for Discoloration on Face & Body (UNSCENTED), $25.00, product P516810 Skinfix — acne+ triple threat set with Salicylic Acid (BHA) + Niacinamide with B-L3™, $30.00, product P511430 PHYLA — Acne Phage System, $120.00, product P514934 The INKEY List — Clearer Skin Starts Here Set, $20.00, product P515177 Murad — Clear Skin Acne Discovery Kit, $37.00, product P517951 INNBEAUTY PROJECT — Brightening Mini Essentials Kit, $39.00, product P516035

Sunscreens

Won’t clog pores but helps protect from sun damage

Ultra Violette — Future Screen SPF 50 Mineral Fragrance Free Facial Sunscreen Serum, 1.7 fl. oz. / 50 mL, $40.00, product P516255 Kosas — DreamBeam Silicone-Free Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40 with Ceramides and Peptides, DreamBeam Sunlit, $40.00, product P505327 Dr. Jart+ — Cicapair™ Soothing Color Correcting Treatment SPF 30 with Centella Asiatica Extracts, 1.85oz / 55ml, $54.00, product P517003 The Ordinary — UV Filters SPF 45 Serum Sunscreen PA++++, 2 oz/60 mL, $19.00, product P516573 Youth To The People — Youthscreen™ Daily Hydration + Pollution Defense Invisible Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 60 , 1.3 oz/38 mL, $30.00, product P516541 ISDIN — Fusion Water Magic SPF 40 Non-comedogenic Moisturizing Sunscreen with Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin E, 1.7 oz/50 mL, $38.00, product P516222 Supergoop! — Unseen Sunscreen Invisible Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA +++, 1.7 oz / 50 mL, $38.00, product P514631 Tower 28 Beauty — SOS FaceGuard SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen, 1.7 oz/50 mL, $32.00, product P515588 RANAVAT — Daily Brightening Mineral Face Sunscreen, SPF 50+ with Saffron for Dark Spots and Squalane for Moisture, 1.7 oz/50 mL, $65.00, product P516748 Shiseido — Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion Mineral SPF 60+ Sunscreen, 1.7 oz/50 mL, $26.00, product P516361

See It in Action

Here’s some inspo for your blemish-fighting routine.

Film “See It in Action — Acne & Breakout Solutions (film)” — media library document 2, 248 s, https://cdn.callimacus.ai/raw/sephora.com/media/by-path/films/6360315340112.mp4

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Glossary: Know the Ingredients

Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs): What are BHAs? Oil-soluble, exfoliating acids that help slough off surface skin cells. They can penetrate pores to help break down any buildup of oil and dead skin cells. How do BHAs work? BHAs break down the “glue” that holds surface skin cells together, so old cells can be cleared away. When they penetrate inside pores, they help clear out the buildup of dead skin and oil, leaving pores looking clearer and looking smaller. By clearing out debris in pores, they also reduce breakouts. What can I pair them with? Always pair with moisturizer and sunscreen. It’s not recommended to use peptides and acids during the same routine. For example, if your nighttime routine includes AHAs/BHAs, keep peptides in your morning routine. This is because acids break down proteins, and peptides are precursors to protein, so acids can make peptides less effective.

Salicylic Acid (a type of BHA): What is salicylic acid? An oil-soluble chemical exfoliant that helps clear pores, improving the appearance of blemishes and congestion. How does salicylic acid work? It works below the skin’s surface to help thin oil Inside pores. What can I pair it with? Always pair with moisturizer and sunscreen. It’s not recommended to use other active ingredients, such as retinols or other AHAs (like glycolic acid or lactic acid), during the same routine. For example, if you’re using a salicylic acid cleanser in the morning, you could use a glycolic toner at night.

Benzoyl Peroxide: What is benzoyl peroxide? An antiseptic commonly used to treat acne. How does benzoyl peroxide work? It kills bacteria on skin’s surface that can cause breakouts and get trapped in pores. What can I pair it with? Always pair with moisturizer and sunscreen. It’s not recommended to use benzoyl peroxide with any other topical acne product, or with products that contain a peeling agent or are alcohol-based (like resorcinol, salicylic acid, sulfur, or tretinoin), in the same routine. For example, if you’re using a benzoyl peroxide moisturizer at night, you could use a salicylic acid cleanser in the morning.

Niacinamide: What is niacinamide? A form of vitamin B3 that supports a healthy skin barrier, resulting in a more even-looking skin tone and increased radiance. This powerhouse pick helps make pores look smaller and helps keep excess oil in check. What does niacinamide do for skin? It supports the skin barrier (the outer surface of skin), supports its resiliency, and improves the look of texture by helping make pores look smaller. It also helps balance oil, and it’s good for all skin types. What can I pair it with? Always pair with moisturizer and sunscreen. Niacinamide works well with everything, but if you experience redness or irritation, consider switching up your routine or consulting your dermatologist.

Sulfur: What is sulfur? A chemical element that targets the fungus and bacteria that can lead to blemishes. It also helps draw excess oil out from clogged pores. How does sulfur work? It helps dry out the surface of your skin to help absorb excess oil (sebum) that may contribute to acne breakouts. It also dries dead skin cells to help unclog pores. What can I pair it with? Always pair with moisturizer and sunscreen. A combination of salicylic acid and sulfur is commonly used to treat acne. It’s not recommended to use sulfur with any other topical acne product, or with products that contain a peeling agent or are alcohol-based (like resorcinol, salicylic acid, sulfur, or tretinoin), in the same routine. For example, if you’re using a sulfur spot treatment in the evening, you could use a benzoyl peroxide moisturizer in the morning.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs, includes Glycolic Acid): What are AHAs? Water-soluble chemical exfoliants that work on skin’s surface to remove the outer layer of dead skin, making it look smoother and more even in tone. What do AHAs do for skin? These chemical exfoliants remove the surface of dead skin, which helps keep oil and bacteria from getting trapped within pores, which can lead to breakouts. What can I pair it with? Always pair with moisturizer and sunscreen. It’s not recommended to use AHAs with other active ingredients such as retinols or BHAs (salicylic acid) during the same routine. For example, if you’re using an AHA toner in the morning, you could use a salicylic acid cleanser at night.

Vitamin C: What is vitamin C? A potent antioxidant found naturally in foods like citrus fruits. It can help support radiance and helps reduce the appearance of dark spots and uneven skin tone. What does vitamin C do for skin? It works to reduce the appearance of dark spots (including post-acne marks), gives skin a firmer look, and helps prevent premature signs of aging. It also helps protect against free radicals (skin-damaging molecules created by pollution and more). What can I pair it with? Always pair with moisturizer and sunscreen. Vitamin C can be used with most ingredients and products. If you experience irritation, avoid using vitamin C on days you use potent active ingredients, like retinol and AHAs.

Retinoids: What’s the difference between retinol and retinoids? “Retinoid” is the umbrella term for any synthetic vitamin A. Retinol is a type of retinoid that’s gentler yet highly effective at unclogging pores and combating the signs of aging. How does retinol work? Retinol supports healthy cell turnover, which leads to fresh, smoother-looking skin, visibly minimized clogged pores, and more radiant-looking skin. It helps reduce the look of all signs of aging. What should I pair it with? Sunscreen is always a must, but that’s especially true when retinol’s a part of your routine. Avoid using retinol and an AHA at the same time since both are potent ingredients. Try alternating between retinol creams and AHA creams—you’ll get all the benefits (an AHA sloughs off dead cells to reveal a fresh glow) without irritating your skin.

Azelaic Acid: What is azelaic acid? A dicarboxylic acid that supports healthy skin cell turnover that can help address mild acne. What does azelaic acid do for the skin? It visibly clarifies uneven skin tone, brightens the look of dark spots, and helps fade the look of post-acne marks. What can I pair it with? Always pair with moisturizer and sunscreen. Azeliac acid works well with other active ingredients in the same routine, such as niacinamide and antioxidants like vitamin C. Avoid using products like benzoyl peroxide and azelaic acid in the same routine to avoid unnecessary redness and irritation.

Adapalene: What is adapalene? Adapalene is a type of topical retinoid (vitamin A) used to help address acne and signs of premature aging, such as fine lines and hyperpigmentation. What does adapalene do for the skin? It helps regulate skin cell turnover to help keep pores from clogging, and it reduces the look of redness and underlying inflammation. What can I pair it with? Sunscreen is always a must, but that’s especially true when adapalene is a part of your routine. When first starting out with adapalene, it’s okay to keep using niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, but you may want to avoid vitamin C, benzoyl peroxide, AHAs (glycolic acid and lactic acid), BHAs (salicylic acid), and any other topical retinoid.

Get the Facts

Understanding Acne & Breakouts

• A blemish forms when a pore becomes clogged with dead skin cells, oil, and bacteria, then becomes inflamed. • Blemishes can be whiteheads, blackheads, or pimples. • Acne is a series of multiple and consistent breakouts where bacteria is present. • Hormones, stress, genetics, and even pollution can lead to breakouts. • A blemish starts deep within a pore, weeks before any signs of infection surface. So prevention and care are key. • Squeezing, popping, or picking at a blemish can lead to scars and discoloration.

What Causes a Breakout?

Dead Skin Cells: They build up on the surface of the skin, and inside the pore itself. This prevents oil from escaping properly and can clog the pore. The solution: ingredients that exfoliate, like salicylic acid.

Excess Oil: Genetics, hormones, stress, and diet can all cause the sebaceous gland to produce excess oil. If pores are clogged with dead skin cells, this excess oil can become trapped. Oil can also cause dead skin cells to stick to the surface of the skin, all creating a breeding ground for bacteria. The solution: ingredients that minimize oil, like niacinamide and sulfur.

P. Acnes Bacteria: We all have some on our skin, but excess oil on the surface or trapped in a pore (especially with dead skin) creates the perfect environment for P. acnes bacteria to reproduce out of control, which leads to blemishes. The solution: products that keep the skin clean.

Start Shopping!

Discover the best acne treatments with our comprehensive acne treatment guide. Struggling with persistent breakouts can be frustrating, but finding the right solution doesn’t have to be. Our best acne treatment guide is designed to help you navigate through the myriad of options available, ensuring you find the most effective regimen for your skin type. Whether you’re dealing with occasional breakouts or severe acne, our expert recommendations cover a range of treatments. Learn about the latest advancements in acne care, including topical treatments and more. Our acne treatment guide offers detailed information on how each ingredient works, potential side effects, and tips for achieving clear, healthy-looking skin. Don’t let acne hold you back any longer. Follow our best acne treatment guide to unveil a clearer, more confident you. For personalized advice and up-to-date product reviews, explore our website today. Your journey to clear skin starts here.

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