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Acne-prone skin is often linked to clogged pores, excess oil and inflammation. The right skincare for acne-prone skin can help reduce breakouts, clear congestion and improve overall skin clarity. Discover Paula’s Choice acne-prone skincare, including cleansers, exfoliants and moisturisers designed to target blemishes and support clearer-looking skin. Discover more
Fights breakouts & blackheads
Clears & minimises enlarged pores
Sheds built-up layers of skin for smooth, even tone
Our iconic global bestseller, this clinically proven daily exfoliating toner with salicylic acid quickly unclogs pores & controls oil for clear, glowing skin.
Leaves skin feeling clean and refreshed
Soft on skin, hard on breakouts
Removes excess oil
Refreshing cleansing gel gently removes excess oil, debris and pore-clogging impurities.
Mattifies shiny skin
Protects from sun damage
Suitable for breakout-prone skin
Water-light fluid minimises the appearance of pores and protects skin from the sun.
Fades brown spots
Soothes skin and reduces redness
Fights breakouts
This unique formula uses potent azelaic acid & other powerhouse ingredients to clarify uneven tone, target stubborn spots and soothe skin – resulting in smoother, more radiant, younger-looking skin.
Promotes a healthier, younger-looking appearance
Fights against environmental stressors
Fluid formula leaves a satin-matte finish
An ultra-lightweight formula containing a vital selection of antioxidants and broad-spectrum sun protection to fight & prevent signs of ageing.
High-strength, controlled-release 1% retinol concentration
Diminishes the appearance of wrinkles & fine lines
Light, hydrating lotion absorbs quickly & evenly
An advanced 1% retinol formula with skin-supportive peptides & vitamin C that smooths wrinkles and firms the skin, visibly reducing signs of ageing.
Improves skin texture with minimal irritation
Supports firmer, more elastic-looking skin
Reduces the look of discolouration & appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Highly effective dual-retinoid formula visibly firms, smooths, and improves overall skin texture, tone, and clarity at an accelerated rate with minimal irritation.
Hydrates without clogging pores
Sheer lotion texture, absorbs quickly
This oil-free moisturiser hydrates acne-prone skin without clogging pores or making breakouts worse.
Fights signs of ageing
Lightly tinted moisturising lotion protects skin from sun and absorbs excess oil.
Leaves skin softer and smoother
Removes built-up dead skin cells
Reduces red bumps
Gently exfoliates dry, rough and bumpy acne-prone skin leaving it hydrated, smooth and soft.
Improves skin tone and texture
Softens fine lines and wrinkles
A powerful blend of retinol and bakuchiol tackles fine lines and wrinkles, restores firmness and evens out skin tone.
Unclogs and visibly refines pores
Gentle on skin
A non-abrasive, leave-on exfoliant that gently smooths away dull build-up and unclogs pores while preserving skin’s delicate barrier.
Reduces signs of ageing
Suitable for sensitive skin
Ultra-light exfoliant improves visible signs of ageing and refines pores for radiant skin.
Reduces discolouration from breakouts
Calms red skin
Targets breakouts, dark spots and calms skin in one go.
Restores moisture balance
Doesn't leave skin feeling tight
This hyaluronic acid booster instantly smooths skin and visibly plumps fine lines and wrinkles.
Fast-absorbing liquid formula
Fights blackheads
Liquid exfoliant quickly penetrates deep inside pores, effectively clearing breakouts.
Moisturising lotion
Anti-inflammatory
Lightweight lotion softens and hydrates skin while diminishing blackheads and blemishes.
Light gel, does not feel sticky
Leave-on gel exfoliant gently targets blackheads and enlarged pores.
Renews skin below the surface for healthier cell turnover
Unlock your multi-level glow with multi-level exfoliation.
Liquid exfoliant gently exfoliates the skin’s surface and inside pores for clearer skin.
Turn up the glow with AHA & BHA exfoliation.
Repairs sun damage
Helps skin act younger
Concentrated 1% retinol effectively improves the appearance of wrinkles and skin tone.
The best skincare for acne-prone skin focuses on keeping pores clear, reducing excess oil and calming inflammation. A simple routine for acne-prone skin includes a gentle cleanser, a leave-on salicylic acid (BHA) exfoliant to unclog pores, a lightweight moisturiser and daily SPF.
Consistency is key. For a full breakdown of routines and ingredients, see our guide on how to get rid of acne.
The best face wash for acne-prone skin removes excess oil, dirt and impurities without disrupting the skin barrier. Skincare for acne-prone skin should not include harsh cleansers, as drying or abrasive formulas can irritate the skin and worsen acne by triggering more oil production. Cleansing twice daily helps prevent clogged pores and supports clearer skin.
A gentle, non-stripping cleanser for acne-prone skin helps keep pores clear and supports a healthier-looking complexion.
Yes. Paula's Choice exfoliants formulated with salicylic acid (BHA) are highly effective for acne-prone skin. A 2% BHA exfoliant is widely considered an effective concentration for acne-prone skin. BHA is oil-soluble, meaning it can penetrate inside pores to dissolve excess sebum and dead skin buildup.
BHA is a great ingredient to have in skincare for acne-prone skin as it helps reduce blackheads, unclog pores and prevent future breakouts while improving overall skin texture.
Yes, a well-formulated moisturiser does not cause breakouts and can actually help prevent them by maintaining a healthy skin barrier, reducing irritation and preventing excess oil production. Dehydrated skin may produce more oil, which can lead to clogged pores.
The best moisturiser for acne-prone skin is lightweight, oil-free and non-comedogenic. It should hydrate without clogging pores or feeling heavy on the skin. Choose a gel or lotion texture with soothing and barrier-supporting ingredients.
A targeted non-comedogenic moisturiser for breakout-prone skin helps calm redness, support the skin barrier and reduce the risk of future breakouts.
The best serums for acne-prone skin depend on your concerns, but it’s best to look for serums with niacinamide, salicylic acid or retinoids. Niacinamide helps regulate oil, salicylic acid unclogs pores and retinol supports skin renewal. A targeted serum can help reduce breakouts, refine skin texture and improve post-acne marks when used consistently as part of a routine.
Yes, vitamin C can be used on acne-prone skin. It helps brighten uneven tone, support skin repair and reduce the appearance of post-acne marks. For best results, pair vitamin C with ingredients that target breakouts to address both active acne and lingering discolouration.
The best acne solutions combine pore-clearing, anti-inflammatory and skin-balancing ingredients. Ideally, skincare for acne-prone skin should include cleansers, exfoliants, treatments and moisturisers specifically formulated for acne-prone skin.
A consistent routine helps reduce breakouts and improve long-term skin clarity. For concerns like post-breakout marks, explore targeted solutions for acne scars.
Acne-prone skin can also be dry or dehydrated, especially when using strong treatments that can strip the skin, leading to increased oil production and more breakouts. The key is using skincare for acne-prone skin that balances treatment with hydration.
If your skin feels tight or flaky, explore routines tailored for dry acne-prone skin to maintain clarity without compromising comfort.