BEAUTY
THESE ARE THE KEY SKINCARE INGREDIENTS FOR ACNE-PRONE SKIN
By Ayis Stephen-Diver, 9 June 2025
Picture: Getty
It's Acne Awareness Month, and according to the NHS, around 95% of people aged 11-30 are affected by it to some extent, which is an unsurprising stat considering the number of people you see sharing their stories on social media. Lorde has opened up about her journey with acne over the years – a gentle reminder that progress doesn’t happen overnight, even for celebrities. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution – breakouts can be triggered by anything from hormonal changes to stress, and while you should always prioritise addressing any internal issues first, what you’re putting on your skin matters too. So, here are six clinically proven ingredients for helping acne-prone skin.
#1: SALICYLIC ACID
Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid – more commonly known as a BHA. Acne can cause uneven skin texture, and BHAs both exfoliate dead skin cells and penetrate pores. So how do you apply it to maximise the effects? We spoke to The Ordinary’s Scientific Communications Manager, Joe Basham, who told us, 'You can use salicylic on targeted areas like I do, or all over the face to prevent further pimples from forming'. If you suffer from body acne, look for body washes that contain the compound or apply a serum straight out of the shower.
ASOS LOVES:
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner with Salicylic Acid 200ml, £22
Cetaphil Gentle Clear Mattifying Acne Moisturiser 89ml, £16
The INKEY List Salicylic Acid Cleanser 150ml, £12
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 0.5% Body Serum 240ml, £14.50
#2: NIACINAMIDE
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3: an essential nutrient for healthy skin. While it’s often considered an oily-skin saviour – thanks to its ability to regulate sebum production – it’s got universal properties too. For starters, it’s anti-inflammatory, meaning it can soothe any redness, swelling or pain associated with cystic acne. It also helps reduce the look of hyperpigmentation, which you may notice on pimple-prone areas like your cheeks or chin. It's a gentle active that’s well-tolerated by sensitive skin and often mixed with other ingredients – but we really love it in serum form.
ASOS LOVES:
Erborian Centella Acne SOS Spot Patch Targeting Gel 9ml, £18
Carbon Theory VaPOREize Niacinamide Facial Tonic 250ml, £9.95
Beauty of Joseon Propolis & Niacinamide Glow Serum 30ml, £17
Kopari Niacinamide & Caffeine Eye Cream 15ml, £36
#3: LACTIC ACID
You probably recognise lactic acid as the stuff that helps your muscles go that extra mile during a gym sesh, but it’s a big deal in skincare too. It belongs to the alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) family, which are slightly stronger exfoliants than BHAs like salicylic acid. You’ll most often come across two concentrations of lactic acid – 5% and 10%, which are both great at deeply exfoliating the skin and brightening skin tone. We recommend patch-testing all products, but lactic acid’s harsher nature means it’s extra important to know your skin’s limits. Start at a lower dose before stepping up to higher concentrations.
ASOS LOVES:
Sunday Riley Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment 30ml, £70
Dr Dennis Gross Vitamin C Lactic Creamy Cleansing Oil, £42
REN Clean Skincare Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic with Lactic Acid, £17
L'Oreal Paris 2.5% Hyaluronic Acid Eye Serum, £31.99
#4: RETINOL
Retinol is a type of vitamin A that encourages increased skin cell and collagen production, giving your skin a plump, refreshed glow and reducing the look of fine lines and wrinkles. But how does this help acne? The increased cell production means exfoliation, which prevents the blocked pores that can lead to breakouts, and can also reduce post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. It also helps sun damage, but don’t skip the SPF. Like lactic acid, retinol’s strength can be harsh on sensitive skin – it’s usually best to begin your journey with lower concentrations a few days a week, then gradually build up your tolerance. Heads up: you might experience a purging phase (when the skin gets worse before it gets better) with retinol, but don’t panic – this is entirely normal.
ASOS LOVES:
Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil with Retinol & Blue Tansy 15ml, £45
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum 30ml, £23
The INKEY List Retinol Serum 30ml, £14
The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion Serum 15ml, £16
#5: HYDROCOLLOIDS
A relatively recent addition to the skincare lineup, hydrocolloids were initially developed to heal wounds faster – before their acne-busting abilities were discovered. Bacteria thrive in moist conditions, like in a pimple, and these patches work by absorbing excess moisture to create a less-than-ideal environment for the bacteria to live. There isn't an actual active ingredient in these, making them a safe option for all skin types, sensitivities and regimens. If you’re a chronic pimple-popper, apply one after your moisturiser and let time do the rest.
ASOS LOVES:
The INKEY List Hydrocolloid Pimple Patches x 22, £9
Hero Mighty Patch Original Spot Patches x24, £8
Carbon Theory VaPOREize Hydrocolloid Nose Strips, £8
Revolution Super Dart Microneedle Salicylic Acid Hydrocolloid Spot Patches, £9
#6: BENZOYL PEROXIDE
Pictures: ASOS
Benzoyl peroxide is famous for its antiseptic properties – it kills bacteria that lurk beneath the skin’s surface and has the ability to keep acne at bay with long-term use. You can find it in almost any form, from spot-treating gels to cleansers, and Acnecide is one of the biggest names in the game. While BP is often prescribed by GPs, lower-dose, over-the-counter products are typically gentler on the skin barrier and still effective – just make sure your acne is mainly bacterial, as benzoyl peroxide doesn’t do much against hormonal or stress-related breakouts. Always use a moisturiser and SPF after applying BP, as it tends to dry out the skin and make it more vulnerable to UV rays.
ASOS LOVES:
Acnecide Spot Treatment with Benzoyl Peroxide 15g, £9.99
Acnecide Face Wash Treatment with Benzoyl Peroxide 50g, £9.99
Disclaimer: these products are generally suitable for mild acne. It's always best to consult your GP or a dermatologist for more persistent and aggressive acne.
