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The best serums for tackling pimples and acne

In the words of JoJo – “leave, get out.”

By Briar Clark

BEAUTYcrew Content Producer / May 20 2021

Getting pimples and dealing with acne can sometimes feel like the worst thing in the world. Breakouts somehow always manage to rear their ugly heads at the most inopportune moments, rendering our flawless finish foundations and exxy skin care practically useless.

Honestly, we’ve had enough. This is a public service announcement to any zits that plan on taking up residence on our beautiful faces – watch your back buddy, we’re coming for you.

Our weapon of choice? A spot-clearing serum that’ll send those suckers packing. No matter your skin type, there’s an acne-fighting serum out there for you, all you have to do is find it so you can rage against the proverbial machine with some pro-level help.

Get your notepad at the ready, here are seven serums that’ll take down any pimples or acne they encounter.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Ultra Concentrated Serum

Specifically formulated with adult acne in mind, this ultra-concentrated serum blends together AHAs, BHAs and LHAs to minimise the appearance of breakouts and blemishes by micro-exfoliating the skin and promoting cellular turnover.

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Ultraceuticals Even Skintone Smoothing Serum Mild

New to chemical exfoliants or just trying to smooth out unwanted texture and stubborn blemishes? This mild mix of AHAs with BHA creates the perfect pick me up, sloughing away dead skin cells and revealing a better, brighter you with continued use.

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CAUDALIE Vinopure Blemish Control Infusion Serum

Highly concentrated salicylic acid is the acne-fighting hero ingredient in this deep-pore penetrating formula. Packed full of hydrating and glow-boosting rosewater as well as antioxidant grape seed polyphenols (that protect against free radical damage and prevent the formation of blackheads), this little guy is safe enough for sensitive skin but still caters to the oiliest of skin types or your monthly round of hormonal breakouts.

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The Ordinary Supersize Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

Love the decongesting and blemish-minimising qualities of the original The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%? Then you’re in luck because the hero product just got supersized and is now available in a hefty 60ml size. So you can finally say “adios” to unwanted texture and tone.

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Dermalogica Active Clearing Retinol Clearing Oil

Tackle breakouts and premature ageing in one fell swoop with this innovative retinol and salicylic serum oil. Breakouts, blemishes, fine lines and wrinkles are no match for this potent nighttime formula. Simply add a few drops to your evening routine and snooze away your skin woes.

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SOME BY MI AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Serum

Formulated with 14.5 per cent skin-soothing centella asiatica extract as well as a cocktail of AHA, BHA and PHA, this unassuming little green bottle is small but mighty, balancing oil and sebum production, evening skin tone and texture, reducing the appearance of breakouts and blemishes, and sloughing away dead skin cells.

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Avène Cleanance WOMEN Corrective Serum

Improve the appearance of your pores, blemishes, breakouts and texture with this sensitive-skin friendly pick that mattifies skin and balances sebum production. It’s exactly what this glycolic and lactic acid enriched formula was made for.

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Skin in need of strengthening after using the hard-stuff? Here are 6 of the best: Ceramide-centric skin care.

Main image credit: @taylor_hill

Briar Clark

Briar is a Content Producer at BEAUTYcrew. She is a self-professed skin care obsessive, always on the hunt for the perfect mascara, and can't go past a plumping lipgloss.