Acne is the most common skin problem in the United States. If you’re among the 9.4% of the world’s population with acne, you know how frustrating it can be to try to find acne spot treatments that actually work.
The good news is that there are a number of effective treatments available today.
The best acne spot treatments can help to heal and clear up your skin, while also preventing future breakouts.
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1. First Aid Beauty FAB Pharma BHA Acne Spot Treatment Gel 2% Salicylic Acid
- Suitable for: Dry Skin, Normal Skin, Combination Skin, Oily Skin
- Product for: Acne, Blackheads, Blemishes, Pores, and Oiliness.
- Price: Under $20.00 (subject to price fluctuations)
- Where to buy: Amazon.
This BHA Acne Spot Treatment Gel by First Aid Beauty FAB Pharma is a potent spot treatment that’s designed to treat acne breakouts including, blackheads and whiteheads.
It has been clinically demonstrated to improve blemish-prone skin after 24 hours.
BHA: The gel contains 2% salicylic acid (a BHA) to help treat acne, unclog the pores and stop future acne breakouts.
AHA: It also contains glycolic acid (an AHA) that exfoliates, as well as resurfaces the skin, fights the formation of post-acne marks,
Aloe, Bisabolol, and Oatmeal help to minimize redness and irritation and soothe and hydrate the skin while you treat your acne.
This gel is also paraben-free, fragrance-free, soy-free, nano-free, gluten-free, nut-free, and vegan. It’s been dermatologist-approved.
Make sure to check the product label for further information, and talk to your doctor if you are taking any acne treatment before using this product.
2. Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Spot Treatment Gel
- Suitable for: Acne-prone skin
- Product for: Acne breakouts
- Price: Under $10.00 (subject to price fluctuations)
- Where to buy: Amazon is one of the best places to buy.
The Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Spot Treatment Gel is a powerful spot treatment that works in just 2 hours to get rid of acne spots.
It is formulated with maximum strength benzoyl peroxide (10%) to quickly treat even stubborn acne. Benzoyl Peroxide works to reduce the size and redness of pimples.
The non-prescription acne medicine is recommended most by dermatologists.
3. Burt’s Bees Natural Acne Solutions Maximum Strength Spot Treatment Cream
- Suitable for: Acne-Prone Skin
- Product for: Blemishes, Redness, Acne Breakouts
- Price: Under $10.00 (subject to price fluctuations)
- Where to buy: Amazon is one of the best places to buy.
Burt’s Bees Natural Solutions Maximum Strength Spot Treatment Cream is a fast-acting treatment that treats redness and blemishes in just 48 hours.
This spot treatment cream is a great option for those who are looking for a natural and effective way to treat their acne. It is also a good choice for those who want to avoid harsh chemicals and artificial ingredients.
The main ingredients in the cream are salicylic acid from willow bark. The salicylic acid reduces acne and prevents breakouts while the tea tree oil helps to soothe skin.
The cream is effective against acne and is made up of 99.4 percent nature with nutritional botanicals.
It’s a dermatologist-approved natural skincare brand that’s also been dermatologically tested.
Parabens, phthalates, petrolatum, or SLS are not included in the formulation. The lotion is also Leaping Bunny certified and recyclable through TerraCycle.
4. Zapzyt Acne Treatment Gel
- Suitable for: Acne-Prone Skin
- Product for: Acne pimples and blackheads
- Price: Under $10.00 (subject to price fluctuations)
- Where to buy: Amazon is one of the best places to buy.
If you are looking for an acne spot treatment that is both effective and delivers fast results, Zapzyt Acne Treatment Gel is a great choice.
This gel uses 10% micronized, non-irritating benzoyl peroxide to kill the bacteria that causes acne, and it can clear pimples and blackheads fast.
The maximum strength Zapzyt Acne Treatment Gel formula is the same as that recommended by dermatologists.
It has been clinically shown to reduce the appearance of acne in as little as 5 hours.
The gel is oil-free, odorless, and quickly vanishes into your skin. It is also the strongest benzoyl peroxide gel available, making it a great choice for those who want an intense treatment.
Zapzyt Acne Treatment Gel is also water-based, so it won’t dry out your skin.
5. Clear Proof® Blemish Clearing Gel by Mary Kay
- Suitable for: Acne-Prone Skin
- Product for: Acne pimples, blackheads and whiteheads.
- Price: Under $20.00 (subject to price fluctuations)
- Where to buy: Amazon is one of the best places to buy.
Clear Proof® Blemish Clearing Gel by Mary Kay is an excellent choice for treating acne spots. It uses 5% benzoyl peroxide to clear up whiteheads and blackheads.
The Clear Proof® Blemish Clearing Gel formula is safe for use on the skin and works to get rid of pimples quickly while preventing new ones from developing.
The gel quickly absorbs into the skin without feeling sticky, and it can be used every day.
The main ingredient in the gel is benzoyl peroxide which is a powerful acne-fighting ingredient.
Hydrogen peroxide is an oxygen-release substance that destroys germs. It can help reduce the amount of P. acnes bacteria that may lead to pimples by providing an environment with more oxygen. It can also assist dissolve dead skin cell build-up, which is essential for maintaining healthy, youthful-looking skin.
6. Proactiv Emergency Blemish Relief
- Suitable for: Acne-Prone Skin
- Product for: Acne blemishes and pimples
- Price: Under $10.00 (subject to price fluctuations)
- Where to buy: Amazon is one of the best places to buy.
If you are looking for a fast-acting spot treatment for unexpected blemishes, Proactiv Emergency Blemish Relief is a great choice.
This gel contains a high dose of microcrystal benzoyl peroxide, which specifically kills bacteria inside pores to eliminate blemishes.
The extra grade of micro-crystal Benzoyl Peroxide (5%) helps to unclog pores and clear unexpected blemishes fast. The gel is also designed to help absorb extra oil.
This spot treatment contains a blend of benzoyl peroxide and allantoin to help heal blemishes, and prevent new ones from forming while promoting healthy-looking skin and moisturizing the complexion.
It is non-comedogenic and dermatologist tested.
7. Murad Acne Control Bundle with Rapid Relief Acne Spot Treatment and Clarifying Cleanser
- Suitable for: Acne-Prone Skin, dry, oily, combination, and balanced skin.
- Product for: Acne blemishes, redness.
- Price: Under $50.00 (valued at $55.00,) – and subject to price flunctuations.
- Where to buy: Amazon is one of the best places to buy.
This acne spot treatment by Murad in this bundle is a maximum strength of 2% salicylic acid that reduces blemishes size and redness in 4 hours.
The acne spot treatment is perfect for those who are looking for a quick and easy way to get rid of their blemishes.
It is part of the Murad Acne Control Bundle, which also includes the Clarifying Cleanser with Salicylic Acid.
The Clarifying Cleanser with 1.5% Salicylic Acid helps to gently exfoliate the skin and remove excess oil, while the Rapid Relief Acne Spot Treatment with 2% Salicylic acid reduces blemishes and redness.
Together, these two products work fast to give you clear, blemish-free skin.
Both products are free of sulfates, phthalates, parabens, and gluten. They are also vegan-friendly.
Dermatology tested.
8. Anti-Blemish Solutions™ Clinical Clearing Gel by Clinique
- Suitable for: Acne-prone skin
- Product for: Acne breakouts
- Price: Under $25.00 (subject to price fluctuations)
- Where to buy: Amazon is one of the best places to buy.
Clinique’s Anti-Blemish Solutions™ Clinical Clearing Gel is a powerful and fast-acting spot treatment that gets to work instantly upon application.
It uses salicylic acid to dissolve dirt and build-up in pores, clearing blemishes and preventing new breakouts from appearing.
The gel is completely transparent for both day and night use and quickly absorbs into the skin without feeling sticky. It can be used every day on acne-prone skin.
It also contains Laminaria saccharina extract, which is a brown algae extract that has water-binding abilities that can deeply nourish, hydrate, and help to keep the skin healthy.
It is safe for use on acne-prone skin and can be used every day.
This gel is allergy tested and 100% fragrance-free.
9. Breakout Control® Targeted Acne Spot Treatment by Kiehl’s Since 1851
- Suitable for: Acne-prone skin, combination and oily skin
- Product for: Blemishes/breakouts/acne
- Price: Under $50.00 (subject to price fluctuations)
- Where to buy: Amazon is one of the best places to buy.
If you’re looking for an acne spot treatment that works and is environmentally friendly, try Breakout Control® Targeted Acne Spot Treatment by Kiehl’s.
This product includes 10% mineral sulfur and niacinamide, which aids in the reduction of blemishes while also preventing the formation of new ones.
It is ideal for blemish-prone skin since it absorbs and smooths easily into the skin, making it a fantastic choice for pimples. It was found in a clinical trial to quickly reduce the appearance of acne blemishes.
So why wait? Give Breakout Control® Targeted Acne Spot Treatment a try today!
10. Tea Tree Acne Gel by Thursday Plantation
- Suitable for: Acne-prone skin, combination and oily skin
- Product for: Whiteheads/blackheads/pimples/acne.
- Price: Under $15.00 (subject to price fluctuations)
- Where to buy: Amazon is one of the best places to buy.
The Plantation Tea Tree Acne Gel is a clear, non-greasy gel that works beneath the surface of the skin to help dry out pimples and acne.
It is used as an acne spot treatment when a small amount is applied to the affected area morning and evening.
Tea Tree Oil is included at 20%, a natural antibacterial agent that aids in the treatment of acne. It’s also got 0.5% Cinnamomum Camphora (known as Camphor), which has antiseptic abilities and can help to soothe inflamed skin.
There are no parabens, benzoyl peroxide, mineral oils, propylene glycol, artificial fragrances, lauryl sulfates, synthetic preservatives, and colors.
Dermatologically tested.
It is contraindicated for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. You also want to avoid this product if you are allergic to plants belonging to the Myrtaceae family. People with a history of atopy, eczema or unusual skin reactions should also avoid using this product.
11. Clean and Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment
- Suitable for: Acne-prone, normal, oily, and combination skin
- Product for: Whiteheads/blackheads/pimples/acne.
- Price: Under $15.00 (subject to price fluctuations)
- Where to buy: Amazon is one of the best places to buy.
Clean and Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment is an oil-free gel that helps rapidly fight pimples and prevent future breakouts, and won’t over-dry your skin.
It has 2% Salicylic Acid, a BHA, to help break down and remove blockages in pores, as well as Witch Hazel to minimize the size, swelling, and redness of pimples.
The gel starts working immediately upon application to quickly dissolve oil and help clear your skin.
You can apply as many as three times a day after you cleanse your face.
In a clinical study, 100% of testers showed clearer skin in just one day.
So, don’t let pimples get the best of you – start fighting back with Clean and Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment.
12. COSRX Acne Blemish Spot Drying Lotion
- Suitable for: Acne-prone, normal, oily, and combination skin
- Product for: Blemish spot/pimple/whitehead
- Price: Under $20.00 (subject to price fluctuations)
- Where to buy: Amazon is one of the best places to buy.
COSRX Acne Blemish Spot Drying Lotion is a spot treatment that uses 12% calamine, 6% zinc oxide, and 1,500 ppm salicylic acid to calm and dry out the blemishes on your skin.
It also contains vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) and Centella Asiatica extract to help clear your skin and prevent future breakouts.
This product is made with skin-friendly ingredients that will alleviate irritated skin.
It is hypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested, animal testing free, paraben-free, sulfate-free, and phthalate-free.
This spot treatment will help you achieve clear and blemish-free skin fast.
13. Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting BHA 9 Treatment
- Suitable for: All skin types including acne-prone, sensitive and milia skin
- Product for: Red bumps/blackheads/acne-related blemishes
- Price: Under $50.00 (subject to price fluctuations)
- Where to buy: Amazon is one of the best places to buy.
If you’re looking for an acne spot treatment that delivers visible results practically overnight, look no further than Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting BHA 9 Treatment.
This highly-concentrated exfoliating formula contains 9% BHA to reduce red bumps, blackheads, and acne-related blemishes.
It’s also gentle enough for everyday use and is free of fragrances, parabens, and other harsh chemicals.
To treat acne spots, simply apply a small amount of the Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting BHA 9 Treatment to the affected area, and don’t forget to use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
For best results, use in combination with other acne treatments from Paula’s Choice as they are designed to work together.
14. Clean & Clear Persa-Gel 10 Acne
- Suitable for: Acne-prone skin.
- Product for: Pimples/acne/breakouts
- Price: Under $30.00 (subject to price fluctuations)
- Where to buy: Amazon is one of the best places to buy.
Looking for a prescription-strength acne spot treatment that can provide visible results in just one day? Look no further than Clean & Clear Persa-Gel 10 Acne!
This topical pimple gel, which comes in a squeeze tube, features 10% micronized benzoyl peroxide and works fast to treat and clear pimples.
Clean & Clear Persa-Gel 10 Acne works by delivering benzoyl peroxide deep down where pimples form, helping to clear up your pores and kill acne-causing bacteria.
Apply a thin layer of Clean & Clear Persa-Gel 10 Acne one to three times daily over the affected areas.
You’ll see visible results in just 1 day!
Although it is fragrance-free, this product may not be suitable for people with sensitivity to benzoyl peroxide
It is also free of parabens, dyes, alcohol, sulfates, and phthalates.
15 Bliss Clear Genius Acne Spot Treatment
Suitable for: Acne-prone skin, all skin types.
Product for: Pimples/acne/breakouts/blemishes
Price: Under $10.00 (subject to price fluctuations)
Where to buy: Amazon is one of the best places to buy.
Looking for an acne spot treatment that actually works? Look no further than Bliss Clear Genius Acne Spot Treatment.
This potent spot treatment includes a Bliss combination of BHA, witch hazel, niacinamide, cica, and zinc PCA.
In one application, this acne spot treatment was found to help reduce the pimples size, swelling, and redness for a clean, calm complexion.
Best of all, it’s clean, vegan-friendly, and environmentally friendly. It is also cruelty-free.
11 Frequently Asked Questions
What is acne spot treatment?
Acne spot treatment is a concentrated formula that is applied to areas of the skin that are affected by acne.
It is designed to help clear up the pimples and reduce the appearance of blemishes. Most acne spot treatments contain ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, which help to unclog pores and reduce inflammation.
Some also contain ingredients like witch hazel or tea tree oil, which have antibacterial properties.
What is the main difference between benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid?
The main difference between benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid is that benzoyl peroxide is an antibacterial agent while salicylic acid is not.
Salicylic acid works by exfoliating the skin and unclogging pores, while benzoyl peroxide kills acne-causing bacteria.
Both ingredients are effective at treating acne, but benzoyl peroxide is often used as a spot treatment while salicylic acid is used as a leave-on product or cleanser.
Do all acne spot treatments remove dead skin cells?
No, not all acne spot treatments remove dead skin cells. Some, like salicylic acid, work by exfoliating the skin to unclog pores and reduce inflammation.
Others, like benzoyl peroxide, work by killing acne-causing bacteria. Some spot treatments may also contain ingredients like witch hazel or tea tree oil, which have antibacterial properties.
How do I choose the right acne spot treatment for me?
When choosing an acne spot treatment, it is important to consider your skin type and the severity of your acne.
If you have sensitive skin, you may want to choose a spot treatment that contains gentler ingredients like salicylic acid or niacinamide.
If you have severe acne, you may want to choose a spot treatment that contains Benzoyl peroxide or tea tree oil.
It is also important to consider the ingredients in other products that you are using, as some spot treatments can interact with them.
For example, salicylic acid Spot treatments should not be used with other products that contain salicylic acid or retinoids.
If you are unsure which product is right for you, it is always best to consult with a qualified skin care professional.
How do I use an acne spot treatment?
Acne spot treatments are typically applied one to three times a day depending on the manufacturer’s advice, after cleansing and toning the skin.
They are mostly applied to the affected areas only, as they can irritate if used on healthy skin. However, some products may also be ideal for use all over the face as directed by the manufacturer.
If you are using a leave-on product, it is important to apply sunscreen over the top as some spot treatments can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight.
How long does it take for acne spot treatment to work?
The amount of time it takes for an acne spot treatment to work can vary depending on the potency of the ingredients and the severity of your acne.
Some people may see results within a few days, while others may need to use the product for several weeks before seeing any improvement.
If you do not see any improvement after using an acne spot treatment for four weeks, it is important to consult with a skin care professional as there may be other underlying causes of your acne.
What are the safe tips for using a spot treatment?
When using an acne spot treatment, it is important to follow the instructions on the label.
Some spot treatments should be applied only to individual pimples, while others can be applied all over the face.
If you are using a treatment that contains benzoyl peroxide, make sure to avoid contact with the eyes, lips, and other areas of the skin that are sensitive.
In general, it is best to start by applying a small amount of spot treatment to a test area to see how your skin reacts. If there is any irritation or excessive dryness, stop using the treatment.
What are the contraindications for acne spot treatments?
Most acne spot treatments contain ingredients that can be irritating to the skin.
This means that they should not be used by people who have sensitive skin or who are prone to irritation.
People with rosacea or eczema should also avoid using acne spot treatments.
It is important to always read the label before using a spot treatment and to discontinue use if any irritation occurs.
When should I see a doctor about acne spot treatment?
If you are experiencing any excessive dryness, redness, or irritation when using an acne spot treatment, it is best to stop using the treatment and consult a doctor.
Similarly, if the acne spots are not clearing up after using the treatment for a few weeks, it is also a good idea to see a doctor.
This is especially important if you are experiencing severe or persistent acne.
What are the side effects with acne spot treatments and how can I manage them?
– Dryness: One of the most common side effects of acne spot treatments is dryness. This can be managed by using a gentle cleanser and applying a moisturizer after using the treatment.
– Redness: Some treatments may cause redness, especially if they contain Benzoyl peroxide. This side effect is usually temporary and will resolve on its own.
– Irritation: Some people may experience irritation when using an acne spot treatment. This can be managed by using a less potent product or by applying the treatment to a smaller area.
– Peeling: Some treatments may cause the skin to peel. This side effect is usually temporary and will resolve on its own.
– Burning sensation: Some treatments may cause a burning sensation. This side effect is usually temporary and will resolve on its own. If the burning sensation is severe, discontinue use and consult a doctor.
– Itching: Some treatments may cause itching. This side effect is usually temporary and will resolve on its own. If the itching is severe, discontinue use and consult a doctor.
– Allergic reactions: In rare cases, some people may have an allergic reaction to an ingredient in an acne spot treatment. If this occurs, stop using the product and consult a doctor.
If you experience any of these side effects, it is best to stop using the treatment and consult a doctor.
Why is it important to use sunscreen?
It is important to use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher when using an acne spot treatment, as some ingredients can make the skin more sensitive to the sun.
In particular, Benzoyl peroxide can cause photosensitivity. It is also important to avoid direct sunlight when using this ingredient.
Conclusion
Acne spot treatments are a popular way to treat pimples and blemishes. However, it is important to be aware of the potential side effects before using any treatment. If you experience any irritation, dryness, or redness, stop using the treatment and consult a doctor.
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your doctor before using any acne spot treatment.
If you have any questions or would like to share your experience with acne spot treatments, please leave a comment below!