What to Look for in Acne Products

Not all acne products are created equal.
With so many options on the shelf, it can be hard to know which ones are actually effective and which ones just sound good. Some products may be too harsh, others may not do much at all. Knowing what to look for on the label makes it easier to build a routine that works for your skin.

The goal is to choose products that fight breakouts without irritating your skin.

Ingredients that help treat acne

• Benzoyl peroxide:
  Kills acne-causing bacteria and helps clear clogged pores. Often found in spot treatments and cleansers. Start with a lower concentration to avoid irritation.
• Salicylic acid:
  A beta hydroxy acid that exfoliates inside the pores. Helps clear blackheads, whiteheads, and prevent buildup.
• Adapalene:
  A type of retinoid that increases cell turnover and reduces inflammation. Available over the counter or by prescription.
• Niacinamide:
  A form of vitamin B3 that reduces redness, helps with oil control, and supports the skin barrier.
• Azelaic acid:
  Helps with inflammation, unclogs pores, and fades discoloration. Available in both over-the-counter and prescription strengths.
• Tretinoin (prescription):
  A powerful retinoid that speeds up skin renewal, clears clogged pores, and improves texture and tone over time.
• Clindamycin (prescription):
  A topical antibiotic that reduces acne-causing bacteria and inflammation. Often combined with other ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or tretinoin.

What to avoid in acne products

• High alcohol content: Can dry out the skin and trigger more oil production
• Fragrance: Increases the risk of irritation, especially if you already have sensitive skin
• Harsh scrubs or physical exfoliants: These can cause micro-tears and worsen inflammation
• Heavy oils or waxes: These may clog pores and interfere with treatment absorption

Choose products labeled for your skin type

• If your skin is oily, look for lightweight, water-based formulas
• If your skin is dry or sensitive, choose gentle products with calming ingredients like niacinamide or ceramides
• If you are using prescription treatments, keep the rest of your routine simple and non-irritating

Do not overload your routine

It can be tempting to try everything at once, but using too many active ingredients can backfire. Stick to one or two acne-fighting ingredients at a time, and give your skin a few weeks to respond.

Other helpful tips

• Start slow: Use new products every other day at first if you are unsure how your skin will react
• Be patient: Most acne products take at least four to six weeks to show full results
• Consistency is more important than strength: A gentle routine you can stick with every day will always work better than something harsh you can only tolerate once in a while

If over-the-counter options are not enough, prescription acne treatments can help.
Nolla offers custom treatment plans with ingredients like tretinoin, adapalene, clindamycin, benzoyl peroxide and azelaic acid - chosen specifically for your skin type and reviewed by a licensed provider. Medications ship directly to your door with no in-person visits needed.

Sources to learn more:
Mayo Clinic | National Institute of Health | Johns Hopkins