What is Acne? How to Treat Acne? Best Acne Skincare Products
- Kavya Goswami
- Jul 12
- 10 min read
Updated: Jul 27
Acne — a word that has haunted many of us since our teenage years. I’ve personally struggled with acne since puberty, and like so many others, it can often be triggered by oily skin (I have extremely oily skin). When your skin produces excess oil (aka sebum), it can clog pores — leading to breakouts.
But there are many other reasons for acne apart from Oily skin, like some get acne flares up around periods or just before they start. For others, it’s a reaction to environmental stress, pollution, allergies, or even using the wrong skincare and makeup products.
But how do you figure out the root cause? What are the different types of acne? How does acne actually form? Apart from visiting a dermatologist for acne, what over-the-counter products can really help improve acne-prone skin?
This is your ultimate skincare guide. In this detailed breakdown for acne-prone skin, we’ll cover skincare products that are available in India, why not all products are made equal, and how many aren’t tailored for skin of color. If you have oily, acne-prone skin, do check out our Oily skin guide.
Let’s dive right in!
What is Acne?
Acne is a common skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil (sebum), dead skin cells, and sometimes bacteria. This blockage leads to pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, or cysts, most commonly on the face, chest, back, and shoulders. There are two forms of Acne: Inflammatory and Anti-inflammatory Acne.
Inflammatory Acne:
Pustules: These are the red bumps with white pus at the centre of the clogged pore.
Papules: These are small, red, inflamed bumps on the skin.
Nodules: These are large, painful lumps that go deep within the skin.
Cysts: These are deep, pus-filled, painful lesions and can lead to deep scars on the skin and give a bumpy structure.
Non-Inflammatory Acne:
Whiteheads: These are closed, clogged pores that form when dead skin cells, oil, and bacteria get trapped beneath the skin's surface, resulting in a small, white bump.
Blackheads: These are open, clogged pores where oil and dead skin cells are exposed to air, causing them to oxidize and turn dark — giving the appearance of small black spots on the skin.
What Causes Acne?
Increase in sebum production from the Sebaceous Gland
Clogging up of pores due to Hyperkeratinization, a skin condition where there’s an excessive production of keratin, a protein found in the outer layer of the skin.
There is a bacterium living inside pores (including Cutibacterium acnes or Propionibacterium acnes) that releases free fatty acids and compromises the skin barrier of your skin causing inflammation.
Genetics plays a major role in acne — for instance, if someone in your family has oily skin, there's a good chance your oil glands will become more active during puberty, leading to increased oil production and a higher risk of breakouts.
Hormonal imbalance also leads to breakouts (due to an increase in Testosterone).
An increase in Stress Hormone also triggers acne.
Certain skincare or cosmetic products that are comedogenic can clog pores.
Top Skincare Actives for Acne-Prone Skin
Best skincare actives you can use to remove oil and unclog pores:
Beta-Hydroxy Acid i.e., Salicylic Acid
Lipo Hydroxy Acid (new generation BHA) i.e., Capryloyl Salicylic Acid
Willow Bark Extract
Niacinamide
Retinoids (Retinyl Ester, Retinol, Retinaldehyde)
Skincare ingredients to act on active Acne:
Benzoyl Peroxide
Retinoids
Azelaic Acid
Zinc PCA
Skincare ingredients to calm skin inflammation:
Centella Asiatica
Green Tea
Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5)
Allantoin
Skincare actives for reducing acne pigmentation:
Azelaic Acid
Green Tea
Niacinamide
Alpha Arbutin
Tranexamic Acid
Vitamin C
To Remember:
If you have hormonal acne (near the jawline), fungal acne (on the forehead), or are experiencing acne due to allergies, consulting your dermatologist is essential, as the condition can become severe without proper treatment.
In case of Hormonal acne, it's best to avoid using Retinols because it can lead to purging, which means can trigger more acne on skin because during Hormonal Acne your skin barrier is already inflamed and a little bit of irritation can trigger you acne very easily.
Best Skincare Products for Acne
For acne, there are 3 types of cleansers you can use for acne-prone skin:
1. Gentle Cleansers – These are mild formulations with minimal actives, ideal for simply cleansing the skin without stripping it, or if you have sensitive skin or acne-prone, dry skin. They’re perfect if you prefer to apply acne-fighting actives later in your skincare routine.
2. Foaming Face Washes – Lightweight and effective at removing excess oil and dirt, foaming cleansers are a great option for oily and acne-prone skin. They help in maintaining a clean skin surface without being too harsh.
3. Cleansers with Acne-Focused Skincare Actives – These are formulated with ingredients like Salicylic Acid, Benzoyl Peroxide, Zinc PCA, and other anti-inflammatory agents to directly target acne, reduce inflammation, and help prevent breakouts from the very first step of your skincare routine.
Check out the best acne skincare products available in India:
Cleansers for Acne-Prone Skin
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser doesn't contain many skincare actives except for Niacinamide, but it's gentle on skin.
Surfactants / Cleansing agents:
Cetearyl Alcohol
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
Skincare Actives:
Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5)
Glycerin
Niacinamide
CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser is a good, gentle cleanser with about 0.5% Salicylic Acid, which is good if you think 2% Salicylic Acid can be too drying for you. It's a decent cleanser for Oily, Acne-prone skin.
Surfactants:
Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
Skincare actives:
Niacinamide
Gluconolactone (PHA)
Glycerin
Ceramides
Salicylic Acid
CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser is a newly launched cleanser in India by CeraVe, and it’s a great oil-controlling option for oily, acne-prone skin as it contains 2% Salicylic Acid. The formula is quite similar to the SA Smoothing Cleanser — the only major difference being the higher concentration of Salicylic Acid.
Surfactants:
Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
Skincare actives:
Niacinamide
Gluconolactone (PHA)
Glycerin
Ceramides
Salicylic Acid
Minimalist 2% Salicylic Acid + LHA Cleanser is my personal favourite cleanser for oily skin, as it effectively removes excess oil and contains both anti-acne and skin-soothing ingredients. However, if your skin isn't too oily or if you have combination skin, this might feel a bit drying — in that case, you can opt for the CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser instead, or you can use this 2-3 times a week.
Surfactants:
Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate
Coco-glucoside
Skincare Actives:
Salicylic Acid
Betaine (skin protectant)
Avena Sativa Extract (Oat extract)
Capryloyl Salicylic Acid (LHA)
Panthenol
Allantoin (skin soothing)
Zinc PCA (anti-acne)
The Derma Co. 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide Cleanser is a great option for those dealing with acne, as it contains Benzoyl Peroxide but isn’t overly drying on the skin. However, results may vary depending on your skin type, so it’s best to use it 2–3 times a week. Also, avoid using it on the same night as your Vitamin A serum (Retinol, Retinal or any other form of Retinoids), as both can cancel each other’s effects because Benzoyl Peroxide is an oxidant, while Vitamin A is an antioxidant.
Surfactants:
Decyl Glucoside
Sodium Lauryl Sarcosinate
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Coco-glucoside
Cocamide MEA
Skincare Actives:
Glycerin
Benzoyl Peroxide
Saccharide Isomerate (moisturizer)
Ceramides (present in low concentration, won't be that effective)
The Ordinary Glucoside Foaming Cleanser is a gentle foaming cleanser suitable for oily, acne-prone skin. Foaming cleansers work well for oily skin as they help remove excess oil from the pores — but it's important to choose one with mild, skin-friendly cleansing agents. If you use a foaming cleanser with harsh surfactants, it can compromise your skin barrier. That’s why this cleanser is a good option. You can use your acne-specific serums after washing your face with this cleanser.
Surfactants:
Decyl Glucoside
Coco-glucoside
Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Foaming Cleanser is another great option for those looking for a foaming cleanser that effectively cleanses the skin surface while being gentle on the skin.
Surfactants:
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Lauryl Glucoside
Sodium Isethionate
Skincare Actives:
Glycerin
Caprylyl Glycol
Deconstruct Oil Control Face Wash is also a good option for Oil removal and cleansing your face as it contains 0.5% Salicylic Acid.
Surfactants:
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Sodium Methyl-2-Solfolaurate
Disodium 2-sulfolaurate
Sodium methyl Cocoyl Taurate
Skincare Actives:
Aloe Vera Extract
Xylityglucoside (humectant / skin moisturizer)
Niacinamide (although it has very low concentration of Niacinamide, 1% is below therapeutic index)
mCaffeine Anti-Acne Face Wash is a new addition to mCaffeine skincare range, and surprisingly this product doesn't contain any fragrance. It a good hydrating cleanser for acne prone skin.
Surfactants:
Decyl Glucoside
Caprylyl Glucoside
Skincare Actives:
Glycerin
Salicylic Acid
Niacinamide
Camellia Sinensis Leaf (Green Tea Extract)
Serums for Acne-Prone Skin
Minimalist 2% Salicylic Acid Serum, is a good exfoliating serum for acne prone skin as it help to unclog pores and removes excess oil from skin surface. It is also a gentle exfoliating serum. But also patch test before using it on entire face.
Anti-Acne Actives:
Salicylic Acid
Polylysine
Exfoliating Actives:
Salicylic Acid (BHA)
Lactic Acid (AHA - surface exfoliation) [present in very small amount]
Skin Moisturizing Agents
Glycerin
Sodium Hyaluronate (aka Hyaluronic Acid)
The Ordinary 2% Salicylic Acid Serum is good hydrating exfoliating serum for acne prone skin.
Skincare Actives:
Saccharide Isomerate (moisturizer)
Salicylic Acid
Deconstruct Pore Control Serum is designed to regulate excess oil production and gently treat acne inflammation and post-acne red marks.
Skincare Actives:
Niacinamide
Green Tea
Salicylic Acid
Xylitylglucoside
The Derma Co Tran-Zelaic Pigmentation Corrector Serum is an effective treatment for acne-prone skin — not only does it target active breakouts, but it also helps fade post-acne red and brown marks. It contains the right blend of Azelaic Acid and Tranexamic Acid to gently correct pigmentation and support clearer skin.
Skincare Actives:
Azelaic Acid
Niacinamide
Tranexamic Acid
Alpha Arbutin (acts on hyperpigmentation)
Betaine (skin protectant)
Panthenol (skin soothing, anti-inflammatory)
Ferulic Acid (antioxidant)
Glycerin
Conscious Chemist Acne Treatment Serum is another effective anti-acne option that gently targets breakouts with its oil-controlling skincare actives.
Skincare Actives:
Salicylic Acid
Zina PCA (anti-acne)
Lactic Acid (good AHA form, can be used for skin of color if tolerated well, always patch test)
Willow Bark Extract (for of Salicylic Acid)
Soyabean Extract
Houttuynia Cordata (very famous antioxidant, usually used in Korean Skincare)
Anua Azelaic Acid 10 Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum is a good option for acne-prone skin because it is anti-inflammatory serum.
Skincare Actives:
Azelaic Acid
Panthenol
Betaine Salicylate (Betaine + Salicylic Acid)
Glycerin
Green Tea
Within Beauty Acne Clearing Serum this is a very mild serum you can use this if you have sensitive skin and an inflamed skin barrier. This serums helps to improve skin barrier and mildly act on controlling oil.
Skincare Actives:
Glycerin
Hydroxyethyl Urea (derivative of Urea, skin moisturizing element)
Zinc PCA (anti-acne)
Hyaluronic Acid
Ceramide
Cholesterol
Gree Tea
COSIQ Granactive Retinoid Serum is a simple serum for acne control with soothing barrier repair ingredient like squalane.
Skincare Actives:
Squalane
Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (aka Granactive Retinoid, new generation Retinoic Ester form, this is more effective and less irritating than any other form of Vitamin C)
The Ordinary 2% Salicylic Acid Anhydrous Solution Face Serum is good option to consider for acne prone skin.
Skincare Actives:
Squalane (Based)
Salicylic Acid
Oleic / Lionoleic Acid (Vitamin F)
Minimalist 0.3% Retinol Serum is a good anti-acne treatment. However, in India, retinol or any derivative of Vitamin A is often marketed mainly for treating wrinkles and fine lines. In reality, retinols help unclog pores and boost cell turnover, making them beneficial for acne-prone skin. That said, if you have hormonal acne, it's best to avoid retinol, as it can trigger purging and worsen inflammation. Always consult a dermatologist before adding it to your routine.
Skincare Actives:
Squalane
Vitamin E
Bakuchiol (represents Retinol like properties)
Retinol
Coenzyme Q10 (antioxidants)
The Formula RX Retinol Serum is a new addition to India’s skincare market, and it offers some promising products worth considering for acne-prone skin, and retinoids are good treatment for acne and oil control.
Since it contains retinol, which can be irritating for the skin, always patch test before applying it to your entire face. Avoid using it around the under-eye area, as that skin is extremely sensitive. Use it 2–3 times a week or on alternate days instead of daily to prevent irritation.
Skincare Actives:
Niacinamide
Glycerin
Bakuchiol
Retinol
Granactive Retinoid (very low concentration)
Moisturizers for Acne-Prone Skin
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Moisturizer, this is 10% Azelaic Acid Suspension. It is lightweight and non-sticky on skin and helps to treat acne and reduces inflammation.
Skincare Actives:
Azelaic Acid
Dimethicone
Minimalist 2% Granactive Retinoid Face Cream conatins:
Skincare Actives:
Aloe Vera
Hydroxypinacolone Retinoide
Conscious Chemist Azicalm Gel Cream is a good 10% Azelaic Acid serum for treating acne and inflammation, azelaic acid does act slowly on skin but it is a promising acne treatment.
Skincare Active:
Azelaic Acid
mCaffeine Anti-Acne Oil-Free Moisturizer is a good light-weight, hydrating moisturizer for acne-prone skin.
Skincare Actives:
Niacinamide
Panthenol
Green Tea
The Formula RX is a new skincare brand in India, and I have found some good skincare products in this beauty range including this moisturizer, which is light-weight and non-sticky on skin.
Skincare Actives:
Glycerin
Panthenol
Sodium Hyaluronate
Ceramide
Ectoin (antioxidant, skin protectant)
Plum 2% Niacinamide Gel Moisturizer, this is very hydrating, skin soothing moisturizer and can be worn on summers. It has very light-weight, rich, gel-like texture.
Skincare Actives:
Glycerin
Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract
Niacinamide
Oryza Sativa Extract (Rice)
Squalane
Plum Green Tea Oil-Free Moisturizer is an ideal light-weight cream for oily skin and hydrates the skin barrier without clogging the pores.
Skincare Actives:
Aloe Vera Extract
Betaine
Niacinamide
Willow Bark Extracts
Camellia Sinensis Leaf (Green Tea)
Sodium Hyaluronate
The Derma Co. 4% Ceramide Moisturizer is a good barrier repair moisturizer and has lightweight, gel-like texture.
Skincare Active:
Ceramide
Niacinamide
Acne is one of the most common skincare concerns today, and it can be triggered by a variety of factors such as hormonal imbalances, pollution, an unhealthy diet and lifestyle, stress, and the use of comedogenic products. The key is to truly listen to your skin and observe what works best for you. There are several skincare actives you can include in your routine to manage acne, but in some cases, the condition can become severe and may lead to long-term scarring or hyperpigmentation. In such cases, it’s always best to consult a dermatologist for proper guidance and treatment.
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