Acne-prone skin

Acne-prone skin

Acne-prone skin

Acne-prone skin is often linked to clogged pores, excess oil and inflammation. The right skincare for acne-prone skin can help reduce breakouts, clear congestion and improve overall skin clarity. Discover Paula’s Choice acne-prone skincare, including cleansers, exfoliants and moisturisers designed to target blemishes and support clearer-looking skin. Discover more

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  • See clear, glowing skin in 1 week*

    SHOP 2% BHA
    *Based on independent clinical studies and self-assessment consumer panels. Results may vary.
  • -20%
    Combination skin, Oily skin
    Breakouts, Blackheads, Brown spots, Enlarged pores

    Mattifies shiny skin

    Protects from sun damage

    Suitable for breakout-prone skin

    Water-light fluid minimises the appearance of pores and protects skin from the sun.

    Avobenzone, Green Tea Extract, Vitamin E
    20% off
    Travel-size product
    Travel-size bestseller
  • -20%
    All skin types
    Breakouts, Anti-Ageing, Brown spots, Rosacea-prone skin, Dull skin

    Fades brown spots

    Soothes skin and reduces redness

    Fights breakouts

    This unique formula uses potent azelaic acid & other powerhouse ingredients to clarify uneven tone, target stubborn spots and soothe skin – resulting in smoother, more radiant, younger-looking skin.

    Azelaic Acid, Salicylic Acid (BHA) 0.5%, Adenosine
    20% off
    Travel-size product
    Travel-size bestseller
  • -20%
    All skin types
    Breakouts, Anti-Ageing, Brown spots, Enlarged pores, Fine lines and wrinkles

    High-strength, controlled-release 1% retinol concentration

    Diminishes the appearance of wrinkles & fine lines

    Light, hydrating lotion absorbs quickly & evenly

    An advanced 1% retinol formula with skin-supportive peptides & vitamin C that smooths wrinkles and firms the skin, visibly reducing signs of ageing.

    Retinol (Vitamin A), Peptides, Vitamin C
    20% off
    Travel-size product
    Travel-size bestseller
  • -20%
    All skin types
    Breakouts, Anti-Ageing, Blackheads, Brown spots

    Promotes a healthier, younger-looking appearance

    Fights against environmental stressors

    Fluid formula leaves a satin-matte finish

    An ultra-lightweight formula containing a vital selection of antioxidants and broad-spectrum sun protection to fight & prevent signs of ageing.

    Broad-spectrum SPF 50, Soothing plant extract, Multi-antioxidant blend
    20% off
    Travel-size product
    Travel-size bestseller
  • -25%
    All skin types
    Anti-Ageing, Dull skin, Fine lines and wrinkles

    New gentle formula, immediate results

    Vitamin C visibly brightens skin

    Feather-light, liquid formula absorbs quickly

    Our new & improved bestselling 15% vitamin C brightens skin, improves the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles and boosts glow in 15 minutes for immediate results – without irritation.

    Vitamin C, Ferulic acid, Ergothioneine
    25% off
    Travel-size product
    Travel-size bestseller
  • -20%
    All skin types
    Anti-Ageing, Brown spots, Dull skin

    Targets sun damage & improves uneven tone and discolouration

    Boosts radiance & visibly brightens

    Visibly firms & improves elasticity

    This clinical-level serum features highly stable 25% vitamin C to visibly improve uneven tone, radiance, elasticity & firmness without irritation.

    Vitamin C, Glutathione, Ergothioneine
    20% off
    Travel-size product
    Travel-size bestseller
  • -20%
    All skin types
    Breakouts, Anti-Ageing, Dull skin

    Improves skin texture ​with minimal irritation

    Supports firmer, more elastic-looking skin ​

    Reduces the look of discolouration ​& appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

    Highly effective dual-retinoid formula visibly firms, smooths, and improves overall skin texture, tone, and clarity at an accelerated rate with minimal irritation.

    Calcium-Encapsulated 0.1% Retinaldehyde, 0.16% Adapinoid®, Pomegranate Peel
    20% off
    Travel-size product
    Travel-size bestseller
  • -20%
    Combination skin, Oily skin
    Breakouts, Anti-Ageing, Brown spots, Sensitive skin

    Mattifies shiny skin

    Protects from sun damage

    Fights signs of ageing

    Lightly tinted moisturising lotion protects skin from sun and absorbs excess oil.

    Antioxidants, Resveratrol, Zinc Oxide
    20% off
    Travel-size product
    Travel-size bestseller
  • -20%
    All skin types
    Dull skin, Fine lines and wrinkles, Damaged skin barrier

    Visibly reduces fine lines

    Reverses a compromised skin barrier

    Renews skin below the surface for healthier cell turnover

    A weightless liquid exfoliant that resurfaces texture & tone, gently.

    Mandelic Acid, Lactic Acid, Yarrow Extract
    20% off
    Travel-size product
    Travel-size bestseller
  • -20%
    All skin types
    Anti-Ageing

    Improves skin tone and texture

    Fades brown spots

    Softens fine lines and wrinkles

    A powerful blend of retinol and bakuchiol tackles fine lines and wrinkles, restores firmness and evens out skin tone.

    Retinol (Vitamin A), Bakuchiol, Peptides
    20% off
    Travel-size product
    Travel-size bestseller
  • -20%
    All skin types
    Anti-Ageing, Brown spots, Enlarged pores

    Smooths skin's surface

    Visibly reduces enlarged pores

    Fades brown spots

    Concentrated 10% niacinamide visibly minimises pore size and improve skin’s texture.

    Niacinamide/Vitamin B3, Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Acetyl glucosamine
    20% off
    Travel-size product
    Travel-size bestseller
  • -20%
    All skin types
    Anti-Ageing, Brown spots, Dull skin

    5% vitamin C supercharges UV protection, minimises discolouration and prevents future dark spots

    Clinically proven to hydrate & brighten skin

    UV filter blend SPF 50 defends against sun damage

    Protect, brighten & hydrate skin in one multi-active step.

    Vitamin C, Acetyl zingerone , Porphyra Umbilicalis Extract 
    20% off
    Travel-size product
    Travel-size bestseller
  • -20%
    Combination skin, Oily skin
    Anti-Ageing, Blackheads, Enlarged pores, Sensitive skin

    Removes built-up dead skin cells

    Reduces signs of ageing

    Suitable for sensitive skin

    Ultra-light exfoliant improves visible signs of ageing and refines pores for radiant skin.

    Licorice root extract, Peptides, Salicylic Acid (BHA) 2%
    20% off
    Travel-size product
    Travel-size bestseller
  • -20%
    All skin types
    Anti-Ageing, Brown spots, Dull skin

    Promotes radiant-looking skin

    Strengthens skin's natural barrier

    Leaves skin soft and hydrated

    All-day hydration meets the anti-ageing benefits of 5% vitamin C for firmer, more radiant skin in one multi-active step.

    Vitamin C, Hexapeptide-5, Barrier Repair Lipid Blend
    20% off
    Travel-size product
    Travel-size bestseller
  • -20%
    All skin types
    Anti-Ageing, Brown spots, Dull skin

    Brightens skin

    Visibly reduces fine lines

    Targets the root causes of dark circles & puffiness

    Target discolouration, dull-looking skin and loss of firmness with this concentrated vitamin C eye cream.

    Vitamin C, Peptides, Zerumbone
    20% off
    Travel-size product
    Travel-size bestseller
  • -20%
    All skin types
    Breakouts, Anti-Ageing, Brown spots, Rosacea-prone skin

    Fights breakouts

    Reduces discolouration from breakouts

    Calms red skin

    Targets breakouts, dark spots and calms skin in one go.

    Adenosine, Licorice root extract, Salicylic Acid (BHA) 2%
    20% off
    Travel-size product
    Travel-size bestseller
  • -20%
    All skin types
    Anti-Ageing, Brown spots, Dull skin

    Softens fine lines and wrinkles

    Minimises discolouration

    Visibly firms

    An advanced, potent anti-ageing serum for total repair in one triple active step. Clinically proven to visibly improve lines, discolouration and firmness within one week with continued results over time.

    Niacinamide/Vitamin B3, Retinoid (0.3% Retinyl Propionate), Hexylresorcinol (0.4%)
    20% off
    Travel-size product
    Travel-size bestseller
  • -15%
    All skin types
    Breakouts, Anti-Ageing, Blackheads, Dull skin

    Fights breakouts & blackheads

    Fast-absorbing liquid formula

    Renews skin below the surface for healthier cell turnover

    Unlock your multi-level glow with multi-level exfoliation.

    Mandelic Acid, Lactic Acid, Salicylic Acid (BHA) 2%
    Travel-size product
    Travel-size bestseller
  • -20%
    All skin types
    Breakouts, Anti-Ageing, Brown spots, Enlarged pores

    Repairs sun damage

    Helps skin act younger

    Leaves skin softer and smoother

    Concentrated 1% retinol effectively improves the appearance of wrinkles and skin tone.

    Retinol (Vitamin A), Licorice root extract, Oat Extract
    20% off
    Travel-size product
    Travel-size bestseller
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What are the best skincare routines for acne-prone skin?

The best skincare for acne-prone skin focuses on keeping pores clear, reducing excess oil and calming inflammation. A simple routine for acne-prone skin includes a gentle cleanser, a leave-on salicylic acid (BHA) exfoliant to unclog pores, a lightweight moisturiser and daily SPF.

Consistency is key. For a full breakdown of routines and ingredients, see our guide on how to get rid of acne.

What face wash is best for acne-prone skin?

The best face wash for acne-prone skin removes excess oil, dirt and impurities without disrupting the skin barrier. Skincare for acne-prone skin should not include harsh cleansers, as drying or abrasive formulas can irritate the skin and worsen acne by triggering more oil production. Cleansing twice daily helps prevent clogged pores and supports clearer skin.

A gentle, non-stripping cleanser for acne-prone skin helps keep pores clear and supports a healthier-looking complexion.

Does Paula's Choice exfoliant help with acne?

Yes. Paula's Choice exfoliants formulated with salicylic acid (BHA) are highly effective for acne-prone skin. A 2% BHA exfoliant is widely considered an effective concentration for acne-prone skin. BHA is oil-soluble, meaning it can penetrate inside pores to dissolve excess sebum and dead skin buildup.

BHA is a great ingredient to have in skincare for acne-prone skin as it helps reduce blackheads, unclog pores and prevent future breakouts while improving overall skin texture.

Can moisturisers prevent breakouts on acne-prone skin?

Yes, a well-formulated moisturiser does not cause breakouts and can actually help prevent them by maintaining a healthy skin barrier, reducing irritation and preventing excess oil production. Dehydrated skin may produce more oil, which can lead to clogged pores.

What is the best moisturiser for acne-prone skin?

The best moisturiser for acne-prone skin is lightweight, oil-free and non-comedogenic. It should hydrate without clogging pores or feeling heavy on the skin. Choose a gel or lotion texture with soothing and barrier-supporting ingredients.

A targeted non-comedogenic moisturiser for breakout-prone skin helps calm redness, support the skin barrier and reduce the risk of future breakouts.

Which serums are good for acne-prone skin?

The best serums for acne-prone skin depend on your concerns, but it’s best to look for serums with niacinamide, salicylic acid or retinoids. Niacinamide helps regulate oil, salicylic acid unclogs pores and retinol supports skin renewal. A targeted serum can help reduce breakouts, refine skin texture and improve post-acne marks when used consistently as part of a routine.

Can vitamin C be used on acne-prone skin?

Yes, vitamin C can be used on acne-prone skin. It helps brighten uneven tone, support skin repair and reduce the appearance of post-acne marks. For best results, pair vitamin C with ingredients that target breakouts to address both active acne and lingering discolouration.

What products are good for acne?

The best acne solutions combine pore-clearing, anti-inflammatory and skin-balancing ingredients. Ideally, skincare for acne-prone skin should include cleansers, exfoliants, treatments and moisturisers specifically formulated for acne-prone skin.

A consistent routine helps reduce breakouts and improve long-term skin clarity. For concerns like post-breakout marks, explore targeted solutions for acne scars.

How do you treat acne-prone skin without drying it out?

Acne-prone skin can also be dry or dehydrated, especially when using strong treatments that can strip the skin, leading to increased oil production and more breakouts. The key is using skincare for acne-prone skin that balances treatment with hydration.

If your skin feels tight or flaky, explore routines tailored for dry acne-prone skin to maintain clarity without compromising comfort.