Salicylic acid is a Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) which is a naturally occurring compound which can be found in the bark of a willow tree. This skincare ingredient, in particular, is excellent to fight acne because it works well at unclogging pores. It helps clean out your pores and removes dead skin cells from blocking your pores. Hence it helps prevent breakouts. Salicylic acid is the most effective when you use it in a leave-on treatment form.

Many people believe that people with acne-prone or oily skin types don’t need hydration. This is not true at all! If you deny your skin hydration, your skin will produce extra sebum to compensate, hence cause further breakouts. That’s why hyaluronic acid is a great skincare ingredient for acne-prone skin since it hydrates the skin without clogging pores or leaving an oily residue.

Niacinamide may sound a little intimidating, but it’s just another term for vitamin B3. It’s a gentle skincare ingredient that’ll help brighten your skin, hence getting rid of acne scars and it also controls the skin’s oil production.

Retinol (vitamin A) is another excellent ingredient for people with acne. Since it exfoliates the skin and prevents the build-up of dead skin cells, it helps control acne. It also allows all your other skincare products to work better because it unclogs the pores.

Clays work wonders for people with oily and acne-prone skin. Kaolin clay, in particular, is fantastic because it’s gentle yet very effective. It will suck out the excess oil from your skin without dehydrating it.