ANTI- ACNE SERUM ! What to look for in an acne serum ? Key Active Ingredients (Pick based on your acne type) 1. For Mild to Moderate Acne (Whiteheads, Blackheads, Small Breakouts) Salicylic Acid (0.5–2%) – Exfoliates inside pores, best for oily skin. Niacinamide (4–10%) – Anti-inflammatory, regulates oil, reduces redness. Zinc PCA – Controls sebum, antibacterial. Azelaic Acid (10–15%) – Gentle exfoliant, also helps with pigmentation. 2. For Hormonal/Inflammatory Acne (Painful cysts, deep pimples) Retinol or Retinaldehyde (0.25–1%) – Speeds up cell turnover, unclogs pores. Bakuchiol (Retinol alternative) – Plant-based, gentler for sensitive skin. Tea Tree Oil (≤5%) – Antibacterial, but can be irritating if not diluted. 3. For Post-Acne Marks (PIH/Scars) Tranexamic Acid – Reduces dark spots and redness. Alpha Arbutin – Fades pigmentation without bleaching. Licorice Extract – Soothes and brightens. #Texture & Formula Compatibility Water-based serum – Best for oily/acne-prone skin (light, non-comedogenic). Gel serums – Ideal for summer or humid climates. Avoid heavy oils or silicones – They can clog pores or trap bacteria. # Non-Comedogenic & Fragrance-Free Make sure it says “non-comedogenic“, “fragrance-free“, and “alcohol-free“ to prevent further irritation or breakouts. Check ingredient list: Avoid coconut oil, isopropyl myristate, lanolin. # Packaging Air-tight, opaque bottles preserve active ingredients like retinol and vitamin C. Dropper bottles are okay for short-term use but less stable over time. #pH Level (for actives to work) Salicylic Acid serum should have a pH around 3.5–4. Niacinamide serum – stable around pH 5–7. If mixing serums, don’t layer incompatible pH products immediately. # Avoid These Common Mistakes Don’t buy “anti-acne” serums that are just aloe + rose water — they calm but don’t treat root causes. Avoid mixing too many actives (like retinol + salicylic + vitamin C) unless formulated by experts. *Bonus: Patch-Test Smart Always patch test behind your ear or jawline for 48 hours before full-face application. Anti acne serum Acne serum Pimple serum Serum for acne Best serum for acne Serum for oily acne prone skin Acne treatment serum Acne marks serum Best anti acne serum for oily skin in India Dermatologist recommended acne serum Non-comedogenic serum for acne Serum for acne scars and dark spots Best serum for hormonal acne Natural anti acne serum for sensitive skin Affordable acne serum under 500 Anti acne serum for teenage skin Best serum for acne and pigmentation Serum for cystic acne treatment Paraben free acne serum India Anti acne serum for men / boys Pregnancy safe acne serum Best Korean serum for acne Best anti acne serum for dry skin Anti acne serum with salicylic acid Niacinamide serum for acne Retinol serum for acne and scars Tea tree serum for pimples Azelaic acid serum for acne Acne serum for sensitive skin India Ayurvedic acne serum Anti acne serum for Indian skin tone Best anti acne serum with minimal ingredients Salicylic acid serum for acne Niacinamide 10% serum for acne Zinc serum for pimples Tea tree oil serum Retinol serum for active acne