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Ingredients to Fight Acne

acne
facial care
acne-prone skin

Last updated: 11/6/2025

/ Published: 3/8/2021

Most effective ingredients to fight acne and improve overall skin health

Acne is a dermatological condition characterised by the appearance of spots, pimples, blackheads, excess oil and other imperfections that leave the skin with an uneven texture. Not sure what to do to fight it? We will tell you which ingredients to fight acne you should include in your routine. Keep reading!

Acne is a dermatological condition that occurs when the sebaceous glands begin to fill with dead skin cells and oil. Acne breakouts usually appear on the forehead, nose, cheeks, neck, shoulders, back...

Acne: ingredients to fight it

There is a wide variety of anti-acne products and ingredients to fight acne, such as the following:

Glycolic Acid

Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid that has an exfoliating action for our face. In addition, this acid helps with skin cell renewal.

This ingredient is advisable for treating mild cases of acne. Glycolic acid is also found in the formulas of anti-ageing cosmetics.

Tea Tree

Tea tree oil has an antibacterial function. There are several products to fight acne that contain this ingredient.Its direct use on the skin is not recommended, because it could cause a range of irritations.

Therefore, it is recommended to dilute this oil with water or another moisturiser so that it is not so harsh. The safest option is to look for products that contain this ingredient in their formula.

Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is one of the best-known products in the fight against acne. This ingredient is a beta-hydroxy acid that works as a chemical exfoliant.

Salicylic acid cleans excess sebum and dirt found in the pores.Treatment with this ingredient is used to prevent clogged pores (blackheads and whiteheads).

In addition, salicylic acid is one of the main ingredients used in chemical peels for acne carried out in aesthetic clinics.

Niacinamide

Niacinamide or nicotinamide is a form of vitamin B3 found in several foods, such as dairy products, eggs, fish, some legumes and cereals. This ingredient is used in anti-ageing creams because it controls both sebum production and bacterial proliferation.

Benzoyl Peroxide

This ingredient is found in a wide variety of products for acne treatments, thanks to its exfoliating action.

Benzoyl peroxide controls excess sebum, prevents blemishes from appearing and stops bacterial growth and pore infection.However, you must be careful when using it, because it can discolour eyebrows, beards and hair.

In addition, too much benzoyl peroxide can cause facial irritation.

Retinol

Retinol is a form of vitamin A that helps with cleansing the pores, controlling sebum production and cell renewal of the face.

It is important to highlight that retinol should be used over several weeks (in the medium term) in order to see results.

Likewise, this ingredient is used in anti-ageing cosmetic products.

Azelaic Acid

Azelaic acid is a natural and effective ingredient for fighting acne and improving skin texture. Thanks to its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and sebum-regulating action, it helps reduce breakouts, eliminate acne-causing bacteria and lessen redness, making it ideal for sensitive skin. In addition, it has depigmenting properties that help fade post-acne marks and blemishes.

Among the standout product options containing azelaic acid are La Roche Posay Effaclar A.Z. Gel-Crema, known for its effectiveness for oily, acne-prone skin; Gema Herrerías 12 Azelaic-N Sérum, which combines azelaic acid with other active ingredients for a complete routine; and 5Punto5 Azelaic-Nss Intensive, formulated for intensive anti-imperfection treatments.

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