32 Products That’ll Basically Stop Pimples In Their Tracks

"Не имеет значения, что думают другие – поскольку они в любом случае что-нибудь подумают." Пауло Коэльо

My prayer circle chant: Let’s zap some zits.

We hope you love the products we recommend! All of them were independently selected by our editors. Just so you know, BuzzFeed may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page if you decide to shop from them. Oh, and FYI — prices are accurate and items in stock as of time of publication.

1.

Hydrocolloid Cosrx pimple patches that speed up the ~draining process~, but more importantly? They 👏 prevent 👏 picking 👏. If you’re looking for a no-frills way to stop cystic acne in its evil tracks, these transparent stickers are the way to go.

2.

Or! Hero Cosmetics surface strips to treat cluster breakouts (cc: that special time of the month in which your jawline is shown no mercy) with the same medical-grade hydrocolloid formula.


Amazon

Promising review: “As embarrassing as this is to admit, I have had issues with body and butt acne like no other. I had tried everything to clear them up, but nothing helped. I’m horrible at picking at blemishes as well, so I decided to give these a try. I LOVE these patches!! Even better that they come in large patches, which was a lifesaver for cluster bumps! WOAH! I would leave these on for eight to ten hours and it would draw so much of the pus out. After just one use of a patch, I noticed a dramatic difference and sometimes it completely cleared them up.” —Ashley

Get a pack of 10 from Amazon for $17.99.

3.

A La Roche-Posay gel cleanser with a favorite five-letter word: C-L-E-A-R. This salicylic acid wash targets (and destroys) blackheads and whiteheads while ridding surface oil by up to 47%, which basically means that I’ve peaked into my crystal ball and looked into your future. I’m seeing a potential lottery win and, oh yeah, a breakup with breakouts.


instagram.com / Via @larocheposayusa, amazon.com

It’s also surprisingly gentle enough to use twice a day, meaning you’ll be able to attack acne in the a.m. *and* the p.m. without making your complexion overly dry.

Promising review: “I was lucky enough to have clear skin in high school so I never understood how awful acne really is. When I was about 21-22 years old, I switched to a birth control implant, and that thing wreaked havoc on my entire life. I suddenly had horrible cystic acne. Not only did it make me self conscious and uncomfortable, but it was actually so painful — laying on my pillow hurt my face! To top it all off, my skin was also dry, and irritated. I tried every skin care line on the market for about two to three years, with no, or very little, results. Finally, I found La Roche-Posays skincare products. Within four days, the inflammation decreased, the redness was fading, and my skin felt less dry. By two weeks, my skin was practically clear! I have been using this product for about four to five years now, and I haven’t had a single outbreak, EXCEPT for the time I wanted to try a different product to save money. Huge mistake, one I will not make again.” —LadyHawke

Get it from Amazon for $14.99.

4.

The Ordinary blemish serum, because what do we love? Quality ingredients for cheap. We’re talking ~$6 for niacinamide and zinc PCA — both superheroes in the battle against excess oil, acne, and acne scarring.


instagram.com / Via @deciem

Promising review: “This product is great! It has really helped improve my skin’s texture and mild acne. I put it on every other evening after using toner and before moisturizer. I was expecting this to dry my face out a bit, but it doesn’t at all and it gives me a great glow. The consistency is a bit on the thicker side and there’s no fragrance.” —mlvals

Get it from Sephora for $5.90.

5.

A Body Shop sleeping mask to give beauty ZZZs a whole new meaning. Salicylic acid and tea tree oil happily destroy pimples and excess sebum whilst you dream, meaning you’ll wake up to matte skin that won’t be require that 10 pounds of setting powder, thank you very much.


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For best results, pop this vegan formula in the fridge before use to make it extra refreshing. Just apply a layer before bed and — BAM — you’ll wake up with cleaner, smoother-looking skin. And no, this won’t stain your pillow.

Promising review: “Totally worth the money. I have fairly oily skin, use this about every other night, and it’s wonderful! I wash my face, put on a light moisturizer, wait for it to completely absorb into my skin, then I finish with this mask. I’ll put a little more on any acne so that by the morning, it’s almost completely gone! Will definitely buy again.” —Rachel

Get it from Amazon for $22.

6.

A non-comedogenic, fragrance-free Cerave moisturizing cream that you should’ve started using, like, yesterday. This formula contains salicylic acid, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin D — all of which provide light exfoliation so your skin can retain more moisture, plus it’s super effective at combatting (and calming) everything from psoriasis to body acne.


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Promising review: “I get back acne, but it’s also extremely dry, itchy, and my skin is very sensitive. This cream is amazing! It has reduced my back acne significantly while also being incredibly moisturizing. It also makes my skin so soft! Five stars!” —RosaRoe

Get it from Amazon for $17.28

7.

Plus, a Cerave body wash that mimics the above formula and targets *gulp* arguably the most stressful kind of acne: the kind that develops on your chest, back, and butt.


Amazon

Promising review: “I don’t think I can worship this body wash more than I already do. I have struggled with horrible chest, bicep, and back acne for years and it’s honestly made wearing certain clothing a nightmare because all of my scarring would be on display. But I showered with this and I kid you not—only two days later, my scars and breakouts were smoothing out. I simply continue my regular shower routine but just use this in the areas I want to target and regular (preferably gentle) body wash for the rest of my body. After getting out, I immediately lather up in the matching SA Lotion and this combo has truly helped SOOOOO much.” —Alexa

Get it from Amazon for $13.14.

8.

An Ancient Greek Remedy facial oil, because what we demand is a skincare jack-of-all-trades. This blend of extra virgin olive oil, almond oil, grape seed oil, lavender essential oil, and vitamin E does all the following: softens skin, helps heal acne, lightens dark spots, and is super moisturizing. *adds to cart immediately*


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It can also be used to moisturize cuticles, strengthen nails, and can be used on dry, itchy scalps that have begun to flake.

Promising review: “I have combination skin on my face, my scalp gets dry, and I get mild eczema on my ankles, calves, arms and hands, AND my hair is oily at the root and dry on the ends. However, after using this product for three months, ALL of those problems are gone!!! I have clear and healthy skin on my face. No embarrassing flakes on my shoulders. No combination oily / dry skin anywhere. It smells GREAT. It’s gentle and free of harmful chemicals and parabens. My hair is NOT oily, and the ends are nourished and healthy. It’s safe to use on my children and my bf’s daughter who has severe eczema. I could go on and on about this product. I really could. I wish there were more stars to give them. Everyone that uses this (at my house) raves about it as well. Try it out and I swear you will NOT be disappointed.” —Crystle D

Get it from Amazon for $14.99.

9.

A Mario Badescu clarifying serum that bids adieu to about-to-erupt blemishes, one sleep at a time. Just apply a thin layer of this thyme and salicylic acid gel over effected areas, and the only thing you’ll be waking up to is the irritating sound of your alarm — no cystic acne (that deep, painful kind).


instagram.com / Via @mariobadescu

Promising review: “I have suffered with acne for 10 years. I have tried every soap and medicine on the market. I even tried Accutane, and while it improved my skin, it didn’t get rid of it completely. This has cleared my skin up tremendously and I hardly have any breakouts now! It seems expensive but a little goes a long way and it works, so it’s totally worth it!” —Hannah Webb

Get it from Amazon for $20.

10.

A Cerave exfoliating cleanser gentle enough for even the most sensitive complexions. Salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin D pick up dead skin cells (the kind that cause gunk build-up) to prevent acne outbreaks — keep in mind that this is also non-comedogenic, ergo your complexion won’t feel overly tight *or* break out even further.


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Promising review: “Best cleanser I have ever used!!! And believe me, I’ve tried everything… My skin feels really clean. I noticed a difference in my skin immediately! I like that it is foaming/sudsy and a little goes a long way. Never over dries. Since I’ve become diligent about washing every night and morning, I have zero blemishes. Great cleanser for sensitive, sometimes dry, acne-prone skin. I also suffer from KP (keratosis pilaris) on the back of my arms and this cleanser has cleared it up almost completely. I will never buy anything else! This is my go-to, holy grail cleanser.” —Mrs852

Get it from Amazon for $9.88.

11.

A GlamGlow clarifying mask worth all the Instagram hype it’s gotten. This combo of six exfoliating acids and activated charcoal is so effective at battling breakouts and blackheads, one reviewer went so far as to call it “pure magic.”


Sephora

This mask uses lactic, salicylic, glycolic, mandelic, tartaric, and pyruvic acids (as well as kaolin clay and activated charcoal) to unclog pores and effectively fight acne.

Promising review: “Magic. Pure magic. Had been on the fence about wanting to spend the money on it, finally committed and boy do I wish I would have earlier. I couldn’t believe the results after one use!! I’ve tried pore strips, chemical exfoliants, toners, physical exfoliants, numerous cleansers and more…this is the first product I’ve used that has truly removed blackheads from my nose area. Take the leap, splurge and treat yourself!” —Hannahleigh222

Get it from Sephora for $25+ (available in four sizes).

12.

Cotton Mediheal sheet masks packed with ingredients like willow bark, rosemary, tea tree oil, chamomile, and asiatic pennywort — all of which translate to “I fight acne for a living”. Not without further ado, grab some wine and begin your at-home spa night. Consider your complexion exfoliated and irritation reduced, all in the name of relaxation.


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This mask even has a built-in timer of 15 minutes! The logo will begin to appear once the time has come to remove it, which is pretty freakin’ brilliant.

Promising review: “This is probably my favorite sheet mask for calming my skin when I have inflamed acne lesions. When I have active breakouts, I like to leave this mask on until it dries completely, which seems to help reduce the size and redness of acne much more than simply leaving the mask on for 20 minutes.” —clinton

Get a pack of five from Amazon for $9.95.

13.

A portable Cocokind spot treatment that makes application a breeze: simply dab this onto that chin pimple and, just like that, you’ll have waved goodbye to the messy (and smelly) topical creams of acne past. Plus, this turmeric, ginger, and tea tree oil formula truly does zap zits overnight.


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Promising review: “I’ve had a pimple/ingrown hair for ages. I would use different blemish treatments and it would mostly go away but always returned in a couple of weeks. I used this twice and it’s gone. It’s been several weeks and nothing. I’ve used it on other blemishes…gone.” —J. Curran

Get it from Amazon for $10.95.

14.

An Eva Naturals skin clearing serum, because adult acne is *the worst* and reviewers swear that this stuff helps. Not only does this blend of vitamin C, salicylic acid, retinol, and niacinamide attack blemishes with a vengeance, but it also provides moisture and reduces dullness. Heroes = they don’t all wear capes.


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Promising review: “I have never felt more compelled to write a product review before. This stuff is INCREDIBLE. I have tried almost everything to improve my skin. I continue to get acne in my mid-thirties and literally everything else I’ve tried has not worked, including prescription topical cream and oral medication. This has saved my skin! I have had very few breakouts, and if anything pops up, this takes care of it quickly! My skin feels moisturized and looks smoother and healthier overall. This is truly one of the best purchases I’ve ever made. I’m thankful I stumbled upon this serum!” —J.C. Denton

Get it from Amazon for $14.95.

15.

A resurfacing mask that acts like a magnet for dead skin and trapped gunk. This soothing, jelly-like product contains powerful ingredients (10% AHA 0.5% BHA, baby) that unclogs pores, increases collagen production, and leaves nothing but a glowing canvas behind. Surprise! It now looks like you drink a ton of water.


instagram.com / Via @peachandlily

This mask also contains blue agave extract, hyaluronic acid, centella asiatica, chamomile, and aloe to soothe your skin whilst deeply penetrating your pores.

Promising review: “This mask has done wonders for my skin. I suffer from oily acne-prone skin and bad cystic acne and this mask alone has seriously made my acne a lot better, as well as changed the texture of skin. Unfortunately, my acne isn’t completely gone but this has help drastically!” —Christian T.

Get it from Peach & Lily for $43.

16.

A Clinique BB cream with a buildable, lightweight formula that won’t worsen breakouts and feels like a second skin. Added bonus: This has SPF40, which means you’ll be getting protection *and* coverage all in one swipe.


Sarah Wainschel / BuzzFeed

Promising review: “This is, without question, my holy grail. Perfect work/office foundation that you don’t have to worry about and it doesn’t clog up your skin after a 12-hour work day. Leaves your skin looking like skin, but somehow still has the coverage of foundation.” —RHA21

Get it from Sephora for $38 (available in five shades).

To learn more, check out “10 Life-Changing Beauty Products You Need To Try ASAP”.

17.

A bottle of Glossier Solution; a powerful chemical exfoliant that bids adieu to dead skin. This cruelty-free concoction uses several acids (AHA, BHA, and PHA) to unclog pores, fight acne, and do away with dark spots — all while moisturizing, conditioning, and exfoliating your skin. HOORAY!


Glossier

Promising review: “I was really skeptical about buying this, but I’m so happy I did! I started using this about a month ago: I first noticed that my skin texture was WAYYY smoother, and then I noticed that all of my active acne fully went away. This product has also been a lifesaver for diminishing dark spots! I use this product every night, follow it up with rosehip oil, and it’s perfect.” —Alexa

Get it from Glossier for $24.

To learn more, check out “Here’s Why Glossier Solution Is Totally Worth Your Money”.

18.

A micro needle roller to tackle scarring and cystic acne indentations with a freakin’ vengeance — because sometimes, the aftermath of a hormonal breakout can be worse than the breakout itself. This specific model is more affordable than other rollers on the market (we’re talking an $80 difference) but equally as effective. #bless


As Is / BuzzFeed, amazon.com

Plus, this can improve the effectiveness of all the products in your skincare regimen. Just roll this back and forth about four to five times on each problem area, and be sure to apply just a tiny touch of pressure to avoid hurting your skin.

Also! Sterilize before and after use. When you’re done with it, be sure to store it in the provided case to keep it nice and protected.

Promising review: “The older I get, the longer my skin takes to heal and it’s brutal. I bought this on a whim and goodness, it’s awesome. It has noticeably sped up my healing process. Indentations are filling in, raised patches are flattening out, and dark spots are lightening up. It is crazy effective.” —Brittany Lynn Wolff

Get it from Amazon for $19.99.

To learn more, check out “People With Acne Scars Try Micro-Rolling”.

19.

An Avène gel cleanser lauded by over 1,000 reviewers, who all *swear* that this is the ultimate step one in a pimple-fighting skincare routine. This soapless stuff does wonders for acne without being overly drying — it even contains a splash of thermal spring water works to calm your skin.


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Promising review: “I’ve tried countless face washes over the years and this one is the only one I buy now. It doesn’t have a strong scent, the gel texture applies nicely, lathers easily, and effectively removes face and eye makeup in one wash. It has kept my face clear of acne without over-drying. I love how thoroughly it cleans and doesn’t leave residue. I only use about less than a dime-size amount, so one bottle lasts me several months. I live in a climate with harsh winters so I’m surprised that it gets rid of oil and doesn’t leave my face cracking.” —Elizabeth Baur

Get it from Amazon for $12+ (available in three sizes).

20.

A hypoallergenic Bioderma foaming gel so effective, you’ll actually *feel* all that built-up dirt, oil, and acne-causing miscellaneous gunk being exhumed from your pores. But the best part, my pets? This delivers results for less than $10.


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Psst, this cleanser is available in a pump and a tube bottle!

Promising review: “This is the best face wash I have ever used. My skin has always had issues with oiliness, and you can feel your face healing when you use this — like you can feel the oil being lifted away! It’s awesome. My skin has never looked better, and I’ve even made it through law school final exams without any stress blemishes.” —Jsal

Get it from Amazon for $9.99.

21.

A vegan Bawdy mask intended for your booty. Yes, that’s what I said. This citrus and plant-based collagen formula works to brighten your assets (and fight blemishes) while also leaving a smooth complexion *clears throat* behind.


Amazon

Get it from Amazon for $9.95 (available in four formulas).

22.

An oil- and soap-free La Roche-Posay foaming gel, because you’re sick of relying on (*and* constantly having to spend money on) oil blotters with. This formula kicks both acne and your excess sebum to the curb, which makes for a matte complexion that actually stays matte throughout the entire day.


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Promising review: “This stuff WORKS. I have very oily acne-prone skin and have tried all sorts of things with minimal success. I have been washing my face twice a day with this stuff for about two weeks now and the difference is incredible! I haven’t gotten any new large pimples and everything I had has cleared up. When I first started washing my face with this, I would use it at night and in the morning the sores on my face were way less red and inflamed than when I went to bed. Super impressive.” —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $7.99.

23.

A Peter Thomas Roth treatment mask packed with sulfur, kaolin clay, and bentonite clay for a strong formula that follows through on its description of being “maximum strength”. So let me break it down for you: This mask will quickly dry out your acne and tell excess oil to hit the road.


Sephora

Promising review: “My hormonal acne has been nonstop for the past three months. I was trying to find to anything that would help me. This has helped me SOOOOOO much since I’ve been using this for a couple weeks. Literally I have seen so much improvement with my acne on my cheeks and jawline. It has even helped the appearance of my pores on my chin.” —StricklerEmma

Get it from Sephora for $52.

24.

Paula’s Choice 2% BHA liquid exfoliant to tackle enlarged pores, pesky pimples, and fine lines with a vengeance. It also works OT to gently exfoliate (ta ta FOREVER, dullness) without causing redness or irritation along the way.


Amazon, amazon.com

Promising review: “I have acne-prone skin that is combo-to-oily with large pores, and this stuff has truly been a life saver! Like this is literally witchcraft in a bottle and my new holy grail! Ditch your harsh scrubs and give this a go… your skin will thank you.” —Philena

Get it from Amazon for $10 (available in two sizes).

25.

Versed brightening solution, because what’s worse than acne? Acne scarring. Just a daily swipe of this four-acid complex will lead you to greener pastures (the greener pastures = lightened dark spots, no more dullness, and a more even complexion overall).


Versed

FYI: This vegan and cruelty-free product is packed with lactic, glycolic, azelaic, and kojic acid.

Promising review: “I have very sensitive skin and I am always hesitant to try new products but wanted to give this a try because my previous toner had run out. To my surprise, it’s very gentle on my sensitive skin and has helped to brighten dark spots! For the price, you can’t beat this deal. I use this daily after cleansing my face.” —Peacelovemia

Get it from Versed for $17.99.

26.

An exfoliating towel to tackle a word that strikes fear into all of our hearts: Backne. This removes layers of dead skin that lead to scarring and, if you use it in combo with Mario Badescu botanical body soap, your back will become all but invincible to breakouts.


Instagram: @emcanaw

Promising review: “I’ve only been using this for a week. I have severe back acne discoloration and scarring, and I’ve already noticed a DRAMATIC difference in how my skin looks and feels! I’m thrilled with the results. I use this every night with the Mario Badesco AHA body wash.” —Mariah

Get it from Amazon for $12.99.

27.

A Sunday Riley clarifying oil bordering on Harry Potter-grade magic. This medicated dry oil prevent blackheads, stubborn pimples, and fine lines whilst you sleep, plus it absorbs super quickly — no more waking up to grease stains on your pillowcase that you’ll get around to washing…eventually.


Jennifer Tonti / BuzzFeed, Sephora

Ingredients like salicylic acid, tea tree oil, and black cumin seed oil treat blackheads and blemishes, hexylresorcinol and licorice help brighten the skin, milk thistle and cucumber seed oil are here to treat fine lines and wrinkles, and Chamomile and neroli make sure your skin feels soothed and nourished.

Promising review: “I have been struggling with acne for years (in my mid-twenties now) and have tried so many products (both low and high end). I was skeptical about trying this because of the price tag, but it was worth it. I use this morning and night, and have found that it helps to prevent my hormonal acne around my chin, as well as speed up the process at which my hyper-pigmentation from acne goes away. I would recommend getting the smaller bottle to try it out. Love this one!” —nhartman

Get it from Sephora for $40+ (available in two sizes).

To learn more, check out “8 Products That Make Life Easier For Grown-Ass Adults With Acne” (#5).

28.

A Michael Todd daily cleanser with honey and oat extracts, which act to naturally reduce inflammation. If you’re sensitive to harsher acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, you’ll definitely want to give this pH-balancing cleanser a chance.


Amazon

Promising review: “I have sensitive and dry skin, and many things I try will break me out. This is my holy grail cleanser! If you’re a lazy/one-product person like me, you will love this cleanser. I use it in the shower, squirt a couple of pumps in my hand, massage it on my face, and voila! My face is clean and makeup is gone! It even takes off mascara, as long as it’s not intensely waterproof. The cleanser it’s self if very smooth with a bit of viscosity. It comes out like a honey color with a nice, fresh scent of lavender and citrus. I love that it contains honey, which does a great job for calming down inflammation.” —Unicorn

Get it from Amazon for $23.

29.

A cruelty-free Almay matte foundation, because the only makeup worth slathering on your skin should be non-comedogenic (as to not aggravate your breakouts). This one is particularly fab because it has a buildable formula infused with salicylic acid to actively heal pimples *and* provide coverage at the same darn time.


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Promising review: “I love this stuff! It’s one of the only foundations that my dermatologist lets me use that actually covers anything. The other non-comedogenic foundations I’ve tried in the past hardly cover anything. I have extremely acne-prone skin and this does not make me break out. It also has salicylic acid in it which actually helps with breakouts.” —Kindle Customer

Get it from Amazon for $6.49+ (available in 13 shades).

30.

A Mario Badescu powder about to become your new holy grail if you’re pimple-prone and want some coverage. This absorbs excess oil and reduces redness, all while the sulfur-based formula works to actively heal breakouts in the process.


Amazon

And, unlike a ton of other setting powders on the market, this cruelty-free option won’t clog your pores any further — it’ll actually give your skin some room to breathe and heal.

If you want to use this under makeup, be sure to use it after you apply your morning moisturizer to prevent it from looking caked-on. You can also slather it on at night prior to hitting the hay and it’ll help dry up acne and prevent inflammation!

Promising review: “This stuff is incredible! I have now been using it for three years and every time I get close to running out, I go and buy another one right away. I have adult moderate cystic acne and this stuff really calms it down and helps with redness. Anytime I feel like I am getting a pimple or can see the under-the-skin bump, I will lather this healing powder all over it all day long. Definitely a go-to product and I highly recommend to anyone who suffers from incredibly painful and stubborn cystic acne.” —justanothercollegestudent

Get it from Amazon for $12.

31.

Bioré cleansing cloths to stash by your nightstand because it’s been a long day, your eyes are shutting, and you’d rather chew off your pinky than get up to wash your face. I get it. But please, I beg you, at least use a wipe. Don’t break the first commandment of Skincare 101 and go to bed with a pimple caked in concealer.


instagram.com / Via @bioreus

These wipes are hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, oil-free, *and* alcohol-free meaning they’ll cleanse the crap out of your skin (really — one wipe will pick up all that trapped makeup and gunk). PLUS! They won’t dry out your complexion or leave any icky, oily film behind.

Promising review: “I have moderate adult cystic acne. Hormones anyone?! And I am awful at cleaning my face at night before bed. I usually forget about it all together until I am drifting off. It’s painfully perfect how easy these are to use! All you have to do is take out a wipe, swipe your face, and then toss. No sink or water needed. Plus, they smell so fresh and clean.” —R. West

Get a pack of 30 from Amazon for $8.96.

32.

A L’Oréal Paris oil-free moisturizer because, yes, oily skin still needs hydration (READ: grease does not mean you shouldn’t be moisturizing!). This aloe vera and hyaluronic acid formula delivers lightweight, non-greasy hydration that won’t result in more excess sebum — or acne.


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A lot of people don’t realize that, YES, even if you have oily skin, moisturizer is still a crucial step in your skincare routine. Just be sure to opt for formulas that are oil-free.

Promising review: “This is the absolute best facial moisturizer I have ever bought. I generally don’t like using a facial moisturizers because it ends up feeling oily and makes my acne worse, but not this one! It’s like an ice gel that melts into your skin without making it feel greasy. I love this stuff so much.” —coupleofnerds

Get it from Amazon for $9.50.

The pimple currently on my chin after being exposed to salicylic acid:


ABC

The reviews in this post have been edited for length and clarity.

Need more for your skin? Check out Korean skincare products you need to know, cheap skincare products that are even better than luxury brands, products for an even skin tone or to deal with acne scars, or check out all of our beauty content for even more great stuff for your hair, skin, and more.

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