Anti-acne ingredients

Third-generation synthetic retinoid. Photostable, less irritating than tretinoin. Available OTC at 0.1% concentration (Differin).

Naturally derived dicarboxylic acid with antibacterial, sebum-regulating, and depigmenting properties. One of the few prescription-grade ingredients considered safe in pregnancy.

Antibacterial agent that kills C. acnes by generating oxygen free radicals. Does not induce antibiotic resistance – a key advantage over antibiotics.

Bentonite clay based on montmorillonite. A strong adsorbent that pulls sebum and impurities from pores, used in masks for oily and acne-prone skin.

Bark and leaf extract with astringent and anti-inflammatory properties. Common in toners, but the distillate usually contains alcohol.

Alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) with the smallest molecular weight in the group. Accelerates desquamation, evens skin tone and texture.

Topical antiparasitic agent that works against Demodex mites and rosacea inflammation. Galderma markets it as Soolantra.

Water-soluble azelaic acid derivative. Gentler but less effective than pure azelaic acid. Used in OTC brightening products.

White clay based on hydrated aluminosilicate. Gently adsorbs excess sebum and impurities, so it appears in masks for oily skin.

Topical lincosamide antibiotic. Doctors prescribe it for inflammatory acne, often combined with benzoyl peroxide to prevent resistance.

Essential oil with antibacterial activity against C. acnes. Terpinen-4-ol is the main active component. Acne efficacy confirmed, but irritation is possible.

Topical antibiotic from the nitroimidazole group. Doctors prescribe it for papulo-pustular rosacea and perioral dermatitis.

AHA with a large molecule (bigger than glycolic acid). Penetrates skin more slowly, making it gentler. Suitable for darker phototypes where glycolic acid more often triggers post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Water-soluble stable vitamin C derivative. Skin phosphatase releases active ascorbic acid. Active at pH 7 – does not require acidic pH.

Vitamin B3 form with a wide action spectrum: brightens pigmentation, strengthens the barrier, minimizes pores, and reduces sebum production.

Proteolytic enzyme from papaya. Gently dissolves keratin of dead cells and works as a gentle alternative to acid peels.

Second-generation antifungal agent, a zinc pyrithione replacement. Effective against Malassezia – the fungus causing dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.

Resinous substance bees collect from tree buds. Contains flavonoids, phenolic acids, and esters with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity.

Beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) with lipophilic properties: penetrates sebaceous glands, dissolves plugs, and exerts anti-inflammatory effects.

Lipophilic salicylic acid derivative linked to phytosphingosine (a ceramide precursor). Combines exfoliating and barrier-restoring properties.

Silicon dioxide, absorbent and mattifying agent. Soaks up sebum and gives the skin a smooth matte finish.

Third-generation topical retinoid with strong antiproliferative action. Doctors prescribe it for psoriasis, acne and photoaging.

Retinoic acid – the most active topical form of vitamin A. A prescription drug and the gold standard for topical anti-aging and acne treatment.

Fourth-generation retinoid with selective action on RAR-gamma receptors. Galderma markets it as Aklief for facial and truncal acne.

Zinc salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid (NMF). A seboregulator that reduces sebum production. Used in products for oily skin and acne.

White willow bark extract, natural source of salicylates. Works more gently than synthetic salicylic acid and delivers a mild exfoliating effect.

Common thyme leaf extract with thymol and carvacrol. Suppresses growth of Cutibacterium acnes and other skin bacteria, delivers a mild anti-inflammatory effect.

Mild dicarboxylic acid with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial action. Popular in Korean and Indian acne cosmetics.