Skincare ingredients for acne
Our research data links 24 ingredients to acne. Strongest evidence comes first, each with the studies behind it.
A research list, not medical advice. If a skin condition worries you, see a dermatologist.
Which ingredients have the most evidence for acne?
In our data, the strongest evidence for acne is behind Adapalene, Benzoyl peroxide, and Azelaic acid.
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| Ingredient | Evidence | Studied at | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adapalene | 🏛 Regulatory evidence | drug 0.1%, 0.3% | Moderate concern |
| Benzoyl peroxide | 🏛 Regulatory evidence | drug/clinical 2.5-10%; from low concentrations, varies by formulation | Moderate concern |
| Azelaic acid | 🧪 Clinical evidence | acne-related drug/clinical 15-20%; varies by formulation | Moderate concern |
| Salicylic acid | 📄 Literature evidence | general drug 0.5-2%; professional peel 30% | Moderate concern |
| Gluconolactone | 🧪 Clinical evidence | acne clinical 14% | Low concern |
- AdapaleneModerate concern
Studied at drug 0.1%, 0.3%
- Reference: American Academy of Dermatology, 2024
Pregnancy: advised to avoid · Listed in 3 products
- Benzoyl peroxideModerate concern
Studied at drug/clinical 2.5-10%; from low concentrations, varies by formulation
- Reference: DailyMed drug label, 2025
- Reference: American Academy of Dermatology, 2024
Pregnancy: not advised against on skin · Listed in 14 products
- Azelaic acidModerate concern
Studied at acne-related drug/clinical 15-20%; varies by formulation
Comedones, inflammatory lesions and post-acne brown marks can be considered together, but the strength differs by outcome.
- Reference: Balina and Graupe, 1991
- Reference: DailyMed drug label, 2020
Pregnancy: not advised against on skin · Listed in 86 products
- Salicylic acidModerate concern
Studied at general drug 0.5-2%; professional peel 30%
- Reference: Dayal et al., 2020
- Reference: American Academy of Dermatology, 2024
Pregnancy: use with care · Listed in 1,555 products
- GluconolactoneLow concern
Studied at acne clinical 14%
- Reference: Hunt and Barnetson, 1992
Pregnancy: not rated yet · Listed in 1,364 products
- Sodium ascorbyl phosphateLow concern
Studied at acne clinical 5%; whitening N/A
- Reference: Ruamrak et al., 2009
Pregnancy: not rated yet · Listed in 851 products
- (−)-Epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG)Low concern
Epigallocatechin Gallate
Studied at acne clinical 1%, 5%
- Reference: Yoon et al., 2013
Pregnancy: not rated yet · Listed in 79 products
- Phytosphingosine hydrochlorideLow concern
Studied at clinical 0.2%; small study
- Reference: Pavicic et al., 2007
Pregnancy: not rated yet · Not in our product list yet
- All-trans-RetinolModerate concern
Retinol
Studied at clinical 0.075%, 0.4%; Korean notice 0.075% equivalent
- Reference: Kafi et al., 2007
- Reference: Kikuchi et al., 2009
- Reference: Korea Ministry of Government Legislation, 2023
Pregnancy: advised to avoid · Listed in 586 products
- NiacinamideLow concern
Studied at acne stand-alone established range N/A; other purposes 2-5%
Possible anti-inflammatory and barrier-support role. Evidence to replace a higher-ranked approved drug is lacking.
- Reference: Bissett et al., 2004
- Reference: Draelos et al., 2006
- Reference: Kimball et al., 2010
- Reference: Korea Ministry of Government Legislation, 2023
Pregnancy: not rated yet · Listed in 8,542 products
- Cyclooctasulfur (S8; precipitated sulfur)Low concern
Sulfur
Studied at N/A; drug standard varies by formulation
- Reference: Gupta and Nicol, 2004
- Reference: Liu et al., 2020
Listed in 40 products
- PhytosphingosineLow concern
Studied at N/A
- Reference: Pavicic et al., 2007
- Reference: CIR, 2015
Pregnancy: not rated yet · Listed in 1,214 products
- All-trans-Retinal (Retinaldehyde)Moderate concern
Retinal
Studied at clinical 0.05%, 0.1%
- Reference: Kwon et al., 2018
Pregnancy: advised to avoid · Listed in 135 products
- Zinc PCALow concern
Studied at N/A
- Reference: Sitohang et al., 2020
Pregnancy: not rated yet · Listed in 341 products
- Piroctone olamineModerate concern
Studied at N/A
- Reference: Saint-Jean et al., 2017
Listed in 48 products
Which ingredients for acne need a doctor?
9 ingredients here are prescription-only or for in-clinic use in the US. We list them so you can look them up; they never go into a PERBETE routine.
Studied at clinical/drug 0.05%, 0.1%; scar 0.1%
- Reference: American Academy of Dermatology, 2024
- Reference: Phillips et al., 2002
Pregnancy: advised to avoid · Not in our product list yet
Retinoic Acid
Studied at clinical 0.025-0.1%; typical 0.05%
- Reference: Griffiths et al., 1995
Pregnancy: advised to avoid · Not in our product list yet
Studied at clinical/drug 0.005% = 50 ug/g
- Reference: American Academy of Dermatology, 2024
Pregnancy: advised to avoid · Not in our product list yet
Studied at drug, clindamycin equivalent 1%
The score is in the context of appropriate antibacterial combination therapy. It is not a score recommending stand-alone long-term maintenance.
- Reference: American Academy of Dermatology, 2024
Not in our product list yet
Studied at drug 1%
- Reference: DailyMed drug label, 2025
- Reference: American Academy of Dermatology, 2024
Pregnancy: use with care · Not in our product list yet
Studied at drug 5%, 7.5%
- Reference: DailyMed drug label, 2020
- Reference: DailyMed drug label, 2024
Not in our product list yet
Studied at drug 2%; varies by product
Consider the antibacterial effect together with the possibility of resistance. Appropriate combination including BPO is needed.
- Reference: American Academy of Dermatology, 2024
Not in our product list yet
Studied at N/A; drug concentration varies by formulation
- Reference: Gupta and Nicol, 2004
Not in our product list yet
Cis-Retinoic Acid
Studied at N/A; oral evidence excluded
- Reference: Ioannides et al., 2002
Pregnancy: advised to avoid · Not in our product list yet
Which ingredients for acne are advised against in pregnancy?
In our data, pregnancy guidance advises avoiding Adapalene, Tazarotene, All-trans-Retinoic Acid (Tretinoin), Trifarotene, All-trans-Retinol, All-trans-Retinal (Retinaldehyde), and Isotretinoin. Each ingredient page names the source.
Use with care (the reason is on each ingredient page): Clascoterone and Salicylic acid.
Pregnant or breastfeeding? Check new products with your doctor or midwife.
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