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.
Get a free acne routine matched to your skin
Answer 5 questions, skip the rest. Free, and no sign-up to see it.
| Ingredient | Evidence | Studied at | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adapalene | 🏛 Regulatory evidence | Study dose: not found yet | Moderate concern |
| Benzoyl peroxide | 🏛 Regulatory evidence | 2.5-10% | Moderate concern |
| Azelaic acid | 🧪 Clinical evidence | 15-20% | Moderate concern |
| Salicylic acid | 📄 Literature evidence | 30% (professional peel) | Moderate concern |
| Gluconolactone | 🧪 Clinical evidence | 14% | Low concern |
- AdapaleneModerate concern
Study dose: not found yet
- Reference: American Academy of Dermatology, 2024
Pregnancy: advised to avoid · Listed in 7 products
- Benzoyl peroxideModerate concern
Studied at 2.5-10%
- Reference: DailyMed drug label, 2025
- Reference: American Academy of Dermatology, 2024
Pregnancy: not advised against on skin · Listed in 15 products
- Azelaic acidModerate concern
Studied at 15-20%
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: use with care · Listed in 89 products
- Salicylic acidModerate concern
Studied at 30% (professional peel)
- Reference: Dayal et al., 2020
- Reference: American Academy of Dermatology, 2024
Pregnancy: use with care · Listed in 2,052 products
- GluconolactoneLow concern
Studied at 14%
- Reference: Hunt and Barnetson, 1992
Pregnancy: – · Listed in 1,931 products
- Sodium ascorbyl phosphateLow concern
Studied at 5%
- Reference: Ruamrak et al., 2009
Pregnancy: – · Listed in 1,273 products
- (−)-Epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG)Low concern
Epigallocatechin Gallate
Studied at 1%, 5%
- Reference: Yoon et al., 2013
Pregnancy: – · Listed in 103 products
- Phytosphingosine hydrochlorideLow concern
Studied at 0.2%
- Reference: Pavicic et al., 2007
Pregnancy: – · Not in our product list yet
- All-trans-RetinolModerate concern
Retinol
Studied at 0.075%, 0.4%
- Korea approved amount: about 0.075%
A limit is the most a product may hold, not the amount that works.
- Reference: Kafi et al., 2007
- Reference: Kikuchi et al., 2009
- Reference: Korea Ministry of Government Legislation, 2023
Pregnancy: advised to avoid · Listed in 752 products
- NiacinamideLow concern
Study dose: not found yet
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: – · Listed in 12,904 products
- Cyclooctasulfur (S8; precipitated sulfur)Low concern
Sulfur
Study dose: not found yet
- Reference: Gupta and Nicol, 2004
- Reference: Liu et al., 2020
Listed in 71 products
- PhytosphingosineLow concern
Study dose: not found yet
- Reference: Pavicic et al., 2007
- Reference: CIR, 2015
Pregnancy: – · Listed in 1,641 products
- All-trans-Retinal (Retinaldehyde)Moderate concern
Retinal
Studied at 0.05%, 0.1%
- Reference: Kwon et al., 2018
Pregnancy: advised to avoid · Listed in 192 products
- Zinc PCALow concern
Study dose: not found yet
- Reference: Sitohang et al., 2020
Pregnancy: – · Listed in 437 products
- Piroctone olamineModerate concern
Study dose: not found yet
- Reference: Saint-Jean et al., 2017
Listed in 62 products
– = no pregnancy research data yet
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 0.05%, 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 0.025-0.1%
- Reference: Griffiths et al., 1995
Pregnancy: advised to avoid · Not in our product list yet
Studied at 0.005%
- Reference: American Academy of Dermatology, 2024
Pregnancy: advised to avoid · Not in our product list yet
Study dose: not found yet
This is about use inside suitable antibacterial combination treatment. It is not a recommendation to use it alone for long-term maintenance.
- Reference: American Academy of Dermatology, 2024
Not in our product list yet
Study dose: not found yet
- Reference: DailyMed drug label, 2025
- Reference: American Academy of Dermatology, 2024
Pregnancy: use with care · Not in our product list yet
Study dose: not found yet
- Reference: DailyMed drug label, 2020
- Reference: DailyMed drug label, 2024
Not in our product list yet
Study dose: not found yet
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
Study dose: not found yet
- Reference: Gupta and Nicol, 2004
Not in our product list yet
Cis-Retinoic Acid
Study dose: not found yet
- 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): Azelaic acid, Clascoterone, and Salicylic acid.
Pregnant or breastfeeding? Check new products with your doctor or midwife.
Trending now
Ingredients more people are searching for this season. Trending is not the same as proven: tap one to see its evidence.
Get a routine for your skin
A free quiz picks products for your concerns and leaves out ingredients you tell it to avoid. Answer 5 questions, skip the rest.