16 Best Acne Kits To Ward Off Acne And Breakouts In 2024
Effortlessly pamper your skin with the effective set of skincare essentials.
Shawnda Dorantes, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, is the founder and Master Injector at Beauty Lounge Medical Spa. She has 15 years of experience in the beauty industry and 13 years as a registered nurse. Dorantes began her career as a Beauty Advisor for Estee Lauder.
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Experience: 3 yearsKirtana has a postgraduate degree in mass communication and journalism from St. Joseph’s College, Bengaluru, and 3 years of professional experience. She developed a deep passion for writing after reading the brilliant works of Enid Blyton and Roald Dahl and has chosen a career that is driven by creativity.
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Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
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Experience: 3 yearsSwathi has a postgraduate degree in English literature from The English And Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and over three years of experience in writing on beauty, health, and lifestyle. She also has a diploma in English journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Kottayam, and is a certified skincare coach.
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The best acne kit in the market is all you need to treat yourself to smooth and clear skin. Many people deal with acne along with pimples. It might be due to puberty, and for some, it can be a regular occurrence due to hormonal changes or climatic conditions. 2024 has been quite the year with changing post-pandemic lifestyles with its share of stress; acne and breakouts are bound to happen since we are constantly on our toes, literally and metaphorically.
It is best to test these acne treatment offerings out for a while to find which one works best for your skin. It must be unpleasant to finally get rid of one only to get greeted by another in a different area of your face. These 16 best acne kits for a variety of skin types will definitely restore your baby-like skin along with your desire to take bomb selfies and do makeup without your skin getting irritated.
In This Article
16 Best Acne Kits For Clean And Clear Skin
1. Best Value For Money:Proactiv Solution 3-Step System
If you have acne, we’re sure you must have heard of Proactiv, and we’re here to give you the green signal to try it. This is a 3-step acne treatment that includes a renewing cleanser, revitalizing toner, and repairing treatment to restore the real awesomeness of your skin. It bestows its acne-fighting benefits through finely-milled benzoyl peroxide that penetrates the pores to deep cleanse. We love it because a clean and clear acne control kit helps fight the most Comedonal acne, and we’re also a fan of this anti-acne kit as it prevents future flare-ups. Make this comprehensive kit a part of your daily skincare routine and redeem naturally glowing, smooth skin. Here’s a personal review video detailing a tester’s experience to help you get a better understanding of the product.
Pros
- Prevents new breakouts from forming
- Suitable for all skin types
- Targets acne-causing bacteria
- Helps clear acne blemishes
Cons
- Contains parabens
Pro Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received 39,763 reviews on Amazon and is a popular choice among shoppers.
2. Best Allergy-Tested:La Roche-Posay Effaclar Dermatological Acne Treatment System
This exceptional combination of Effaclar acne wash, acne toner, and acne cream from La Roche-Posay reduces up to 60% of acne in 10 days. The face wash targets pore to eliminate excess oils, the toner calms the skin, and the cream works on acne and reduces blemishes. Salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and lipo hydrolic acid are some of the amazing ingredients known for being acne-fighting staples that you will find in each product in this kit. Cleanse, tone, and treat your skin with this acne treatment system to steer clear of future breakouts. Click here to check out a video review detailing a tester’s experience of using this product.
Pros
- Oil-free
- Allergy-tested
- Dermatologist-tested
- Fragrance-free
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
- It make take a long for see results.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has gained over 6,017 positive reviews on Amazon, making it an all-time best-seller.
3. Best Intense Moisturization:Obagi Medical CLENZIderm M.D. System
The Obagi Medical CLENZIderm M.D. System uses clinically-advanced formulations to cleanse and clarify your skin to target, treat, and prevent adult acne. This simple regimen keeps your skin moisturized while cleansing and refining pores. Dead skin cells and extra oil are removed by salicylic acid’s profound pore-penetration. Menthol’s cooling properties reduce skin irritation, and squalane and glycerin offer intense moisturization without making your skin feel greasy. Benzoyl peroxide eliminates the bacteria that causes acne while drying up breakouts, speeding up the healing process following flare-ups, and leaving your skin smooth, even, and free of blemishes. The blemish control formula helps remove impurities from deep inside the pores, and heals acne for a more youthful-looking complexion.
Pros
- Prevents breakouts
- Unclogs pores
- Offers intense moisturization
- Reduces redness
- Calms the skin
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- None
Proactiv Solution 3-Step System Best Value For Money | La Roche-Posay Effaclar Dermatological Acne Treatment System Best Allergy-Tested | Obagi Medical CLENZIderm M.D. System Best Intense Moisturization | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | All | Oily, Sensitive, Acne-prone | - |
| Dimensions | 11.25 x 7.5 x 2.25 inches | - | 7.25 x 3.75 x 5 inches |
| Weight | 1 Pounds | 0.16 Ounces | 1.57 Pounds |
| Dimensions | - | 7.75 x 6.8 x 7.5 inches | - |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 39,763 | 6,017 | - |
| Price | $35.0 | $29.99 | $166 |
4. Best Natural Formula:Acne Free Oil Free 24 HR Acne Clearing System
If you’re battling unpredictable breakouts that flare up at times and are less severe at other times, you need this flawless acne kit from Acne Free. The Acne Free Oil Free acne clearing system is thoughtfully formulated for mild to severe acne and also clears the face of blackheads and whiteheads. The dermatologist-recommended kit constitutes an oil-free acne cleanser, witch hazel mattifying toner, and an oil-free acne lotion that works together to offer flattering results in 1 to 3 days. It has aloe vera and witch hazel, among many other elements that render it acne-fighting properties. Add this to your acne treatment regimen if you’re looking for a definite solution for acne that refuses to leave your skin alone. To understand the nuances of the product in detail, you can check out this review.
Pros
- Helps clear whiteheads and blackheads
- Contains antibacterial properties
- Helps treat severe acne
- Contains natural ingredients
- Dermatologist-endorsed
Cons
- Some may be allergic to benzoyl peroxide found in the formula.
5. Best Oil-Free:Clean & Clear Daily Skincare Essentials
The Clean & Clear Skincare Essentials is one of the best acne kits that work for almost all types of skin. The 3-piece set is a combination of a foaming facial acne cleanser, deep cleaning astringent, and a dual-action, oil-free moisturizer.. Each skincare product is enriched with ingredients that keep acne at bay and offer healing properties. The cleanser removes dirt and the astringent acts on the pores to eliminate acne-causing oil. The moisturizer contains salicylic acid that soothes the skin and repairs acne over extended use. Give the Clean & Clear acne kit a try and reveal clearer, softer skin.
Pros
- Oil-free formula
- Washes away dirt
- Make skin soft
- Dual-action moisturizer
Cons
- Contains parabens
6. Best Lightweight Formula:Paula’s Choice Clear Kit
This restorative kit is the best acne control solution for combination skin. This acne-fighting system shrinks the pores and makes the skin firmer to prevent the accumulation of oil and dirt that come together to cause breakouts. The pack consists of a pore normalizing cleanser, regular strength anti-redness exfoliating solution, and a skin clearing treatment. These products offer visible results as they contain salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and ultra-light daily fluid SPF for basic UV protection. If cystic acne is a major skin problem you’re trying to tackle, this acne kit can be an effective solution.
Pros
- Lightweight formulas
- Reduces blemishes
- Paraben-free
- Fragrance-free
- Suitable for oily, dry, and combination skin
Cons
- May not be suitable for sensitive skin
7. Best For Skin Calming:Neutrogena Complete Acne Therapy Solution
It is not easy to escape the vicious acne cycle, but when you have a trusted acne kit like this one from Neutrogena with clinically-proven results, there’s hope. This acne regimen kit has got your back if you want to rid your skin of redness and irritation. The Neutrogena acne treatment kit has a cleanser, a moisturizer for the day, and a lotion for the night. Get your healthy dose of SPF with the acne control lotion that packs SPF-15 in addition to its miraculous acne-combatting benefits from benzoyl peroxide. As a plus, these formulas are enriched with microfine beads and a proprietary botanical complex that kills bad bacteria, so you can keep breakouts at bay.
Pros
- Unclogs pores
- Reduces redness
- Calms the skin
- Clinically-proven results
Cons
- May not be suitable for severe acne
Caution8. Best For All Skin Types: Exposed Skin Care Basic Acne Treatment Kit
Bid adieu to acne and blemishes with the Exposed Skin Care Basic Acne Treatment Kit. This kit contains a facial cleanser, clearing tonic, acne treatment serum, clear pore serum, and Derm X cloth. The facial cleanser is enriched with salicylic acid and pro-vitamin B5, which regulates oil production and prevents the skin from drying out. The clearing tonic and acne treatment serum help in preventing and minimizing the appearance of acne. In contrast, the microdermabrasion cloth exfoliates the dead skin cells and removes dirt and grim from the skin. The kit overall focuses on unclogging the pores, controlling excess oil, soothing skin inflammation, and reducing redness. This acne kit works effectively well on oily and sensitive skin. Consistent use will give your skin radiance, a healthy-looking appearance, and a smoother finish. Many reviewers are amazed by the product’s efficient formula that offers clearer and softer skin with consistent use. Moreover, this product is not tested on animals, making it an ideal cruelty-free option for ethically conscious skin care enthusiasts.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Non-toxic
- Gentle on the skin
- Cruelty-free
- Enhances skin texture
- Boosts radiant complexion
- Skin balancing formula
- Easy to use
Cons
- Toner may cause dryness
9. Best For Reducing Blemishes: TreeActiv 3 Step Acne Treatment Kit
Try the TreeActiv 3-Step Acne Treatment Kit to eradicate stubborn acne and blemishes once and for all in a matter of time. This 3-step kit includes a deep cleansing acne face wash enriched with charcoal to enhance your skin’s overall texture by removing excess sebum and impurities. The cystic acne spot treatment clay has tea tree oil to remove stubborn pimples and reduce their size and redness. The skin renewal facial moisturizer is enriched with salicylic acid, aloe vera, and tea tree oil to hydrate your skin and prevent new breakouts in acne-prone skin types. Lastly, the oil-absorbing pimple patches help in eradicating acne proactively. The kit ensures your skin stays clean and clear from severe acne, blackheads, whiteheads, hyperpigmentation, and dark spots.
Pros
- Quick acting formula
- Gentle on the skin
- Suitable for all skin types
- Clinically-proven
- Removes blemishes
- Removes blackheads
- Reduces and prevents acne
- Cruelty-free
- Affordable option
Cons
- Might not work on hormonal acne
10. Best Non-Drying:Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Control Kit
Oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria work synergically to cause acne. The Clean & Clear Advantage acne control kit, with the power of gentle exfoliation, attacks all the 3 culprits to prevent your skin from breaking out while reducing acne-associated pain. The kit has a cleanser that lifts away oil and dirt, which when followed by the fast-acting treatment with benzoyl peroxide, gets rid of bacteria. To complete this useful package, there’s a hydrating gel that keeps your skin moisturized to prevent your face from feeling stretchy and dry. Use this 3-piece skin care regimen for acne-prone skin on a regular basis to witness visible results.
Pros
- Oil-free formula
- Prevents dryness
- Suitable for all skin types
- Fades acne marks
Cons
- Some may find the scent intense
- Contains parabens
11. Best For Fast Results: Mario Badescu Acne Starter/Control/Repair Kit
The Mario Badescu Acne Kit is a fast-acting formula with three full-sized spot treatments. It contains a drying lotion that is used as a spot treatment. It comprises salicylic acid and zinc oxide that absorbs excess oil, unclogs pores, and dries acne overnight. The buffering lotion contains niacinamide, vitamin B, and allantoin, penetrating the skin and treating acne at its root. The drying cream contains zinc oxide and vitamins B, and E, which aid in decreasing clusters of surface blemishes while also re-balancing, soothing, and moisturizing skin. Use this 3-piece acne-prone skin care routine daily to see miraculous, long-term results.
Pros
- Gentle and effective
- Reduces acne scars
- Suitable for all types of breakouts
- Ideal for congested skin
- Reduces redness
- Heals the skin
- Best for active acne
Cons
- Can be drying
12. Best For Oil Control:Murad Get Over Zit Kit
While acne is a huge skin problem that needs proper care, oily skin makes breakouts worse and requires extra attention. Give your skin that added attention with this Murad acne kit for sensitive skin types. This skin cleansing formula pack of 3 products clears breakouts and minimizes pores while mattifying the skin. The gel serum reduces acne in a week and the oil and pore control mattifier broad-spectrum SPF 45 offers oil control for up to 10 hours. The cleanser acts as a cherry on top of the cake that further rids the skin of excess oil and clears blemishes— giving you complete protection from future breakouts.
Pros
- Controls oiliness
- Contains natural ingredients
- SPF 45 mattifier
- Clears pores
Cons
- May not be suitable for dry skin
13. Best Anti-Inflammatory:Tula Skincare Probiotics And Superfoods Stay Balanced Level 1 Acne Clearing Routine
This level 1 acne clearing routine from Tula Skincare is a healthy blend of salicylic acid, probiotics, azelaic acid, willowherb, and hyaluronic acid. With probiotics and a bunch of skin superfoods, one can never go wrong. These powerful components act in combination to give you a pimple-free, clearer skin. They also reduce inflammation on certain acne types and redness in a few days from the first use. The cleanser, tone-correcting gel, and oil-free gel cream work on blemish-prone skin and marks to heal the skin while protecting it from future breaks outs. This acne and pimple treatment kit deserves a try if you trust products that offer clinically proven benefits to keep acne under control.
Pros
- Balanced skin
- Prevents breakouts
- Soothes skin
- Hydrating formula
Cons
- May not be suitable for oily skin
14. Best Medicated Ingredients:Clinique Acne Solutions Clinical Clearing Kit
This handy Clinique acne solutions kit is a set of travel-size cleansing foam, clearing gel, and moisturizing gel. This affordable acne-fighting 3-piece set works as efficiently as many prescribed topicals to clear acne. The products are formulated with a 4-in-1 clearing complex and medicated ingredients that work swiftly to deliver positive outcomes. You’ll notice your blemishes fading when used regularly, leaving you with healthy-looking skin. You can pack along this kit, so you never miss your skincare routine no matter where you are.
Pros
- Unclogs pores
- Reduces excess oil
- Contains medicated ingredients
- Leaves skin glowing
Cons
- Not cruelty-free
15. Best Clinically-Proven:bioClarity Clear Skin Routine
This dermatologist-developed clear skin routine set from bioClarity is thoughtfully crafted for people of all ages. The vegan, paraben-free formula contains floralux, a natural ingredient that is derived from chlorophyll. This plant extract-infused cleanser is enriched with elements like green tea leaf, chamomile, and cucumber that calm and soothe the skin while treating acne. The treatment gel remediates breakouts with the help of 2% salicylic acid. As a final touch, the restore gel reduces irritation and redness by invading bacteria. All in all, investing in this acne clearing kit can bless your skin with priceless results.
Pros
- Free from parabens and phthalates
- Gentle formula
- Suitable for all skin types
- Clinically-proven
Cons
- May not be suitable for sensitive skin
16. Best For Mild Exfoliation:DermaQuest Acne Management Kit
The DermaQuest Acne Management Kit is a powerful blend of alpha and beta hydroxy acids that help purify and exfoliate your skin. This acne remedy reduces excess oil production, treats inflamed and problematic skin, reduces moderate acne, provides hydration, and prevents damage caused due to environmental aggressors. The non-comedogenic moisturizer contains SPF 30 which protects your skin from harmful UV rays. This kit contains mandelic acid, tea tree oil, retinol (vitamin A), and lilac plant stem cells that help soothe the skin.
Pros
- Contains SPF 30
- Matte finish
- Provides shine-free skin
- Non-comedogenic
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- None
Are you still confused about what criteria to consider when choosing the best acne kit? We’re here to help you make the right choice. Our next segment is all about what factors to keep in mind when buying the right acne treatment.
How To Choose An Acne Kit?
- Active ingredients
What differentiates acne products from normal skincare cleansers, toners, and creams are the active ingredients that they contain. Elements such as hydroxy acid, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, witch hazel, hyaluronic acid, etc. are known for their anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-acne properties. Therefore, if an acne treatment kit has these ingredients, you can count on them to solve your acne problem.
- Severity
Not all acne treatment systems are created equally. While some address severe acne issues, others are crafted for mild to moderate breakouts. Understand your condition and learn what the acne clearing kit is meant for, in order to witness the benefits. If you pick a strong product for mild acne, it might cause dryness. Similarly, if you buy a mild product for severe acne, you might not notice any observable difference. Therefore, it is crucial to buy a product as per the severity of your acne condition.
- Skin type
Any skin care product, whether you buy it for a type of acne or any other skin-related issues, has to suit your skin type to render its benefits. Since oily skin creates favorable conditions for acne to sprout, most acne treatment products clear off excess oils by unclogging pores. However, if you have dry skin and you still have acne, you might want to be extra cautious.
- Cause of acne
While it is easy to assume that excessive oil in the pores or clogged pores causes acne, it is not always the case. Many people have acne because of cysts, a hormonal imbalance, transitioning into secondary sexual characteristics, bacteria, and so much more. So, check if the acne product you’re considering has the right ingredients meant for the specific condition that causes your acne. If not, you may not witness any results.
Solving the problem of acne takes time, patience, and the right products. We all would wish for the process to be faster and our skin to be clear in no time. If you relate, and are hoping for your acne to clear up fast, read on.
How Can I Clear Up Acne Fast?
- When you use an acne kit, the best way to allow it to act fast is to not touch your face frequently. When you touch your face, it may come in contact with bacteria and dirt on your fingers, thus, aggravating acne.
- Treatments also work more efficiently when you reduce your use of makeup. Makeup products may result in congested pores and this can slow down the healing of your skin.
- Be regular with your skincare routine, especially if you’re using multiple products such as an acne treatment kit. Since these products are meant to work as a combination, skipping any of the steps can mean slower healing.
- Your diet also plays an important role in controlling acne formation. This is specifically applicable to people who break out because of certain food products such as lactose, spicy food, sour food, oily food, etc. Keep away from such foods for a while and your acne treatment will be more effective.
Infographic: Active Ingredients That Work Effectively Against Acne
Acne can be a never-ending battle from teenage years to adulthood. Acne flare-ups are consistent, no matter what you do. Choosing the best acne kit with the right active ingredients can help treat acne even before it forms. Check out the below infographic to discover the active ingredients that can guard your skin against breakouts.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Acne is a common skin condition that is caused due to several reasons. Hormonal changes, puberty, oily skin, climatic conditions, and impurities in the skin’s pores cause acne and acne breakouts. But the best acne kits help eliminate acne and prevent further acne break out. If you are struggling to keep your breakouts under control, you should invest in kits that target acne-causing bacteria and reduce the oil and sebum buildup. Some kits provided in the article clear blemishes, while some eliminate whiteheads and blackheads besides treating acne. Consider the acne kits as per your skin concerns. The Proactiv Solution 3-Step System is great for sensitive skin, while the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Dermatological Acne Treatment is the best to refine the pores. If you are looking for a lightweight, hydrating formula for combination skin, try Paula’s Choice Clear Kit. However, restrain from using products that are not suitable for your skin type and always do a patch test.
Why Trust Stylecraze?
Kirtana Divakar produces well-researched reviews of skin care products. To collate this list of best acne kits, Kirtana has studied each product in detail. She has described each product’s compatibility and efficacy and listed its pros and cons. She has also included a buying guide on choosing the right acne kit. To help you make an informed choice, Kirtana has answered the frequently asked queries on acne too.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for Exposed acne treatment to work?
The Exposed acne treatment takes 2 to 5 weeks on average to clear up acne. However, it depends on the severity, skin type, and many other factors.
Does the Exposed acne treatment work for people of all ages?
Yes, the Exposed acne treatment is suitable for people of all ages, whether it is adult acne or teenage acne. It is also suitable for women as well as men.
How long does an acne treatment kit last?
This depends on the amount that each product packs and how much of the product you use. However, many brands state an estimate as to how long the kit may last.
Does Proactiv work on oily skin?
Proactiv has a range of products such as the Proactiv sensitive skin kit to address the issue of acne. It crafts different acne kits for different skin types. You can specifically look for an acne treatment kit that suits oily skin.
Do acne products actually work?
When you buy an acne product that suits your skin and works on the exact cause of your acne, you will notice reduced breakouts. To make it clearer— yes, acne products do work. However, make sure that you identify the cause of your acne such as hormonal imbalance, bacteria, excess oil production, etc., and buy a product that targets the problem.
Read full bio of Shawnda Dorantes
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