Which is the best clarifying serum? | Our top picks for your skin type
Recurring acne, scars, uneven skin texture or other blemishes can have an impact on your self-confidence. Around 1 in 20 adults over 25 struggle with acne and severe cases can leave marks on the skin. Clarifying serums use acids and other beneficial ingredients to help control acne and improve your skin tone and texture. You can avoid breakouts by using a clarifying serum daily if you have acne-prone skin or you can use it to treat spots once they appear. Many serums can help manage excess oil production and pore congestion for healthier-looking skin.
The first step towards clearing up persistent blemishes is choosing the right skincare products. Serums are popular for layering different active ingredients and can be highly concentrated to target your trouble areas. Discover our top picks for blemish-fighting serums below.
Click on the links below to jump to that section:
What ingredients target facial blemishes?
There are several types of skincare ingredients to look out for if you want clear skin. Generally, skincare acids are helpful for clearing dead skin cells and renewing your skin. There are two main types of exfoliating acids, AHAs and BHAs (Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids), the most common BHA used in skincare is salicylic acid. Common exfoliating AHAs include:
- Glycolic acid – useful for clearing sebum build-up
- Lactic acid
- Citric acid – helps exfoliate and protect your skin barrier
- Malic acid
- Tartaric acid – helps improve skin tone and texture, including improving fine lines
Other naturally occurring acids, such as succinic acid, mandelic acid, azelaic acid and glutamic acid, can serve as exfoliating factors and have other benefits for the skin such as acne reduction, skin barrier support or hydration. Look for ingredients like niacinamide, retinol or benzoyl peroxide in your skincare as these can have a clearing effect.
- Niacinamide – helps to minimise pores and regulates sebum production. Niacinamide also helps reinforce the skin barrier to help you maintain clear and glowing skin.
- Retinol – retinol boosts skin regeneration and turnover, fighting the signs of skin ageing including fine lines and wrinkles. Retinol also helps to improve skin complexion.
- Benzoyl peroxide – fights acne-causing microbes on the skin.
Choosing the best exfoliating serum – our top picks
Identifying exfoliating factors in your skincare is a good place to start with addressing blemishes, acne scars or marks. We recommend also looking for clarifying serums which can target several trouble areas at once for clear and healthy skin. The best serum is formulated to smooth the skin while maintaining balance, hydration and a healthy skin barrier.
At Meaghers, we stock some of the most popular clarifying serums, ideal for different skin types and concerns. Browse our top picks below to find your perfect serum.
1. La Roche Posay Effaclar Ultra Concentrated Serum (30ml)
This beloved serum is a miracle worker for acne and blemish-prone skin. Although concentrated, the acids in this product are gentle on even the most sensitive skin, so you can use this treatment daily. The tri-acid complex helps to exfoliate, smooth and mattify, while niacinamide helps to minimise pores and boost barrier function. Thermal spring water also helps maintain moisture balance in the skin.
Price: €40.00
Customer rating: 5/5
|
Benefits
|
Key ingredients
|
|
Possible downsides
|
2. Avene Clearance AHA Exfoliating Serum 30ml
If you’re looking for a natural skincare solution for blemish-prone skin, the Avene Clearance Serum is a fantastic choice. The acid serum contains only ten ingredients with over 99% natural origin. Acids, including succinic acid, lactic acid and glutamic acid, help to exfoliate, unclog your pores and smooth marks and blemishes. The formula is 1.5x more effective than salicylic acid for achieving smooth skin, with users seeing visibly clearer skin within ten days of using this serum.
Price: €32.00
|
Benefits
|
Key ingredients
|
3. Caudalie Vinopure Blemish Control Salicylic Acid Serum 30ml
This clarifying face serum is packed with natural-origin ingredients including salicylic acid and niacinamide which help to smooth out impurities, unclog pores and improve the skin’s natural radiance. A patented blend of grapeseed polyphenols and essential oils actively reduces the appearance of blemishes. Target blackheads, spots, acne scars or uneven texture with this skin saviour from Caudalie.
Price: €34.00
|
Benefits
|
Key ingredients
|
|
Possible downsides
|
4. CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum 30ml
This cream-gel serum is the perfect addition to your skincare regime if you want clear and nourished skin. It contains three essential ceramides to help maintain your skin’s barrier function and retinol for skin renewal. Niacinamide boosts your skin’s natural glow while minimising pores and excess sebum production. Liquorice root extract may help to inhibit dark spots and has anti-inflammatory benefits.
Price: €24.00
|
Benefits
|
Key ingredients
|
|
Possible downsides
|
5. Murad Blemish Outsmart Clarifying Treatment 50ml
This medicated acid serum uses antibacterial ingredients to reduce acne and prevent further breakouts. The Murad blemish control treatment is clinically proven to reduce blemishes in just 1 week, this powerful gel-like face serum clears the skin of acne-causing bacteria and reduces oiliness and clogged pores. Meanwhile, this face serum minimises dryness and irritation. The 50ml container allows you to treat specific trouble areas or use it all over the face – it's a miracle in a bottle.
Price: €53.00
|
Benefits
|
Key ingredients
|
|
Possible downsides
|
Finding a clarifying serum for your skin type
It can be challenging to find the perfect skin-clearing serum for your skin type so we explore our recommendations for products based on your specific skin needs.
For dry-to-combination skin, you should look for products containing hydrating factors such as hyaluronic acid and skin barrier-boosting ingredients such as niacinamide or ceramides. CeraVe’s Resurfacing Retinol Serum is the logical choice for drier skin as it contains niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and ceramides. For ultimate skin hydration, layer with a hydrating facial serum and choose a good moisturiser for dry skin
The acids and retinols commonly found in blemish-resurfacing can cause irritation and dryness, especially in those with sensitive skin. If you have particularly sensitive skin, choose more gentle acids and soothing formulas. Avene’s Clearance AHA Serum contains acids which gently lift blemishes without causing skin irritation. Moreover, thermal water helps to keep the skin balanced and nourished. Its minimal ingredients list is reassuring for those with sensitive skin. Always use an SPF while using an acid or retinol treatment if you have sensitive skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are clarifying serums suitable for all skin types?
Clarifying serums often contain acids, retinol, or ingredients which reduce sebum production. Although they help to reduce breakouts, they can have a drying effect. Those with dry or sensitive skin may want to avoid these ingredients or balance them with ultra-hydrating or soothing ingredients.
What is the best clarifying serum for oily skin?
Luckily, most clarifying serums are perfect for those with oily skin. Look for niacinamide and glycolic acid as these help to control sebum and oil production. We recommend La Roche Posay Effaclar Concentrated Serum as it contains both of these ingredients and helps keep skin clear.
What is the best clarifying serum for blemishes and acne scars?
A resurfacing serum is the best option for eliminating acne scars or marks as it unveils the deeper layers of the skin. Retinol and acids boost skin renewal, so we’d recommend CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum, which contains a balance of exfoliating, hydrating and barrier-strengthening ingredients for clear and glowing skin.
