Get Your Acne Fix With 37 Best Creams, Spot Treatments And Cleansers

Banish those breakouts for good! We rounded up the most popular facial washes, spot treatments, facial masks, and serums for clearing and preventing acne. So if you’re searching for the best pimple cream in Singapore or an affordable serum that can fade those acne marks, check out our comprehensive list.

How Does Pimple Cream Help?

2 words: active ingredients. The only way to treat active acne is to use a product that contains a specific active ingredient. These tend to target and treat pimples, soothe redness and irritation and promote wound healing. Additionally, active ingredients provide other benefits such as being antibacterial and packed with antioxidants.

Some active ingredients that you might be familiar with seeing in many pimple-treating products are:

Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl Peroxide sounds scary but that’s only when you’re dealing with a high percentage of it. Within skincare products, you will find its strength ranging from 2.5% to 10%. It is incredibly effective as it is known for not only treating acne but also preventing it due to its antibacterial properties.

Salicylic Acid

This ingredient is better known as Beta-Hydroxy acid (BHA) which is a highly effective chemical exfoliant. It will burrow deep into the skin and clear out bores that when congested can lead to acne and breakouts.

Alpha-Hydroxy Acid (AHA)

Similar to BHAs, Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHA) is a well-known chemical exfoliator. It removes the outermost layer of the skin that includes excess oil, dead skin cells and grime to reveal healthy, smooth skin. Common AHAs you’ll see in skincare are Glycolic and Lactic Acids.

Niacinamide

This incredibly popular ingredient seems to be popping up everywhere for very good reasons. Niacinamide is known for balancing oil production and its soothing properties to reduce inflammation. It also promotes skin regeneration that will help to unveil clear, healthy skin.

Top 37 Pimple Treatments

1. Dermedics MESOACNE 

The Dermedics Mesoacne is a serum that is formulated for oily and combination skin that always forms pimples, blackheads as well as whiteheads. Also, this serum is ideally suited for those with irritated skin that has acne problems as well as post-acne pigmentation. This soothing serum helps reduce inflammation, and itching as well as regulate sebum production in your skin. Not only that, but this serum by Dermedics also minimises the appearance of enlarged pores as well as restores the balance of your skin. Even though it is on the pricier side, its effects do give justice to its price!

Why we love it:

• Formulated for oily and combination skin
• Help reduce inflammation, itching and regulate sebum production on skin
• Promotes minimises pores and restores the balance of the skin

Price: $299.00

2. Herbal Pharm Clearogen Set

The Clearogen Set by Herbal Pharm is an introductory acne-fighting kit that will pave your way to much clearer and radiant skin. When you purchase this set, you’ll be getting a month’s supply of products. Not only that, this FDA-approved product is in travel sizes which makes it perfect for you to carry it with you even when you’re travelling. Additionally, the main aim of this kit is to restore the natural beauty of your skin one step at a time. Also, this dermatologist-formulated product cleanses your skin inside out from all the dirt, grime and residues that lead to acne.

Why we love it:

• Promote clearer and radiant skin
• Fight acne skin
• Dermatologist- formulated product

Price: $55.00

3. Jill Lowe Acne Recovery Concentrate

The Acne Recovery Concentrate from Jill Lowe is an innovative and potent anti-acne serum with powerful anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties for fast and scarless healing. This is a recommendable product especially for those whose been battling with acne and acne-scar problem. The formulation inside the serum features powerful active ingredients like micro silver and azamide to heal blemished skin, and restore your skin to its natural, flawless condition. It is a light and refreshing serum that penetrates deeply for a soothing acne recovery treatment. We suggest you apply this serum everyday after cleansing and toning.

Why we love it:

• Contains anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory property
• Reduce the appearance of scar
• Promote smooth and clearer skin

Price: $138.00

Where to buy: Jill Lowe Official Website | Robinsons

4. Labos Clear+ Blemish Corrector

Labos Clear+ Blemish Corrector is a one-of-a-kind and potent formulation that heals infected pimples and blemishes. It fights inflammation and microbial activity to prevent the formation of blemishes without causing peeling, irritation, or redness. It effectively and instantly removes pimples and blemishes from your face. 

The new and improved formula contains powerful ingredients such as 100% Natural & Pure Salicylic Acid, which helps to fight inflammation, regulate excess sebum, and minimise enlarged pores. Together with the natural herb Mexican mint, it aids in the removal of dead cells, blackheads, and whiteheads as well as the tightening of pores. The outcome can be visible as early as 48 hours.

For first-time purchases from Labos’s official website, enter the promo code PROMOBI50 to receive a 50% storewide discount.

Why we love it:

• Feature active ingredients such as niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
• 100% Natural & Pure Salicylic Acid Mexican Mint (Indian Borage)
• Contains Camphor Hyaluronic Acid
• Formulated for acne-prone, combination, and normal skin
• Get rid of pimples and blemishes in 48 hours

Price: $35 (30ml)

Where To Buy: Beauty Bank | Shopee | Lazada

5. Ice’s Secret Acne & Pore Oligopeptide Complex Serum

If you have enlarged pores, acne and excess sebum, get Ice’s Secret Acne & Pore Oligopeptide Complex Serum. Why? Not only is this serum the Beauty & Wellness Awards Winner for Best Skincare Care 2022, but it also won Best Acne Care and Beauty Insiders’ Choice. What’s more, is that this serum features a revolutionary formula that helps prevent and reduce acne redness or inflammation. Furthermore, it also helps clean out clogged pores, heal cystic acne, repair skin cells and minimise enlarged pores. At the same time, it also regulates cell metabolism and collagen production. Thus, improving and hydrating moisture retention in the skin. 

Why we love it:

• Combat acne and excess sebum
• Help prevent redness and inflammation
• Helps heal and clean out clogged pores
• Improves and hydrate moisture retention in the skin

Price: $98.00

Where to buy: Ice’s Secret

6. Thursday Plantation Tea Tree Daily Face Wash

This award-winning face wash by Thursday Plantation is a soap-free face wash and a foaming cleanser that has anti-bacterial properties derived from Australian Tea Tree Oil. In addition to that, it is also infused with chamomile to help soothe your skin that is inflamed with acne. What’s more is that this range of products by Thursday Plantation does not contain any trace of synthetic parabens, sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), sodium lauryl ether sulphate (SLES) or any other kinds of harsh detergents. They also take pride in not conducting animal testing.

Why we love it:

• Help soothe the inflammation of skin
• Free of synthetic parabens, SLS, SLES, and other harsh ingredients
• Free of animal cruelty

Price: $18.35

Where to buy: Guardian Singapore

7. Académie Purifying Concentrate IZ-17

Académie Purifying Concentrate IZ-17 features a high concentration of active ingredients to effectively combat signs of blemishes, acne and imperfections on the skin. Enhanced with Iris-zinc complex and hypoallergenic active ingredient, it easily absorbs into the skin and leaves you with a flawless-looking complexion. The Académie Purifying Concentrate IZ-17 helps to soothe inflammation and dry out the pimple instantly. It features a roll-on design to easily apply the product to the targeted area. Simply use this product consistently and you will see visible results.

Why we love it:

• Effectively combat signs of blemishes, acne, and imperfections on the skin
• Enhances skin complexion
• Hypoallergenic

Where to buy: Académie Scientifique de Beauté official account

8. La Roche Posay Effeclar Duo

Many dermatologists recommend this drugstore acne cream, and it’s also won awards from Teen Vogue, Allure, Instyle and more! It’s clinically proven to improve acne within 3 days! It unclogs pores with benzoyl peroxide and micro-exfoliating acids and then lightens acne marks and blemishes with ceramides. It’s oil-free, non-comedogenic, and hypo-allergenic.

Why we love it:

• Clinically proven to improve acne skin within three days
• Non- comedogenic, lightens acne marks and blemishes
• Free of oil, and hypoallergenic

Price: $32.17

Where to buy: Watsons

9. Curel Sebum Care Moisture Gel

This is one of the best pimple creams in Singapore to use in the morning! It has mattifying ingredients to prevent excess oil and future breakouts, while eucalyptus extracts control redness and inflammation. It won’t dry out your skin, too – in fact, the ceramides strengthen your skin barrier so your skin can retain moisture better.

Why we love it:

• Prevent excess oil and future breakouts
• Control redness and inflammation
• Helps strengthen skin barrier, and retain moisture

Price: $34.99

Where to buy: Watsons

10. BeKind Microsilver Acne Treatment

You can count on this BeKind Microsilver Acne Treatment to fight acne, heal scars and prevent future breakouts. This treatment is a lightweight yet potent anti-acne spot treatment cream that effectively treats acne-prone skin. It is specially formulated with powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredients 

Why we love it: 

• Formulated with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredients
• Fight acne, heal scars and prevent future breakouts.
• Suitable for all skin types

Price: $ 98.00

Where to buy: My Cozy Room

11. Hada Labo Blemish Oil Control Hydrating Lotion

If you don’t want a really sticky, heavy cream then this light Japanese lotion is a good alternative! Its hatomugi and chamomile extracts repair the skin and balance your complexion while leaving your skin very soft and supple. Apply after using an acne mask, or before applying a serum or cream.

Why we love it:

• Non- sticky and lightweight
• Repair the skin and balance skin complexion
• Promote soft and supple skin

Price: $22.90

Where to buy: Watsons

12. Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Prescription Strength Retinoid Acne Treatment

Dr. Samer Jaber, celebrity dermatologist says, “Differin should be the first OTC product someone with cystic acne should use.” It contains retinoids and adapalene, which are clinically proven to decrease inflammation, prevent new acne, and fade discolouration. It’s expensive but effective. Just make sure to use SPF, since the ingredients can make you more sensitive to sun damage. One of the best pimple creams in Singapore for cystic acne.

Why we love it:

• Helps decrease the inflammation, and fade discolouration
• Prevents growth of acne
• Formulated to combat cystic acne

Price: $64.16

Where to buy: Lazada

13. Human Nature Acne Defense Solution Gel

This 100% natural pimple cream contains tea tree oil and other plant extracts to fight pimples without any peeling or irritation. It’s clinically proven to reduce oiliness and redness, and treat mild to moderate acne.

Why we love it:

• Non- irrirating, and non- peeling
• Clinically proven to reduce oiliness and redness
• Gentle to the skin

Price: $16.90

Where to buy: Human Nature SG

14. COSRX Centella Blemish Cream

Influenster reviews gave it an average of 4.3 stars. “This cream leaves my skin nice and soft while taking care of most of my acne.  The fact that is a pimple cream and not a patch means I can use it in various areas and not run out of product,” said one review.

The Centella Asiatica extract is also a gentler alternative to Benzoyl peroxide and retinoids – making it the best pimple cream in Singapore for people with very sensitive skin. It not only fights bacteria but minimizes scarring.  

Why we love it:

• Gentle to the skin
• Heals blemishes and acne scar
• Advanced formula to reduce acne, leaving skin nice and soft

Price: $30.90

Where to buy: Watsons

15. Dear Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Cream

Apply this acne cream on red, inflamed areas like your forehead, cheeks and chin. The Gualazulene and Centella Asiatica extracts will help reduce swelling and redness and penetrate deep into your skin to help the cells regenerate. While it won’t clear out pimples, it will help your skin recover quickly after a breakout.

Why we love it:

• Contains gualazulene and centella asiatice extracts
• Helps reduce swelling, inflammation, and redness
• Fast healing after breakout

Price: $29.50 (Original price $32.90, saved 10%)

16. Clean & Clear PersaGel

If you’re on a tight beauty budget, put it into buying the best acne cream in Singapore. “Benzoyl peroxide is often prescribed for handling cystic acne, but the concentration in topical creams or gels is more effective,” says dermatologist Ross S. Levy, of CareMount Medical and the director of dermatologic surgery at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

Luckily, one of the best acne creams in Singapore is less than $10! Clean & Clear Persagel has 10% Benzoyl peroxide, which can shrink even the toughest cystic acne.

Why we love it:

• Top value product
• Contain 10% benzoyl peroxide
• Help to strengthen the skin and shrink stubborn cystic acne

Price: $9.80

Where to buy: iHerb

17. Pyunkang Yul Acne Cream

This gentle pimple cream has the consistency of a gel moisturizer, so it doesn’t feel sticky and is absorbed quickly. It’s made of natural plant extracts like willow bark that fight inflammation, redness and infection, and Centella Asiatica extract for healing.

Why we love it:

• Gentle to the skin, and healing effect
• Non-sticky, and fast absorption
• Combat inflammation, redness, and infection

Price: $9.50

Where to buy: Hush

18. Peter Thomas Roth AHA/BHA Clearing Gel

The potent combination of AHAs and BHAs clears out pores and renews the skin surface, so your skin is also clearer, smoother and younger-looking. This is one of the best pimple creams in Singapore if you also want to simultaneously tone and brighten your skin. It can make your skin sensitive to the sun, so use it at night.

Why we love it:

• Powerful combination: AHAs and BHAs
• Promotes clearer, smoother, and younger-looking skin
• Enhances tones and brightens skin

Price: $44.50

Where to buy: StrawberryNet

19. Labottach Sleepy Moon Cheek Patch

This is the best acne drying patch for large breakouts on the cheek area. Instead of covering each zit one by one, you just apply the moon-shaped mask. Each box contains a matching pair for your left and right cheek.

Why we love it:

• Design for large breakouts on the cheek area
• Contains matching pair for left and right sides
• Travel- friendly

Price: $16.00 for two pairs

Where to buy: Redmart

20. CosRX Master Pimple Patch

This bestselling Korean acne treatment is both affordable and effective! For less than $6, you get a back of 24 different-sized pimple patches. These clear stickers contain ingredients that dry up pimples and prevent infection. Korean skincare site Sokoglam gave it 4.5 stars!

Why we love it:

• Best value product
• Per packaged contains 24 different-size pimple patches
• Dry up pimples, and prevent infection

Price: $4.00 (Original price $5.50, saved 27%)

21. Thursday Plantation Tea Tree Blemish Gel

This very affordable spot treatment can dry up the biggest pimples in days! It uses pure Australian tea tree oil, which fights infection and inflammation. You can also apply it on your nose and cheek to prevent blackheads and whiteheads. At just a little over $11 – which will last you for several months – it’s a great beauty bargain!

Why we love it:

• Best value product
• Fights infection, and inflammation
• Contains tree oil, and prevent blackheads, and whiteheads

Price: $10.50

Where to buy: Guardian

22. Neutrogena On-The-Spot Drying Treatment

This acne drying treatment contains a small but effective dose of benzoyl peroxide – just enough to shrink your pimple, but not enough to irritate your skin. If you tend to get pimples on your forehead or chin, or they only appear during that time of the month, this is one of the best acne creams in Singapore for you! It won’t irritate your skin, but it will fix those annoying breakouts fast.

Why we love it:

Price: $11.90

Where to buy: Lazada

23. Mentholatum Oxy 10

If you have severe cystic pimples that don’t respond to other spot treatments, reach for this high-concentration acne cream. It has 10%  benzoyl peroxide, a power dose that’s 3 to 4 times higher than most over-the-counter products. Just be sure to apply it only where you need it, and use a good serum and moisturizer to counteract drying and irritation. One of the best pimple creams in Singapore for value for money, too!

Why we love it:

• Contains 10% benzoyl peroxide
• Helps counteract drying, and irritation on the skin
• Formulated for stuborn acne

Price: $8.40

Where to buy: Watsons

24. Mario Badescu Drying Lotion

No list of acne drying treatments would be complete without this cult favourite! It has over a thousand reviews on Sephora Singapore, numerous beauty awards from Allure, Cosmopolitan, Teen Vogue and InStyle, and mentioned by hundreds of beauty bloggers! Just pick up some of the pink powder with a cotton bud and apply generously on your pimples, then leave overnight. For best results, apply on pimples before they get infected.

Why we love it:

• Helps dry-acne, anti- inflammatory, and take eliminate redness
• An overnight treatment
• Help shed pore-clogging, and dead-skin cells

Price: $36

Where to buy: Sephora

25. Innisfree Bija Spot Trouble Spot Essence

If you have sensitive skin, then try this gentle Korean spot treatment made from natural extracts. It uses bija and nutmeg oils from Jeju Island to treat inflammation and repair skin. This is best for small pimples or applying on blemish-prone areas to prevent breakouts. It’s gentle enough to be used every day, and the clear formula can be worn under makeup.

Why we love it:

• Gentle to the skin
• Suitable with sensitive skin
• Treat inflammation , prevent breakouts, and repair skin

Price: $25.00

Where to buy: Innisfree

26. Sunday Riley U.F.O. Ultra-Clarifying Face Oil

Prevent blackheads, whiteheads and pimples with this skin-purifying oil. It contains tea tree oil and black cumin seed oil to keep your skin clear, and hexylresorcinol and liquorice to fade acne marks. It even has milk thistle and cucumber seed oil to fight dullness and fine lines.

Why we love it:

• Prevents blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples
• Helps to fades acne marks, and keep skin clear
• Combat dullness, and fine lines

Price: $59.00

Where to buy: Sephora

27. Avene Cleanance Cleansing Gel Soap-Free

Does your skin feel tight and dry after aggressive acne treatments? This gentle formula is made especially for oily and acne-prone skin, but won’t strip away moisture or make your skin sting or feel tight. Use this soap if you’re using acne products with retinol or acids, which can dry out your skin.

Why we love it:

• Formulated for oily, and acne-prone skin
• Retain moisture, and non-irrirating
• Gentle to the skin

Price: $30.50

Where to buy: Guardian

28. Suisai Beauty Clear Powder

This award-winning Japanese acne wash contains two kinds of enzymes and amino acids that gently clear pores and break down sebum. We like how the powders are packaged in capsules. Just wet your face, empty a capsule into your palm and add a little water, and rub your hands until you get a rich lather.

The capsules prevent the enzymes from breaking down (so they’re more effective) and they’re easy to carry around in your beauty or travel kit.

Why we love it:

• Gently clear pores, and break down sebum
• Powders are pack in convenient size capsules
• Travel- friendly

Price: $27.00

Where to buy: Watsons

29. DR GL Cleanser Acne

Finally, an all-in-one face and body wash that can fight acne! It contains almond extracts that soothe redness and fight acne-causing bacteria. “I have other acne products I use at home, but I bring this to the gym and when I travel, because it’s more convenient — and smells really good too!” says one review. You just need to rinse it off really well, adds another reviewer. “It doesn’t cause irritation, unless you weren’t able to wash it all off. It’s very pure, so I notice it works better when you mix it with water in your palm before applying.”

Why we love it:

• All-in-one: face and body wash combatting acne
• Contains almond extracts
• Soothing inflammation, and kills acne-prone bacteria

Price: $128.00

Where to buy: Sephora

30.Dear Klairs Gentle Black Deep Cleansing Oil

Made especially for acne-prone skin, it contains non-comedogenic three black oils — black bean oil, black sesame oil and black currant seed oil – which are packed with antioxidants to heal and strengthen irritated, damaged skin. Your skin is clean but hydrated, but not greasy. Influenster reviews gave it 4.3 stars.

Why we love it:

• Contains black bean oil, black sesame oil, and blackcurrant seed oil
• Antioxidants, healing, and strengthening damaged skin
• Hydrating, and non- comedogenic

Price: $23.10

Where to buy: Guardian

31. Troiareuke Acsen Oil Cut Cleansing Oil

One of the best pimple creams in Singapore for oily and acne-prone skin! The micro-sized oil particles are suspended in a gel, so it doesn’t feel sticky or heavy. They also penetrate deep into your pores to break down oil, dirt, dust and makeup. Papaya extract helps lighten acne marks, while aloe vera and soapwort reduce inflammation.

Why we love it:

• For oily, and acne-skin prone
• Non- sticky formula, and lightweight
• Deep cleanse pore, and reduce inflammation

Price: $49.00

Where to buy: Lazada

32. Vichy Purete Thermal Pore Purifying Clay Mask

Once a week, deep-clean your pores with this powerful combination of kaolin and bentonite clay. It also has thermal water from the volcanic regions of Auvergne, France – known for being pure and rich in minerals that can strengthen your skin. It got 4.2 stars on Makeup Alley and 4.4 stars on Influenster. Reviewers say that aside from cleansing, it brightens and invigorates your skin. “It gives it back that clean, radiant, just out from the beauty salon look,” says one review.

Why we love it:

• Powerful ingredients: kaolin, bentonite clay, and thermal water from volcanic regions(Auvergne, France)
• Help strengthen skin
• Deep-clean purificator pores

Price: $29.00

Where to buy: Shopee

33. Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Clay Mask

Treat your skin once a week to this popular Korean mask! It draws out all the dirt and oil that’s sitting in your pores. It got 4.2 stars on Makeup Alley, with reviewers saying that it’s less irritating than other clay masks. “Unlike the Aztec mask, my skin doesn’t feel dry and somehow this mask doesn’t crack and pull at my skin after it dries! As an oily skin type, it is critical to keep it hydrated so it doesn’t go into oil production overdrive and this is a lifesaver!”

Why we love it:

• Intensively draw out dirt and oil from pores
• Promote nourishing, and moisturise skin
• Cools skin upon contact

Price: $20.00

Where to buy: Innisfree

34. Kate Somerville EradiKate Mask

If you want an acne mask but hate the mess of clay masks, this one’s for you. It goes on like a gel, and then turns into a creamy foam that’s easy to wash off. The key ingredient, colloidal sulfur, sucks out dirt and sebum from your pores, while honey and rice bran extract heal the skin.  

Why we love it:

• Drained dirt, and sebum from pores
• Heal the skin
• Contains honey, rice bran extract, and colloidal sulfur

Price: $82.00

Where to buy: Sephora

35. Lush Mask of Magnaminty

One of the most refreshing acne masks! It has kaolin clay and peppermint oil that draws out impurities and kills bacteria. Your skin feels clean and cool – perfect on a hot day! Ground adzuki beans gently exfoliate, while honey fights infection and replenishes moisture.

Why we love it:

• Features kaolin clay, and peppermint oil
• Combat impurities, and kills bacteria on skin
• Rejuvenating, and replenishes moisture

Price: $50.00

Where to buy: Lush

36. Pixi Glow Tonic

This has over 4,000 Influenster reviews and an average 4.5-star rating. The glycolic acid melts dead skin cells and deep-cleans pores, preventing acne and fading acne marks. It even tightens your pores and (over time) reveals a radiant, clear complexion.

Why we love it:

• Promotes deep-clean pore, and melt dead skin cells
• Prevent acne, and eliminate acne marks
• Enhance skin complexion, and tighten pores

Price: $48.00

Where to buy: Sephora

37. CosRx One Step Original Clear Pimple Pad

These award-winning exfoliating pads contain betaine salicylate and willow bark water to gently dissolve dead skin cells. You can use them on your face and for body acne, too!  A Sokoglam review, from someone who said she had very dry and sensitive skin, says that these pads are great for healing pimples faster and keeping her skin clear. Pair them with the best pimple cream in Singapore to keep cystic pimples under control.

Why we love it:

• Gently dissolve dead skin cells
• Keep cystic pimples under controls
• Healing pimples faster, and nourishing

Price: $19.90 (Original price $23.90, saved 17%)

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