If you’re new to skincare, a seasoned pro or need something for sensitive skin, we recommend The Ordinary Niacinamide and Zinc Serum. A high percentage of niacinamide helps reduce inflammation, minimize pores and brighten hyperpigmentation from former pimples, while zinc also reduces inflammation and keeps acne in check. This formula is great to wear under your daily moisturizer, and the price is hard to beat.

However, this serum has a tacky finish and it can make the skin appear shiny. We don’t recommend applying it after a chemical exfoliant or a day sun or frigid weather, because it may leave a slight burning sensation.

Looking for a classic, trusted acne serum that targets underground breakouts? Try the La Roche posay Acne Treatment Serum. It contains salicylic acid, a tough exfoliator that reaches deep into pores, glycolic acid, a gentle exfoliator that removes the top layer of dead skin cells and niacinamide, which brightens skin and reduces inflammation. We like that the concentration of salicylic acid (1.5%) is slightly weaker than normal, which may reduce skin sensitivity.

However, having multiple exfoliators in one serum means your skin needs to acclimate. We recommend applying this serum once every three days, and then applying more frequently if necessary. In addition, the product can increase your skin’s sensitivity and cause flaking and irritation on very sensitive skin.

Hoping for an acne serum with a well-balanced formula of exfoliators that won’t break the bank? Meet the e.l.f. Blemish Breakthrough Triple-Acid Resurfacing Serum. Designed for nighttime skincare, this product contains salicylic acid, tranexamic acid (a non-exfoliating acid that reduces inflammation and brightens skin) and lactobionic acid (a PHA that gently sloughs off dead skin cells). We like that it also has niacinamide to help further lower inflammation and tighten pores.

Note that this product (like other products that contain salicylic acid) may cause purging — when acne beneath the skin comes to the surface — so it can take a while for the skin to truly improve. Also, it may cause dryness and a burning sensation if your skin barrier is damaged.

If you’re looking for a simple acne serum that you can use everyday without irritating your skin, try the Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum. This 10% niacinamide solution helps gently exfoliate skin, reduce inflammation, even out skin tone and brighten hyperpigmentation left over from pimples. We like that the formula contains glycerin, which hydrates the skin and counteracts any dryness that niacinamide causes.

The downsides: This serum has a tacky finish and it can be drying, so make sure to apply moisturizer on top. Since it’s a weaker formula compared to serums that have chemical exfoliants, it may not clear out the pores as well as other products.

Blackheads, or tiny clogged pores, are difficult to get rid of because they contain deeply embedded dirt, oil and sebum. A strong chemical exfoliator that penetrates below the skin’s surface will be your best shot at getting rid of blackheads, which is why we recommend the Medik8 Press and Clear Exfoliating 2% BHA Tonic. A 2% concentration of BHA like this one can help clarify the skin in just one week. Plus, we like that the salicylic acid in this formula is capsulated, so it releases slowly into the skin. It’s a relatively gentle serum as a result.

However, this serum feels a little tacky, which some people may not like. This product is expensive, and a few customers have experienced quality issues when buying the item from Amazon.

The alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) lactic acid is one of the gentler chemical exfoliators out there, making it a good option for dry skin. The Ordinary Lactic Acid serum is the one we’d pick for people with dry skin and acne because it also contains hyaluronic acid, an excellent hydrator. Plus, it’s affordable.

The downsides: Though lactic acid is gentler than salicylic acid, it may still irritate sensitive skin and cause flakiness. This serum also has a slightly tacky finish (thanks to the hyaluronic acid).

If moisturizing serums feel too hydrating on your skin, consider a gel-based formula like the CeraVe Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment. This leave-on treatment is designed to reduce whiteheads, blackheads and future breakouts, and it may cause purging (when blind pimples come to the surface).

We like that this formula contains glycolic and lactic acids to help further exfoliate the skin and ceramides to protect the skin barrier. However, a few customers dislike the thick consistency and tacky finish, which takes a while to dry.

Skin that’s both dry and oily would benefit from a gentle salicylic acid product, and the Selfless by Hyram Salicylic Acid Serum fits the bill. It contains just 0.5% encapsulated salicylic acid, which slowly releases into the skin and irritates it less. The product also has succinic acid and niacinamide, which help reduce excess oil and the frequency of breakouts.

If you have cystic or hormonal acne, this product may not be strong enough to reduce your breakouts. It’s also expensive for the size (just one fluid ounce) and very watery, so it can be difficult to apply.

Is your skin easily irritated? If so, we recommend starting with a mild acne serum like the Selfless Mandelic Acid & Rice Bran Serum. Mandelic acid gently removes dead skin cells and smooths texture while phytic acid (rice bran) also helps exfoliate and reduce excess oil. This formula also contains 0.5 percent encapsulated salicylic acid 2.5% gluconolactone, a very mild PHA that helps the skin retain water.

Bear in mind that this product isn’t strong enough to clear a serious breakout, but it’s great for maintenance. It’s also expensive (though often on sale) and has a very watery consistency, like other Selfless serums.

If you struggle with both adult acne and maturing skin, we recommend Naturium’s Mandelic Topical Acid. The high percentage of mandelic acid (12%) penetrates skin throughout the day, exfoliating the top layer of cells and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also contains niacinamide which brightens the skin and reduces hyperpigmentation.

However, some buyers find the smell of this product offputting. This serum is also a little too strong for everyday use — we recommend using it every other day or once every two to three days.

Struggling to control breakouts on your back and chest? Try the Paula’s Choice Weightless Body Treatment. This serum contains 2% salicylic acid, which deeply exfoliates pores to help clear and prevent breakouts. It also contains vitamin E, chamomile and green tea to help reduce inflammation.

Since this product has a relatively high concentration of salicylic acid, it may cause irritation until your skin gets used to it. A few customers also disliked the product’s smell and price.

Adapalene, a vitamin A derivative, can help reduce the severity and frequency of breakouts over time by reducing swelling and inflammation and encouraging skin cell turnover. If you want to try adapalene, we recommend starting with the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Adapalene Gel.

Bear in mind that adapalene is a strong ingredient and may cause irritation and skin flaking during the first few uses. This product can also cause skin purging (which may be necessary, but is frustrating to deal with), and it’s expensive.

While retinol is best known for its ability to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, it can also help reduce acne. In a mild form like the Selfless Retinol and Rainbow Algae Serum, it’s great for frequent use to maintain clear, bright skin. We like that this serum contains encapsulated retinol, which is easier to tolerate, rainbow algae which helps diminish hyperpigmentation and squalane which hydrates.

The downsides: As with other Selfless serums, this one is runny and a little difficult to apply. It also has a shiny finish, though applying a moisturizer on top will diminish this. Note that mild forms of retinol may not be as effective at clearing serious breakouts.

Sometimes, the source of your breakout may simply be irritation and a lack of hydration. If this sounds like your skin (or you’re simply not ready to use chemical exfoliants), consider the Aveeno Calm + Restore Serum. The key ingredient, glycerin, quenches thirsty skin without clogging pores while oat helps reduce inflammation. If you have oily skin, this is also a great alternative to traditional moisturizers because it’s lightweight.

As with most dropper bottles, it’s difficult to get the last dregs of the serum out of the bottle with the dropper system. A few customers also experienced sensitivities to this serum, so be sure to do a patch test first (apply a small amount to the inside of your wrist and let it sit for 15 minutes).

Adapalene is a classic acne treatment for a reason — it targets deeply-embedded pimples and brings them to the surface. The Differin Acne Treatment Gel contains a medical-grade amount of adapalene to clear out the skin, though it’s still relatively tolerable. We like that this formula is water based, alcohol free and fragrance free to reduce the risk of irritation.

The downsides: While tolerable, this acne serum can still irritate the skin, so we recommend gradually incorporating it into your routine. (If your skin is very sensitive, consider applying a moisturizer first, then the treatment, and then another layer of moisturizer.) In addition, a few customers have received faulty bottles.