Breakouts never come at a good time, which is why Medik8’s Blemish SOS should earn a permanent spot on all skincare shelves. The lightweight gel uses 2% salicylic acid to clear clogged pores, while azelaic and dioic acids help control oil and reduce post-blemish marks. Niacinamide keeps things calm and balanced, so you get great results without the dryness. It absorbs quickly, meaning it has an undetectable finish, making it ideal for wearing under makeup while it gets to work.

What our tester says: “Medik8 is one of my go-to skincare brands, and this treatment proves why. It works fast to calm redness and flatten spots without leaving my skin flaky or tight. I can use it in the morning, apply makeup as usual, and still feel confident it’s treating the breakout underneath.” – Shani Cohen, Glamour’s Beauty Commerce Writer (combination skin)

Best Toner: The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

Courtesy of brand

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

• Pros: Alcohol-free; affordable; large size can be used on face and body acne
• Cons: May be too irritating for nightly use as instructed on the package; stick to once a week at first

Acne-prone skin will benefit from a toner that contains glycolic acid, and this formula does the trick. “Glycolic acid gently exfoliates dead skin cells so they can’t mix together with the excess oil on the skin and create acne,” Angela Lamb, MD, an associate professor at Mount Sinai Hospital’s department of dermatology in NYC, previously told Glamour. The ingredient can also help smooth uneven texture, increase cell turnover, and fade acne scars.

What our tester says: “This toner is probably my favourite one I’ve ever tried. As someone who has oily skin, I usually have hormonal acne during my time of the month. The Ordinary toner literally made my pimple disappear within 24 hours—and that’s a first. It doesn’t have a strong alcohol smell like most toners, which made me feel like it was less harsh. It also didn’t feel like it was completely stripping my skin or drying it out. If you’ve got oily skin or sensitive skin, I’d definitely recommend this toner for everyday use,” says Glamour’s senior social media manager Jazmin Gathers.

Best for Acne Scars: Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel Pads

Courtesy of brand

Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel Pads

• Pros: Improves hyperpigmentation and texture; travel-friendly
• Cons: Can cause skin to peel or flake; plan accordingly

While scars won’t fade as fast as some of these treatments will flatten a pimple, these pads get the job done over time. “[They] combine salicylic acid and glycolic acid, offering both surface exfoliation and deeper pore-clearing benefits,” explains Dr. Downie. “They’re great for clogged pores, acne scars, dullness, active breakouts, and uneven tone.” Part one of the two-step system includes an acne-fighting peeling pad infused with AHAs and BHAs; part two is a pad infused with soothing, calming ingredients that help restore skin’s moisture levels.

What our tester says: “As a wee beauty intern, I was influenced by my first boss, who swore by these pads,” says Glamour’s senior beauty editor Ariana Yaptangco. “I was still in college and had no money, but I shelled out to try the DDG magic for myself and have been hooked ever since. The pads instantly smooth my skin, thanks to the exfoliating AHAs and BHAs, and my blemishes are noticeably smaller after each use. As an acne treatment, it’s just as effective at fading dark spots (or hyperpigmentation)—you just need to be patient with it.”

Best for Whiteheads: iNNBEAUTY PROJECT Pimple Paste

Courtesy of brand

iNNBEAUTY PROJECT Pimple Paste

• Pros: Especially helpful for large, raised, or painful pimples; vitamin C evens out skin tone
• Cons: Not ideal for dry or sensitive skin

Raise your hand if you’ve ever turned to a tube of Crest to diminish a pimple. Well, according to Dr. Downie, popular hacks like applying toothpaste to breakouts “can actually irritate the skin and make things worse.” Instead, reach for this paste that helps flatten painful, irritated pimples and fade dark spots from past acne.

What our tester says: “The thing that attracted me to this paste at first was the concept,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary. “It’s a bright blue formula that’s meant to evoke the idea of drying out pimples with toothpaste (a practice that’s highly frowned upon for good reason). The quirk of this product is not the only thing about it though; it actually works quite well at flattening and minimising pimple texture and redness. It has a blend of clay, sulfur, and willow bark to suck up excess oil, and every time I use it—particularly on my chin area where I have the most blemishes— it instantly mattifies and softens overnight.”

Best Mask: Topicals Clearly

Courtesy of brand

Topicals Clearly

• Pros: Controls all over oil and redness; gentle enough for dry and sensitive skin types
• Cons: Contains less than 1% synthetic fragrance; some reviewers do not like the naturally sulfurous smell