Top 5 Skincare Products for Acne-Prone Skin: Smukke House Picks and Why They Work

Our Tried-and-Tested Favourites for Clearer, Healthier Skin

By Megan Barker

If you’re struggling with breakouts, clogged pores, and post-acne marks, choosing the right actives can make a huge difference. Today we’re highlighting five standout products from Smukke House’s acne collection, and explaining why their key ingredients can help acne-prone skin. As with all new products and potent ingredients, perform a patch test first and add each new item to your routine one at a time.

1. Cosmedix Clarify Salicylic Acid Foaming Cleanser (AM/PM)

Key active: Salicylic acid (a beta hydroxy acid or BHA)

• Salicylic acid is lipophilic (oil soluble), which allows it to penetrate into clogged pores and help dissolve sebum and debris.
• It also has anti-inflammatory effects. 
• In clinical trials, 2% salicylic acid cleansers have been shown to significantly reduce acne lesion counts with good tolerability. 
• More broadly, observational studies of salicylic acid–based regimens show improvements in acne severity over 8 weeks.

Why we love this as a first step

Starting with a salicylic acid cleanser helps keep pores clear (a foundational step in acne skincare). Because this is a rinse-off product, it's gentler than leave-on acids but still helps manage acne and any related inflammation.

2. Neogenesis Mandelic Acid 8 Serum

Key active: Mandelic acid (an alpha hydroxy acid or AHA)

• Mandelic acid is a larger-molecule AHA that penetrates more slowly and uniformly than smaller AHAs, which can reduce irritation. 
• It exfoliates helping to loosen and shed plugs in follicles that may otherwise lead to acne. 
• Mandelic acid significantly reduces lipid production in cultured sebocytes, a characteristic not always seen with the more common glycolic acid. 
• Clinical studies (5% or 10% formulations) reported reductions in pustules, comedones, and inflammatory lesions with good tolerability. 

Why we love this exfoliant

Mandelic acid is a good mid-strength exfoliant for acne-prone skin, especially for those who find stronger AHAs/BHAs irritating. As a serum, it complements salicylic acid (which targets oil and pores) by promoting gentle exfoliation and barrier renewal.

3. Anfisa AN-Dew 10 Azelaic Acid + PHA Serum

Key active: Azelaic acid (and polyhydroxy acid or PHA)

• Azelaic acid has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and comedolytic properties, and is confirmed by dermatologists to be beneficial for acne.
• Case reports in adult female acne show azelaic acid is effective both for initial therapy and maintenance.
• Combining azelaic acid with small PHA (polyhydroxy acid) derivatives can provide gentle exfoliation and barrier-friendly action, optimizing tolerability.

Why we love this one-two punch serum

This product bridges the gap between exfoliation and active cell renewal. Azelaic acid is versatile: it helps with bacterial overgrowth, reduces inflammation, and can lighten post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

4. Truth Treatment Systems Retinol Spot Treatment

Key active: Retinol (a form of vitamin A / retinoid)

• Retinoids (including retinol) are first-line topical therapies for acne.
• Retinol helps improve skin texture.
• It’s supported by salicylic acid and antioxidants (vitamins C and E) to boost efficacy. 
• Retinol also helps with post-acne marks and skin renewal, which is useful in a spot-treatment format.

Why we love this spot treatment

Using retinol in a targeted spot format allows you to deliver its beneficial effects (cell turnover, unclogging of pores) without subjecting the entire face to irritation which is especially helpful during the initial “retinization” period. Combined with BHA and antioxidants make this a powerhouse treatment for stubborn spots.

5. Hydropeptide Retinol Routine Booster

Key actives: Retinol (with niacinamide or vitamin B3)

• The boosting approach means you can layer this retinol solution within a broader routine, gradually integrate it, or combine it with barrier-supportive ingredients.
• A clinical study showed that a regimen combining retinol and niacinamide (among other ingredients) not only improved acne outcomes but also reduced post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
• Niacinamide reduces oxidative stress, inflammation, and supports the skin barrier, all of which are helpful alongside retinol.

Why we love this as a complementary product

This retinol booster helps build toward a full-face retinol routine while minimizing irritation risk. When paired with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, it can deliver synergistic benefits (think retinoid effects, barrier support, and pigmentation control).

Tips for Building a Balanced Acne Routine

1. Start slowly,  especially with actives.

Introduce one active at a time (e.g. salicylic cleanser first, then mandelic serum a few nights per week, then azelaic serum, etc.). Give your skin 4–8 weeks to adjust before adding others.

2. Alternate rather than stack.

Avoid layering multiple strong exfoliants or retinoids in the same night. For example, use salicylic acid in the morning (if tolerated) or mandelic/azelaic acid on alternate nights, and retinol on other nights.

3. Always pair with a gentle, non-comedogenic moisturizer.

Actives can be drying or irritating. A supportive barrier helps your skin tolerate more aggressive ingredients.

4. Sunscreen is mandatory.

Many actives (retinol, acids) increase photosensitivity. Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily to protect your progress and prevent hyperpigmentation.

5. Be patient and consistent.

Most acne actives need 8–12 weeks to show significant improvement. Mark your baseline and don't be afraid to photograph periodically.

6. Watch for signs of irritation.

Monitor for signs of redness, stinging, and flaking. Scale back frequency or buffer with moisturizers if needed.

Suggested Routine by Smukke House Experts

Time	Step	Product / Purpose
Morning	Cleanse	Cosmedix Salicylic Foaming Cleanser
	Serum / Treatment	Anfisa AN-Dew 10 Azelaic Acid Serum
	Moisturizer (optional)	Lightweight, non-comedogenic
	Sunscreen	Broad-spectrum SPF 30+
Night (alternating)	Cleanse	Cosmedix Salicylic Foaming Cleanser
	Active Night A	Mandelic Acid 8 Serum
	Active Night B	Retinol Spot Treatment or Retinol Routine Booster

 

Adjust Active Night frequency (2–3 nights per week per active) based on tolerance.

For personalized recommendations about which of our acne collection products might work best for your unique skin, please reach out to our skincare experts for a consultation.