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7 Best Serums for Acne-Prone Skin in 2025

Synopsis

Finding the right skincare product for acne-prone skin can be overwhelming, particularly with the numerous options available on the market. This carefully curated list highlights the 7 best serums for acne-prone skin in 2025, featuring dermatologist-recommended formulas that fight breakouts, reduce scars, and improve skin texture. Backed by real user reviews and suited for various skin types, these picks are designed to help you achieve clearer, calmer and healthier skin.

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Dealing with acne-prone skin can be frustrating, especially when products promise results but only make things worse. In 2025, skincare science has taken a major leap forward, offering targeted serums that do more than just treat breakouts—they help prevent them, reduce inflammation, and fade post-acne marks.

Whether you're battling stubborn hormonal acne or occasional flare-ups, the right serum can transform your skin. Here is a list of the 7 best serums for acne-prone skin this year, backed by ingredients that work and real user results.

List of serums for acne-prone skin online


1. Dr Sheth's Centella & Niacinamide Serum


Dr. Sheth’s Centella & 10% Niacinamide Face Serum is a powerful yet gentle formula crafted especially for Indian skin. Infused with a high concentration of niacinamide, soothing Centella Asiatica, and oil-controlling Zinc PCA, it targets acne, reduces redness, and fades post-acne marks. This vegan, dermatologist-formulated serum absorbs quickly, hydrates effectively, and works well on oily, sensitive, and combination skin. Free from parabens, sulphates, and toxins, it helps even out skin tone while improving texture—making it an ideal choice for those struggling with persistent acne and irritation.
Specifications -
  • Skin Type: All (Oily, Combination, Sensitive, Normal)
  • Benefits: Hydrating, brightening, calming, acne-fighting
  • Item Form: Serum (Dropper Bottle)
  • Volume: 30 ml
  • Active Ingredients: 10% Niacinamide, 1% Zinc PCA, Centella Asiatica, Liquorice Extract
  • Features: Vegan, cruelty-free, non-toxic, quick-absorbing
  • Texture: Lightweight, smooth, non-sticky
Buy here - Dr Sheth's Centella & Niacinamide Serum

2. The Derma Co 2% Salicylic Acid Face Serum


The Derma Co 2% Salicylic Acid Face Serum is a potent, dermatologist-developed formula designed to tackle acne, blackheads, and clogged pores. With deep-penetrating nanotechnology, this lightweight serum exfoliates dead skin cells, unclogs pores, and reduces breakouts at the root. Enriched with Witch Hazel, it calms inflammation while refining the skin’s texture and tightening pores. Ideal for oily and acne-prone skin, it delivers visible results with consistent use. Though effective for many users, it may not suit extremely sensitive skin types. Fragrance-free and fast-absorbing, it’s a solid choice for clearer, smoother skin.
Specifications -
  • Skin Type: All (especially oily and acne-prone)
  • Benefits: Anti-acne, exfoliating, pore tightening, oil control, scar treatment
  • Item Form: Serum (Dropper Bottle)
  • Volume: 30 ml
  • Active Ingredients: 2% Salicylic Acid, Witch Hazel
  • Features: Fragrance-free
  • Texture: Lightweight, non-greasy, water-like
Buy here - The Derma Co 2% Salicylic Acid Face Serum

3. Mamaearth Skin Correct Face Serum With Niacinamide & Ginger Extract


Mamaearth Skin Correct Face Serum is formulated with 10% Niacinamide and Ginger Extract to target acne marks, scars, and enlarged pores. This lightweight serum helps reduce excess sebum production, improve skin texture, and even out skin tone while soothing inflammation. Known for its natural, toxin-free ingredients, it’s suitable for all skin types and ideal for those looking to minimize blemishes and refine their pores. Dermatologically tested and free from harmful chemicals.
Specifications -
  • Skin Type: All
  • Benefits: Fades acne marks and scars, reduces pores, improves skin texture, regulates sebum, anti-aging, hydrates
  • Item Form: Serum (Dropper Bottle)
  • Volume: 15 ml
  • Active Ingredients: Niacinamide (Vitamin B3+), Ginger Extract
  • Features: Natural, free from sulfates, parabens, petroleum, artificial preservatives & colors
  • Texture: Lightweight, quick-absorbing
Buy here - Mamaearth Skin Correct Face Serum With Niacinamide & Ginger Extract

4. The Derma Co Sali-Cinamide Anti-Acne Face Serum


The Derma Co Sali-Cinamide Anti-Acne Face Serum blends 2% Salicylic Acid and 5% Niacinamide to deliver a dual-action solution for acne and post-acne marks. Designed for oily and acne-prone skin, it effectively unclogs pores, reduces active breakouts, and fades discoloration. Powered by SEBOCYTINE for oil control and infused with calming ingredients like Cica and Allantoin, this serum also soothes redness and inflammation. Its lightweight, non-fragranced formula is free from parabens, dyes, and sulfates. While many users see visible results in a few weeks, some report increased oiliness or inconsistent glow benefits.
Specifications -
  • Skin Type: All (especially oily and acne-prone)
  • Benefits: Anti-acne, fades acne marks, oil control, anti-inflammatory
  • Item Form: Liquid Serum
  • Volume: 30 ml
  • Active Ingredients: 2% Salicylic Acid, 5% Niacinamide, SEBOCYTINE, Cica, Allantoin
  • Features: Free from parabens, sulfates, dyes, and mineral oils
  • Texture: Lightweight, non-greasy, fast-absorbing
Buy here - The Derma Co Sali-Cinamide Anti-Acne Face Serum

5. Dr. Sheth's Neem & Salicylic Acid Serum


Dr. Sheth's Neem & Salicylic Acid Serum is a potent formula designed to target active acne, blackheads, and open pores—especially for oily and acne-prone skin. With 2% Salicylic Acid and 1% Niacinamide, it exfoliates deep within the pores while controlling excess oil. Neem extract offers antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits, while Bamboo Water and Hyaluronic Acid soothe and hydrate. Encapsulated salicylic acid technology ensures gradual release for better results and minimal irritation. Though many users praise its acne-clearing ability and texture, some report a tingling sensation and mixed effectiveness depending on skin type.
Specifications -
  • Skin Type: Oily, Acne-Prone
  • Benefits: Exfoliates, reduces acne and blackheads, minimizes pores, controls oil
  • Item Form: Serum (Dropper Bottle)
  • Volume: 30 ml
  • Active Ingredients: 2% Salicylic Acid, 1% Niacinamide, Neem Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Bamboo Water
  • Features: Encapsulated salicylic acid, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory
  • Texture: Lightweight, absorbs well
Buy here - Dr. Sheth's Neem & Salicylic Acid Serum

6. The Derma Co 10% Niacinamide Face Serum with 2% Zinc


The Derma Co 10% Niacinamide Face Serum with 2% Zinc is formulated to target acne marks, dark spots, and uneven skin texture. Ideal for oily and acne-prone skin, this lightweight serum regulates sebum production, minimizes pores, and fades post-acne discoloration. With a fragrance-free and non-comedogenic formula, it's gentle on sensitive skin while delivering visible results in 3–6 weeks. Zinc complements niacinamide by calming inflammation and fighting breakouts.
Specifications -
  • Skin Type: All (especially oily and acne-prone)
  • Benefits: Scar reduction, anti-acne, pore minimizing, oil control, skin brightening
  • Item Form: Serum (Dropper Bottle)
  • Volume: 10 ml
  • Active Ingredients: 10% Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), 2% Zinc
  • Features: Fragrance-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free, dye-free
  • Texture: Lightweight, quick-absorbing, non-greasy
Buy here - The Derma Co 10% Niacinamide Face Serum with 2% Zinc

7. Aqualogica Radiance+ Concentrate Niacinamide Face Serum with Watermelon


Aqualogica Radiance+ Concentrate Niacinamide Face Serum is a glow-boosting, hydrating solution designed for all skin types—especially those with dark spots, blemishes, and dullness. Infused with niacinamide, watermelon extract, and hyaluronic acid, it helps fade acne marks, reduce pore visibility, and brighten skin. Its lightweight, non-sticky texture absorbs quickly, leaving skin smooth and plump. Natural fruit extracts and antioxidants add to its skin-rejuvenating properties. While many users praise its glow-enhancing and hydrating benefits, a few have reported mild irritation or redness. Cruelty-free, vegan, and toxin-free, it suits both oily and dry skin.
Specifications -
  • Skin Type: All (especially oily, dry, and dull skin)
  • Benefits: Fades acne marks, dark spot correction, hydrates, controls oil, tightens pores, brightens skin
  • Item Form: Serum (Dropper Bottle)
  • Volume: 30 ml
  • Active Ingredients: Niacinamide, Watermelon Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Aquaporin
  • Features: Fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, cruelty-free, vegan, natural, antioxidant-rich
  • Texture: Lightweight, non-sticky, fast-absorbing
Buy here - Aqualogica Radiance+ Concentrate Niacinamide Face Serum with Watermelon

FAQs about serum for acne prone skin


Q1. Which serum is best for treating active acne?

Ans. If you're dealing with active breakouts, The Derma Co 2% Salicylic Acid Serum and Dr. Sheth's Neem & Salicylic Acid Serum are strong options. Both contain 2% Salicylic Acid, a powerful BHA that penetrates deep into pores to unclog and reduce acne. For added antibacterial support, Dr. Sheth’s version includes Neem Extract.

Q2. Which serum is most effective for acne marks and dark spots?

Ans. The Derma Co 10% Niacinamide Serum with 2% Zinc and Mamaearth Skin Correct Face Serum are top choices for fading acne scars and pigmentation. Both feature niacinamide as the hero ingredient to reduce inflammation, brighten skin tone and fade discoloration.

Q3. Which product is best for oily skin and large pores?

Ans. The Derma Co Sali-Cinamide Anti-Acne Serum stands out with its dual power of 2% Salicylic Acid and 5% Niacinamide, plus SEBOCYTINE for oil control. It’s designed specifically for oily, acne-prone skin and helps minimize enlarged pores.
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