Try These Serums If You Have Hormonal Acne

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

If you're dealing with hormonal acne, you're probably pretty sick of it by now. Hormonal acne comes in all shapes and sizes, and can occur from puberty into adulthood. Dependent on hormonal fluctuations in the body, it ranges from whiteheads, to blackheads, to deep cysts. Hormonal acne occurs when your skin produces too much sebum, clogging pores, but is also linked to bacteria and a build-up of dead skin cells (via Cleveland Clinic). Quite common, 50% of women in their 20s and 25% of women in their 40s deal with hormonal acne at least once in their lifetime. So while the condition is difficult to deal with, you're not alone. Even better — there are countless ways to treat it and superhero products that will get rid of it stat.

So, what do you need to combat hormonal acne? Well, you have tons of options. Dermatologist Dr. Michele Green explained to Bustle, "In terms of ingredients, products containing the following are great for acne-prone skin: alpha hydroxy acids [like glycolic acid], salicylic acid, retinol, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and dimethicone." Meanwhile, she recommends avoiding oil-based serums, which can make acne worse. Dermatologist Dr. Andrea Tomizawa told Marie Claire that benzoyl peroxide and azelaic acid work wonders, especially in dealing with pore inflammation and increases in sebum. With so many choices, you might be left wondering what the magic combination is for you. Not to fret — we've found the best serums for hormonal acne available and divided them up to fit your needs.

On the other side of the equation, you have the luxury options — aka serums that are practically liquid gold and will make every night feel like a spa experience in itself. These serums may hurt your wallet, but will make your skin dewy, moisturized, and acne-free. Plus, these alternatives combine hard-to-find ingredients that are downright opulent.

Skinceuticals' Silymarin CF Serum ($166) is a dermatologist-favorite, science-based product that, to put it quite simply, works. Just like Dr. Michele Green recommended to Bustle, this serum is completely oil-free and is pumped with salicylic acid for gentle chemical exfoliation and unclogging pores, L-absorbic and ferulic acids for an injection of antioxidants that will give you a glow, and silymarin, or milk thistle, which works to ward off free radicals from damaging your skin. Dermatologist Dr. Andrea Tomizawa also suggested this serum to Marie Claire as a perfect option for hormonal acne sufferers who want something seriously mattifying to combat oil and something that makes their skin look lit from within.

Another pricey-but-fantastic option is Vintner's Daughter's Active Botanical Serum ($185), a natural alternative made out of 22 botanicals like rosehip oil, lemon peel oil, sea buckthorn extract, and turmeric to deliver brightening power and fight acne while hydrating, too. This is an unbeatable option for mature skin, or anyone dealing with skin dryness along with pimples. As per Camille Styles, this is a surefire part of any luxe hormonal acne routine.

This category is for anyone who wants a J.Lo-esque glow, which might just make people stop you on the street. If you want all the healthy radiance you can get, you need an amazing vitamin C serum in your life that also works to fight hormonal acne at the source. Sound like an impossible task? We found the two best vitamin C-infused serums for major brightness and no pimples in sight.

SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF ($166) is arguably the best vitamin C serum on the market, recommended by dermatologists all over the world for its mega-potent antioxidant powers. Phloretin comes from apples and works as a chemical exfoliant to clean out pores, even-out dark spots, and shield skin from environmental pollutants, while ferulic acid works scientifically to enhance its effects (and delivers antioxidants, too). 10% pure vitamin C in the form of L-absorbic acid is one of the best anti-aging ingredients out there, which will make your skin plump and soft. This is great for all skin types, and as per WWD, is just the thing for hormonal acne scars.

We also love COSRX's Triple C Lightning Liquid ($27), a much cheaper alternative that's just as good — and super-charged with even more vitamin C. As per The Cut, this serum is amazing for hormonal acne, particularly in dealing with discoloration. With a whopping 20.5% vitamin C, this will make you glow, working to hydrate the skin with black chokeberry.

While most of these formulations include nature-found components like arnica, aloe, thyme, or lemongrass, you might want something that is made completely out of natural ingredients instead. No matter your concern, if you prefer plant-based products that are gentle on skin but are still seriously effective, we've found the best hormonal acne serums that are picked fresh from the harvest.

You will love InstaNatural Niacinamide 5% Face Serum ($15.97), an option that makes our hearts flutter with its super-clean, straight from the earth ingredient list. If you don't want an ingredient list you can't pronounce, this is it. It includes components like skin-calming aloe vera, hydrating olive fruit oil, avocado oil, rosemary extract, calming lavender, and healing vitamin E for brightening hyperpigmentation and getting rid of hormonal acne scars quick and easy. This option is tailor-made for sensitive skin types that want to keep things plant-based. Dr. Michele Green told Bustle that the niacinamide in it "fights acne by reducing inflammation and dark spots. With its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, niacinamide also helps to treat active breakouts." The best of all worlds.

If you want to go the more expensive route, Tata Harper's Resurfacing Serum ($92) is a plant-based serum combining potent, all-natural sources of vitamin C, AHAs and BHAs for gentle chemical exfoliation that really works. Recommended to Vogue by dermatologist Dr. Corey L. Hartman, this serum is loaded with rare ingredients like bilberry lactic acid, kakadu plum, and cupuacu butter.

While we've been through several hormonal acne serums that include salicylic acid in their formulations, you might prefer to keep it simple. If you're interested in high-quality, dermatologist-approved serums that contain salicylic acid and little else, we've uncovered unbeatable products that need just a few ingredients to be supremely effective at treating your pesky, frustrating acne. Plus, both are oil-free.

One option we'll always go back to for its ingredient list and price is Mario Badescu's Anti-Acne Serum ($20), which comes in a refreshing, cooling gel formula you'll love applying onto skin after a hot shower. Hero ingredients salicylic acid and thyme work to reduce inflammation, increase skin cell turnover, and make your face glow from within. You'll notice less pimples cropping up, and calmer, more balanced skin overall. Water-based, light, with a short ingredient list, You Beauty recommends this product for unclogging pores and keeping acne at bay. It's also amazing as an overnight spot treatment, which saves product, too.

Another more luxe option is SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense ($92), a science-backed alternative that combines powerful salicylic acid with natural dioic acid to reduce excess oil, so you can say goodbye to shiny T-zones for good. Glycolic and citric acids act as a potent anti-aging duo, exfoliating and cleaning pores while plumping fine lines seamlessly. This is fantastic for dark spots and hyperpigmentation caused by hormonal acne, while the salicylic acid will stop it from forming in the first place. 

It's no secret that sensitive skin is difficult to deal with, and can feel like a full time job on off-days. If you're dealing with hormonal acne as you also deal with rashes, rosacea, or dermatitis, life can feel difficult at the moment. In fact, you might be treading lightly with buying new products in case you make your flare-ups worse. Not to worry, we've found hormonal acne serums that are tailor-made for sensitive skin and are still effective at fighting pimples.

A K-beauty favorite we can't get enough of, Beauty of Joseon's Glow Serum ($14.89), is recommended by The Cut as a perfect moisturizer for anyone dealing with hormonal acne. This is great layered on after a good cleanse and applying an AHA or BHA, and can be paired with a thick moisturizer, especially in the winter months. This works as an "emulsion" that keeps your skin from producing excess sebum, won't cause breakouts, and is truly gentle. Containing zero artificial fragrances, parabens, sulfates, alcohol, or silicones, this serum was created to calm irritation, using honey propolis for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, plus turmeric and niacinamide for brightening.

Similarly, Avene's Cleanance Concentrate Blemish Control Serum ($28) is almost as wallet-friendly and just as effective to treat irritation and breakouts. Recommended by Vogue as a top-tier hormonal acne treatment for sensitive skin, this water-gel formula simply contains thermal spring water and simple plant-based extracts — a pared-down approach to skincare.

Another crucial component when thinking about serums for hormonal acne is hyaluronic acid, a sugar created by our own bodies that keeps skin hydrated and 1,000 times its weight in water (via Harper's Bazaar). While hormonal acne might be your primary concern, even those with excess oil should worry about hydration, especially so your skin doesn't overreact and create more sebum. Ahead, find the best acne-fighting hyaluronic serums available.

As recommended by Goop to treat hormonal acne naturally, True Botanicals' Clear Repair Serum ($140) is an overnight treatment that's light yet deeply hydrating. Hyaluronic acid is mixed with ingredients like green and white tea extracts, pumpkin seed oil, olive-derived squalane, seaweed, olive extract, vitamin C, and rosemary. Plant-based, this is a hydrating serum that helps heal scarring and prevent new pimples from forming. As per Goop, this is a fantastic addition to any hormonal acne preventative routine, especially when feeling extra dry or irritated. Just apply at night and wake up with glowy skin — easy.

Osea's Hyaluronic Sea Serum ($88) is another incredible option, and works with similar plant-based ingredients to refine and moisturize skin. As recommended by Camille Styles, it also features seaweed extracts for all the possible hydration — even if you pulled an all-nighter or had too many tequila shots the night before. The red and brown algae in the formula are seriously anti-aging to boot.

Who doesn't love a good drugstore buy? We love strolling through the aisles at our local CVS or Walgreens, perusing the skin care and makeup section for way longer than we should. There's just something about drugstore beauty that feels extra fun. Not just the prices are generally lower, but even the packaging feels more colorful and exciting. While not everyone will understand the beauty of drugstore skincare buys, if you do, we've found the best hormonal acne serums you can most likely pick up today.

Bliss's Clear Genius Clarifying Toner + Serum ($12.97) is a must-have, especially if you want a cost-effective product that works double duty. Both a toner and serum, this cooling gel-like formula delivers clearer, soothed skin in two weeks, bringing together exfoliating salicylic acid, toning witch hazel for balancing oil production, pore-tightening niacinamide, and zinc for soothing irritation and fighting existing pimples. Meanwhile, cica, willow bark extract, and tea tree oil all work to make skin feel refreshed and nourished at the same time. This vegan option is recommended wholeheartedly by Bustle for its effects on hormonal acne, its brightening properties, and "deep-clean" feel.

Lastly, Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum ($15.32) is a hormonal acne go-to for a reason, with an oil-free, non-comedogenic formula that will never clog pores or exacerbate acne. The gentle serum is deeply moisturizing and perfect for sensitive skin, with fans loving the simple ingredient list.