I tested three spot-clearing serums to help keep breakouts at bay – with one for every budget

The Irish Sun

02-08-2025

SUMMER is alway a sticking point for those of us with acne.
The sweaty, humid weather and heat-proof, long-wear make-up is a recipe for blocked pores.
So I've been testing spot-clearing serums to help keep breakouts at bay.
BUDGET
The Inkey List 360 skin clearing serum, £16 for 30ml,
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The Inkey List 360 skin clearing serum does exactly what it says on the tin
I am a huge Inkey fan. Founders Mark Curry and Colette Laxton are down-to-earth and never shy away from questions about the brand or the products they're creating, which is always a good sign.
This serum does exactly what it says on the tin, helping to control oil production, unclog pores and reduce post-breakout inflammation and scarring thanks to salicylic and lactic acid.
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Despite being lightweight, it also hydrates skin, thanks to the caring squalane, glycerin and panthenol.
It's a true all-rounder and unbelievably good value for money.
MID-RANGE
Clinique anti-blemish solutions clinical advanced clearing gel, £25 for 30ml,
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Clinique anti-blemish solutions clinical advanced clearing gel is one of the fastest-working blemish solutions I've ever tried
It has been a long time since I've used Clinique skincare. It was my mum's go-to brand when I was growing up, so there's something nostalgic and full circle about it entering my stash, even though she has a different skin type and uses different products.
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This is one of the fastest-working blemish solutions I've ever tried. It reduced the redness around my spots in under an hour and helped relieve the bruised feeling of those under-the-skin spots overnight.
It is the most drying of the three, so best for those with extremely oily skin, or paired with a hydrating oil-free moisturiser – but the results are worth the extra step.
See how GK Barry totally transformed acne-prone skin using 'snake shedding' method to go make-up free on I'm a Celeb
LUXURY
Murad biome-balancing clear & prevent blemish treatment serum, £45 for 30ml,
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Murad biome-balancing clear & prevent blemish treatment serum has become one of my favourite products from the brand
Murad was my go-to brand when my skin was at its worst and I keep a couple of products for when my skin plays up.
This serum is new and has become one of my favourite products from the brand. It has a gel-like texture that absorbs in seconds and doesn't leave an oily or sticky residue.
The combination of salicylic and mandelic acids is a super gentle way to slowly, but efficiently, slough away dead skin cells while also being antibacterial and reducing acne-causing bacteria at the same time. The salicylic acid also breaks down oil.
My skin felt softer from day one and I've definitely had fewer new breakouts since using it regularly.
PICK OF THE WEEK
I'VE found my summer holiday skincare hero. Enter Elizabeth Arden hyaluronic acid + peptides ceramide capsules hydra-plumping serum, £85 for 60 capsules.
The formula provides up to ten days of hydration and instantly plumps, which is great for dry, sagging, sun-soaked skin.
The capsule packaging reduces waste, provides the perfect dose for each application and keeps the formula potent for longer. Perfect helping my cabin-bag liquid allowance! Buy at John Lewis.