10 Best Serums for Acne-Prone Skin in the Philippines 2026 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist
Serums are a great choice for individuals with acne-prone skin as they provide a concentrated dose of active ingredients. This targeted approach helps address specific skin concerns and allows for quicker visible improvements.
We know that there's a multitude of options for serums for acne-prone skin, and choosing the best one can be overwhelming. Let's put an end to that today, as we have a buying guide with insights from Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz and our top 10 product recommendations from Lazada and Shopee. Now, let's get started!
Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz is the face behind Ask Your Derma. She is a board-certified dermatologist in Metro Manila. She is also an educator and digital creator on all things skin, hair, and nails. She is a Diplomate of the Philippine Dermatological Society and offers online video consultations. You can also catch her on her Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube channel.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Why You Can Trust Us
Every mybest article is crafted with hours of in-depth research and interviews with experts. Each month, we are continually expanding our database of products based on our research. By emphasizing user insight and reliable information, we deliver trustworthy content to readers.
Can Serums Effectively Treat Acne Marks and Remove Acne Scars?
Fortunately, the good news is that serums can effectively address post-acne marks with the right ingredients and consistent use. Think of them as powerful, targeted treatments that penetrate deeper than moisturizers to help fade stubborn marks.
Patience is key. Results can take 3 months or longer, depending on factors like mark type, skin tone, and product strength. But with diligent application and the right serum, you can see a noticeable improvement in the appearance of your post-acne marks.
How to Choose a Serum for Acne-Prone Skin - Buying Guide
Choosing the right serum for acne-prone skin involves a thoughtful consideration of its formulation. To learn more about what to look for, read our buying guide with insights and tips from Dr. Katrina Luz.
Look for Ingredients That Can Effectively Address Acne-Prone Skin Concerns
The active ingredients in your serum are the stars of the show since they are what make your serums work well for you. Remember to check what the bottle contains to see if the serum will truly be able to address acne-prone skin.
Target Active Pimples With Salicylic Acid (BHA), Benzoyl Peroxide, Azelaic Acid, and Niacinamide
If you have some active pimples or a few breakouts that you’d like to target, consider serums with the following ingredients:
- Salicylic acid - a lipid-soluble BHA, making it an attractive ingredient for oily and/or acne-prone skin. It has the ability to penetrate inside pores and remove oil and debris, clearing existing acne and preventing new ones.
- Benzoyl peroxide - a potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredient that can effectively target pimples. Since it is potent, some users may experience initial irritation or peeling, so it’s best to steer clear or start low and slow if you have sensitive skin.
- Azelaic acid - a much gentler alternative to benzoyl peroxide. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and can also help lighten post-acne marks.
- Niacinamide - helps regulate oil production, preventing clogged pores and minimizing breakouts. It can also help strengthen the skin barrier.
Using too many active ingredients addressed for acne-prone skin should be avoided. Too many actives can lead to excessive drying of the skin and/or peeling/ flakiness. Definitely, a good moisturizer should come hand in hand with a serum targeted for acne-prone skin.
Fade Acne Marks or Other Hyperpigmentation Using Vitamin C, Niacinamide, and Glycolic Acid
Struggling with stubborn dark spots or uneven skin tone? Discover the ingredients that fade acne marks and lighten hyperpigmentation for a clearer, more even complexion:
- Vitamin C - a potent antioxidant that brightens the skin. It inhibits melanin production, effectively lightening dark spots for a more even complexion. It also has collagen-boosting properties that can help minimize the appearance of scars.
- Niacinamide - reduces the production of melanin, fading existing marks and also prevents new ones from forming,
- Glycolic acid - a gentle chemical exfoliant (AHA) that promotes cell turnover, revealing brighter skin. It also helps stimulate collagen production and hydrates the skin, too.
AHAs such as glycolic acid work as great exfoliants. Did you know it reduces unwanted discoloration, stimulates collagen production, and hydrates the skin, too? BHA, like salicylic acid, is another mainstay in acne treatment, given its ability to reach deeper into those pores.
Reduce Redness and Inflammation With Niacinamide, Azelaic Acid, Cica, and Tea Tree Oil
If you’re looking to tame the redness and inflammation that comes with acne, ingredients with soothing properties are your best bet. Here are the best soothing ingredients for acne-prone skin:
- Niacinamide - a form of vitamin B3, which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe redness and irritation of the skin.
- Azelaic acid - calms irritation and reduces bacteria that contribute to the redness of the skin.
- Cica - a natural ingredient with anti-inflammatory and barrier-strengthening properties. It calms and soothes the skin, promoting skin faster healing of inflammations.
- Tea tree oil - has natural antiseptic properties that target acne-causing bacteria and soothe inflamed pimples, reducing redness.
Get a Water-Based Serum for Lighter Texture and Hydration Boost
In general, people with acne-prone and oily skin types would not only be able to benefit more but also generally tolerate water-based serums better.
Proper hydration is crucial for oily and acne-prone skin, as dehydration can trigger the skin to produce more oil, exacerbating breakouts. Unlike oil-based serums, water-based serums can provide balanced hydration without clogging the pores or adding shine.
To check whether a serum is water-based, look at the ingredients list. Check whether water (aqua) is at the top of the ingredients list or look for water-soluble ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, niacinamide, AHAs like glycolic acid, and vitamin C. Also, make sure that there are no heavy oils like mineral oil, jojoba oil, or coconut oil.
Remember, acne-prone skin-targeted products are potentially drying, so having ingredients with hydrating effects like hyaluronic acid and glycerin can help balance that out. I also highly recommend applying a moisturizer after your serum.
Start With a Low Percentage of Serum to Avoid Skin Irritation
When it comes to the concentrations of ingredients, higher is not always better! Keep in mind that the higher the concentration, the more likely it can irritate the skin.
Serums are more concentrated products with active ingredients. While this can make it more effective, it can also increase the risk of irritation, redness, drying, or stinging. Thus, it's important to identify the concentration of the serum's active ingredients.
For newbies, remember to do it low and slow. Opt for lower concentrations first and gradually increase the concentration as your skin tolerates the ingredient. Here are some of the ingredients effective concentration levels:
- Niacinamide - 2-10%
- Salicylic acid - 0.5-2%
- Benzoyl peroxide - 2.5-5%
- Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)- 10-20%
- Glycolic acid - 5-10%
A very important consideration, aside from the concentration, is the other active ingredients in one's skincare routine. Some actives that shouldn't be mixed include retinoids and exfoliating acids, amongst others.
10 Best Serums for Acne-Prone Skin to Buy Online
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Details | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Key Ingredients | Texture | Best for | Free From | ||||
1 | La Roche-Posay Effaclar Serum |  | Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, LHA | Lightweight | Active Pimples, Oily Skin, Acne-Prone Skin, Hyperpigmentation | Parabens | |
2 | AXIS-Y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum |  | Niacinamide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Squalane, Botanical Extracts | Gel-like Consistency, Lightweight | Hyperpigmentation, Redness, Acne-Prone Skin, Sensitive Skin, All Skin Types | Fragrance, Parabens, Artificial Colorants | |
3 | CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum |  | Niacinamide, Encapsulated Retinol, Licorice Root Extract | Lightweight | Hyperpigmentation, Acne-Prone Skin, Oily Skin, Sensitive Skin | Fragrance, Parabens | |
4 | COSRX The Niacinamide 15% Serum |  | Niacinamide, Zinc PCA, Allantoin, N-Acetylglucosamine | Lightweight | Active Pimples, Oily Skin, Acne-Prone Skin, Hyperpigmentation | Fragrance, Alcohol, Parabens | |
5 | Premium Skin 10% Niacinamide + Hyaluronic Face Serum |  | Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Lactomoist, Aloe Vera Extract, Tomato Extract, Witch Hazel Extract, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Phenoxyethanol | Lightweight, Watery | Hyperpigmentation, Oily Skin, Acne-Prone Skin, All Skin Types | Parabens, Alcohol | |
6 | Dermorepubliq 5% Niacinamide + Hyaluronic Acid Serum |  | Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, Aloe Vera Extract, Cucumber Extract, Snail Secretion Filtrate, Allantoin | Lightweight, Gel-Like Consistency | Sensitive Skin, Redness, Hyperpigmentation, All Skin Types | Fragrance, Parabens, Alcohol, Artificial Colorants | |
7 | Skintific Lactic Acid Skin Renewal Exfoliating Serum |  | Lactic Acid (AHA), Zinc PCA, Ceramides, Centella Asiatica | Lightweight | Active Pimples, Oily Skin, Acne-Prone Skin, Redness | Fragrance, Alcohol | |
8 | SOME BY MI AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Serum |  | Niacinamide, Salicylic Acid (BHA), AHA, Tea Tree Oil, Centella Asiatica | Watery, Lightweight | Active Pimples, Oily Skin, Acne-Prone Skin, Redness | Parabens, Artificial Colorants | |
9 | The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% |  | Niacinamide, Zinc | Watery, Lightweight | Oily Skin, Acne-Prone Skin, Hyperpigmentation, All Skin Types | Fragrance, Alcohol, Parabens, Artificial Colorants | |
10 | Paula's Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster |  | Niacinamide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ascorbyl Glucoside | Lightweight | Hyperpigmentation, Redness, Oily Skin, Acne-Prone Skin, All Skin Types | Fragrance, Parabens, Alcohol, Artificial Colorants | |
| Key Ingredients | Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, LHA |
|---|---|
| Texture | Lightweight |
| Best for | Active Pimples, Oily Skin, Acne-Prone Skin, Hyperpigmentation |
| Free From | Parabens |
| Key Ingredients | Niacinamide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Squalane, Botanical Extracts |
|---|---|
| Texture | Gel-like Consistency, Lightweight |
| Best for | Hyperpigmentation, Redness, Acne-Prone Skin, Sensitive Skin, All Skin Types |
| Free From | Fragrance, Parabens, Artificial Colorants |
| Key Ingredients | Niacinamide, Encapsulated Retinol, Licorice Root Extract |
|---|---|
| Texture | Lightweight |
| Best for | Hyperpigmentation, Acne-Prone Skin, Oily Skin, Sensitive Skin |
| Free From | Fragrance, Parabens |
| Key Ingredients | Niacinamide, Zinc PCA, Allantoin, N-Acetylglucosamine |
|---|---|
| Texture | Lightweight |
| Best for | Active Pimples, Oily Skin, Acne-Prone Skin, Hyperpigmentation |
| Free From | Fragrance, Alcohol, Parabens |
Premium Skin 10% Niacinamide + Hyaluronic Face Serum
| Key Ingredients | Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Lactomoist, Aloe Vera Extract, Tomato Extract, Witch Hazel Extract, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Phenoxyethanol |
|---|---|
| Texture | Lightweight, Watery |
| Best for | Hyperpigmentation, Oily Skin, Acne-Prone Skin, All Skin Types |
| Free From | Parabens, Alcohol |
| Key Ingredients | Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, Aloe Vera Extract, Cucumber Extract, Snail Secretion Filtrate, Allantoin |
|---|---|
| Texture | Lightweight, Gel-Like Consistency |
| Best for | Sensitive Skin, Redness, Hyperpigmentation, All Skin Types |
| Free From | Fragrance, Parabens, Alcohol, Artificial Colorants |
| Key Ingredients | Lactic Acid (AHA), Zinc PCA, Ceramides, Centella Asiatica |
|---|---|
| Texture | Lightweight |
| Best for | Active Pimples, Oily Skin, Acne-Prone Skin, Redness |
| Free From | Fragrance, Alcohol |
| Key Ingredients | Niacinamide, Salicylic Acid (BHA), AHA, Tea Tree Oil, Centella Asiatica |
|---|---|
| Texture | Watery, Lightweight |
| Best for | Active Pimples, Oily Skin, Acne-Prone Skin, Redness |
| Free From | Parabens, Artificial Colorants |
| Key Ingredients | Niacinamide, Zinc |
|---|---|
| Texture | Watery, Lightweight |
| Best for | Oily Skin, Acne-Prone Skin, Hyperpigmentation, All Skin Types |
| Free From | Fragrance, Alcohol, Parabens, Artificial Colorants |
| Key Ingredients | Niacinamide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ascorbyl Glucoside |
|---|---|
| Texture | Lightweight |
| Best for | Hyperpigmentation, Redness, Oily Skin, Acne-Prone Skin, All Skin Types |
| Free From | Fragrance, Parabens, Alcohol, Artificial Colorants |
Frequently Asked Questions Answered by Dr. Katrina Luz
Looking for more answers to your skin woes? We've got you covered! Read below for expert advice on how to stay on top of your skincare game.
What to Do Before Buying a Serum?
It's always a good idea to consult your board-certified dermatologist of choice before incorporating new products into your skincare regimen. So many factors come into play in selecting products that would suit each individual's skin and skin concerns—and they would be in the best position to give you advice.
Is It Better to Use a Different Serum in the Morning and at Night?
You can definitely maximize the benefits you get from certain ingredients incorporated into serums by applying them at a particular time of the day. For instance, applying vitamin C in the morning enables you to maximize its antioxidant properties, which help reduce UV-related sun damage.
Aside From Using Serums, What Else Can You Do to Care for Acne-Prone Skin?
Moisturizers are equally important as they can help restore the natural barrier of the skin. Also, some of the serums containing retinol and/or AHAs or BHAs can be slightly drying, so adding a moisturizer would balance these effects out.
What Are Some "Don'ts" When Using Serums for Acne-Prone Skin?
Don't overdo it! Most of the time, people want a quick fix or immediate results. The best results come with patience and consistency.
Skincare Essentials for Acne-Prone Skin
If you want to get soft, smooth, and blemish-free skin, an anti-acne serum isn't enough. You need to build a solid skincare routine to address acne and maintain clear skin, so check out our other articles below for the best products that can help you.
10 Best Face Washes for Acne in the Philippines 2026 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist
10 Best Moisturizers for Acne-Prone Skin in the Philippines 2026 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist
10 Best Toners for Acne-Prone Skin in the Philippines 2026 | Buying Guide Reviewed By Dermatologist
10 Best Sunscreens for Acne-Prone Skin in the Philippines 2026 | Buying Guide Reviewed By Dermatologist
How We Chose and Ranked Our Product Recommendations
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
