We’ve all been there. Just when you get one breakout under control, something else pops up – and tackling it with harsh, abrasive ingredients often makes matters worse. Luckily, our experts have worked out how to incorporate powerful, blemish-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid and laminaria saccharina into a super gentle, yet effective, anti-blemish routine that'll help keep your skin in the clear.

But it’s not just skincare – our innovative Anti-Blemish Solutions range also includes makeup, so you can treat blemishes and breakouts at every step. What's more, thanks to the mattifying, clarifying properties of our targeted anti-blemish formulas, they are also a great addition to any skincare routine for oily skin or oily combination skin.

The best way to get, and keep, breakouts under control is with a consistent, non-irritating routine – even when your breakout clears up. Keep reading to discover our gentle yet potent skincare and makeup routine for blemish-prone and oily skin.

Any skincare routine for oily skin or blemish-prone skin would be incomplete without salicylic acid – a.k.a. a beta-hydroxy acid or BHA. Dr. David Orentreich, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, concurs: “This gentle chemical exfoliant is one of the most popular acne treatments for a good reason. It paves the way for clearer skin by removing dead skin cells that accumulate in your pores and encouraging cell turnover to help prevent future breakouts.”

Now that you know how beta-hydroxy acid works to fight blemishes, you’ll want to include it in one of the most important steps: cleansing. Our Anti-Blemish Solutions Cleansing Foam is our best cleanser for acne or blemish-prone skin because it’s specifically formulated with exfoliating ingredients like salicylic acid and acetyl glucosamine to help clear dead skin cells that can contribute to clogged pores. It's also packed with oil-controlling ingredients like laminaria saccharina extract to prevent blemish-causing oil build up, alongside anti-irritants like caffeine, sucrose, sea whip and kola nut extract to help soothe and calm any redness or inflammation. If you prefer a refreshing gel texture, try our Anti-Blemish Solutions Cleansing Gel.

To stay one step ahead of acne and blemishes, apply a gentle yet effective liquid exfoliator twice a day. Step 2 in our innovative clear skin system, our Anti-Blemish Solutions Clarifying Lotion is a great way to keep breakouts under control, without over-exfoliating, which can actually irritate and spread existing blemishes. This refreshing, mattifying formula instantly reduces excess oil and shine thanks to silica, ideal for an oily skin routine, while blemish-fighting exfoliators salicylic acid and acetyl glucosamine work to unclog pores and clear breakouts. It also sweeps away pore-clogging debris and dead skin, helping to prevent future blackheads and blemishes.

Treat existing breakouts and stay one step ahead of new ones with Anti-Blemish Solutions All-Over Clearing Treatment. This oil-free treatment moisturiser helps to hydrate, smooth and comfort skin while preventing future breakouts. It’s a common misconception that oily and blemish-prone skin doesn’t need a moisturiser – in fact, a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturiser will help to restore the oil balance in the skin and soothe any irritation caused by blemishes or potent acne treatments. This lightweight hydrator is expertly formulated with salicylic acid and other anti-blemish ingredients to help control the spread of spots, soothe irritation, prevent oil build-up and exfoliate dead skin cells that can contribute to clogged pores.

When you feel that tell-tale tingle, stop it in its tracks with Anti-Blemish Solutions Clinical Clearing Gel. This topical spot treatment floods active blemishes with exfoliating salicylic acid, oil-controlling laminaria saccharina extract, mattifying witch hazel and anti-microbial benzalkonium chloride. It helps to nix blemishes upon application, while preventing new ones from forming. Whether you experience the occasional spot or regular breakouts, this daily treatment gel is great to have on standby for instant action. Depending on your skin, you can either apply it as a thin layer to the entire face, or spot-apply on active blemishes. If you're using another all-over acne treatment, we'd recommend spot-applying this blemish gel to avoid any potential dryness.

At Clinique, we know how important it is to look after your skin at every step – including makeup. Dermatologist-tested and salicylic acid-powered, our newly reformulated Anti-Blemish Solutions Liquid Makeup is an extension of our most advanced blemish-correcting formulas. Designed for blemish-prone and oily/oily-combination skin types, this oil-free foundation helps cover, clear and prevent the look of blemishes with salicylic acid and soothing lactobacillus ferment. The lightweight formula instantly blurs pores and mattifies, blending away the look of blemishes with moderate coverage and a natural matte finish. 

Our derm-trained experts are at your service. Educated in partnership with our guiding dermatologists, our in-house experts are here to help you achieve your skin goals.

Equipped with diagnostic tools and education backed by dermatological science, our Clinical Consultants will help you create a bespoke skincare routine to deliver instant wins and results over time.

The team’s expertise, combined with our advanced dermatologist-developed formulas, will help you see a visible improvement in the look of common skin concerns including blemishes and breakouts. Book your Clinical Consultation today to get started.