Your morning and night routine.
Every step is backed by published research, and every product links to where you can buy it.
Pregnancy-safe filter is on. Retinoids, hydroquinone, bakuchiol, high-% salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxide are excluded from this routine.
This routine is built to clear clogged pores and calm the bacteria behind breakouts, and to interrupt the pigment chain so surface marks fade over time. Each step works toward one of those goals.
For deeper skin tones, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation -- dark marks left by acne or injury -- is the most common type. The products below target this specifically.
Kills the bacteria that cause inflammatory acne. The first thing to reach for when you have red, painful pimples.
Give it about 12 weeks before you decide if it's working. That's how long the research says your skin needs to show real change for what you picked. Why.
Everything in this routine
7 products
$6.00Amazon
$5.00Amazon
$12.00Amazon
$25.00Amazon
$5.19Amazon
Sun protectionEltaMD UV Clear Tinted Face Sunscreen SPF 46$47.00Amazon
TreatmentSKIN1004 Spot Cover Patch$1.99Amazon
Prices are approximate. Browse all products · Affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Full disclosure.
- 1Cleanser✦ Best matchGood match
St IvesCleansing Stick Rose Water And BambooFair evidenceTargets your acne. Fair evidence, Lauric Acid a fatty acid from coconut oil with striking antimicrobial activity against acne bacteria.
Built to clear breakouts.
Alternatives
GentlerGood evidencePacificaFuture Youth Foaming Cleansing GelCalmer formula for reactive skin.
$14Amazon↗ - 2Toner✦ Best matchGood match
T.N. Dickinson'sWitch Hazel Alcohol-free Moisturizing AstringentFair evidenceTargets your acne. Fair evidence, Witch Hazel a botanical astringent backed by real anti-inflammatory evidence.
Built to clear breakouts.
Alternatives
- 3Essence1 active · 7 citations✦ Best matchGood match
RevolutionHyaluronic Essence SprayGood evidenceHyaluronic AcidGood evidence, Aloe Vera calms irritation and adds light hydration.
Alternatives
GentlerExcellent evidenceAPLBGlutathione Niacinamide Mist EssenceCalmer formula for reactive skin.
$15Amazon↗ - 4Serum8 actives · 63 citations✦ Best matchExcellent match
D'AlbaWhite Truffle Serum Supreme Intensive SolutionGood evidenceNiacinamidePropolisHeartleafTargets your acne and dark spots. Good evidence, Heartleaf a calming K-beauty botanical that's also antibacterial, so it pairs well for acne-prone, sensitive skin.
Built to clear breakouts.
Alternatives1/2
GentlerExcellent evidenceLove PotionTeatree Oil Vitamin C Glow Serum SignatureCalmer formula for reactive skin.
$40Amazon↗ - 5Moisturizer✦ Best matchGood match
SKIN1004Madagascar Centella Soothing Cream MiniExcellent evidenceExcellent evidence, Ceramides refills the natural barrier between your skin cells.
Alternatives
- 6SPF✦ Best matchExcellent match
EltaMDUV Clear Tinted Face Sunscreen SPF 46Excellent evidenceTargets your acne and dark spots. Excellent evidence, Niacinamide a multitasker that calms redness, evens out skin tone, and helps oily skin balance out.
Built to clear breakouts.
Alternatives1/2
GentlerExcellent evidenceInnisfreeDaily Mineral UV Defense SPF 45 Tinted Korean Sunscreen with Zinc OxideCalmer formula for reactive skin.
$22Amazon↗
What to expect
Week 1
Surface congestion starts clearing
Week 4
Fewer breakouts, more even skin
Week 12
Significantly clearer with controlled oiliness
How we pick these Ranked by peer-reviewed evidence, not sponsorship.
Not medical advice. GlowPal is educational. Patch-test new products and talk to a qualified healthcare professional before changing your routine, especially if you're pregnant, nursing, or have a diagnosed skin condition. See our terms.