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.
Ranked by clinical study count -- not brand partnerships.
This routine is built to clear clogged pores and calm the bacteria behind breakouts, pull water into your skin and lock it there with barrier ingredients, and to signal your skin to rebuild collagen and slow how fast it thins. Each step works toward one of those goals.
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
$5.97Amazon
MoisturizerBenton Snail Bee High Content Lotion$16.89Amazon
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 matchExcellent match
St IvesCleansing Stick Rose Water And BambooGood evidenceTargets your acne and dryness. Good evidence, Glycerin a workhorse hydrator that pulls water into your skin.
Built to clear breakouts.
Alternatives
GentlerGood evidencePacificaFuture Youth Foaming Cleansing GelCalmer formula for reactive skin.
$14Amazon↗ - 2Toner✦ Best matchExcellent match
T.N. Dickinson'sWitch Hazel Alcohol-free Moisturizing AstringentGood evidenceTargets your acne, dryness and anti-aging. Good evidence, Aloe Vera calms irritation and adds light hydration.
Built to clear breakouts.
Alternatives
- 3Essence2 actives · 13 citations✦ Best matchGood match
RevolutionHyaluronic Essence SprayGood evidenceHyaluronic AcidGlycerinTargets your dryness. Good evidence, Aloe Vera calms irritation and adds light hydration.
Built to deeply hydrate.
Alternatives
GentlerExcellent evidenceAPLBGlutathione Niacinamide Mist EssenceCalmer formula for reactive skin.
$15Amazon↗ - 4Serum7 actives · 57 citations✦ Best matchExcellent match
Good MoleculesNiacinamide Serum 10% for Blemishes and Pore Minimizing (30ml)Excellent evidenceNiacinamidePropolisHeartleafTargets your acne, dryness and anti-aging. Excellent evidence, Niacinamide a multitasker that calms redness, evens out skin tone, and helps oily skin balance out.
Built to clear breakouts.
Alternatives
GentlerExcellent evidenceLove PotionTeatree Oil Vitamin C Glow Serum SignatureCalmer formula for reactive skin.
$40Amazon↗ - 5Moisturizer3 actives · 17 citations✦ Best matchExcellent match
BentonSnail Bee High Content LotionExcellent evidenceCeramidesSqualanePanthenolTargets your acne, dryness and anti-aging. Excellent evidence, Niacinamide a multitasker that calms redness, evens out skin tone, and helps oily skin balance out.
Built to clear breakouts.
Alternatives1/2
- 6SPF✦ Best matchExcellent match
EltaMDUV Clear Tinted Face Sunscreen SPF 46Excellent evidenceTargets your acne and anti-aging. 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 evidenced'albaPiedmont Italian White Truffle Waterfull Mild Mineral Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++Calmer formula for reactive skin.
$30.15Amazon↗
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.