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.
A few things for reactive skin
- Patch-test each new product on your inner arm for 24 hours before applying to your face.
- Introduce one new active at a time. For example, start Allantoin every other night for two weeks before using it nightly.
This routine is built to clear clogged pores and calm the bacteria behind breakouts, and to cool inflammation and strengthen the barrier so skin reacts less. 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 8 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
$23.99Amazon
$15.00Amazon
$5.97Amazon
$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 matchExcellent match
St IvesCleansing Stick Rose Water And BambooFair evidenceTargets your acne and redness. Fair evidence, Lauric Acid a fatty acid from coconut oil with striking antimicrobial activity against acne bacteria.
Built to clear breakouts.
Alternatives
GentlerFair evidencePacificaFuture Youth Foaming Cleansing GelCalmer formula for reactive skin.
$14Amazon↗ - 2Toner✦ Best matchExcellent match
MedihealTeatree Trouble PadGood evidenceTargets your acne and redness. Good evidence, Tea Tree Oil a natural acne spot-treatment that kills the bacteria behind red, painful pimples.
Built to clear breakouts.
Alternatives1/2
- 3Essence2 actives · 12 citations✦ Best matchExcellent match
APLBGlutathione Niacinamide Mist EssenceExcellent evidenceBeta-GlucanHyaluronic AcidTargets your acne and redness. Excellent evidence, Niacinamide a multitasker that calms redness, evens out skin tone, and helps oily skin balance out.
Built to clear breakouts.
Alternatives
Budget · $3 lessGood evidenceRevolutionHyaluronic Essence SprayTargets your redness. Good evidence, Aloe Vera calms irritation and adds light hydration.
$12Amazon↗ - 4Serum7 actives · 47 citations✦ Best matchExcellent match
Good MoleculesNiacinamide Serum 10% for Blemishes and Pore Minimizing (30ml)Excellent evidenceNiacinamidePropolisHeartleafTargets your acne and redness. Excellent evidence, Niacinamide a multitasker that calms redness, evens out skin tone, and helps oily skin balance out.
Built to clear breakouts.
Alternatives
GentlerGood 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 redness. Excellent evidence, Niacinamide a multitasker that calms redness, evens out skin tone, and helps oily skin balance out.
Built to clear breakouts.
Alternatives1/2
GentlerGood 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.