As someone who struggles with acne, I’ve spent a lot of time testing different treatments in search of what actually works.

Serums and targeted treatments are usually my first choice, so these reviews are based on long-term use—months, and in some cases, years. Here are my honest thoughts on a few acne products I’ve consistently used and observed results from.

<h3>1. Topicals Faded Brightening & Clearing Serum — 9.5/10</h3>

This serum made a visible difference in my skin tone surprisingly fast. Within about a week, my complexion looked more even and calmer overall. It’s especially helpful for leftover marks after breakouts. The scent is definitely unique and not my favorite, but the results easily outweigh that downside.

<h3>2. The Inkey List Succinic Acid Treatment — 6/10</h3>

This one didn’t do much for my active breakouts, but it wasn’t a total miss. I noticed it helped reduce redness and made blemishes look a bit less angry. I see this more as a spot-soothing product rather than a strong acne treatment.

<h3>3. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum — 10/10</h3>

This is a staple I always come back to. It’s affordable, easy to layer, and surprisingly hydrating. Over time, it helped calm my acne and keep my skin more balanced. It’s not an overnight fix, but with consistent use, the improvement is undeniable.

Acne is incredibly personal, and no product works the same for everyone. These treatments each serve a different purpose, and long-term use really makes a difference when judging results. If you’re building an acne routine, focusing on consistency and patience is just as important as the products themselves.