What's In My Jar

Acne & Pores Playbook

Clear up breakouts and minimize pore appearance with targeted actives.

This playbook is for you if you have:

  • Active breakouts or frequent pimples
  • Visible blackheads and clogged pores
  • Oily or combination skin

Keep in mind:

  • Don't over-dry your skin – it can worsen breakouts
  • Be patient – results take 6-12 weeks
  • See a dermatologist for severe or cystic acne

Daily Routine Skeleton

Morning (AM)

1
Cleanse

Gentle foaming cleanser

daily

2
Treat Optional

BHA or Niacinamide

daily

3
Moisturize

Lightweight, non-comedogenic

daily

4
SPF

Oil-free sunscreen

daily

Evening (PM)

1
Cleanse

Double cleanse if wearing SPF

daily

2
Treat

Retinoid or Benzoyl Peroxide

daily or alternate

3
Moisturize

Hydrating but not heavy

daily

Tip: Start simple. You don't need every step right away. Master the basics (cleanse, moisturize, SPF) before adding treatment steps.

Top Actives for This Goal

These ingredients have the strongest evidence for this skin goal. You don't need all of them – pick 1-2 to start.

Salicylic Acid (BHA)

Also called: salicylic acid, BHA, beta hydroxy acid

Oil-soluble acid that clears pores from within.

clogged poresblackheadsacneoily skin
Effective: 0.5–2%
Usage: Daily or every other day
Low irritation
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Benzoyl Peroxide

Also called: benzoyl peroxide, BP

Kills acne bacteria; especially effective for inflammatory acne.

acnebacteriainflammation
Effective: 2.5–5% (higher not more effective)
Usage: Daily or as spot treatment
Medium irritation
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Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)

Also called: niacinamide, nicotinamide, vitamin B3

Reduces oil production and calms inflammation.

pore appearancebarrier supportuneven toneoil control
Effective: 2–10%
Usage: Daily, AM or PM
Low irritation
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Retinol

Also called: retinol, vitamin A

Prevents clogged pores and speeds cell turnover.

fine linestextureuneven tone
Effective: 0.3–1%
Usage: Start 2–3x/week, build to nightly
Medium irritation
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Azelaic Acid

Also called: azelaic acid

Gentle option that also helps with post-acne marks.

rednessuneven toneacnerosacea
Effective: 10–20%
Usage: Daily, AM or PM
Low irritation
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Reading Path

0/4 completed

Read these articles in order for a complete understanding. Mark them as read to track your progress.

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Complete guide to building an acne routine

8 min read Read article

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What diet changes actually help

6 min read Read article

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Supplements that may trigger breakouts

5 min read Read article

is fragrance free skincare better

Why fragrance-free matters for acne

4 min read Read article

Ready to Take Action?

Use our tools to build your personalized routine and find the right products.

Build a routineDecode ingredientsFind BHA products

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Back to Skin Guide