When breakouts strike, having the right spot treatment can make all the difference.

I recently rotated through three popular acne-fighting formulas, and here’s how they performed on my sensitive, acne-prone skin!

1. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo with Benzoyl Peroxide – $23

This is my second time using this one, which already says a lot! It’s a fast-acting formula that visibly shrinks and calms pimples by the next morning. While it doesn’t erase blemishes overnight, it significantly reduces swelling and redness—especially for pimples that have surfaced.

2. Murad Deep Relief Acne Treatment with Salicylic Acid – $44

Designed for stubborn, deeper breakouts, this treatment delivers fast relief without drying out your skin. It absorbs quickly and leaves a cooling, calming sensation. If painful, under-the-skin blemishes are your struggle, this one offers serious soothing power.

3. APRILSKIN Carrotene Clearing Solution – $16

While this didn’t do much to clear active breakouts for me, it worked well in fading acne scars and evening out discoloration. Its strength lies in its ability to improve post-acne marks rather than target active pimples.

Finding the right acne treatment can take a bit of trial and error, but these products each serve a unique purpose depending on your skin’s needs. Glowing skin takes patience—but the right spot treatment is a solid place to start!