Breakouts & acne
The concern with the most prescription-grade science. Several over-the-counter actives are genuinely effective for mild-to-moderate breakouts.
What has evidence, ranked
One of the best-proven non-prescription acne routes
30 trials/reviews indexed · multiple independent trials or a meta-analysis agree
4% gel performed on par with a prescription antibiotic
17 trials/reviews indexed · one or two solid randomized trials
Decades of use, FDA-recognized, moderate trial base
39 trials/reviews indexed · one or two solid randomized trials
A couple of small trials showed surprisingly large acne reductions
1 trials/reviews indexed · a small trial, or mostly lab data so far
Plausible, but the acne trials used prescription retinoids
4 trials/reviews indexed · a small trial, or mostly lab data so far
Sample products that cover it
From the demo catalog — ranked by their best evidence for breakouts.
Honest note: harsher isn't better
Scrubbing and over-cleansing worsen acne by damaging the barrier. Toothpaste on a pimple is a myth that irritates. If breakouts are severe or scarring, a dermatologist beats any serum — OTC has real limits.