Puberty is hard enough without having to deal with acne.
Almost all teens get acne (eight out of ten, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics), but that’s little comfort when a pimple pops up right before school picture day or when insecurity about your skin gets in the way of daily life, relationships, confidence and affects performance at school. Especially in 2024. We’ve scoured the internet, consulted dermatologists, and tested over a hundred of the best acne products to find the five most effective acne treatments for teenagers.
Top 3 Teenage Acne Treatments in 2024 – Editor’s PicksIf you’re in a rush, here’s our top three best acne treatments for teens. |
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#1. Misumi Clear Skin Duo Kit , $39.96
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Best for teenage acne
4.9 stars out of 5
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#2 – Averr Clear Skin Kit, $169.00
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Suitable for: Young adults
4.4 stars out of 5
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#3 – Exposed Skincare Expanded Kit, $107
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Suitable for: Hormonal Acne
4.1 stars out of 5
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Acne is common among teens and young adults because hormones can trigger excess sebum, or oil production. That oil, along with dead skin cells, can clog pores. When pores are clogged, bacteria (most notably Propionibacterium acnes) can get trapped and multiply, resulting in the redness and inflammation that’s the start of acne breakouts.
OUR SKINCARE EXPERTS HAVE EVALUATED OVER 100 OF THE TOP ACNE PRODUCTS & reviewed thousands of customer reviews
This post features 5 carefully chosen acne treatments for teens with the most effective results available in the market today. When I say carefully, it means that our listing is based on the analysis of over 3140 real user reviews, dermatological tests, and in depth understanding of the brands behind these products.
Our team of skincare experts and dermatologists only picked the highest rated and most successful products that work best for acne prone skins.
How We Chose the Best Acne Treatments in 2024
Here are a couple of factors we keep in mind when choosing the best acne treatment.
1. Quality of Ingredients
A few ingredients to look for in your acne treatment: salicylic acid (to exfoliate and remove pore-clogging debris and break up blackheads and whiteheads), glycolic acid (the best at exfoliating and unclogging impurities and excess oil due to it’s tiny molecules), lactic acid (to fight acne and even out skin tone),  benzoyl peroxide (to clean out the P. acnes bacteria that contributes to acne), or sulfur (to lessen inflammation).
2. Regimen Sets
“I recommend acne kits because sticking to one product line, with products designed to work well with one another, will have the most effective results.” –Jessica Fitz Patrick Aesthetician and Rodan + Fields Consultant
3. Real Customer Reviews and Before & After Pictures
We’ve gathered and evaluated over three thousand real customer reviews. This is a no censor, no filter skincare review zone. We say it like it is.
4. Test Results
Yup, our skincare experts test all our top products on teenagers battling various types breakouts, and picked the products that worked best on most individuals.
 5. Customer Service and company Policy
We only recommend companies that we trust operate with integrity, are good to their customers and their environment, and have hassle-free return policies and exceptional customer service.
5 Best Acne Treatments for Teens 2024
BEST CHOICE
#1- Misumi Clear Skin Duo Kit ($39.96)
Now on promotion for only $39.96
Finally an acne kit that lives up to its hype! Misumi’s Clear Skin Duo Kit has been a favorite about dermatologists and high-end skincare specialists for over 25 years but has only just been made available directly to consumers two years ago. We love their Duo Kit because it is only 2 easy steps and is super manageable for teenagers and young adults. The kit includes their signature AHA 10% Skin Perfecting Cleanser and their best-selling Pore Purifying Toner that loyal customers (from teens to adults) swear by.
Unlike many acne products nowadays that contain harsh chemicals that irritate the skin, all of Misumi’s products are based on natural and healthy ingredients. Their AHA cleanser is a unique and powerful blend of Glycolic Acid, Chamomile, Irish Moss Extract, Rosehip Oil, Grapefruit Peel extract and more. You could say it has all the things we would want in an acne-fighting cleanser or face wash. Their Pore Purifying Toner combines Witch Hazel Extract, Lavender, Sage Leaf Extract, Hops Extract, Marigold Flower extract and many other acne-fighting herbs that will help calm breakouts, clear the skin, and close pores to prevent future breakouts.
When it comes to strength, effectiveness and quality, we are yet to find an acne system on the market that beats this one.Â
Pros
- Premium-quality natural ingredients
- Calms breakouts fast
- Reduces redness and swelling
- Only 2 easy steps that are super manageable for teens
- Made in the USA in an FDA licensed facility
- Real reviews with before and after photos and a cult following among teens
- 60 Day Money Back Guarantee
Cons
- Misumi is only available for purchase online. It’s not yet in Walmart, CVS or local drugstores.
- Missing an acne scar product to complete the set
Pro tip: Choose a subscription plan (30 or 60 days) and get 20% savings on the kit. Easy cancellation anytime.
CUSTOMER REVIEWS OF misumi Clear Skin duo kit
It works!
I’ve purchased just about every over the counter acne product out there for my 13 year old daughter and nothing worked. I was ready to get her on prescription meds when I found Misumi. It was highly rated so I figured, one more try. Within a week we could already see results. Her skin is almost completely clear now, and I don’t think she has been consistent with treatment. As long as she has acne, you will have us as a customer.
Forever a fan
This is my third order for my son. He’s only 13 but has been battling teenage acne. We saw dramatically clearer skin in the first month of use. I can’t take Misumi enough for giving him the confidence he lacked. Means the world to us.
#2 – Averr Clear Skin Kit ($169)
Averr’s Clear Skin Kit consists of four blemish-clearing products with over 40 all-natural ingredients to find acne and restore healthy skin. This premium set is definitely not for everyone as it comes with a hefty price tag, but we’ve tested these products and are in love with the top-quality ingredients.
One thing that is unique to this system is that on top of helping to clear acne and calm inflammations, the Clear Skin Kit also nourishes, detoxifies, and hydrates the skin. We recommend this kit to those who are willing to splurge, and young adults who are thinking more seriously about skincare and anti-aging regimen, while dealing with acne-prone skin.
Pros:
- well-rounded system with all-natural ingredients
- great for anti-aging and acne-prone skin
- over 40 natural ingredients
- hydrates and replenishes while clearing the skin from the inside out
- great reviews, featured on Glamour and Buzzfeed
Cons:
- Products are pricey, and on the smaller side
- Missing a non-comedogenic toner
#3 – Exposed Skincare Expanded Kit ($125)
Coming at #3 is Exposed Skincare’s 5 Step Expanded Kit. To be honest, we were quite skeptical of this brand, due to it’s strong push for subscription and membership. It was also quite hard to track down all the ingredients in their products. We believe skincare brands should make their ingredients list as transparent as possible, but since we saw so many positive customer reviews, we had to see if they live up to their reputation.
While Exposed Skincare products may not have the most potent formulation, the kit has a more allergen-free product due to its formula that combines both artificial and natural ingredients. It also boasts of a more robust skincare system than Murad, but we think it’s too complicated for the usual customer, especially teens, hence the #3 spot.
Exposed Skin Care works by making sure your face is as dirt and bacteria free as possible for long periods of time. This explains its complex morning and evening routine. The ingredients it makes use also optimizes cleansing, clearing, and acne treatment applications.
Kit Includes: Facial Cleanser, Clearing Tonic, Acne Treatment Serum, Clear Pore Serum, Moisture Complex, Free Derm-X Cloth
Pros:
- Great for blackheads and whiteheads
- Good choice for individuals with mild acne
- Long lasting results that clears skin from the inside out
Cons:
- 6 Piece Kit can be exhausting to manage consistently
- You will need to subscribe to their membership to receive a discounted price
- Not that easy to return products
#4 – Misumi Clear Skin Salicylic Cleanser ($27)
Starting from $27 (2-3 Months Supply)
Click for Best Price
This Clear Skin Salicylic Cleanser is an incredible combination of Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, and natural ingredients like Lavender Flower Oil. It doesn’t just tackle blackheads, whiteheads, and blemishes, but also reduces redness and swelling without drying the skin. Lavender has great antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which helps to calm angry breakouts and prevent severe acne scars and uneven skin tone. If you want a high-quality product, with real and lasting results, Misumi has got you covered.
Pros:
- Simple and affordable, 1 step treatment that works
- Combines three of the most effective acne-fighting ingredients
- Salicylic acid helps to clear blemishes and promote healing, quickly reducing redness and swelling.
- Glycolic acid deeply exfoliates, removing dirt, oil, and sweat that clogs pores and cause acne.
- 100% money-back guarantee
Cons:
- Salicylic acid is amazing at tackling acne, but if you’re allergic to BHA, this product is not suitable for you. We recommend trying Misumi’s AHA 10% Skin Perfecting Cleanser
- At $33.95, it is a little pricier than its competitors, but the 4 fl. oz. bottle offers a generous amount that is sure to last at least 2 months. PRO TIP: If you subscribe to get the product delivered every 1-2 months, you’ll save 20%, making it $27.16.
PRO TIP:
For optimal results, pair Clear Skin Salicylic Cleanser with Misumi’s Pore Purifying Toner. The two miracle-workers will help you achieve visibly clearer skin in two to three weeks.
Misumi also offers a 60-day 100% money-back guarantee policy so you can try them absolutely risk-free!
Purchased for my twin tween girls and they love it!
I noticed my twin 12-year old daughters’ faces starting to break out a bit, so I purchased this. It’s made a huge difference in both of their faces! They are not identical twins with distinctive types of skin and breakouts, but this product works for both of them beautifully! thank you
#5 – Proactiv+ 3 Step Acne Treatment System ($59.95)
Proactiv+ is pretty much required for any acne treatment system list. It’s the most well known and, for many, the most effective that people have found. Proactiv+ is still around and people still swear by it. If you haven’t considered it before, here’s a quick rundown of the three steps you do twice a day.
First, the Skin Smoothing Exfoliator uses a mild exfoliator, 2.5 percent benzoyl peroxide, and glycolic acid to kill bacteria, dry up oils, and remove dead skin.
Second, the Pore Targeting Treatment uses 2.5 percent benzoyl peroxide to reach deep into pores.
Lastly, the Complexion Perfecting Hydrator uses salicylic acid, botanicals, moisturizing oils, and hyaluronic acid spheres which are ultra-hydrating and reduce the signs of aging. This lotion will also lighten your skin, helping to hide acne scarring.
Pros:
- Uses benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and botanical extracts
- Lots of people have great success
- Years of testing and perfecting
- Lightens acne scarring
Cons:
- Contains silicone
- Not oil free
- Not everyone wants skin lighteners
- Benzoyl peroxide can stain fabrics
Conclusion
If you’re tired of acne, try one of the top rated acne treatments for teenage acne and let us know what works (or doesn’t) for you. These were our 5 Best Acne Treatments for Teenagers for 2024, but we’re constantly updating our list to give our readers the most current and best products to test and try for themselves.