Best acne serums?

[bffsteph]

I’ve been using and loving Dermalogica Retinol Acne Clearing Oil 1 oz/ 30 mL for keeping daily acne at bay, but it doesn’t seem to do much for active spots. Looking for recommendations!

[WinglessOne]

@bffsteph  I also use vitamin A daily (mine's a retinaldehyde serum). My skin's favorite active acne spot-treating ingredients are higher-strength salicylic acid (BHA; the standard strength is 2%) and azelaic acid. I can't tag the 2 Paula's Choice products I use, so I'll link them instead: Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting BHA 9 (contains 9% BHA) and Paula's Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster (also contains 0.5% BHA). I also sometimes use The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% Cream for Redness and Blemish-Prone Skin. You can also get prescription 20% or 15% azelaic acid from your dermatologist or primary care doctor. 

I don't really spot-treat acne. I "area-treat": if I see or feel an acne spot forming on my forehead, I treat my entire forehead. That way, I catch any other bacteria that might be lurking behind the scenes near the active spot—so I don't end up chasing random acne around my face. When acne comes to a head, I do usually cover it with a hydrocolloid patch like Peace Out Salicylic Acid Acne Healing Dots 20 Acne Healing Dots , COSRX AC Collection Acne Patch, Hero Mighty Patch, etc. 

[Moni124]

I’ve been loving Peace Out’s acne serum! 

[KitKaty]

I know a lot of people find it to be too harsh, but for me this sulfur spot treatment is magic in a bottle. 

Kate Somerville EradiKate™ Acne Spot Treatment with 10% Sulfur 1 oz/30 ml 

[lmaster]

@bffsteph I alternate between CLINIQUE Acne Solutions™ Clinical Clearing Gel 1 oz/ 30 mL and The INKEY List Succinic Acid Acne Treatment 0.5 oz/ 15 mL I'll also pop a Peace Out Salicylic Acid Acne Healing Dots 20 Acne Healing Dots when it's first starting to be red and irritated