Acne & Breakouts

Oily and blemish-prone skin needs a routine that cleanses thoroughly without stripping the skin barrier. This collection brings together cleansing gels, targeted serums, mattifying fluids and moisturisers from La Roche-Posay, Avène and Garnier — all designed for skin that tends toward excess sebum, visible pores and recurring blemishes.

How to build a routine for oily, blemish-prone skin

A simple three-step approach works for most skin types in this category: cleanse, treat, moisturise. Start with a gentle foaming cleanser such as the LA ROCHE-POSAY Effaclar Foaming Cleansing Gel or the AVENE Cleanance Cleansing Gel, both formulated to remove excess oil and impurities without over-drying skin. For everyday makeup and impurity removal, the GARNIER Skinactive Micellar Water for acne-prone skin is a lightweight alternative that doesn't require rinsing.

Once skin is clean, a targeted serum or cream can be layered on. The LA ROCHE-POSAY Effaclar Acne Serum with Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide and the AVENE Cleanance Comedomed Anti-Blemish Concentrate are formulated for skin prone to blemishes and can be used before a moisturiser. The LA ROCHE-POSAY Effaclar Duo+M Cream and its SPF30 counterpart offer a texture suited to oily, acne-prone skin, while the AVENE Cleanance Mattifying Aqua Gel gives a light, non-greasy finish for daytime wear.

Choosing within the acne and breakouts range

Not every product suits every skin. Consider your skin's tolerance, the finish you prefer (gel, cream or fluid) and whether you need SPF built in, as with the AVENE Cleanance Sunscreen SPF 50+ or the LA ROCHE-POSAY Effaclar Duo+ SPF30. If your skin also feels tight or sensitised, the LA ROCHE-POSAY Effaclar H Isobiome Hydrating Cream is formulated to support comfort alongside oil control. Those looking to refresh texture can explore the AVENE Cleanance Exfoliating AHA Serum as an occasional step rather than a daily one.

For a full brand-specific routine, browse our dedicated La Roche-Posay Acne & Oily Routine or Avène Acne-Prone Skin Solutions collections, or the Acne-Prone Skin Garnier Routine. If you're unsure which combination suits your skin, our team and any pharmacist can help you read the label and match products to your routine. Always patch-test new products and discontinue use if irritation occurs.