Acne Gel Triple Action
Acne Gel Triple Action
Product Description
Product overview
A transparent spot-treatment gel that combines the triple power of Sulfur, Salicylic Acid, and Tea Tree Oil to dry out active breakouts, kill acne-causing bacteria, and soothe inflamed skin. Enriched with Allantoin and Pro-Vitamin B5 to calm irritation and prevent excessive dryness. Ultra-affordable Indonesian acne fighter in a travel-friendly 15g tube.
Triple Action Acne Fighter
Combines Sulfur, Salicylic Acid, and Tea Tree Oil to attack acne from three angles: exfoliation, antibacterial action, and oil control.
Texture & feel
SENSORYTriple Action Acne Fighter
Combines Sulfur, Salicylic Acid, and Tea Tree Oil to attack acne from three angles: exfoliation, antibacterial action, and oil control.
Anti-Irritation Complex
Allantoin and Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) soothe inflammation and prevent the excessive dryness typical of acne treatments.
Invisible Spot Treatment
Transparent gel formula absorbs quickly and invisibly, so you can wear it during the day without affecting your appearance.
Ultra-Affordable
One of the most budget-friendly acne spot treatments available, with a very small amount needed per application for extreme value.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains Salicylic Acid (BHA). While topical BHA at concentrations under 2% is generally considered acceptable by ACOG, consult your OB-GYN before using this product during pregnancy. Used as a spot treatment, systemic absorption is minimal.
Topical salicylic acid is unlikely to pass into breast milk in significant amounts. Avoid applying near breast area and wash hands thoroughly after application.
SkinCarisma flags this product as fungal-acne safe. However, C13-14 Isoparaffin is present and may potentially feed Malassezia in some individuals. Patch test recommended if you are fungal-acne prone.
Oil-free, lightweight gel formula with no heavy oils or butters. Very unlikely to clog pores. Suitable for acne-prone skin.
Listed second in the ingredient list, ethanol acts as an antimicrobial agent and helps with absorption. May cause dryness or irritation on sensitive or compromised skin barriers.
Used as a preservative. While parabens have been debated, methylparaben at cosmetic concentrations is considered safe by the CIR Expert Panel. Present at low concentrations near the end of the ingredient list.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSSulfurProven
A time-tested keratolytic and antibacterial agent that helps break down the top layer of dead skin cells, absorb excess sebum, and kill acne-causing bacteria. Sulfur has been used medicinally for centuries across ancient civilizations.
- Mechanism: Keratolytic action loosens dead skin cells; antibacterial and antifungal properties target P. acnes bacteria.
- Efficacy: Especially effective for mild acne including whiteheads and blackheads. Works well combined with salicylic acid.
- Gentleness: Considered gentler than benzoyl peroxide, making it suitable for sensitive and reactive skin types.
Salicylic Acid (BHA) 0.5–2%Proven
An oil-soluble beta hydroxy acid that penetrates deep into pores to dissolve excess sebum, dead skin cells, and debris. FDA-recognized as an OTC acne treatment at 0.5–2% concentrations.
- Mechanism: Oil-soluble so it penetrates into pores to break down blockages that cause blackheads, whiteheads, and inflamed breakouts.
- Anti-Inflammatory: Structurally similar to aspirin, it calms redness and swelling on irritated acne lesions.
- Clinical Use: Recognized by the U.S. FDA at 0.5–2% for OTC topical acne treatment.
Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Alternifolia)Proven
A well-researched essential oil with strong antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. The main active component terpinen-4-ol effectively reduces P. acnes bacteria.
- Efficacy: Multiple studies confirm 5% tea tree oil gel is comparable in effectiveness to 5% benzoyl peroxide for treating acne, with fewer side effects.
- Active Compounds: Contains terpinen-4-ol (~40%), gamma-terpinene (~23%), and alpha-terpinene (~10%) as key antimicrobial agents.
- Slower but Gentler: Results develop more slowly than benzoyl peroxide but with significantly less irritation and dryness.
AllantoinProven
A soothing and skin-conditioning agent commonly found in comfrey plant roots. Calms inflammation, promotes cell regeneration, and helps protect the skin from the drying effects of active acne ingredients.
- Function: Anti-irritant that reduces redness and soothes inflamed acne-affected skin.
- Healing: Promotes wound healing and healthy skin cell turnover, which can help with post-acne marks.
Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5)Proven
A humectant and skin protectant that converts to vitamin B5 in the skin. Helps maintain moisture levels, strengthens the skin barrier, and supports the healing process.
- Moisture: Helps the skin produce lipids essential for a strong and healthy skin barrier.
- Anti-Inflammatory: Reduces irritation caused by other active ingredients in the formula.
- Wound Recovery: Supports the skin's natural repair process for faster healing of acne lesions.
14 ingredients
Aqua, Ethanol, Glycerine, Sulfur, Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Salicylic Acid, Aluminium Starch Octenylsuccinate, Laureth-7, Allantoin, Methylparaben, Panthenol, Sodium Hydroxide, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEApply as a spot treatment on clean skin before serum and moisturizer. Use AM and/or PM. Always follow with moisturizer to prevent dryness, and apply sunscreen during the day.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse Your Face
Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and pat dry. Ensure the skin is clean before application.
Apply to Active Breakouts
Dab a small amount of gel directly onto inflamed or swollen pimples. A tiny dot is sufficient for each spot — a little goes a long way.
Let It Absorb
Allow the gel to absorb fully for about 30 seconds before applying the next step of your routine.
Follow With Moisturizer
Always apply a moisturizer after to prevent dryness. Use sunscreen during the day. Repeat daily until acne subsides.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have occasional breakouts and need an affordable spot treatment
- You prefer a transparent, invisible gel that can be worn under makeup
- You have oily or combination skin prone to clogged pores
- You want a multi-active formula (sulfur + BHA + tea tree) in one product
- You are on a tight budget but want effective acne care
- You need a travel-friendly, compact acne treatment tube
Consider alternatives if:
- You have severe cystic acne (may need prescription-strength treatment)
- You are very sensitive to alcohol-based formulas
- You dislike sulfur's natural scent
- You have extremely dry or eczema-prone skin
- You need a large-volume treatment product (this is 15g only)
- You are pregnant and prefer to avoid BHA entirely
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESIdeal match. Sulfur absorbs excess sebum while salicylic acid clears pores. Oil-free gel formula won't add shine.
Spot treatment application means you only treat problem areas without over-drying cheeks or other dry zones.
Designed specifically for breakout-prone skin. Low comedogenic rating of 1/5 and antibacterial actives target acne directly.
Allantoin and panthenol help soothe, but the ethanol and sulfur may irritate very reactive skin. Patch test first.
Can cause localized dryness and peeling around treated spots. Must be paired with a rich moisturizer to prevent flaking.
Results timeline
1–2 MONTHSImmediate Calming & Drying
Small pimples begin to flatten and dry out. Redness around inflamed spots starts to reduce. The cooling sensation from allantoin provides instant comfort.
70% of users noticed improvement on small pimplesVisible Reduction in Active Breakouts
Most minor breakouts are significantly reduced or gone. Inflamed pimples become noticeably smaller. Salicylic acid continues to unclog pores beneath the surface.
60% reported clearer skin within one weekClearer Complexion & Fewer New Breakouts
With consistent use, frequency of new breakouts decreases. Post-acne redness begins to fade. Pores appear less congested and skin texture improves overall.
75% experienced reduced breakout frequencyLong-Term Maintenance
Skin stays clearer with continued spot use as needed. Best results when combined with a proper cleansing and moisturizing routine. Stubborn or large cystic acne may require additional treatment.
80% saw sustained improvement with regular useRatings by platform
60+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Extremely affordable — one of the cheapest acne spot treatments available
- Effective on small to medium pimples, often flattening them in 1–2 days
- Transparent gel is invisible on skin and can be worn during the day
- Triple-action formula addresses multiple acne causes simultaneously
- Compact travel-friendly tube fits easily in any bag or pocket
- Very economical usage — only a tiny dab needed per spot
- Allantoin and panthenol prevent excessive irritation and dryness
Criticized
- Sulfur scent can be off-putting for some users
- Less effective on large, deep cystic acne
- Small 15g tube may run out quickly with heavy use
- Contains Alcohol Denat. which may dry sensitive skin
- Results take longer compared to benzoyl peroxide treatments
- May cause mild peeling or dryness around treated areas
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
Another Indonesian brand with salicylic acid and tea tree oil. Slightly higher price but larger tube. Lacks sulfur as an active ingredient. Similar transparent gel texture and spot-treatment approach.
Japanese-formula acne gel widely available in Southeast Asia. Uses different active ingredients with a focus on anti-inflammatory action. No sulfur component. Better suited for those who dislike sulfur scent.
Indonesian brand targeting younger skin. Contains salicylic acid and tea tree but at milder concentrations. No sulfur. Better fragrance profile but potentially less potent for stubborn acne.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Kate Somerville EradiKate Sulfur Treatment
Storage & shelf life
24 MONTHS24 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep the cap tightly closed to prevent the tea tree oil from oxidizing.
Squeeze tube (15g) — hygienic application, easy to control the amount dispensed
Yes — compact 15g tube is well under carry-on liquid limits and fits in any toiletry bag or pocket
Frequently asked questions
FAQUse with caution during pregnancy. This product contains Salicylic Acid (BHA), which the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) considers acceptable at topical concentrations of 2% or less. Since this is used as a spot treatment on small areas, systemic absorption is minimal. However, always consult your OB-GYN before use during pregnancy. For breastfeeding, topical salicylic acid is unlikely to pass into breast milk in significant amounts and is generally considered safe. Avoid applying near the breast area.
Mostly safe with one caveat. SkinCarisma flags this product as free from common fungal-acne-feeding ingredients. However, it contains C13-14 Isoparaffin, which some databases note may potentially feed Malassezia in certain individuals. The sulfur in the formula actually has antifungal properties, which may be beneficial. If you are prone to fungal acne, do a patch test first and monitor your skin's response.
Since this product already contains Salicylic Acid (BHA), avoid layering additional BHA products on the same areas to prevent over-exfoliation. You can use AHA or retinol on alternate nights or on different areas of the face. Vitamin C serums can generally be used in your AM routine while this gel is applied as a spot treatment. If you experience any irritation, reduce the frequency or alternate your actives.
This gel is best suited for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin types. The sulfur helps absorb excess oil while salicylic acid clears congested pores. Those with dry or sensitive skin can still use it as a targeted spot treatment, but should always follow with a good moisturizer. If you have very sensitive or eczema-prone skin, patch test first as the ethanol content may cause irritation.
Most users report that small pimples begin to flatten within 1–2 days of consistent application. For moderate breakouts, visible improvement typically occurs within 3–7 days. The product works best for mild to moderate acne — larger, deeper cystic acne may take longer or require stronger treatments. Consistent daily use over 2–4 weeks yields the best overall results in reducing breakout frequency.
Apply after cleansing and toning, but before serum and moisturizer. Use it as a spot treatment — dab a small amount directly onto active breakouts only. In the morning, always finish with sunscreen. The transparent gel is invisible on skin so it works well under makeup. You can use it both morning and evening.
No, this product has a very low comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5. The formula is oil-free and contains no heavy butters, waxes, or pore-clogging emollients. In fact, the salicylic acid in the formula actively works to unclog pores. It is safe for acne-prone skin and very unlikely to cause additional breakouts.
The product has a Period After Opening (PAO) of 24 months, meaning it remains effective for up to 2 years after first opening the tube. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and keep the cap tightly sealed. The 15g tube is compact, so practical use typically means finishing it well within the expiration window, especially with regular application.
Verdict: Viva Acne Gel Triple Action is a remarkably effective and ultra-affordable spot treatment that punches well above its price point. The triple-action formula of Sulfur, Salicylic Acid, and Tea Tree Oil delivers genuine antibacterial and keratolytic benefits, while Allantoin and Panthenol prevent the formula from being overly harsh. It excels at quickly flattening small to medium pimples and is a fantastic entry-level acne treatment for budget-conscious consumers. The main drawbacks are the sulfur scent, small tube size, and limited potency against severe cystic acne. For mild to moderate breakouts on oily or combination skin, this is one of the best value-for-money acne spot treatments available anywhere.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skin’s own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Brightening from 2 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 3 ingredient(s):
Ache-fighting from 2 ingredient(s):
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 0 |
Alcohol Denat.
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Sulfur
Skin Conditioning, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Antidandruff Agent, Antiacne Agent, Skin-Conditioning Agent -Miscellaneous, Antiseborrhoeic
|
Ache-fighting
|
|
| 0 |
Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer
Emulsion Stabilising
|
|