Acne Serum With Triple Clarifying Active
Acne Serum With Triple Clarifying Active
Product Description
A dermatologically tested acne-fighting serum featuring Triple Clarifying Actives: 4% Niacinamide, 1% Salicylic Acid, and 1% Centella Asiatica Extract. This lightweight, fast-absorbing formula helps prevent breakouts, calm irritated skin, and fade acne scars for a clearer, brighter complexion.
โจ Texture & Feel
Triple Clarifying Power
Combines 4% Niacinamide, 1% Salicylic Acid, and 1% Centella Asiatica for comprehensive acne treatment and prevention.
Fades Acne Scars
Niacinamide helps brighten post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and fade dark spots left by acne.
Gentle Exfoliation
1% Salicylic Acid provides gentle BHA exfoliation to unclog pores and prevent future breakouts without irritation.
Calming Formula
Centella Asiatica soothes inflammation and redness while supporting skin barrier repair and healing.
๐ก๏ธ Safety & Compatibility
Contains 1% Salicylic Acid. ACOG considers topical salicylic acid โค2% generally safe, but consult your healthcare provider before use during pregnancy.
Low-concentration topical salicylic acid is unlikely to affect breastmilk. Avoid applying on chest area where baby may contact.
Free from ferments, fatty acids, esters, and polysorbates. Safe for fungal acne-prone skin.
Oil-free, silicone-free formula with 0/5 comedogenic rating. Will not clog pores.
Fragrance-free, hypoallergenic formula. Dermatologically tested for sensitive skin compatibility.
Can be used with retinol, but alternate usage (different routines) to avoid over-exfoliation. Start slowly when combining actives.
๐ฌ Ingredient Breakdown
๐ Niacinamide 4% Proven
Vitamin B3 derivative that regulates sebum production, minimizes pores, fades hyperpigmentation, and strengthens the skin barrier. Works synergistically with other actives for comprehensive acne treatment.
- Research: Studies show 4% niacinamide reduces sebum excretion by 23% after 4 weeks
- Brightening: Inhibits melanosome transfer to reduce post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
- Barrier: Increases ceramide production by up to 67% to strengthen skin barrier
๐งช Salicylic Acid (BHA) 1% Proven
Oil-soluble beta hydroxy acid that penetrates deep into pores to dissolve sebum, dead skin cells, and debris. Provides anti-inflammatory benefits similar to aspirin for calming active breakouts.
- Mechanism: Oil-soluble structure allows penetration into sebaceous follicles
- FDA: Concentrations 0.5-2% recognized as effective OTC acne treatment
- Keratolytic: Breaks bonds between dead skin cells to promote gentle exfoliation
๐ฟ Centella Asiatica Extract 1% Proven
Traditional healing herb containing madecassoside, asiaticoside, and asiatic acid. Calms inflammation, promotes wound healing, and helps rebuild damaged skin from acne lesions.
- Anti-inflammatory: Reduces redness and irritation from active breakouts
- Wound Healing: Stimulates collagen synthesis to improve acne scar appearance
- Sebum Control: Helps balance oil production without over-drying
๐ฆ Betaine - Supporting
Sugar beet-derived amino acid that provides intense hydration and osmoprotection. Prevents drying effects of BHA and maintains skin moisture balance during acne treatment.
- Humectant: Draws moisture into skin and prevents transepidermal water loss
- Soothing: Reduces irritation potential from exfoliating ingredients
18 ingredients
Water, Niacinamide, Betaine, Sodium Citrate, Propylene Glycol, Propanediol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Butylene Glycol, Salicylic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Glycerin, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Triethylene Glycol, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate
๐ Where It Fits in Your Routine
Apply after toner, before moisturizer. Can be layered with other Viva serums (Glowing White or Anti-Aging) for enhanced benefits.
๐ How to Use
Cleanse Your Face
Start with clean, dry skin. Use a gentle cleanser to remove makeup, dirt, and excess oil.
Dispense Serum
Use the dropper to apply 2-3 drops. Avoid letting the dropper touch your skin to maintain hygiene.
Apply Evenly
Spread serum across face and neck with fingertips. Can also be applied to chest and back acne.
Pat to Absorb
Gently pat until fully absorbed (30-60 seconds). Follow with moisturizer and sunscreen in the morning.
๐ค Who Is It For?
โ Perfect for you if:
- You have oily, acne-prone skin
- You want to prevent and treat mild to moderate acne
- You need to fade post-acne dark spots
- You have blackheads or clogged pores
- You want an affordable, no-frills acne treatment
- You need a fungal acne-safe option
- You're new to BHA and want a gentle introduction
โ Consider alternatives if:
- You have severe cystic acne (see dermatologist)
- You're pregnant (consult doctor first)
- You have very dry or compromised skin barrier
- You need higher BHA concentration (2%+)
- You're allergic to aspirin or salicylates
- You have active eczema or psoriasis flares
๐ฏ Skin Type Compatibility
Ideal match. Lightweight formula absorbs quickly, BHA controls sebum, and niacinamide regulates oil production without stripping.
Works well across different zones. Hydrating ingredients balance the exfoliating effects for comfortable wear.
Specifically formulated for acne. Non-comedogenic, fungal acne-safe formula with proven acne-fighting actives.
Great for occasional breakouts and pore maintenance. Brightening benefits work for all skin types.
Low 1% BHA concentration is gentle. Fragrance-free and dermatologically tested. Patch test recommended.
May be slightly drying. Pair with hydrating toner and rich moisturizer. Consider using only at night.
๐ Results Timeline
Possible Purging Phase
Some users may experience initial breakouts as the serum accelerates skin cell turnover and brings existing congestion to the surface. This is temporary and normal.
30% experience purgingReduced Inflammation
Active breakouts begin to calm. Skin feels less oily and appears clearer. Blackheads become easier to extract or dissolve naturally.
65% notice improvementVisible Brightening
Post-acne marks start to fade. Overall skin tone appears more even and radiant. Pores look refined and less congested.
80% see clearer skinOptimal Results
Significant reduction in breakout frequency. Skin texture improved. Dark spots continue to fade with consistent use.
85% satisfied with resultsโญ Ratings by Platform
โ๏ธ Pros & Cons
โ Praised
- Extremely affordable price point (~$1.25 USD)
- Lightweight, fast-absorbing texture
- No sticky or heavy feeling
- Fragrance-free and gentle formula
- Effective for blackheads and clogged pores
- Can be used on face, chest, and back
- Lab-verified ingredient concentrations
- Fungal acne safe
- Hygienic dropper packaging
- From trusted 60+ year Indonesian brand
โ Criticized
- Small 20ml bottle size
- Takes time to see results on acne scars
- Some users experience initial purging
- Lower BHA concentration than competitors
- May not work for severe cystic acne
- Limited international availability
- Some find it too gentle for stubborn acne
๐ฐ Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Higher niacinamide concentration (10% vs 4%) with zinc for oil control. No salicylic acid or centella. Better for oil control, less acne-targeting.
Higher BHA concentration (2% vs 1%) for more aggressive exfoliation. Contains mugwort and zinc gluconate. Better for stubborn acne, may be more drying.
Contains ceramides and multiple acids (AHA, BHA) plus niacinamide. More complex formula with barrier support. Higher price but more comprehensive treatment.
Industry gold standard for BHA. Leave-on exfoliant format rather than serum. More potent but significantly more expensive. No niacinamide or centella.
๐ Comparison with Competitors
Viva Acne Serum (This Product)
~$1.25Skintific 2% Salicylic Acid Serum
~$12.00Somethinc 2% BHA Acne Treatment
~$8.31The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc
~$6.00๐ฆ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Room temperature is fine; refrigeration optional.
Glass dropper bottle for hygienic dispensing and ingredient stability
Yes - 20ml is under 100ml carry-on limit
โ Frequently Asked Questions
This serum contains 1% Salicylic Acid (BHA). According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), topical salicylic acid at 2% or less is generally considered safe during pregnancy. However, we recommend consulting your healthcare provider before use. For breastfeeding mothers, topical application is considered safe as minimal amounts enter breastmilk, but avoid applying on the chest area where baby may contact.
Yes! This serum is fungal acne safe. It does not contain ferments, fatty acids, esters, or polysorbates that feed malassezia yeast. The formula is also oil-free and silicone-free, making it suitable for those prone to fungal acne. Multiple ingredient databases have verified its FA-safe status.
Yes, but with caution. The serum already contains 1% BHA, so avoid layering with additional BHA products in the same routine. For retinol or AHA: alternate usage (serum in AM, retinol/AHA in PM) to prevent over-exfoliation. Vitamin C can be used in a separate routine. Start slowly when combining actives and always use sunscreen during the day.
This serum is ideal for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin types. The lightweight formula works well for normal skin with occasional breakouts. Sensitive skin users can benefit from the low 1% BHA concentration and fragrance-free formula, though patch testing is recommended. Dry skin types may need to pair with a heavier moisturizer or use only at night.
Results vary by individual, but most users report: Week 1-2: Possible purging phase (normal). Week 2-4: Reduced inflammation and clearer pores. Week 4-8: Visible brightening and fading of dark spots. Week 8-12: Optimal results with consistent use. For acne scars, allow 2-3 months of consistent use for noticeable improvement.
Apply after cleansing and toning, before moisturizer. The order is: Cleanser โ Toner โ Viva Acne Serum โ (Optional: Other serums) โ Moisturizer โ Sunscreen (AM). You can layer with Viva Glowing White Serum or Anti-Aging Serum for enhanced benefits. Use twice daily (AM and PM) for best results.
No, this serum has a comedogenic rating of 0/5. It is completely non-comedogenic, oil-free, and silicone-free. The BHA ingredient actually helps unclog pores. It will not cause or worsen blackheads, whiteheads, or clogged pores. In fact, many users report improved pore appearance with consistent use.
The serum has a Period After Opening (PAO) of 12 months. Once opened, use within one year for optimal efficacy. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The glass dropper bottle helps maintain ingredient stability. With twice-daily use, the 20ml bottle typically lasts 4-6 weeks.
Verdict: Viva Acne Serum delivers impressive value with its Triple Clarifying Actives formula at an unbeatable price point. The combination of 4% Niacinamide, 1% Salicylic Acid, and 1% Centella Asiatica provides effective acne prevention and treatment without irritation. While the lower BHA concentration may not suit severe acne, it's perfect for beginners and those with mild to moderate breakouts. The fungal acne-safe, fragrance-free formula from a trusted 60+ year Indonesian brand makes this an excellent entry-level acne serum. Best for oily and combination skin types looking for an affordable, gentle introduction to chemical exfoliation.
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 skinโs 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 ยซpromisesยป 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
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.