Skip to content

Acne Spot Serum

Acne Spot Serum

Product Description

Product overview

Made in Various INTERNATIONAL

A fast-acting dual-action acne spot serum formulated with Succinic Acid and Cinnamon Bark Extract to help dry out active breakouts in as little as 2 days while fading post-acne marks (PIE/PIH) with Arbutin and Papaya Extract. Gentle enough for sensitive skin, this lightweight Indonesian serum uses a salicylic acid-free approach to target blemishes without over-drying.

Salicylic Acid-Free No Parabens Alcohol-Free No Silicones No Oils Fragrance-Free Fungal Acne Safe BPOM Certified Sensitive Skin Friendly
Pregnancy
Yes
Fungal Acne
Yes
Comedogenic
1/5
Size
20 ml
Type
Spot Serum
Target
Active Acne & PIH
Use
AM & PM
Key Active
Succinic Acid
Real reviews · YouTube Shorts
Why it's different

Dual Action Formula

Dries out active acne while simultaneously fading post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIE/PIH) and acne scars for clearer skin.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Lightweight Gel
Scent
Mild Herbal
Absorption
Under 30 seconds
Finish
Matte / Natural

Dual Action Formula

Dries out active acne while simultaneously fading post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIE/PIH) and acne scars for clearer skin.

Gentle Salicylic Acid Alternative

Uses Succinic Acid as a milder alternative to salicylic acid — antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory without the harsh drying effect.

Clinically Proven Succinic Acid

Succinic Acid has been shown in studies to suppress C. acnes bacteria growth and reduce inflammation both topically and in vitro.

Brightening Duo: Arbutin + Papaya

Arbutin inhibits tyrosinase to fade dark spots while Papaya Extract provides gentle enzymatic exfoliation for a more even skin tone.

CICA Soothing Complex

Centella Asiatica Extract calms inflammation, promotes wound healing, and strengthens the skin barrier during breakout recovery.

Natural Plant-Based Formula

Packed with botanical extracts including Green Tea, Lotus Leaf, Guava, and Angelica Gigas — all sourced from natural resources.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe

Free from retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, and chemical sunscreens. All ingredients are considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Always consult your doctor.

Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Safe

Contains no fermented ingredients, fatty acids, oils, esters, or polysorbates that feed Malassezia yeast. Safe for fungal acne-prone skin.

Low Comedogenic Risk (1/5)

Oil-free, silicone-free formula with a very low comedogenic rating. Unlikely to clog pores or trigger new breakouts.

Sensitive Skin Friendly

Free from harsh alcohols, fragrances, parabens, sulfates, and common allergens. Gentle formula suitable for reactive and sensitive skin types.

Active Ingredient Compatibility

Can be layered with most actives including niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and centella products. Use caution when combining with strong AHA/BHA exfoliants — alternate AM/PM if needed.

Sunscreen Reminder

Contains Arbutin which can increase photosensitivity. Always apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ during the day when using this product.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

Succinic AcidPromising

A naturally occurring dicarboxylic acid positioned as a gentler alternative to salicylic acid. It provides antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and sebum-regulating properties to help combat acne without excessive drying.

  • Study (Wang et al., 2014): Topical application of succinic acid suppressed C. acnes-induced inflammation in mice models, demonstrating both antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.
  • Mechanism: Naturally produced by S. epidermidis via fermentation on the skin, helping to maintain healthy skin microbiome balance and inhibit acne-causing bacteria.
  • Sebum Control: Helps regulate excess oil production to keep pores clear and reduce the chances of new acne forming.
Not yet FDA-approved as an active acne ingredient. Evidence is promising but based primarily on in vitro and animal studies. Human clinical trials are still limited.

Centella Asiatica Extract (CICA)Proven

A legendary wound-healing botanical also known as Gotu Kola or Tiger Grass. Used for centuries in traditional medicine for its powerful soothing, anti-inflammatory, and barrier-repair properties.

  • Wound Healing: Contains madecassoside and asiaticoside which stimulate collagen synthesis and accelerate skin repair — ideal for healing post-acne lesions.
  • Anti-Inflammatory: Proven to reduce redness, irritation, and inflammatory responses associated with active breakouts.
  • Antioxidant: Protects the skin from free radical damage and environmental stressors that can worsen acne.
One of the most extensively researched botanical ingredients in skincare. Proven wound healing and anti-inflammatory activity across multiple clinical studies.

ArbutinProven

A well-established skin brightening agent found naturally in bearberry, pear, and wheat plants. Targets post-acne dark spots and hyperpigmentation by inhibiting melanin production at the enzymatic level.

  • Mechanism: Inhibits the melanin-forming activity of tyrosinase enzyme without blocking its synthesis — a gentler approach to brightening compared to hydroquinone.
  • Traditional Use: Used extensively in Japanese skincare for decades as a safe and effective skin lightening ingredient.
  • PIH Fading: Particularly effective at fading post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation left behind by acne breakouts.

Carica Papaya Fruit ExtractPromising

Papaya fruit extract contains the enzyme papain, a natural exfoliant that gently dissolves dead skin cells, promoting cell turnover and helping to fade acne scars over time.

  • Enzymatic Exfoliation: Papain provides gentle chemical-free exfoliation without the harshness of AHA/BHA acids.
  • Scar Reduction: Studies suggest papain may help reduce scarring by promoting healthy tissue regeneration.
  • Antioxidant: Rich in lycopene and Vitamin A (retinol precursor) for additional skin-protective benefits.

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (Green Tea)Proven

A powerhouse antioxidant ingredient loaded with polyphenols and catechins (particularly EGCG) that provide anti-aging, UV-protective, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial benefits for acne-prone skin.

  • Anti-Acne: EGCG catechins have been shown to reduce sebum production and fight acne-causing bacteria.
  • Anti-Inflammatory: Proven to help calm rosacea, acne, and atopic dermatitis by reducing inflammatory markers.
  • Antioxidant Protection: Protects against UV damage and free radicals, helping to prevent premature aging.

Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Extract (Cinnamon)Promising

Ceylon Cinnamon bark extract provides natural antibacterial and sebum-regulating properties. Works synergistically with Succinic Acid to control acne-causing bacteria on the skin's surface.

  • Antibacterial: Exhibits antimicrobial activity against various bacteria strains, including those associated with acne.
  • Sebum Control: Helps regulate excess oil production to keep the skin balanced and prevent pore clogging.
  • Antioxidant: Provides moisturizing and antioxidant benefits that support overall skin health.

17 ingredients

Aqua, Glycerin*, Succinic Acid, Propanediol*, Centella Asiatica Extract*, Capryloyl Glycine, Carica Papaya Fruit Extract*, Arbutin, Chlorphenesin, Nelumbo Nucifera Leaf Extract*, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract*, Psidium Guajava Leaf Extract*, Angelica Gigas Extract*, Phenoxyethanol, Sarcosine, Xanthan Gum*, Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Extract*

(*Ingredients From Natural Resources)

FREE FROM: Parabens, Silicones, Sulfates, Harsh Alcohols, Mineral Oil, Artificial Fragrance, Essential Oils, Retinoids, Salicylic Acid, Hydroquinone, Comedogenic Oils, Common Allergens, Animal-Derived Ingredients
04

Where it fits in your routine

ROUTINE
1
Cleanser
2
Toner
3
Acne Spot Serum
4
Serum
5
Moisturizer
6
Sunscreen

Apply as a spot treatment directly on active acne areas after toner and before your full-face serum. Use morning and evening for best results. Always follow with SPF during the day.

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

Cleanse Your Face

Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and pat dry. Ensure the skin is clean and free from makeup or sunscreen residue.

2

Apply Toner (Optional)

If you use a toner in your routine, apply it first and let it absorb before proceeding to the spot serum.

3

Dot Serum on Active Acne

Dispense a small amount of the Acne Spot Serum and apply it directly onto active blemishes and acne spots. Do not apply to the entire face — this is a targeted spot treatment.

4

Let It Absorb

Wait approximately 30 seconds for the serum to fully absorb before layering your next skincare product.

5

Continue Your Routine

Follow with your regular serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM). Use twice daily — morning and evening — for optimal results.

06

Who is it for?

WHO

Perfect for you if:

  • You have active acne breakouts and want a targeted spot treatment
  • You need to fade post-acne dark spots (PIE/PIH)
  • You have sensitive skin and cannot tolerate salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide
  • You are pregnant or breastfeeding and need a safe acne treatment
  • You struggle with fungal acne and need a Malassezia-safe formula
  • You prefer gentle, plant-based formulas with minimal ingredients
  • You are looking for an affordable acne treatment on a budget

Consider alternatives if:

  • You have severe cystic acne requiring prescription-strength treatment
  • You need a full-face acne serum rather than spot treatment
  • You prefer FDA-approved active ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or adapalene
  • You want a serum with proven concentration percentages listed on packaging
  • You need deep pore exfoliation (this contains no BHA/AHA)
  • You are looking for an anti-aging serum with retinol
07

Skin type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Oily Skin
Excellent

Lightweight gel texture absorbs quickly without adding shine. Succinic Acid and Cinnamon help regulate sebum production.

Combination Skin
Excellent

As a spot treatment, it targets only the problem areas without disrupting the balance of drier zones on the face.

Acne-Prone Skin
Excellent

Non-comedogenic, fungal acne safe, oil-free formula. Specifically designed for acne-prone skin with dual-action approach.

Sensitive Skin
Good

Fragrance-free and salicylic acid-free. CICA soothes irritation. Patch test recommended for very reactive skin as Cinnamon extract may irritate some users.

Dry Skin
Good

Contains glycerin and propanediol for hydration. Since it is a spot treatment only, it will not dry out the rest of the face. Pair with a rich moisturizer.

Normal Skin
Good

A great gentle option for occasional breakouts on normal skin. Keep on hand as a spot treatment for when pimples appear.

08

Results timeline

WEEK 4–8
Day 1–2

Blemish Reduction Begins

Active pimples begin to dry out and flatten. Redness and inflammation start to visibly decrease as succinic acid works on the surface bacteria.

60% noticed initial drying
Day 3–7

Acne Flattening & Calming

Most active breakouts have significantly reduced in size. Clogged pores start to clear and skin texture begins to smooth out around treated areas.

75% noticed visible improvement
Week 2–4

Scar Fading Begins

Arbutin and Papaya Extract start to visibly fade post-acne marks. Hyperpigmentation from previous breakouts becomes lighter and less noticeable.

65% noticed fading dark spots
Week 4–8

Clearer, More Even Skin Tone

With consistent use, overall skin tone appears more even. Post-inflammatory marks continue to fade. New breakouts may be less frequent with ongoing sebum regulation.

70% reported clearer skin overall
09

Ratings by platform

13K+ REVIEWS
Tokopedia
4.9
Rating
5,000+
Reviews
Main complaint: Small bottle size (20ml) runs out quickly with frequent use
Shopee
4.8
Rating
8,000+
Reviews
Main complaint: Results vary — some users report slower results for deeper cystic acne
eBay (International)
4.5
Rating
50+
Reviews
Main complaint: Long international shipping times and potential customs charges
SkinSort
5.0
Rating
1+
Reviews
Main complaint: Limited number of English-language reviews available globally
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • Extremely affordable price point (under $2 USD)
  • Dries out active pimples within 2–3 days for most users
  • Gentle enough for sensitive and reactive skin
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding safe formula
  • Fungal acne (Malassezia) safe — no triggering ingredients
  • Clean ingredient list with only 17 ingredients
  • No harsh alcohols, parabens, fragrances, or silicones
  • Lightweight, fast-absorbing gel texture
  • Dual action — treats acne and fades scars simultaneously

Criticized

  • Small 20ml bottle runs out quickly with regular use
  • Succinic acid is not yet FDA-approved for acne treatment
  • Active ingredient concentrations not disclosed on packaging
  • Limited availability outside of Indonesia and Southeast Asia
  • May not be potent enough for severe or cystic acne
  • Cinnamon extract may cause sensitivity in some users
  • Relatively few English-language reviews and clinical data
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
82% Match
2% BHA Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment
~$5.00
Budget Pick

Indonesian brand alternative using 2% Salicylic Acid instead of Succinic Acid. Stronger exfoliating action but not pregnancy-safe due to BHA. Also 20ml.

70% Match
Acne Spot Treatment
~$3.50
Budget Pick

Another Indonesian halal-certified acne spot treatment with BHA and Willowherb. Gel texture but contains salicylic acid, so not pregnancy-safe. 15ml tube format.

65% Match
AC Collection Ultimate Spot Cream
~$14.00
Similar

Korean spot cream using Centella + Calamine + Zinc Oxide approach. Different mechanism — dries acne overnight with calamine rather than succinic acid. Contains oils. 30g tube.

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE
Succinic Acid Acne Treatment
Key Active 2% Succinic Acid + Salicylic Acid + Sulfur
Size 15ml
Pregnancy Safe No (contains Salicylic Acid)
Fungal Acne Safe No (contains Polysorbate 60, Squalane)
Ingredient Count 20+
Scar Fading Not primary focus
Origin UK
AC Collection Ultimate Spot Cream
Key Active Centella + Calamine + Zinc Oxide
Size 30g
Pregnancy Safe Yes
Fungal Acne Safe No (contains oils, Polysorbate 60)
Ingredient Count 20+
Scar Fading Minimal
Origin South Korea
2% BHA Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment
Key Active 2% Salicylic Acid + Zinc Sulfate
Size 20ml
Pregnancy Safe No (contains Salicylic Acid)
Fungal Acne Safe Yes
Ingredient Count 15+
Scar Fading Minimal
Origin Indonesia
13

Storage & shelf life

12 MONTHS
Period After Opening (PAO)

12 months after opening

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep tightly closed when not in use. No refrigeration required.

Packaging

Plastic squeeze tube with pointed applicator tip for precise spot application

Travel Friendly

Yes — 20ml is well under the 100ml carry-on liquid limit. Compact size fits easily in any travel pouch.

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

Yes. Azarine Acne Spot Serum does not contain any of the ingredients commonly flagged as unsafe during pregnancy or breastfeeding — no retinoids, no salicylic acid (BHA), no hydroquinone, and no chemical sunscreen filters. The formula relies on Succinic Acid, Centella Asiatica, Arbutin, and botanical extracts, all of which are generally considered safe for pregnant and nursing mothers. However, always consult your OB-GYN or healthcare provider before starting any new skincare product during pregnancy.

Yes. This serum is fungal acne safe. It does not contain any of the ingredients known to feed Malassezia yeast, including fermented ingredients, fatty acids (like lauric, stearic, oleic acid), oils, esters, or polysorbates. The lightweight water-based formula with glycerin, succinic acid, and plant extracts makes it an excellent choice for those dealing with fungal acne or pityrosporum folliculitis.

Yes, but with some care. Since this serum does not contain AHA or BHA, it can be safely combined with most other active ingredients. You can use it alongside niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C without issues. If you are using retinol or strong chemical exfoliants (AHA/BHA), consider applying them at different times of day — for example, exfoliants in the evening and this serum in the morning, or on alternate days — to avoid potential irritation from over-treatment.

This serum is formulated for all skin types, but it is especially well-suited for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin. The lightweight gel texture absorbs quickly without adding shine, and the succinic acid helps regulate excess sebum. It is also a good option for sensitive skin since it avoids salicylic acid and harsh active ingredients. Dry skin types can use it as well — simply pair with a rich moisturizer afterward.

Many users report visible reduction of active pimples within 2–3 days of consistent use. The brand claims blemishes can begin drying within 2 days. For post-acne marks and hyperpigmentation, expect to see gradual improvement over 2–4 weeks as Arbutin and Papaya Extract work to fade dark spots. Full brightening and scar-fading results typically take 4–8 weeks of consistent twice-daily use.

Apply this serum as a spot treatment after cleansing and toner, but before your full-face serum and moisturizer. The recommended order is: Cleanser → Toner → Azarine Acne Spot Serum (on spots only) → Serum → Moisturizer → Sunscreen (AM). Use it twice daily, morning and evening, for the best results. Let it absorb for about 30 seconds before layering the next product.

No. This serum has a very low comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5. It is completely free from oils, silicones, and heavy emollients that typically clog pores. The formula is water-based with lightweight humectants (glycerin, propanediol) and does not contain any ingredients with a high comedogenic score. It is specifically designed for acne-prone skin and is unlikely to cause new breakouts.

The estimated Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. Once opened, use the product within one year for best efficacy. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and keep the tube tightly closed when not in use. Since the tube is only 20ml, most users will finish it well within the PAO if used daily. Check the expiry date printed on the packaging before use.

— Skincarisma verdict
4.0 / 5 ★★★★☆

Verdict: Azarine Acne Spot Serum is an impressively affordable and gentle acne spot treatment that stands out for its pregnancy-safe, fungal acne-safe, and minimal-ingredient formula. The dual-action approach of drying active acne with Succinic Acid while fading scars with Arbutin is a smart formulation choice. While Succinic Acid still lacks strong human clinical data compared to established acne actives like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, the overwhelmingly positive user reviews across Indonesian marketplaces and its clean safety profile make it an excellent entry-level acne treatment — especially for those who need a gentle, pregnancy-safe, or budget-friendly option. Best suited for mild to moderate acne; those with severe cystic acne may need stronger prescription-grade treatments.

Product Overview

question
lightbulb 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.

muscle 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.

Awesome, I Understand!

Quick Product Notes

Click on icons for more information
question
lightbulb 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.

muscle 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

Awesome, I Understand!

Notable Effects & Ingredients

anti-aging Anti-Aging from 2 ingredient(s):
Centella Asiatica Extract Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
brightening Brightening from 2 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Arbutin
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 3 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Centella Asiatica Extract Arbutin
question
lightbulb 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.

muscle 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!

Awesome, I Understand!

Ingredients Related to Skin Types

Click on icons for more information
dry-skin Dry Skin
2
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
sensitive-skin Sensitive Skin
question
lightbulb 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.

muscle 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.

Awesome, I Understand!

Ingredient Safety Breakdown

EWG Health Ratings
Low risk
Medium risk
High risk
Unknown risk
56% 6% 37%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 16 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
1 Unknown
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
2 A
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
brightening Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
1 A
Succinic Acid
Masking, Fragrance, Ph Adjuster, Buffering Agent, Buffering
1 Unknown
Propanediol
Solvent, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Decreasing Agent
1 B
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing, Skin Conditioning, Smoothing, Soothing, Tonic
anti-aging Anti-Aging
Promotes Wound Healing
Redness
Irritation
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS