Blemish Breakthrough Triple-Acid Resurfacing Serum
Blemish Breakthrough Triple-Acid Resurfacing Serum
Product Description
The e.l.f. cosmetics Blemish Breakthrough Triple-Acid Resurfacing Serum is a dermatologist-developed overnight treatment that pairs an 8.5% triple-acid complex (Salicylic Acid, Lactobionic PHA and Tranexamic Acid) with 10% Niacinamide to clear congested pores, fade post-blemish marks and resurface uneven texture while you sleep β all in a fragrance-free, 100% vegan formula that costs just $14.
β¨ Texture & Feel
8.5% Triple Acid Complex
Salicylic Acid (BHA), Lactobionic Acid (PHA) and Tranexamic Acid work together to exfoliate, decongest pores and even out post-blemish tone.
10% Niacinamide
A high, effective dose that helps control excess oil, support the skin barrier and fade the look of dark marks left behind by breakouts.
Overnight Resurfacing
Designed as a PM leave-on treatment so it can resurface and clarify while you sleep β wake to smoother, clearer-looking skin.
Gentle & Hydrating
The PHA (lactobionic acid) is a humectant that adds moisture, making the exfoliation feel milder than a typical AHA peel.
π‘οΈ Safety & Compatibility
Contains Salicylic Acid (BHA) and Tranexamic Acid. Low-concentration topical BHA is often considered low-risk, but many dermatologists advise avoiding leave-on acid serums β check with your OB/dermatologist.
Polyglyceryl-3 Cocoate and Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate are fatty-acid esters that can feed malassezia, so this is not a fungal-acne-safe formula.
Exfoliating acids increase sensitivity to UV. Daily broad-spectrum SPF the morning after is essential while using this serum.
No added fragrance, sulfates or comedogenic oils. Independent ingredient analysis rates overall irritation potential as low.
Already contains BHA + PHA. Avoid stacking with strong retinoids or extra exfoliating acids the same night. Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid pair well.
100% vegan and double-certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny and PETA. Free from parabens, phthalates, triclosan and hydroquinone.
π¬ Ingredient Breakdown
β¨ Niacinamide ~10% Proven
Vitamin B3 and the brand's headline active. At this level it helps regulate sebum, strengthen the skin barrier, calm redness and visibly fade the dark marks left after a breakout.
- Source: Well-documented to reduce sebum, improve barrier function and lighten post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in clinical studies.
- Note: Independent INCI analysis estimates the actual level in the 5.4%β8.1% range, still a strong, effective dose.
𧫠Salicylic Acid part of 8.5% Proven
The oil-soluble BHA in the trio. It penetrates into pores to dissolve sebum and debris, making it the key blackhead- and breakout-fighting active in the formula.
- Source: FDA-recognized OTC acne ingredient at 0.5%β2%; oil-soluble so it works inside the pore, not just on the surface.
𫧠Lactobionic Acid (PHA) ~3.8β5.7% Promising
A polyhydroxy acid β the gentle, next-generation cousin of AHAs. It lifts away dead surface cells while also acting as a humectant, so it smooths texture without the harshness of glycolic acid.
- Source: PHAs exfoliate more gently than AHAs, are better tolerated by sensitive skin and add hydration as they resurface.
π¨ Tranexamic Acid part of 8.5% Proven
A brightening active included to tackle the uneven tone and stubborn discoloration that lingers after acne, working alongside niacinamide for a more even complexion.
- Source: Topical tranexamic acid is well-studied for reducing hyperpigmentation and post-inflammatory marks.
π¦ Butylene Glycol solvent / humectant Proven
A lightweight humectant and solvent that helps dissolve the actives, attract water to the skin and keep the serum thin and fast-absorbing.
- Source: Low comedogenicity and widely used as a penetration enhancer and texture agent in modern serums.
πΏ Acacia Senegal Gum stabilizer Promising
A plant-derived gum that thickens and stabilizes the formula, giving the watery serum a smooth, even slip on the skin.
- Source: Natural polysaccharide used as a film-former and texture stabilizer in water-based skincare.
π§ͺ Xanthan Gum thickener Proven
A natural thickening agent that gives the serum its body and keeps the actives evenly suspended from first to last drop.
- Source: Fermentation-derived polysaccharide, one of the most common and well-tolerated viscosity controllers in cosmetics.
π§Ό Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside mild surfactant Promising
A gentle, sugar-derived surfactant that helps the water- and oil-loving parts of the formula blend together and spread evenly.
- Source: Glucoside surfactants are mild and generally considered among the better-tolerated emulsifying options.
π‘οΈ Phenoxyethanol preservative Proven
A broad-spectrum preservative (paired with Sodium Benzoate and Ethylhexylglycerin) that keeps the water-based serum safe from microbial growth across its shelf life.
- Source: One of the most widely used and well-studied preservatives, effective at low concentrations.
16 ingredients
Water (Aqua), Niacinamide, Lactobionic Acid, Tranexamic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Salicylic Acid, Acacia Senegal Gum, Xanthan Gum, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Polyglyceryl-3 Cocoate, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin.
π Where It Fits in Your Routine
Use at night only. Start 2β3 times per week and build up to nightly as tolerated. Always follow with broad-spectrum SPF the next morning, and avoid layering it with strong retinoids or other exfoliating acids the same evening.
π How to Use
Start with clean skin
In the evening, cleanse and gently pat skin dry before applying.
Apply 3β5 drops
Dispense 3β5 drops and pat evenly over the face, avoiding the eye and mouth area.
Let it absorb, then moisturize
Allow the serum to sink in, then seal with your usual moisturizer.
SPF every morning
Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen daily β acids make skin more sun-sensitive.
Build up slowly
Begin every other night; increase frequency only if your skin stays comfortable. If irritation occurs, scale back.
π€ Who Is It For?
β Perfect for you if:
- You have oily, combination or acne-prone skin
- You deal with clogged pores, blackheads or post-blemish dark marks
- You want exfoliation plus niacinamide in one budget-friendly step
- You prefer fragrance-free, vegan formulas
- You want a gentle "starter" acid serum that won't break the bank
β Consider alternatives if:
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding (salicylic + tranexamic acid β ask your doctor)
- You are actively treating fungal acne (malassezia)
- Your skin is very dry or has a compromised barrier
- You already use prescription retinoids or strong acids nightly
- You want a high-strength (15β30%) exfoliating peel
π― Skin Type Compatibility
Salicylic acid and niacinamide target excess oil and clogged pores; the lightweight finish won't feel heavy.
Decongests the oily T-zone while the PHA adds gentle hydration to drier areas.
A strong fit for congestion and marks, but introduce slowly β some users report a short purging or breakout phase first.
Usable a few nights a week with a richer moisturizer on top, but the acids may feel drying with frequent use.
Fragrance-free and PHA-buffered, but the BHA can still tingle. Patch test and start every other night.
π Results Timeline
Initial adjustment
Skin may tingle slightly and feel smoother to the touch. Some users notice a short purging phase as congestion surfaces.
~30% notice a smoother feelClearer, less congested pores
Fewer new breakouts and visibly less blackhead build-up as the acids keep pores clear.
~55% report clearer skinMore even tone
Post-blemish dark marks begin to fade and overall texture feels refined thanks to niacinamide and tranexamic acid.
~65% see more even toneFull results
With consistent nightly use, skin looks clearer, smoother and more even. Continued use maintains the results.
~70% satisfied long-termβ Ratings by Platform
βοΈ Pros & Cons
β Praised
- Three exfoliating acids plus 10% niacinamide for just $14
- Fragrance-free, vegan and non-comedogenic
- Lightweight, absorbs fast and layers well under moisturizer
- Visibly clearer pores and smoother texture over a few weeks
- Gentle enough to be a beginner's first acid serum
β Criticized
- Small 28 ml bottle for a nightly product
- Salicylic + tranexamic acid means a pregnancy caution
- Not fungal-acne safe (polyglyceryl fatty-acid esters)
- Can cause purging or tingling in the first weeks
- Requires diligent daily SPF to use safely
π° Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Pure 2% salicylic acid with no niacinamide, PHA or tranexamic acid. Cheaper and great for pure oil/pore control, but far less multitasking than the e.l.f. trio.
Salicylic acid with zinc to target oil and breakouts. Similar BHA action and price point, but lacks the brightening tranexamic acid and high niacinamide dose.
A leave-on 2% BHA toner with added fruit acids. More of an all-over exfoliating tonic and a larger bottle, but without the tranexamic + niacinamide combo.
π Comparison with Competitors
e.l.f. Triple-Acid Serum (This Product)
$14.00The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2%
$8.90Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
~$35.00Naturium BHA Liquid Exfoliant 2%
~$13.00π¦ Storage & Shelf Life
Approximately 12 months after opening (typical for water-based acid serums)
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and keep the cap closed between uses
Frosted dropper bottle for controlled drop-by-drop dispensing
Yes β at 28 ml it's well under the 100 ml carry-on liquid limit
β Frequently Asked Questions
Use with caution. The serum contains Salicylic Acid (a BHA) and Tranexamic Acid. Low-concentration topical salicylic acid is often considered low-risk, but many dermatologists recommend avoiding leave-on acid serums during pregnancy and breastfeeding out of caution. Please check with your OB-GYN or dermatologist before using it.
No. The formula contains Polyglyceryl-3 Cocoate and Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, which are fatty-acid esters that can feed malassezia yeast. If you are actively treating fungal acne, this serum is not recommended; look for a fungal-acne-safe BHA option instead.
This serum already contains a BHA and a PHA, so you generally shouldn't layer it with additional strong acids or retinoids on the same night, as that raises the risk of irritation β alternate them on different evenings instead. Vitamin C is best saved for your morning routine, while niacinamide and hyaluronic acid pair well with it.
It's best suited to oily, combination and acne-prone skin dealing with clogged pores, blackheads, breakouts and uneven post-blemish tone. Dry and sensitive skin can use it less frequently with a good moisturizer, while those with very reactive or barrier-compromised skin should approach with caution.
Many people notice smoother-feeling skin within 1β2 weeks. Clearer, less congested pores typically appear around 2β4 weeks, and improvements in tone and post-blemish marks generally develop over 4β12 weeks of consistent nightly use.
Use it at night, on clean skin, after cleansing (and toner if you use one) and before your moisturizer. It's a leave-on treatment, so you don't rinse it off. Always follow with broad-spectrum SPF the next morning.
No β it's formulated to be non-comedogenic and rates very low (about 1/5) on the comedogenic scale. The salicylic acid actually helps clear out and prevent clogged pores rather than block them.
Around 12 months after opening is a sensible guideline for a water-based acid serum like this one. Store it in a cool, dry place and discard it sooner if the color, scent or texture noticeably changes.
Verdict: An impressive budget multitasker β three complementary acids plus 10% niacinamide for $14 is rare value, and the fragrance-free formula keeps irritation low for most, earning a strong 4.7/5 at Ulta. Just introduce it slowly to avoid purging, commit to daily SPF, skip it if you're pregnant or fighting fungal acne, and accept the small 28 ml bottle. For oily, congestion-prone skin that wants an affordable resurfacing step, it's an easy recommendation.
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 skinβs 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 Β«promisesΒ» 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
Anti-Aging from 3 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 4 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 2 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
|
|
|
| 1 |
Niacinamide
Skin Conditioning, Hair Conditioning, Smoothing
|
Brightening
Ache-fighting
Anti-Aging
Promotes Wound Healing
Redness
Irritation
Dark Spots
Pores
|
|
| 1 |
Lactobionic Acid
Ph Adjuster, Buffering Agent
|
Brightening
Anti-Aging
|
|
| 0 |
Tranexamic Acid
Astringent, Skin Conditioning
|
Irritation
Dark Spots
|
|
| 1 |
Butylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscositydecreasing Agent
|
Hydrating
|