Post-Breakout Fix
Post-Breakout Fix
Product Description
Post-Breakout Fix by Clear Start (Dermalogica) is a lightweight gel-cream spot treatment that fades the red and dark post-inflammatory marks left behind after breakouts. Salicylic acid gently exfoliates, hexylresorcinol brightens, carob seed extract calms, and squalane restores the barrier β evening out skin tone on both new and old marks without over-drying.
β¨ Texture & Feel
Fades Post-Breakout Marks
Hexylresorcinol brightens and visibly reduces the red and dark spots left behind after blemishes heal.
Gentle BHA Exfoliation
Salicylic acid refines texture and evens skin tone without the harsh stripping of stronger acne gels.
Barrier Support
Squalane, phospholipids and phytosterols help restore and stabilize the skin barrier as it recovers.
Calming Botanicals
Carob seed extract supports the skin's natural renewal for visibly calmer, clearer-looking skin.
π‘οΈ Safety & Compatibility
Contains salicylic acid (BHA). As a small-area spot treatment the dose is low, but leave-on BHAs are best cleared with your doctor first.
Not fungal-acne safe. Contains esters, polysorbate 60, fatty acids and sorbitan isostearate that can feed malassezia.
Lightweight, squalane-based formula rates low (1/5) for pore-clogging and is suited to acne-prone skin.
Free from artificial fragrance. Botanical extracts may give a faint natural scent that some users notice.
No animal-derived ingredients and never tested on animals. Also gluten-free and reef safe.
Avoid stacking on the same spot as strong retinoids or other high-strength acids to prevent over-exfoliation.
π¬ Ingredient Breakdown
π§ͺ Salicylic Acid BHA Proven
The hero exfoliating acid. Oil-soluble salicylic acid penetrates into the pore, lifts dead cells and helps even out tone while keeping the spot clear as it heals.
- Function: Gentle chemical exfoliation that refines texture and fades discoloration.
- Why here: Keeps the treated mark exfoliated so brighter, more even skin surfaces faster.
π Hexylresorcinol Brightening Promising
A resorcinol-derived brightening agent and the standout active for marks. It targets excess pigment to fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and boost overall radiance.
- Function: Tyrosinase-pathway brightener studied as a gentler alternative to hydroquinone.
- Why here: Directly addresses the red and dark spots that popping leaves behind.
π§ Squalane Emollient Proven
A skin-identical, lightweight moisturizer that conditions without greasiness. It cushions the exfoliating actives and helps stabilize the barrier while skin recovers.
- Function: Restores softness and reduces trans-epidermal water loss.
- Why here: Offsets the potential dryness of salicylic acid, keeping the formula gentle.
πΏ Ceratonia Siliqua (Carob) Fruit Extract Soothing Promising
A botanical extract that targets the skin's natural regeneration process, helping skin look visibly calmer and clearer after a breakout has run its course.
- Function: Supports skin renewal and a soothed, more even appearance.
- Why here: Calms the irritation that often accompanies a healing spot.
π‘οΈ Caffeyl Glucoside Antioxidant Promising
A caffeic-acid-derived antioxidant that helps defend skin against environmental stress, supporting the brightening effort and a healthier-looking complexion.
- Function: Antioxidant protection alongside the brightening and exfoliating actives.
- Why here: Rounds out a barrier-friendly, recovery-focused formula.
23 ingredients
Water, Ethylhexyl Olivate, Pentylene Glycol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Salicylic Acid, Hexylresorcinol, Ceratonia Siliqua Fruit Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Propanediol, Squalane, Glycerin, Linoleic Acid, Phospholipids, Phytosterols, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Isostearate, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caffeyl Glucoside, Disodium Acetyl Glucosamine Phosphate
π Where It Fits in Your Routine
Apply a thin layer directly onto marks after cleansing and toning, AM and PM, then follow with moisturizer. Always finish mornings with SPF, since exfoliating acids increase sun sensitivity.
π How to Use
Cleanse & Tone
Start with clean, toned skin, both morning and night.
Spot Apply
Dab a small amount directly onto post-breakout marks β works on both new and old spots.
Moisturize
Once absorbed (about 30 seconds), follow with your usual moisturizer.
Protect
Finish every morning with broad-spectrum SPF. Repeat daily until the mark fades.
π€ Who Is It For?
β Perfect for you if:
- You have red or dark marks (PIH) left after breakouts
- Your skin is oily, combination or acne-prone
- You want a targeted spot treatment rather than a full-face product
- You prefer fragrance-free, vegan formulas
- You popped a pimple and want to limit the aftermath
β Consider alternatives if:
- You need to treat indented/atrophic acne scars (this targets pigment, not texture)
- You need a fungal-acne (malassezia) safe product
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding and avoiding all BHAs without clearance
- You want a large full-face exfoliant (this is a 15ml spot size)
π― Skin Type Compatibility
Lightweight gel-cream absorbs fast without adding shine or congestion.
Treats marks in oily zones while squalane keeps drier areas comfortable.
Non-comedogenic and BHA-based β designed specifically for post-breakout skin.
Fragrance-free and relatively gentle, but a patch test is wise with reactive skin.
Fine for spot use, but a richer moisturizer on top is recommended.
π Results Timeline
Smoother, Calmer Texture
Skin roughness after a breakout starts to improve and the spot feels less irritated.
86% noticed improved roughnessVisibly Fading Marks
Post-breakout discoloration looks lighter and skin tone reads more even.
95% saw reduced discolorationMore Even Tone
With consistent twice-daily use, older and stubborn marks continue to soften for a clearer complexion.
Best results with daily useβ Ratings by Platform
βοΈ Pros & Cons
β Praised
- Visibly fades post-breakout red and dark marks
- Lightweight, non-greasy gel-cream absorbs quickly
- Gentle salicylic acid β less drying than typical acne gels
- Fragrance-free, vegan and cruelty-free
- Works on active blemishes and old marks alike
β Criticized
- Small 15ml tube relative to the price
- Tube and dispensing can feel finicky
- Targets pigment, not indented scars
- Not fungal-acne (malassezia) safe
- Requires weeks of consistent use for visible results
π° Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Top community-matched alternative. Tackles blemishes with succinic and salicylic acid, but it leans toward treating active spots rather than fading pigment.
Shares the BHA active for exfoliation and tone, but lacks the brightening hexylresorcinol and barrier-supporting squalane, so it can feel more drying.
Tranexamic acid plus niacinamide target dark spots affordably for a similar brightening goal, though without BHA exfoliation.
π Comparison with Competitors
Post-Breakout Fix (This Product)
$25.00Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
$35.00La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Serum
$49.99The INKEY List Tranexamic Acid
$16.00π¦ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
Squeeze tube made with 25% recycled plastic (PCR)
Yes β 15ml, well under the 100ml carry-on limit
β Frequently Asked Questions
Use with caution. The formula contains salicylic acid (a BHA). Because it's a small-area spot treatment, the overall dose is low, but leave-on BHAs are generally something to clear with your doctor or midwife during pregnancy and breastfeeding before regular use.
No. The formula includes esters (such as ethylhexyl olivate and caprylic/capric triglyceride), polysorbate 60, sorbitan isostearate and fatty acids like linoleic acid, all of which can feed malassezia. If you're managing fungal acne, choose a dedicated FA-safe option instead.
Yes, with care. It already contains a BHA, so avoid layering it on the exact same spot as strong retinoids or additional high-strength acids to prevent over-exfoliation. Many people alternate β actives like retinol at night, this treatment at another time β and always patch test new combinations.
It's best for oily, combination and acne-prone skin dealing with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (red and dark marks). Sensitive skin can usually tolerate it with a patch test, while very dry skin should layer a richer moisturizer on top.
The brand reports 86% of users saw improved skin roughness after 2 weeks and 95% saw reduced discoloration from breakout marks after 4 weeks of twice-daily use. Older, stubborn marks generally need 8β12 weeks of consistent use.
After cleansing and toning, apply a small amount directly onto marks, then follow with moisturizer β both morning and night. In the morning, always finish with broad-spectrum SPF, since exfoliating acids increase sun sensitivity.
It rates low for comedogenicity (about 1/5). It's built on lightweight, non-comedogenic squalane and is designed for acne-prone skin, so it's unlikely to clog pores for most users.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. After opening, use it within a year and store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight for best results.
Verdict: Post-Breakout Fix is a smart, gentle answer to the marks acne leaves behind. The pairing of brightening hexylresorcinol with mild salicylic acid and barrier-loving squalane fades red and dark spots without the dryness of typical acne gels, and reviewers consistently praise its lightweight feel and visible results within a few weeks. The trade-offs are a small 15ml tube for the price, the need for patient daily use, and the fact that it targets pigment rather than indented scarring β and it isn't fungal-acne safe. For oily, combination or acne-prone skin tackling post-breakout discoloration, it's an easy, effective addition to a routine.
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
Brightening from 2 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 2 ingredient(s):
Ache-fighting from 1 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 |
Ethylhexyl Olivate
Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Pentylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 0 |
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion Stabilising
|
|
|
| 1 |
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Perfuming, Emollient
|
|