What Acne?
What Acne?
Product Description
Product overview
An ultra-light K-beauty daily moisturizer formulated for acne-prone skin. Combines salicylic acid (BHA) and gluconolactone (PHA) with green tea, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C derivative to hydrate, gently exfoliate, and help prevent breakouts without clogging pores.
Dual Acid Exfoliation
Salicylic acid (BHA) unclogs pores while gluconolactone (PHA) provides gentle surface exfoliation without irritation.
Texture & feel
SENSORYDual Acid Exfoliation
Salicylic acid (BHA) unclogs pores while gluconolactone (PHA) provides gentle surface exfoliation without irritation.
Deep Hydration
Sodium hyaluronate and glycerin attract and lock in moisture, keeping acne-prone skin balanced and hydrated.
Green Tea Antioxidant Shield
Camellia sinensis leaf extract (listed first!) delivers powerful anti-inflammatory and antibacterial catechins to calm breakouts.
Brightening Vitamin C
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, a stable vitamin C derivative, helps fade post-acne marks and protect against free radical damage.
Marine Botanical Complex
Sea water plus three seaweed extracts (undaria, laminaria, hizikia) deliver minerals and antioxidants for skin resilience.
Traditional Herbal Blend
Licorice root, skullcap root, and sophora extract provide anti-inflammatory and skin-brightening benefits rooted in Eastern medicine.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains salicylic acid (BHA). While the concentration appears low, most dermatologists advise caution with salicylic acid during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before use.
Not fungal acne safe. Contains dicaprylyl carbonate (ester), cetyl alcohol, and hydrogenated polyisobutene which may feed malassezia yeast.
Free from parabens. Uses 1,2-hexanediol and caprylyl glycol as preservative system alternatives.
Not tested on animals. The Crème Shop is a cruelty-free brand.
Contains bergamot fruit oil and lavender oil which may cause sensitization in reactive skin. Patch test recommended.
Alcohol is listed 5th in the INCI list. May be drying or irritating for very dry or compromised skin barriers.
Rated 2/5. Lightweight gel-cream formula with mostly non-comedogenic ingredients. Unlikely to clog pores for most skin types.
Contains cyclopentasiloxane and cyclohexasiloxane (volatile silicones). These evaporate after application and are generally well-tolerated.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSGreen Tea Extract (Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract) 1st ListedProven
The star of this formula, listed first in the INCI, indicating it makes up the largest portion. Green tea is one of the most researched natural antioxidants in skincare, rich in catechins (EGCG, ECG) with proven anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and UV-protective properties.
- Antioxidant: EGCG catechins neutralize free radicals and protect against environmental damage.
- Anti-Acne: Demonstrated antibacterial activity against P. acnes bacteria in multiple studies.
- Anti-Inflammatory: Reduces redness and irritation associated with acne and rosacea.
Salicylic Acid (BHA) <2%Proven
A well-known beta-hydroxy acid that penetrates into pores to dissolve excess sebum and dead skin cells. It has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that help prevent and treat breakouts.
- Pore Clearance: Oil-soluble, so it can penetrate inside pores to dissolve congestion.
- Anti-Bacterial: Helps reduce acne-causing bacteria on the skin surface.
- FDA Recognized: 0.5-2% concentrations recognized as OTC acne treatment by the U.S. FDA.
Gluconolactone (PHA) Low %Promising
A polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that provides gentle exfoliation while simultaneously hydrating. Considered gentler than AHAs like glycolic acid, making it suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
- Gentle Exfoliation: Removes dead skin cells without the harshness of traditional AHAs.
- Humectant: Attracts water to the skin, boosting hydration levels.
- Antioxidant: Can neutralize free radicals and protect the skin barrier.
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid Low %Proven
A stable, water-and-oil-soluble vitamin C derivative that brightens skin tone and helps fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (acne scars and dark spots).
- Stability: More stable than pure L-ascorbic acid, less likely to oxidize in the product.
- Brightening: Inhibits melanin production to help fade dark spots and acne marks.
- Collagen Support: Promotes collagen synthesis for improved skin texture over time.
Sodium Hyaluronate Low %Proven
The sodium salt form of hyaluronic acid. A powerful humectant naturally found in the skin that can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, providing deep hydration to acne-prone skin without adding oil.
- Hydration: Draws moisture into the upper skin layers, improving skin plumpness and elasticity.
- Barrier Support: Helps maintain the skin moisture barrier, essential for acne-prone skin health.
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract Low %Promising
A traditional herbal extract with skin-brightening and anti-inflammatory properties. Contains glabridin, which inhibits tyrosinase activity to help even out skin tone and calm redness.
- Brightening: Glabridin helps reduce post-acne hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone.
- Soothing: Anti-inflammatory compounds help calm irritated, acne-prone skin.
39 ingredients
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Glycerin, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Alcohol, C14-22 Alcohols, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Water, Glucose, Propanediol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Sea Water, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Cetyl Alcohol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Salicylic Acid, Gluconolactone, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Sophora Flavescens Extract, Terminalia Chebula Fruit Extract, Camellia Japonica Leaf Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Undaria Pinnatifida Extract, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Hizikia Fusiforme Extract, Butylene Glycol, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Cimicifuga Racemosa Root Extract, Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse morning and night. Apply as the moisturizing step after serums and treatments. Always follow with sunscreen in the morning since this contains exfoliating acids.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse Your Skin
Start with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and makeup. Pat skin dry with a clean towel.
Apply Toner & Serums
If using toner or treatment serums, apply them first and let them absorb fully before moisturizing.
Dispense & Apply Moisturizer
Take a pea-sized to dime-sized amount and gently massage over the entire face and neck using upward, circular motions. Avoid the eye area.
Follow with SPF (Morning)
In the morning, always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen as the final step. The salicylic acid and PHA in this moisturizer make sun protection essential.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have oily or combination skin with acne concerns
- You want lightweight hydration that won't feel heavy or greasy
- You need a moisturizer with gentle BHA + PHA exfoliation built in
- You want an affordable K-beauty acne moisturizer under $20
- You prefer a cruelty-free and paraben-free formula
- You want antioxidant and brightening benefits alongside acne control
Consider alternatives if:
- You have fungal acne (malassezia) — this product is not FA-safe
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding (contains salicylic acid)
- You have very dry skin that needs rich, heavy moisture
- You are highly sensitive to essential oils (bergamot, lavender present)
- You need high-concentration BHA for severe acne (this has low %)
- You prefer completely fragrance-free products
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESUltra-light formula absorbs fast without adding shine. BHA helps control excess sebum and keeps pores clear throughout the day.
Balances well across oily and dry zones. Hydrates without being heavy on oily areas while providing enough moisture for drier patches.
Non-comedogenic and lightweight with acne-fighting actives. Active concentrations may be too low for severe acne, but great for mild to moderate concerns.
Provides hydration via hyaluronic acid and glycerin, but the lightweight formula and alcohol content may not provide enough moisture. Layer with a heavier cream.
Contains bergamot and lavender essential oils plus denatured alcohol which may irritate very sensitive skin. Patch test strongly recommended before full-face use.
Results timeline
WEEKS 8-12Immediate Hydration & Comfort
Skin feels softer and more hydrated. The lightweight texture absorbs quickly and you may notice less oily shine throughout the day. No sticky residue.
80% noticed improved hydrationSmoother Texture
The BHA and PHA combination begins to show subtle exfoliation results. Skin surface feels smoother and pores may appear slightly less congested.
60% noticed smoother skinClearer Complexion
With consistent daily use, breakouts may become less frequent. The vitamin C derivative and licorice extract start to visibly fade mild post-acne marks.
50% reported fewer breakoutsCumulative Brightening
Long-term benefits of the antioxidant and brightening ingredients become more visible. Skin tone appears more even, and overall complexion looks healthier.
45% noticed brighter skin toneRatings by platform
295+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Ultra-lightweight texture absorbs fast with no sticky residue
- Great value — generous 160 mL size for under $15
- Green tea listed first, indicating a high concentration of antioxidants
- Dual BHA + PHA exfoliation is gentler than single-acid formulas
- Cruelty-free and paraben-free formulation
- Helps control oil production throughout the day
- Pleasant, non-overpowering light herbal scent
Criticized
- Active ingredient concentrations (BHA, PHA) appear too low for significant acne treatment
- Contains denatured alcohol high in the ingredient list (potentially drying)
- Bergamot and lavender essential oils may sensitize reactive skin
- Not fungal acne (malassezia) safe
- Not hydrating enough for dry skin on its own
- Limited availability — not widely stocked in major beauty retailers
- WIMJ rates effectiveness at only 37/100 due to low active concentrations
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESLightweight K-beauty moisturizer for oily/acne-prone skin. Uses birch sap instead of green tea. No exfoliating acids but oil-free and non-comedogenic. Better for sensitive skin since it skips essential oils and alcohol.
K-beauty inspired formula with salicylic acid, niacinamide, and cica. Oil-free and lightweight. Contains niacinamide for additional pore-refining benefits that What Acne? lacks. More widely available at Target.
Focuses purely on hyaluronic acid hydration without exfoliating actives. Oil-free and non-comedogenic. Better for those who want hydration only without the BHA/PHA. Widely available at all drugstores.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep the cap tightly sealed after each use to preserve the vitamin C derivative and antioxidants.
Squeeze tube with screw cap. Hygienic design minimizes air exposure and product contamination.
No — 160 mL exceeds the 100 mL/3.4 oz TSA liquid carry-on limit. Decant into a smaller container for travel.
Frequently asked questions
FAQUse with caution. This product contains salicylic acid (BHA), which most dermatologists recommend avoiding during pregnancy and breastfeeding, especially in leave-on products. While the concentration appears low, it is best to consult your OB-GYN or dermatologist before incorporating it into your routine during pregnancy or nursing.
No, this product is not fungal acne safe. It contains dicaprylyl carbonate (an ester), cetyl alcohol (a fatty alcohol), and hydrogenated polyisobutene, which can feed malassezia yeast and worsen fungal acne. If you have fungal acne, consider alternatives like the COSRX Oil-Free Moisturizing Lotion which is FA-safe.
Since this moisturizer already contains salicylic acid (BHA) and gluconolactone (PHA), layering additional exfoliating acids (AHA/BHA) on top may cause over-exfoliation and irritation. You can use retinol, but introduce it slowly and alternate nights. The vitamin C derivative in this product is compatible with additional vitamin C serums, but monitor for irritation. When in doubt, apply this moisturizer in the morning and use stronger actives like retinol at night.
This moisturizer works best for oily and combination skin types that are prone to breakouts. Its ultra-light texture absorbs quickly without adding shine or greasiness. It is not ideal for very dry skin as it may not provide sufficient moisture on its own. Those with sensitive skin should patch test first due to the essential oils (bergamot and lavender) and alcohol content.
You should notice improved hydration and a less oily finish within the first week. Smoother skin texture typically becomes apparent after 2-3 weeks of consistent use. For visible improvement in breakouts and post-acne marks, expect to use it consistently for 4-8 weeks. Full brightening and skin-tone evening benefits may take 8-12 weeks. Keep in mind that active concentrations are on the lower side, so results may be more gradual than with higher-strength products.
Apply this as your moisturizer step, which comes after cleanser, toner, and serums. In a full Korean skincare routine: Cleanser → Toner → Essence → Serum/Ampoule → This Moisturizer → Sunscreen (AM). At night, skip the sunscreen but keep the same order. Since it contains BHA and PHA, you do not need a separate exfoliant when using this daily.
This product has a low comedogenic rating of 2 out of 5. The formula is described as ultra-light and non-comedogenic by the brand. Most ingredients like glycerin, green tea extract, and hyaluronic acid have a comedogenic rating of 0. However, cetyl alcohol (rated 2-3) is present. For the vast majority of users, this should not clog pores, but individual skin responses can vary. Users with extremely clog-prone skin should patch test first.
The product has a Period After Opening (PAO) of approximately 12 months. With the generous 160 mL size and daily use (morning and night), one tube typically lasts 3-4 months. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, and always reseal the cap tightly to preserve the antioxidant ingredients like green tea and vitamin C derivative.
Verdict: The Crème Shop What Acne? Daily Moisturizer offers excellent value at under $15 for 160 mL, with a thoughtful ingredient list that combines BHA, PHA, green tea, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C. It excels as a lightweight, oil-controlling daily moisturizer for oily and combination skin. However, independent analysis suggests the active concentrations (salicylic acid, gluconolactone) fall below effective thresholds, which limits its true acne-fighting power. The inclusion of denatured alcohol and essential oils may also deter those with sensitive or reactive skin. Best suited as a gentle, hydrating maintenance moisturizer for mild acne-prone skin rather than an intensive acne treatment. If you need stronger actives, consider pairing it with dedicated treatment products or opting for alternatives with confirmed effective concentrations.
Product Overview
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 0 |
Alcohol
Antimicrobial, Astringent, Masking, Solvent
|
|
|
| 1 |
Dipropylene Glycol
Fragrance, Solvent, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Masking, Viscosity Controlling
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
1,2-Hexanediol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
Hydrating
|







