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  • Blemish Control & Exfoliating Serum
  • Blemish Control & Exfoliating Serum
  • Blemish Control & Exfoliating Serum
  • Blemish Control & Exfoliating Serum
  • Blemish Control & Exfoliating Serum
  • Blemish Control & Exfoliating Serum
  • Blemish Control & Exfoliating Serum
  • Blemish Control & Exfoliating Serum
  • Blemish Control & Exfoliating Serum
  • Blemish Control & Exfoliating Serum
  • Blemish Control & Exfoliating Serum
  • Blemish Control & Exfoliating Serum
  • Blemish Control & Exfoliating Serum
  • Blemish Control & Exfoliating Serum
  • Blemish Control & Exfoliating Serum
  • Blemish Control & Exfoliating Serum

Blemish Control & Exfoliating Serum

353 reviews

$50.00

A gentle multi-acid serum with 2% salicylic acid and mandelic acid that helps clear breakouts while exfoliating to reveal smoother, glowier, and more even skin.

Product Highlights

  • Clinically Tested on Acne-Prone Skin

  • Dermatologist Tested

  • Acne-Safe & Non-Comedogenic

  • Safe for All Skin Tones

  • Clean & Paraben-Free

  • Barrier-Friendly

Details

A gentle, multi-acid serum that goes deep into pores to clear blemishes, while gently exfoliating the surface of the skin to reveal a smooth, glowy, and more even complexion.

Powered by AHAs and BHAs, this OTC acne treatment gently exfoliates to reveal clearer skin and a smoother texture. Made with sensitive and blemish-prone skin in mind, it's formulated with 12% humectants to boost hydration and help reduce dryness or irritation from exfoliation.

  • Cleanse skin thoroughly before applying. 
  • Dispense 1-2 pumps onto fingertips and apply all over the face. 
  • Follow with moisturizer.
  • If using in the AM, follow with SPF.
  • If new to exfoliation, use 3x per week and slowly increase to daily use.

Salicylic Acid 2%, Aqua/Water/Eau, Isopentyldiol, Squalane, Dipropylene Glycol, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, Mandelic Acid, Niacinamide, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Succinic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Xanthan Gum, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sclerotium Gum, Lecithin, Pullulan, Allantoin, Bisabolol, Sodium Phytate, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Silica, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ethylhexylglycerin.


*We don’t use any potential pore-clogging or Malassezia folliculitis (fungal acne) triggering ingredients.

Clinical Results

Based on a third-party clinical test on 35 panelists across all six Fitzpatrick skin types with self-perceived acne-prone skin.

  • Before

  • After 8 Weeks

  • 97% of participants said their skin felt less oily, 86% reported fewer and less severe breakouts, and 80% saw visibly clearer skin after 2 weeks of daily use.
  • 89% of participants saw smoother skin, 86% reported improved texture, and 80% noticed a more even skin tone after 2 weeks of daily use.
  • 91% agreed this product is gentle enough for daily use.

This product passed a 28-day acnegenic and comedogenicity test on acne-prone skin with no increase in papules or pustules compared to baseline.

This product passed safety-in-use testing on all 6 Fitzpatrick skin types with no signs of irritation.

Key Ingredients

  • Salicylic Acid 2% (BHA)

    A clinically-effective OTC acne treatment that clears blemishes, gently exfoliates, and visibly decongests pores.

  • Mandelic Acid (AHA)

    Gentle exfoliant proven to brighten, smooth, and even skin tone.

  • Niacinamide

    Visibly smooths and evens skin texture and tone while refining pores and balancing oil.

Works best with

Breakout Baddies

Key Questions

  • Since this is a multi-acid formula, we don't recommend using other strong actives like retinol, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid, or lactic acid at the same time to minimize the risk of irritation.
  • Yes! This serum has been clinically tested and shown to be safe for sensitive, acne-prone skin. The formula is powered by 12% humectants to boost hydration and help counteract dryness and sensitivity from exfoliation. It also contains calming ingredients to ensure that acne-prone and sensitive skin can benefit from its potent formula without irritation.
  • If you’re new to exfoliating, you might experience a purge—meaning you may see small pimples and bumps appear. This is completely normal! Salicylic acid works by diving deep into pores and bringing underlying buildup to the surface. This phase can last a few weeks, so stick with it and continue to slowly incorporate it into your routine.
  • If you’re new to exfoliating, start slow—just a few times a week—and build up to daily use as your skin adjusts. You can use this serum in the AM or PM, but if you’re applying it in the morning, always follow with SPF.

Reviews

4.8
Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars
Based on 353 reviews
Total 5 star reviews: 282 Total 4 star reviews: 59 Total 3 star reviews: 10 Total 2 star reviews: 2 Total 1 star reviews: 0
97%would recommend this product
Slide 1 selected
353 reviews
  • NH
    Nikki H.
    Verified Buyer
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Yesterday
    Great product!

    This product is really gentle on the skin and doesn’t cause irritation or redness.

    Was this helpful?
  • C
    chrisdoesmyhair
    Flag of United States
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    4 months ago
    Banu blemish serum

    The Banu AHA + BHA serum with 2% salicylic acid has become a game-changer in my skincare routine.What impressed me most is how quickly I started seeing results. Within the first week of use, my skin texture began improving noticeably. The combination of AHA and BHA really works to tackle both surface-level concerns and deeper pore issues. My stubborn blackheads that l'd been dealing with for months finally started clearing up, and the overall clarity of my skin improved dramatically.The 2% salicylic acid concentration hits that sweet spot - strong enough to be effective without being too harsh or drying. I was worried it might irritate my somewhat sensitive skin, but I experienced zero irritation when I started with every other night application.The texture is lightweight and absorbs quickly without leaving any sticky residue. I love that I can layer it under my moisturizer without any pilling or greasiness. The bottle design is also practical with a dropper that makes application easy and hygienic.After using it for a few weeks now. my skin looks clearer, feels smoother, and my pores appear smaller. Even my partner noticed the difference! I'm genuinely excited to continue using this and see the long-term results.Would definitely recommend this to anyone dealing with blemishes, uneven texture, or clogged pores. This serum does exactly what it promises to do.Pros:Cons:Effective combination of AHA and BHANoticeable results within a weekLightweight, non-irritating formula…

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  • C
    claribelpaulino96
    Flag of United States
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    4 months ago
    A MUST TRY!

    I’ve been using the BANU AHA BHA Blemish Clearing Serum as part of my nightly routine, and I’m genuinely impressed with how balanced and effective it is. As someone with dry skin who still deals with breakouts, I usually tread carefully with exfoliating serums—but this one is a game-changer. The mix of 2% salicylic acid and mandelic acid gently clears pores and smooths texture without leaving my skin tight or irritated. I love that it also includes niacinamide and 12% humectants to support hydration and barrier health. After just two weeks, my skin feels more refined, less oily, and visibly brighter. It layers beautifully under moisturizer and doesn't cause flaking or redness like harsher treatments. I also appreciate the clean, vegan formula that’s been tested on all skin tones and types—including acne-prone skin like mine. It’s gentle, hydrating, and actually works—definitely a must-try!

    **This review was collected as part of a promotion.

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Resources & Reading

Read More
  • What Is Salicylic Acid and Why It Belongs in Your Skincare Routine

    Acne 101

    What Is Salicylic Acid and Why It Belongs in Your Skincare Routine

    Let’s talk about one of the most proven, go-to ingredients in the acne world: salicylic acid. Technically, it’s a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) — aka an oil-soluble chemical exfoliant that goes deep into pores to clear out dead skin cells and excess oil. Translation? It’s a total MVP for unclogging skin and calming breakouts before they blow up.

    read more
  • Is It Acne or Rosacea? Let’s Break It Down

    Acne 101

    Is It Acne or Rosacea? Let’s Break It Down

    You’re breaking out — but something feels…off. It’s red, inflamed, maybe a little itchy. Is it acne? Is it rosacea? Is your skin just mad at you? Here’s a quick guide to help you figure out what’s going on before you start spiraling on Reddit. Not every breakout is actually acne. If your skin’s always flushed, your “zits” never get heads, or you’ve got stubborn cheek bumps that laugh in the face of regular acne treatments, it could be rosacea—a chronic skin thing that loves to masquerade as the real deal. The catch? Treating it like acne can make it worse. Knowing the difference means you can actually calm it down instead of accidentally starting beef with your skin barrier.

    read more
  • woman looking into camera in bathroom with orange towel on head

    Acne 101

    Non-Comedogenic Isn’t Just a Buzzword — Let’s Break It All Down

    If your skin breaks out easily, you’ve probably heard the term non-comedogenic. You’ve also probably Googled “pore-clogging ingredients” at midnight while trying to decode why your skincare might be backfiring. Same tbh. Here’s the deal: if you have acne-prone skin, switching to non-comedogenic products is one of the easiest ways to support your skin — without scrapping your entire routine or falling down a Reddit rabbit hole.

    read more
  • girl with cystic acne closing eyes in the sunshine

    Acne 101

    Different Types of Acne — and How to Actually Treat Them

    Breakouts hit different. Sometimes it's tiny bumps across your forehead. Other times, it’s one deep, angry zit that won’t go away. Knowing your type of acne is key to finding the right acne treatment — because not all breakouts respond the same. Here’s your no-BS guide to the different types of acne, how they show up, and what your skin ~actually~ needs.

    read more
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@mybanuskin

353 reviews