10 Best Serums to Try For Acne-Prone Skin Curated by The Yesstylist & Mini Review Products I've Tried

A skin care routine for acne-prone skin is incomplete without a serum. Picking the right serum to use day and night can make a big difference in keeping breakouts at bay. Serums are packed with potent ingredients that not only treat acne, but also keep skin hydrated, improve skin tone and texture, control excess sebum production and brighten dark spots left behind by acne.

Still haven’t found what you’re looking for? Look no further, we put together a list of the best K-Beauty serums for acne-prone skin.

SOME BY MI − Yuja Niacin 30 Days Blemish Care Serum

Add SOME BY MI’s Yuja Niacin 30 Days Blemish Care Serum to your routine and say goodbye to blemishes, dark spots and dull skin tone. The serum is formulated with Korean yuja extract to moisturize and brighten skin, glutathione and arbutin to fade hyperpigmentation, and 12 kinds of vitamins to revive a dull complexion.

RNW − DER. CONCENTRATE Niacinamide Plus 

Niacinamide is a great ingredient for acne-prone skin. While the ingredient helps fade hyperpigmentation and minimizes the appearance of enlarged pores, it also regulates sebum production and protects your skin from environmental stressors such as pollution. RNW’s fast-absorbing serum targets dark spots and leaves your skin looking extra dewy.

COSRX − AC Collection Blemish Spot Clearing Serum

Another serum formulated with niacinamide is the AC Collection Blemish Spot Clearing Serum from COSRX. In addition to niacinamide, the formula contains EGF and ceramide, ingredients your skin needs to heal breakouts and repair the skin barrier. The serum also relieves redness, thanks to its CentellAC-RX formula containing three types of centella asiatica extracts.

iUNIK − Tea Tree Relief Serum

If you suffer from inflammation due to acne or hyperpigmentation (also known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation), it’s best to use a serum with skin-soothing ingredients. Try iUNIK’s Tea Tree Relief Serum, which is enriched with tea tree and centella asiatica extracts to tone down inflammation and soothe skin.

TIRTIR − Cica Care Serum

TIRTIR’s Cica Care Serum is another item worth adding to your skin care routine. The serum features the brand’s active ingredient CICA 7X Complex, which contains centella asiatica extract and peptides to calm skin and reduce redness and inflammation. 

make p:rem − Poncirus Trifoliata C Dark Spot Serum

Hyperpigmentation can take a while to completely fade. If you’re searching for a product to speed up the process, you can’t go wrong with make p:rem’s Poncirus Trifoliata C Dark Spot Serum. Formulated with Vitamin C derivatives and poncirus trifoliata extract, the serum improves the appearance of dark spots over time. It may not work miracles overnight, but as long as you stay consistent with using it daily, you’ll slowly notice a difference.

Goodal − Green Tangerine Vita C Dark Spot Serum

Using a Vitamin C serum is essential to fighting dark spots, plus it provides antioxidant benefits to protect skin against free radicals and environmental stressors. For a serum that targets post-acne dark spots or treats blemishes before they become spots, Goodal has you covered with its Green Tangerine Vita C Dark Spot Serum.

numbuzin − No.5 Goodbye Blemish Serum

numbuzin’s No.5 Goodbye Blemish Serum is worth adding to your regimen to combat acne. Packed with vitamins derived from hippophae rhamnoides, the serum is gentle enough to treat both inflamed and non-inflamed breakouts. Its lightweight gel formula makes it perfect for daytime use, especially if you have oily skin. 

ROVECTIN − Clean LHA Blemish Ampoule

Looking for a vegan-friendly or cruelty-free serum? ROVECTIN’s Clean LHA Blemish Ampoule is a great option. Offering brightening and soothing benefits, along with sebum control and gentle exfoliation, the serum has it all. It’s formulated with LHA (lipohydroxy acid), which is a derivative of salicylic acid that gets rid of dead skin cells and leaves you with a bright and smooth complexion.

AXIS-Y − Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum

Another vegan-friendly and cruelty-free serum that’s made without artificial colorants and fragrances is the Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum from K-Beauty brand AXIS-Y. The serum contains niacinamide to heal spots and breakouts, plant-derived squalane to deeply nourish skin, calendula extract to soothe irritated skin, and papaya fruit extract to slough away dead skin cells and even out skin tone.

10 Best Face Moisturizers for Winter under US$15 per 100ml Curated by The Yesstylist & Mini Review Products I've Tried

The holiday season will begin soon! With so many things to shop for and huge discounts available at YesStyle, who doesn’t want to nab great deals while doing their shopping? With that in mind, I scouted the most budget-friendly quality beauty finds at YesStyle. Since winter is here, let’s begin with the best affordable moisturizers!

To make this an apple-to-apple comparison, I’ve calculated the price per ml or g of each product, making sure the price (before tax) doesn’t exceed US$15 per 100ml at the time of writing (November 1). Despite the affordable price tags, all products below are bestsellers at YesStyle and highly rated in customer reviews. Treat yourself to some guilt-free beauty splurges!

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Best Budget-Friendly Face Moisturizers for Dry Skin

If you deal with dry patches and cracked skin during winter, look for hyaluronic acid and ceramide in moisturizers. Hyaluronic acid draws water to the skin surface to plump up skin, while ceramide repairs and strengthens the skin barrier to prevent moisture loss.

COSRX’s Hyaluronic Acid Intensive Cream is enriched with 3,000ppm of sodium hyaluronate, a derivative of hyaluronic acid in small molecular size so it penetrates deep within skin. The cream  contains anti-inflammatory ingredients like  57.8% sea buckthorn water.

ILLIYOON’s Ceramide Ato Concentrate Cream JUMBO comes in a whopping 500ml jar and instantly soothes irritated skin with highly concentrated ceramide capsules. It’s free of seven potential irritants like artificial fragrances and colorants. Invest in a large tub, so you won’t have to repurchase anytime soon!

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Best Budget-Friendly Face Moisturizers for Oily Skin

If you think that oily skin doesn’t require moisturizing, think again. In order to control excess sebum production, you need to keep your moisture levels balanced, and moisturizing is an essential skin care step for that. Sometimes your skin feels dry inside even when it’s oily on the outside, a sign of dehydrated skin leading to excess sebum production to compensate for the skin’s lack of moisture. Oily skin needs a lightweight and refreshing moisturizer that doesn’t clog pores, such as a gel or emulsion. Since gels and emulsions are usually cheaper than creams, those with oily skin can save money on lightweight moisturizers!

A perennial bestseller in Japan, Naturie’s Hatomugi Skin Conditioning Gel contains coix seed extracts to condition and brighten skin. The lightweight gel absorbs quickly, and it can be used as a mask pack. If you prefer lotion or emulsion, THE FACE SHOP’s Rice & Ceramide Moisture Emulsion uses ceramide and rice bran oil to restore moisture levels while leaving a refined and even-toned finish.

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Best Budget-Friendly Face Moisturizers for Sensitive Skin

Those with sensitive skin should avoid irritants such as fragrances, essential oils, colorings, parabens and ethanol. Also, look out for affordable soothing ingredients like centella, green tea, tea tree, aloe, heartleaf, purslane and calendula to calm flare-outs. Witch hazel is great for treating acne but not rosacea, while oat is good for alleviating eczema.

Suitable for oily and sensitive skin, PURITO’s Oat-In Calming Gel Cream is packed with 77% oat seed water alongside squalane, panthenol and beta-glucan to calm and hydrate skin while locking in moisture. The vegan formula boasts a refreshing gel texture, and it’s free of essential oils and fragrances.

Also boasting a cooling gel texture, SKIN 1004’s Madagascar Centella Soothing Cream is infused with 72% Madagascan centella extract plus four types of plant-based ceramide to soothe and strengthen skin.

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Best Budget-Friendly Face Moisturizers for Uneven Skin Tone

Whether you have acne scars, freckles or age spots, look for brightening ingredients like Vitamin C, retinol, AHA, niacinamide, arbutin, fruit enzymes, rice extract and soy extract that fade hyperpigmentation for an even skin tone.

Packed with 90% yuja extract, 5% niacinamide and ten kinds of vitamin, SOME BY MI’s Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream is effective in fading dark spots and blemishes. It also cools skin with its gel texture and ingredients like glacial water.

If you’re not into Vitamin C, SANA’s Soy Milk Moisture 6 In 1 Gel Cream Moist is a great option as it uses isoflavone-rich soybean milk ferment to brighten and moisturize skin. It’s a lotion, essence, mask pack and makeup base in one.

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Best Budget-Friendly Face Moisturizers for Mature Skin

Not all anti-aging skin care is expensive. Skin care containing ginseng or white truffle extract is pricier due to the ingredients’ rarity or luxe factor. Instead, look for other anti-aging ingredients like snail mucin, retinol and peptides, which are more affordable.

CORSX’s Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream infused with 92% snail secretion filtrate repairs damaged skin and diminishes fine lines and wrinkles. The non-sticky cream is suitable for day and night use.

For a luxe cream that won’t break the bank, try Elizavecca’s Milky Piggy EGF Elastic Retinol Cream, which is formulated with 69.9% swiftlet nest extract, alongside retinol and EGF to boost skin elasticity and reduce wrinkles. Since it contains retinol, the product should only be used at night and not on sensitive skin.

10 Best Sunscreens under US$20 per 100ml Curated by The Yesstylist

With the warm season coming up, everyone will be heading outdoors soon to enjoy the sun. To protect the skin from sun exposure and prevent sun damage from harmful UV rays, it is essential to wear sunscreen daily.

The best sunscreen should provide broad-spectrum coverage protecting skin against both UVA and UVB rays. UVB rays directly damage the outer layers of skin, which can lead to sunburn, brown spots and skin cancer. UVA rays are less intense but penetrate more deeply into skin. UVA rays cause tanning and premature aging of the skin, and also increase the risk of skin cancer. A broad-spectrum sunscreen with effective sun protection is easily identified by its SPF rating to indicate UVB protection, and PA rating to indicate UVA protection. All sunscreen products listed below have at least SPF 50 and PA+++ ratings.

To find effective sunscreens that offer the best value for money, I’ve calculated the price  (before tax) of each product in US$ per ml or g. All sunscreens listed are bestsellers that have earned high ratings and positive reviews from YesStyle customers.

Scroll down for ten budget-friendly sunscreen options for different skin types. Pick a sunscreen that suits you most!

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For Dry Skin

Look out for sunscreens that contain hyaluronic acid, a hydrating ingredient that draws moisture to the skin’s surface. Although those with dry skin type may tend to use sun creams, sun gels infused with hyaluronic acid are great options as they provide a cooling effect and moisturizing texture without being overly greasy.

Rohto Mentholatum’s Skin Aqua UV Super Moisture Gel SPF 50+ PA++++ is a chemical sunscreen that comes in a large 110ml bottle while costing only US$14.90. The sun gel is infused with sodium hyaluronate, a derivative of hyaluronic acid with a low molecular weight to enable deeper hydration with greater penetration into the skin. Water-resistant and non-greasy, the gel texture won’t leave any white cast even on darker skin tones.

A’PIEU’s Pure Block Natural Daily Sun Cream EX contains aloe vera and watermelon extracts to keep skin moisturized. It provides SPF 50+ PA++++ sun protection using both physical and chemical UV filters. Boasting a creamy texture, the lightweight formula melts into the skin seamlessly, allowing you to stay protected while avoiding a white cast.

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For Oily Skin

Instead of a thick sunscreen lotion, oily skin types should try out sun sticks to avoid feeling greasy. A sun stick may be conveniently reapplied in just a few swipes, making it ideal for those with an active lifestyle.

At an ultra-affordable US$9.2 for 15g, SCINIC’s Enjoy Super Active Airy Sun Stick is a great budget-friendly face sunscreen for oily skin types. Featuring SPF 50+ PA++++ broad-spectrum protection, the lightweight formula contains elastic powder to absorb sebum. Unlike most sunscreen lotions, it leaves a matte finish with no white cast. The airy sun stick is perfect for day-long non-greasy sun protection at the beach or over makeup.

SKIN 1004’s Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Silky-Fit Sun Stick is another alternative to sunscreen lotion that offers broad spectrum protection of SPF 50+ PA++++. It contains plant-based extracts including centella asiatica for antioxidant and soothing effects. The lightweight and non-sticky sunscreen glides onto skin smoothly without clogging pores. Also applicable over makeup, the non-greasy formula creates an oil-free look.

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For Mature Skin

Those with mature skin would benefit from sunscreens with key ingredients that increase skin’s resilience and elasticity. Look for a sun cream with hydrating and healing ingredients.

Jigott’s UV Sun Block offers SPF 50+ PA+++ protection in a soft cream texture. For the mature skin type, pick the Snail version that contains snail mucin, a skin care ingredient known for its antioxidant and moisturizing properties, as well as its ability to reduce fine lines and leave a nice glow.

Farm Stay’s Hyaluronic UV Shield Sun Block Cream offers broad-spectrum protection from UV rays with its SPF 50+ PA+++ rating. The hybrid sunscreen uses non-comedogenic mineral sunscreen ingredients titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, as well as organic UV filters. This face sunscreen also contains snail mucin to combat fine lines, Vitamin Complex containing Vitamin E for antioxidant properties, and Vitamin B (niacinamide) for brightening and wrinkle care.

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For Sensitive and Acne-Prone Skin

Those with sensitive skin type should watch out for fragrances and alcohol ingredients that can be drying and irritating. Sunscreens with heavy formulas may also clog pores and irritate acne-prone skin.

SCINIC’s Enjoy Super Mild Sun Essence is an alcohol-free, fragrance-free, oil-free and paraben-free sunscreen that will gently protect skin from sun damage. The formula is enriched with niacinamide, a brightening ingredient that also helps to combat blemishes on acne-prone skin. Vegan and reef-safe, this sunscreen allows you to enjoy a worry-free day at the beach.

Pyunkang Yul’s ATO Mild Sun Cream toes the budget at US$15.60 for 75ml, but for those with sensitive skin (me included), using alcohol-free and fragrance-free sunscreen is a must. Formulated with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide ­– two non-comedogenic mineral sunscreen ingredients that offer broad spectrum protection to protect skin against both UVA and UVB rays – the sun cream is gentle and doesn’t clog pores, making it ideal for those with acne-prone skin.

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Tinted Sunscreens

Tinted sunscreens double as color correctors or makeup bases so they are an easy way to incorporate sun protection into your daily makeup routine. Make sure you’re protected while in full glam!

Rohto Mentholatum’s Skin Aqua Tone Up UV Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ is only US$13.50 for 80g, but offers the dual function of sun protection from UV rays and color correction for uneven skin tone. This lightweight face sunscreen comes in four different tints for various functions, including a Mint green shade to correct redness. Alternatively, try the Lavender or Happiness Aura (pink) shades to achieve a tone-up effect. The Latte Beige version serves as a foundation for everyday makeup.

MACQUEEN’s UV Daily Sun Cream (Natural Make-Up Base) comes in a beige formula that can be used as a makeup base, making it a great pick for those who want to blend face sunscreen with everyday makeup. A SPF 50+ PA+++ hybrid sunscreen that combines the best of mineral sunscreens and chemical sunscreens, it contains a high ratio of mineral filters titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to keep skin matte and fresh. Key ingredients such as centella, green tea and chamomile extracts soothe skin and minimize wrinkles.

10 Best Facial Cleansers Under US$10 per 100ml Curated by The Yesstylist & Mini Review Products I've Tried

Cleansing is the first and most important step in your skin care routine, as it helps clean out dirt, excess oil and fine dust on your face. As cleansers get rinsed off skin, their additional non-cleansing benefits (such as brightening, anti-aging and soothing ingredients) may not penetrate as deep into skin compared to other products that remain on skin such as toners, ampoules and creams. When choosing the perfect cleanser for your skin needs, focus more on its cleansing power and suitability for your skin type above all else.

You don’t have to spend a fortune on cleansing products as there are many powerful and affordable cleansers in the market. Just make sure the facial cleanser suits your skin type or skin concerns in terms of ingredients, texture and formulation. Below are ten budget-friendly recommendations that get much love from YesStyle customers. Pick the cleanser that suits you the best!

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For Oily Skin

Those with oily skin may deal with skin concerns associated with excess sebum production like enlarged pores and greasy skin later in the day, so a lightweight cleanser that removes excess oil and dead skin cells is most beneficial for this skin type. Exfoliant ingredients like BHA help unclog pores and remove blackheads, while kaolin, volcanic ash and tea tree oil absorb sebum and regulate oil secretion.

As YesStyle’s bestselling facial cleanser for at least five years, COSRX’s Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser is perfect for oily skin. It contains tea tree oil and natural BHA to soothe and exfoliate skin, leaving a smooth, supple and healthy finish. Transforming from gel into refined foam upon lathering, the gentle and refreshing cleanser is especially designed to be used in the morning but can also be used at night.

Tekstur: gel bening dan ringan tapi bisa menghasilkan busa yang banyak ketika digunakan untuk mencuci muka, ada sedikit aroma seperti herbal khas korea gitu tapi tidak mengganggu.

Packaging: ini aku pake yang mini size tapi untuk full size pun juga sama packagingnya kalo dari penampakannya tapi aku kurang tahu untuk bentuk lubang tubenya

Formula: di aku ini gak bikin kulit kering ketarik gitu apalagi kulitku yang dehidrasi tapi misal kelamaan gak aku pakein step skincare selanjutnya jadi agak kering sih apalagi di cuaca dingin, btw meskipun ini nama produknya good morning gel cleanser tapi aku juga pake gak hanya pagi sih ini juga aku pake untuk malam sebagai rangkaian double cleansing.

Isi: 20 ml

Harga: Rp 111.750,00 150 ml https://shp.ee/bsycqq9

Another cult-favorite is innisfree’s Volcanic BHA Pore Cleansing Foam formulated with Jeju volcanic clusters and BHA to rid skin of the daily buildup of grime. Infused with Jeju hot spring water and madecassoside, the cleanser further purifies and hydrates skin. The formula changes from a smooth paste into soft foam upon lathering.

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For Dry Skin

If you have dry skin, it’s essential to choose a hydrating facial cleanser that doesn’t leave skin feeling taut post-cleanse. Gel cleansers are good options for this skin type, as are cleansing milks and cream-based cleansers. Avoid harsh soaps that may sap too much moisture from dry skin. In terms of active ingredients, look for cleansers with humectants like hyaluronic acid to draw moisture to skin, and occlusives like plant oils and ceramide to support the skin barrier. Emollients like shea butter help seal in moisture.

One of the top three bestselling facial cleansers at YesStyle since 2022, B.LAB’s Matcha Hydrating Foam Cleanser is formulated with a pH of 5.5 for optimum affinity with skin. Using only EWG green-grade ingredients such as matcha extract, centella extract, hyaluronic acid and ceramide, the foam cleanser restores skin’s natural oil-water balance. The creamy paste gently dissolves into rich foam upon contact with water.

Isntree’s Yam Root Vegan Milk Cleanser comes in a generous 220ml pump bottle which should last quite a while. The vegan and cruelty-free cleanser is formulated with amino acid-rich andong yam root extract, alongside coconut, rice, soybean, sweet almond and oatmeal extracts to calm skin, boost skin’s hydration levels and reinforce the skin barrier.

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For Acne-Prone Skin

The accumulation of sebum and dead skin cells in pores can lead to inflammation and the formation of acne. Apart from using exfoliators like AHA and BHA to remove excess oil on face and pores, those with acne-prone skin may also look to anti-inflammatory agents like tea tree oil to tame troubled skin.

A perennial bestseller at YesStyle, COSRX’s Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser contains salicylic acid to unclog pores and smooth uneven skin texture, as well as tea tree oil to deliver antibacterial and soothing effects. It’s perfect for soothing redness from acne and fostering healing.

A lightweight alternative would be Rohto Mentholatum’s Acnes Foam Wash. Coming in a pump bottle that directly dispenses foam onto the palm of your hand, the foam face wash from Rohto Mentholatum’s evergreen Acnes line is packed with isopropyl methyl phenol to fight acne-causing bacteria, and dipotassium glycyrrhizinate to calm skin and protect it from blemishes. Added with Vitamin C and coconut ingredients, the Acne Foam Wash helps to nourish and moisturize skin.

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For Sensitive Skin

Those with sensitive skin should avoid potential irritants in facial cleaners like artificial fragrances, ethanol, parabens and sulfates. If you’re dealing with a flare-up, go for soothing ingredients like centella and oatmeal. Avoid over-exfoliation to keep skin healthy and irritation-free.

heimish’s All Clean Green Foam contains a combination of soapbark tree, centella and witch hazel extracts to rid skin of excess oil and dirt, while amino acids replenish moisture. Containing only EWG green-grade ingredients and made free of parabens, the formula boasts an optimum pH of 5.5, and it leaves a non-irritating finish. The clear gel melts into soft foam for a thorough but gentle cleanse. Although witch hazel is good for acne, it may worsen rosacea so anyone who has this skin condition should avoid products with witch hazel.

 SKIN 1004’s Madagascar Centella Ampoule Foam is packed with 100% EWG green-grade ingredients, including 84% Madagascan cica extract, baking soda and natural coconut oil. The gentle cleansing foam removes impurities from face to help keep skin clear and prevent acne formation. It leaves skin calm with a supple finish.

(SHOP) 98.000

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Sebuah kiriman dibagikan oleh Aliyatus Sa'diyah (@aliyatussadiyah)

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For Uneven Skin Tone

Although the brightening effect of cleansers may be less prominent than other products in your skin care routine, you may still look for formulas with brightening ingredients to help achieve radiant and healthy skin. Ingredients like rice water, Vitamin C and niacinamide help even skin tone and enhance skin radiance.

THE FACE SHOP’s Rice Water Bright Cleansing Foam comes in a whooping 300ml tube, and it’s formulated with rice water to brighten complexion. Another recommendation is FRUDIA’s Citrus Brightening Micro Cleansing Foam which has a whipped cream texture that dissolves and lathers into micro-bubbles when combined with water. It contains Dust Zero Complex (made of cypress leaf, eucalyptus leaf, bamboo and moringa leaf extracts) to absorb impurities and rid skin of fine dust and makeup residue. Vitamin C-rich citrus ingredients like citrus unshiu peel extract and grapefruit seed oil help brighten dull skin.