Best Local Acne Skincare Products for 2025
The summer heat and humidity can make acne worse, and if you have oily or acne-prone skin, you know the struggle. The good news? Many Filipino skincare brands are formulating effective, gentle solutions tailored for tropical climates.
However, it’s important to note that it’s not just caused by external factors. In an interview with Jan Angelo, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jarische Lao-Ang explained that while acne has multiple triggers, hormones—specifically androgens—play a major role. Androgens stimulate oil production, which can lead to clogged pores, inflammation, and breakouts.
Moreover, Filipino skincare is advancing towards better formulations not primarily to “cure” these symptoms but rather to alleviate the adverse effects of stubborn clogged pores. If you’re looking for some of the best acne skincare products in the Philippines to help manage breakouts this summer, here are some of the best local options worth exploring:
CLEANSERS 🫧
Celeteque DermoScience Acne Solutions Cleansing Gel
💰:
₱281.00 (50ml)
₱510.00 (100ml)
TYPE:
Mainstream
KEY ACNE FIGHTING INGREDIENTS:
Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Willow Bark Extract, Niacinamide, Zinc Gluconate
BENEFITS:
Exfoliates, unclogs pores, and reduces excess oil while calming redness and inflammation.
⬇️GET IT HERE⬇️
Klued 2% Salicylic Acid Gentle Cleanser
💰
₱149.00 (10ml)
₱349.00 (120ml)
TYPE:
Indie
KEY ACNE FIGHTING INGREDIENTS:
Salicylic Acid, Lactic Acid
Zinc PCA, Aloe Vera, Ceramides, Allantoin
BENEFITS:
Deep-cleans without stripping, soothes irritation, hydrates, and gently removes dead skin to prevent breakouts.
⬇️GET IT HERE⬇️
🛒 Buy on Shopee
In comparison:
- Celeteque is great for those who need exfoliation and oil control, especially if they deal with clogged pores and acne scars.
- Klued is a gentler alternative with hydrating and soothing ingredients, perfect for sensitive, acne-prone skin that needs deep cleansing without irritation.
TONERS 💦
Fresh Skinlab Tomato Glass Skin Hydrating Toner
💰:
₱263.00 (100ml)
TYPE:
Mainstream
KEY ACNE FIGHTING INGREDIENTS:
Tomato Extract, Niacinamide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Allantoin, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)
BENEFITS:
Hydrates, brightens, and soothes while helping to reduce redness and prevent breakouts by managing oil production.
⬇️GET IT HERE⬇️
🛒 Buy on Shopee
Skin Hero Byebye Acne AHA/BHA 30-Day Miracle Clarifying Toner
💰:
₱199.00 (150ml)
TYPE:
Indie
KEY ACNE FIGHTING INGREDIENTS:
Tea Tree Water, Glycolic Acid, Witch Hazel Extract, Salicylic Acid, Allantoin
BENEFITS:
Exfoliates, unclogs pores, controls oil, calms irritation, and targets acne-causing bacteria.
⬇️GET IT HERE⬇️
🛒 Buy on Lazada
🛒 Buy on Shopee
In comparison:
- Fresh Skinlab is ideal for those who want a hydrating and brightening toner to even out skin tone and reduce redness while keeping breakouts at bay.
- Skin Hero is a great choice for those struggling with oily, acne-prone skin, offering deep exfoliation, pore-clearing action, and anti-inflammatory benefits for clearer skin.
SERUMS 💧
QuickFX Pimple Eraser Clarifying Serum
💰:
₱449.00 (30ml)
TYPE:
Mainstream
KEY ACNE FIGHTING INGREDIENTS:
Salicylic Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Witch Hazel, Centella Asiatica, Laminaria Saccharina Extract
BENEFITS:
Fights breakouts, unclogs pores, reduces redness, and soothes inflamed skin.
⬇️GET IT HERE⬇️
🛒 Buy on Lazada
🛒 Buy on Shopee
Soul Apothecary Radiance Boost Serum
💰:
₱299.00 (15ml)
₱550.00 (30ml)
₱895.00 (50ml)
TYPE:
INDIE
KEY ACNE FIGHTING INGREDIENTS:
Niacinamide, Tranexamic Acid, Arbutin, Yeast Ferment Extract
BENEFITS:
Regulates oil production, strengthens the skin barrier, fades post-acne marks, and prevents future breakouts by keeping skin sebum balanced.
⬇️GET IT HERE⬇️
🛒 Buy on Lazada
🛒 Buy on Shopee
In comparison:
- QuickFX is ideal for active acne, helping to clear clogged pores, reduce redness, and calm inflamed skin for a smoother complexion.
- Soul Apothecary is great for preventing breakouts before they start by balancing oil production and reinforcing the skin barrier, while also fading acne scars.
MOISTURIZERS 🫙
LUXE ORGANIX Miracle Solutions AHA/BHA Acne Derm+ Emulsion
💰:
₱379.00 (80ml)
TYPE:
Mainstream
KEY ACNE FIGHTING INGREDIENTS:
Niacinamide, Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Tea Tree Extract, Zinc PCA, Mandelic Acid
BENEFITS:
Gently exfoliates, unclogs pores, regulates oil production, and helps fade acne scars for clearer skin.
⬇️GET IT HERE⬇️
🛒 Buy on Lazada
🛒 Buy on Shopee
Soul Apothecary Barrier Fix Gel Moisturizer
💰:
₱250.00 (30ml)
₱399.00 (50ml)
TYPE:
Indie
KEY ACNE FIGHTING INGREDIENTS:
Oat Extract, Centella Asiatica, Ceramides, Sodium PCA
BENEFITS:
Strengthens the skin barrier, reduces redness, soothes irritation, and keeps skin hydrated without clogging pores.
⬇️GET IT HERE⬇️
🛒 Buy on Lazada
🛒 Buy on Shopee
In comparison:
- LUXE ORGANIX is ideal for those with oily and acne-prone skin, offering a lightweight formula that exfoliates, clears breakouts, and controls oil while fading post-acne marks.
- Soul Apothecary is perfect for sensitive, acne-prone skin, providing deep hydration and soothing relief while nourishing the skin barrier to prevent future breakouts.
SPOT TREATMENTS 🎯
Belo AcnePro Pimple Gel
💰:
₱200.00 (10g)
TYPE:
Mainstream
KEY ACNE FIGHTING INGREDIENTS:
Niacinamide, Bee Venom, Peppermint Extract, Bisabolol
BENEFITS:
Reduces redness, calms inflammation, and helps dry out pimples quickly without excessive irritation.
⬇️GET IT HERE⬇️
🛒 Buy on Lazada
🛒 Buy on Shopee
Human Nature Acne Defense Solution Gel
💰:
₱200.00 (20g)
TYPE:
Mainstream
KEY ACNE FIGHTING INGREDIENTS:
Tea Tree Oil, Zinc Lactate, Aloe Vera
BENEFITS:
A natural, non-drying formula that helps fight acne-causing bacteria, soothe inflammation, and calm irritation for clearer skin.
⬇️GET IT HERE⬇️
🛒 Buy on Lazada
🛒 Buy on Shopee
In comparison:
- Belo AcnePro is great for those who need fast relief from active breakouts, as its combination of niacinamide, bee venom, and peppermint works to calm inflammation and speed up healing.
- Human Nature Acne Defense Solution Gel is perfect for those looking for a gentler, plant-based alternative that fights acne without drying or irritating sensitive skin.
SUNSCREENS 🏖️
DR. SENSITIVE Super Sunscreen for Face and Body
💰:
₱299.00 (50ml)
TYPE:
Mainstream
KEY ACNE FIGHTING INGREDIENTS:
Niacinamide, Allantoin, Vitamin C (Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate)
BENEFITS:
Lightweight, non-greasy formula that helps prevent breakouts, calm redness, and brighten skin while protecting against UV damage.
⬇️GET IT HERE⬇️
🛒 Buy on Lazada
🛒 Buy on Shopee
Hello Glow Ultralight ++ Matte Sunscreen SPF50
💰:
₱350.00 (50g)
TYPE:
Mainstream
KEY ACNE FIGHTING INGREDIENTS:
Niacinamide, Ceramides, Centella Asiatica, Allantoin
BENEFITS:
Mattifies oily skin, hydrates, and soothes irritation, making it perfect for acne-prone skin that needs daily sun protection without clogging pores.
⬇️GET IT HERE⬇️
🛒 Buy on Lazada
🛒 Buy on Shopee
In comparison:
- DR. SENSITIVE Super Sunscreen is ideal for those who want a simple, no-fuss sunscreen that not only protects against UV rays but also fights acne, reduces redness, and brightens dull skin.
- Hello Glow Ultralight++ Matte Sunscreen is perfect for those with oily and acne-prone skin, as it provides a matte finish, hydrates, and reinforces the skin barrier with ceramides and Centella Asiatica.
Proper Usage of Acne Products
So you see, whether you have oily or acne-prone skin, the corresponding ingredients that you must use really depend on what you need and the state of your skin condition. The products mentioned above are barely extra measures that you can apply to combat any existing “manageable” acne concerns.
But how should you apply them properly?
It’s not necessarily bad to use an all-straight anti-acne skincare line or an ‘acne kit’ from a particular brand. However, City Skin Clinic cautions that many people with acne-prone skin unknowingly use products that are too harsh or drying, making breakouts worse. Most people, unfortunately, aren’t aware of which ingredients to look for. And I’ve been there too.
I also got carried away by what was in front of the packaging. As long as it says: for acne-prone, anti-acne, oil control, mattifying, and surprise surprise – MIRACLE. I bought it. It took me a while to realize that it was more important to read the back of the bottles.
Raw Beauty Wellness also emphasizes the importance of carefully combining skincare products, especially those with active ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, and exfoliants. Incorrect layering can lead to adverse reactions and other unwanted skin problems.
The safest methods that you can apply are:
- Layering your products properly with emollients (creams) to act as protective films for slow absorption.
- Spacing out the usage of your chemical exfoliants on different days.
- Reserve the use of your products with active ingredients only during the evening- hours before sleeping.
However, if your acne is severe, persistent, or causing irritation, don’t hesitate to consult a dermatologist. It’s a worthwhile investment compared to trial-and-error with multiple products.
But if you’re looking for effective, science-backed skincare to manage breakouts, these Filipino products are a great place to start!