Got a rogue blemish making an unwelcome appearance? Before you reach for that trusty tube of benzoyl peroxide, let’s hit pause. While it might be tempting to slather on, that old-school approach is doing more harm than good. Sure, it might zap your zit, but it’ll also scorch your skin barrier, leaving it damaged and irritated. The goal here is clear, glowing skin – not a battlefield. 

If you’re searching for an acne spot treatment that actually works, our experts got you covered. Here’s what you need to know before adding one to your cart. 

Is an acne spot treatment right for me? 

Acne spot treatments are designed to target specific breakouts, delivering powerful, concentrated ingredients directly where you need them. If you’re dealing with the occasional breakout or hormonal blemish, a spot treatment can help speed up the healing process. However, if you’re battling chronic acne, a spot treatment alone won’t cut it – you’ll need a comprehensive routine. Think of spot treatments as your emergency fix, not a substitute for a well-rounded at-home agenda. 

That said, spot treatments are an essential tool for anyone struggling with acne. They’re quick, effective and can help get your skin back on track. 

How do I choose the best overnight acne spot treatment? 

Before diving into the endless aisles of acne solutions, there are a few non-negotiables to keep in mind: 

• Potent (and gentle) active ingredients: The best spot treatments feature ingredients like salicylic acid, sulfur and niacinamide – your acne-fighting go-to’s. They unclog pores, reduce inflammation and soothe irritation, all without being overly harsh on your skin.
• Non-irritating formulas: Even if you’re in a hurry to banish your blemishes, you shouldn’t sacrifice your skin barrier in the process. Choose products designed for sensitive skin and that are formulated to be non-drying, ensuring you’re treating your acne without stripping away your skin’s moisture. 
• Inspiring reviews: Not all acne treatments are created equal, so check out the reviews to see what others are saying. Glowing results and before-and-afters are a great sign but always double-check that the formula aligns with your skin type and omits harsh, irritating ingredients. 

What ingredients should I look for?

Let’s start with what to avoid: benzoyl peroxide. This common go-to for acne is notorious for over-drying your skin and compromising your skin barrier. It might clear a breakout in the short term, but you’ll be left with redness, tightness, dryness and flakiness, (a.k.a an atmosphere where acne bacteria will thrive). Consider gentler alternatives like these instead: 

• Colloidal sulfur: Gentler than benzoyl peroxide, this active ingredient treats and clears acne, absorbs excess sebum and unclogs pores, denying the growth of acne bacteria. Sulfur also helps with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), making it a multitasking hero.  
• Niacinamide: A skin-strengthening vitamin B3, this ingredient helps improve the appearance of problem pores while reducing breakout inflammation. 
• Bentonite and Kaolin: These natural clays create an occlusive barrier to draw out oil and impurities. They also help the spot treatment hold direct ingredient contact with blemishes, so it won’t slide or wipe off while you sleep. 
• Barrier-friendly botanicals: Herbs and extracts like Centella Asiatica (tiger grass) and Lavandula Angustifola (lavender) help calm, strengthen and restore balance to your skin, allowing the active ingredients to target your breakouts without sacrificing your skin barrier. 

Why Spot Defy? 

Formulated with 5% medicinal colloidal sulfur, Spot Defy was designed to flex and fit seamlessly into your routine. This fast-acting, precision overnight spot treatment allows acne to heal overnight without irritation. 

“What Spot Defy ‘defies’ is time itself – as it works overnight to quickly reduce inflammation and the size of breakouts without damaging the surrounding healthy skin,” says Beth Bialko, esthetician and Bioelements Senior Director of Education. “It’s designed to clear the breakout while also repairing the skin’s barrier. And that makes your skin better able to navigate future breakout cycles.”

See the proof: 

92% say it helps reduce inflammation of acne

84% say it helps reduce the size of pimples

87% say it visibly improves the overall appearance of their acne prone skin

84% say it made their skin look more clear

89% say it’s gentle and non-irritating 

*based on a 2-day consumer perception study of 38 men and women ages 18-55 of all Fitzpatrick levels. see bioelements.com for full study results.