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I keep repeating “If you have acne, more than just the occasional breakout, go see a doctor and don’t try to treat it with skincare from the drugstore! It is a skin disease that very often needs medication and, if left untreated, can leave scars and harm your mental health.” (More info: Why you have acne and how to treat it.) But what about products like the inn beauty Project Acne Serum that has “FDA approved acne treatment” written on the bottle?

Will it perform better than other products you can buy? Is it worth paying 35 $ for one bottle and if you use it, how long will it take to see results?
Let’s talk about that in todays review.
What the inn beauty Project Acne Serum claims
Acne serum is an OTC/ FDA approved acne treatment that helps treat and prevent acne and blackheads. Gentle yet effective, supports skin barrier while it heals.
Facts about the inn beauty Project Acne Serum
Prize and size
One pump bottle contains 30 ml and is available for 35 $ on the website here. It is vegan.
Texture and smell
Unlike other Salicylic Acid products this one is not a liquid, but comes as a lightweight lotion in a light brownish color. There is a distinct medicinal scent to it, not overpowering, but noticeable while you spread it on your face.

How to use the inn beauty Project Acne Serum
I had difficulties with the pump that often didn’t bring up product and required repeated pressing and sometimes banging the bottom on the bathroom counter to work. One pump should be enough to cover your whole face and jawline which is where I like to spread it as I tend to get congestion there as well.
While personally I put it in my morning skincare routine, around three times a week, it would work both morning or night depending on your preferences. In theory you could pair it with everything, but I strongly advise against putting too many irritating things into your routine at once, so if you use a strong retinoid at night, maybe use this one in the mornings. Not because they cancel each other out, but because you reduce the risk of your face falling off in the process.
In regards to frequency, anything from daily to once a week will work, depending on your skins tolerance and the goals you want to reach. As it is with all skincare products, it will take at least six weeks, maybe loner, until you see results and using it consistently is key. If you don’t do that, you won’t see changes.
Ingredients of the inn beauty Project Acne Serum


















Hover the mouse over an ingredient for short explanation. Read more on INCIDecoder.
So why is it called a FDA approved acne treatment? Because it contains 1.5% Salicylic Acid, an ingredient that is approved for treating acne through the unclogging of pores. Is it different in that to other available Salicylic Acid products? No. You can get Salicylic Acid without a prescription up until a concentration of 2%. (More info: The benefits of acids in your skincare routine explained)
With that out of the way, let’s look at the rest of the formulation: You have Glycerin and Hyaluronic Acid for hydration and a few other ingredients that might support the acne journey: Niacinamide at 5%, which is both helpful for regulating sebum production as well as brightening leftover pigmentation, Bakuchiol, which might have retinol like effects, and Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate, a derivative of Azelaic Acid. Azelaic Acid has anti-acne and skin brightening benefits and according to the manufacturer its derivative does the same. With the exception of the Niacinamide they are at low concentrations though. (More info: The benefits of Hyaluronic Acid in skincare explained, The benefits of Niacinamide in skincare explained, The benefits of Bakuchiol in skincare explained and The benefits of Azelaic Acid in skincare explained)
To help prevent irritation that often comes with acne products you will find Panthenol, Ceramides and Allantoin and for additional help with leftover hyperpigmentation there are fermented ingredients and Tranexamic Acid. (More info: The benefits of Panthenol in skincare explained, The benefits of Ceramides in skincare explained, The benefits of fermented ingredients in skincare explained and The benefits of Tranexamic Acid in skincare explained)
More info: How to read the ingredient list in your skincare products
Does it live up to its claims?
Yes.
It is gentle, has skincare barrier soothing ingredients and will help treat congestion.
How does it compare to…

Paulas Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Paulas Choice to this day makes my favorite Salicylic Acid to help prevent congestion, and ever since I tried it (which was quite late in my skincare journey), none other has come close. While I appreciate the added soothing ingredients you find in the innbeauty version, I much prefer texture and concentration in PC. It might not sound like it, but for me the 2% versus the 1.5% is just that tad more effective at keeping my skin blackhead free.
You can read my full review of the Paulas Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant here.

The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution
Here is a budget alternative, missing the soothing ingredients, but with the slightly more effective (and probably slightly more irritating) concentration of 2%. I prefer using a dedicated serum for treating congestion and get the soothing from other sources if needed, so I wanted to let you know about this alternative.
You can read my full review of The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution here.
Would I repurchase and which skin types do I recommend the inn beauty Project Acne Serum to?
I really enjoyed the inn beauty Project Acne Serum for its gentleness, but seeing it promoted as effective at home acne treatment is in my opinion too much. It contains 1.5% Salicylic Acid, which is approved and helpful in treating acne, but in more than light cases only part of the regime you need to successfully manage your acne. The supporting ingredients listed will be helpful, but not move the needle much and in regards to treating hyperpigmentation it might also support that journey, but not alone. I can only repeat my statement: Anyone with acne, not a few breakouts, should see a doctor to discuss medication. This product will not substitute treatment.
If your main concern is congestion though and your skin is easily irritated by higher concentrations, it is a lovely and gentle product to try and at the same price as my favorite from Paula´s Choice. There are more affordable options out there though if you are on a budget.

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