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As someone that struggled with acne for most of my adult life, I know how difficult finding the right moisturizer can be. The e.l.f. Blemish Breakthrough Blemish Calming Water Cream sounds like it could be the one: Hydrating, but not suffocating and heavy, calming to counteract the irritating potential of acne treatments and preventative in itself.
But does it live up to the promise the name gives? As I said, finding the right moisturizer for acne prone skin can be a struggle, and way too often I have had high hopes that weren’t met. Let’s take a closer look at ingredients, texture and how it performed on my skin.
And if you are curious, here are my thoughts on the whole e.l.f. Blemish Breakthrough line
What the e.l.f. Blemish Breakthrough Calming Water Cream claims
A lightweight, blemish-fighting face moisturizer to help treat and prevent new blemishes, calm skin, and controls excess oil for a clear, moisturized complexion.
Facts about the e.l.f. Blemish Breakthrough Calming Water Cream
Prize and size
One tube contains 50 ml and is available for 14 € on the website here. All elf products are vegan. I had a travel size, which is why the actual packaging will look different to the one pictured above.
Texture and smell
What surprised me initially is that the cream is actually green. I assume that is supposed to counteract any redness to make the skin appear more even, yet made me a little hesitant – I have worked with color correctors that ended up making things worse before. I can assure you though, it is barely noticeable when spread out, you are not going to turn into Shrek.
The texture is lovely and lightweight and sinks in immediately and the cream has no noticeable scent.
How to use the e.l.f. Blemish Breakthrough Calming Water Cream
Depending on your skin type and preference, you can use it both morning and night, but I would recommend sticking with once a day as it does contain Salicylic Acid, so using it too often could lead to irritation.
Even for my skin that gets very oily in summer it is lightweight enough to be used in the mornings underneath sunscreen. If you are more on the dry or dehydrated side you will need something heavier to pair it with and could probably use this as serum step. It has a surprisingly matte finish after application.
Ingredients of the Blemish Breakthrough Calming Water Cream
cci|sb|aacne|h, Glycerin sii|h 0 0, Silica vc, Propanediol solv|h, Isododecane emo|solv, Tranexamic Acid 
sb|so, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate emo|emu, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate emo|amic, Acetyl Glucosamine sii|sb, Tromethamine buff, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate vc, Phenoxyethanol pres, Cetearyl Alcohol emo|vc|emu|surf 1 2, Capryloyl Glycine surf, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate emu|surf, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer vc, Allantoin so 0 0, Xanthan Gum vc, Caprylyl Glycol h|emo, Ethylhexylglycerin pres, Tocopherol aox 0–3 0–3, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil emo 0 0, Disodium EDTA chel, Caprylic Acid surf|emu|perf 3 1, Sodium Citrate chel|buff, Chromium Oxide Greens (Ci 77288) colHover the mouse over an ingredient for short explanation. Read more on INCIDecoder.
As ingredients you have 1% Salicylic Acid to calm down inflammation and to target congestion, then Niacinamide at a not disclosed percentage and Tranexamic Acid, again without any information about concentration. (More info: The benefits of acids in skincare explained, The benefits of Niacinamide in skincare explained and The benefits of Tranexamic Acid in skincare explained) Both will help target hyperpigmentation, and Niacinamide also has a variety of other skin benefits like helping with oil control and strengthening the skin barrier, so will be beneficial for acne prone skin. (More info: The 10 best ingredients to fight hyperpigmentation)
For hydration there is Glycerin, then you’ll find Acetyl Glucosamine, which is a Natural Moisturizing Factor in the skin and in combination with Niacinamide helps against hyperpigmentation, and lastly Silica to absorb excess oil – probably responsible for the matte finish. (More info: The benefits of Natural Moisturizing Factors in your skincare explained)
More info: How to read the ingredient list in your skincare products
Does it live up to its claims?
Yes.
It will help fight blemishes and congestion, absorb excess oil and is lightweight enough for oily skin.
How does it compare to…
pixi Clarity Lotion
Another oil free moisturizer aimed at oily, blemish prone skin, but this one actually without Salicylic Acid. pixi instead adds Willow Bark Extract, a natural source of salicylates, but like most extracts not nearly as effective. In addition I find the e.l.f. version better at shine control and more affordable, so it is the one I would prefer. If you use Salicylic Acid in other parts of your routine already though, pixi might be the better option so you don’t overdo the acids.
You can read my full review of the pixi Clarity Lotion here.
Would I repurchase and which skin types do I recommend it to?
This is my surprise favorite out of the three products in the e.l.f. Blemish Breakthrough line, as it is really lightweight and doesn’t add any shine to my face, and I particularly enjoy it around that time of the month when I get zones of congestion and breakouts on my cheeks. It is aimed at oily and probably teenage skin prone to breakouts and will work best for them.
Shop elf skincare here
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