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If you’ve ever struggled with lingering texture or dark spots after a breakout, you’ve likely been tempted by exfoliating serums—especially ones that promise results without irritation. The e.l.f. Blemish Breakthrough Triple-Acid Resurfacing Serum claims to do just that, combining Salicylic, Tranexamic, and Lactobionic Acid in a lightweight, budget-friendly formula.

 

 

But with no percentage breakdown and a surprisingly gentle feel… does it actually deliver? I put it to the test—here’s what you need to know before adding it to your routine.

 

 

What the e.l.f. Blemish Breakthrough Triple-Acid Resurfacing Serum claims

A dermatologist-developed, 8.5% triple-acid serum that helps improve skin tone and texture post-breakouts. The Blemish Breakthrough Triple-Acid Resurfacing Serum contains a blend of three different acids at a combined concentration of 8,5% to even out the skin tone and address texture issues after breakouts.

 

Facts about the e.l.f. Blemish Breakthrough Triple-Acid Resurfacing Serum

Prize and size

One dropper bottle contains 28 ml and is available for 16 € on the website here. All elf products are vegan.

 

Texture and smell

The serum is completely clear, has a watery texture and no scent. It would be easy to confuse it with water if you see it outside the packaging.

 

 

How to use the e.l.f. Blemish Breakthrough Triple-Acid Resurfacing Serum

The website advises you to use the Triple-Acid Resurfacing Serum at night, but I think it could be used just as well in the mornings, which is what I did. I use my retinoids at night and try not to use an acid in the same routine, so that just works better for me.

Although from the 8.5% of total acid concentration only the Salicylic Acid has irritation potential, the other two in the mix, Tranexamic Acid and Lactobionic Acid, don’t usually have an exfoliating effect. Depending on your skins individual threshold pairing it with retinoids could be fine, but that is different for everyone. The watery texture makes it easy to combine with other products as well. (More info: How to layer your products the right way)

 

Ingredients of the e.l.f Blemish Breakthrough Triple-Acid Resurfacing Serum

Hover the mouse over an ingredient for short explanation. Read more on INCIDecoder.
Interestingly enough e.l.f. doesn’t disclose the individual acid percentage, they only tell you that the total is 8.5%. Salicylic Acid isn’t allowed at more than 2%in over the counter products and for Tranexamic Acid this is the amount you will usually see over the counter as well, but Lactobionic Acid, a Polyhydroxy Acid, can be at anywhere between 0.5 to 30%. (More info: The benefits of acids in skincare explained, The benefits of Tranexamic Acid in skincare explained and The benefits of Polyhydroxy Acids in skincare explained)

Looking at the order the ingredients appear in sadly doesn’t provide more information either, we know that Niacinamide is at 10% – which is quite high, and the next on the list is Lactobionic Acid, so it is below 10%, but more than 2% because it comes before Tranexamic Acid – when we do the maths it has to be at at least 4.5 % if the other two were used at maximum concentration. If they were used at much lower concentrations though, we could as well have 8.3% of Lactobionic Acid and 0.1% respectively of Salicylic and Tranexamic Acid. I know this isn’t a satisfying answer, but it is all that I have for you.

More info: How to read the ingredient list in your skincare products

 

Does it live up to its claims?

Yes.

But it helps that the claims are quite vague. It does contain different acids that will all help with texture and hyperpigmentation. Probably not singlehandedly solve them, but help when used over time.

 

How does it compare to…

 

 

inn beauty Project Acne Serum

The inn beauty Project Acne Serum contains Salicylic and Tranexamic Acid as well as a Azelaic Acid derivative – I can’t tell you in which concentration in total, but I do know that the Salicylic is at 1.5% here and Niacinamide at 5%, so I assume it comes to about the same acid concentration. Its main aim os to unclog pores for blemish prevention and to target existing hyperpigmentation, so in that it is similar to e.l.f. It is quite a bit more expensive, but I would still reach for this one over e.l.f., simply because I know that I get the Salicylic Acid at a concentration here it will actually do something on my pores.

You can read my full review of the inn beauty Project Acne Serum here.

 

 

inn beauty Project Pore Refine

The claims in this inn beauty Project Serum are quite different to the ones in e.l.f., with inn beauty mainly targeting pores and pore size instead of texture and hyperpigmentation. It still combines three different acids though, Lactic, Glycolic and Lactobionic Acid, so is another one blending different forms for a combined effect. I wouldn’t recommend it for breakouts or hyperpigmentation directly, but it might help with texture.

You can read my full review of the inn beauty Project Pore Refine Serum here.

 

 

inn beauty Project Retinol Remix

And the last one from inn beauty Project. I don’t know why I kept thinking about them when comparing the e.l.f. serum to other products, maybe because they have a similar approach of combining different ingredients to target one concern. This one contains Retinol, unlike the version from e.l.f., but also has Tranexamic Acid in an attempt to counteract discoloration. Maybe a good alternative for those that prefer retinoids over acids to combat their breakouts.

You can read my full review of the inn beauty Project Retinol Remix here.

 

Would I repurchase and which skin types do I recommend it to?

I personally like my products to have defined concentrations of the thing I am looking for – 2% for Salicylic Acid for example – even though I am aware that concentration only tells one part of the story. It just makes it easier for me to anticipate hows something will work for me. This one however is probably a good choice if you want to target some congestion as well as hyperpigmentation at the same time, but don’t suffer from major breakouts. It is suitable for every skin type and daily use, but this gentleness also means that you can’t expect drastic results, it will probably need patience until you see improvement.

 

 

Shop e.l.f. Cosmetics here

 

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