I’ve Dealt With Breakouts *Since Forever*, So Here Are My Thoughts on Skinstitut's New Clearing Range
Nikki is a writer, former makeup artist, and Communications Specialist at Adore Beauty. She kicked off her writing career at Fashion Journal, penning beauty articles and interviewing musicians she’d still name-drop seven years later. In 2023, she made a very big and bold career leap (writing about fashion instead of beauty). Now, she’s come full circle – but still loves to think outside the box.
In Partnership With Skinstitut
Like most people who braved having acne in the mid to late 2000s, I’m scarred (quite literally) from three-step clearing routines that left my skin dehydrated, flaky and angry.
Now, having graduated to nourishing, calming, downright better alternatives – and levelling up to adult acne – I’m less inclined to try something specifically aimed at controlling breakouts, even though I know the formulas have come a long way too.
Skinstitut’s Clearing range, made to calm breakouts, refine pores and control oil, seemed a little too nostalgic for my liking.
Yet, I set out to test the brand’s AHA + BHA Clearing Serum and Clearing Barrier Repair Moisturiser for one week, then sat down to form some initial thoughts, deep-dives and a final conclusion on whether or not I think the range is worth trying.
Spoiler: it is!
What Is the Skinstitut Clearing Range?
Says the brand caption:
This your complete, clinically proven* & dermatologist endorsed solution to breakout-prone skin, designed to deliver visible results without compromise.This high-performance, non-comedogenic range features the NEW AHA + BHA Clearing Serum and the NEW Clearing Barrier Repair Moisturiser. Together, they work to visibly clear breakouts, refine texture and rebalance the skin, while actively supporting and protecting the skin barrier.Powered by a targeted blend of Salicylic Acid (BHA), Lactic + Mandelic Acids (AHAs), Niacinamide, Squalane and clinically proven Dendriclear™ Amino Acid Technology, they go beyond surface-level to help visibly clear, calm and strengthen skin , for results you can see, and confidence you can feel.
Enough backstory. Let’s talk formulas.
When I read the ingredient list for the brand’s AHA + BHA Clearing Serum, I knew what I was in for.
Salicylic, lactic and mandelic acids work to decongest and gently exfoliate the skin, while niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and glycerin swoop in to provide barrier support. Teamwork makes the dreamwork.
My Skinstitut Clearing Range Review
Used consistently, this action-packed serum promises to clear, smooth and balance your skin in four weeks.*
I applied it to clean, dry skin in the evening, right after my milky toner. Of course, you’ll need to follow up with SPF the next morning.
The product I was probably most apprehensive about, the Clearing Barrier Repair Moisturiser, really impressed me.
That’s ‘cause out of all the oil-controlling moisturisers I’ve tried so far, this one felt the most nourishing. I can thank a soothing, cushiony blend of niacinamide and squalane for that.
Though, the main player is Skinstitut’s clinically-proven amino acid technology, which helps clear and rebalance your skin, and decrease sebum production.
Admittedly, my skin at the moment is fairly good. Partly because I spent the better half of my teen years on some form of acne medication and now have access to cosmeceutical skincare that really does what it says.
Still, as someone with PCOS, that ‘fairly good’ could change into an “oh, please no” in a matter of days.
I might not make for a very good before-and-after case, but know that when it comes to acne care, slow, steady solutions aimed at maintaining your skin’s clarity rather than promising quick results are usually king.
Best believe, I’ve already explored the latter.
Final Thoughts...
While it’s too soon to reveal transformative – even noticeable – results, my skin already feels calmer and more balanced.
Exactly how I want my skincare to perform when I’m experiencing a hormonal flare-up (which appears like clockwork).
According to the experts, four-ish weeks is generally when you start to see visible signs that your new routine is working. So, remaining patient, calm and all-knowing really is the challenge. Game on, I say.
*Based on a clinical study of 27 subjects with facial skin prone to pimples and breakouts using the AHA + BHA Clearing Serum for 28 days.
