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Best Acne Skincare South Africa | Skin Functional – SKIN functional
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Acne

Acne isn’t just a teenage phase—it’s a skin concern that affects many at different stages of life. And with the endless sea of acne skin care products out there, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. At SKIN Functional, we believe in empowering you with real, science-backed knowledge so you can make smarter choices for your skin.

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45 products

0,1% Retinaldehyde Serum SKIN Functional

Serum

0,1% Retinaldehyde Serum

Regular price From R 75.00
Sale price From R 75.00 Regular price
0,2% Retinaldehyde Serum SKIN Functional

Serum

0,2% Retinaldehyde

Regular price From R 70.00
Sale price From R 70.00 Regular price
0,3% Retinol Oil Serum SKIN Functional

Serum

0,3% Retinol Oil Serum

Regular price From R 70.00
Sale price From R 70.00 Regular price
50ml

Moisturiser

0,5% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Moisturiser

Regular price From R 125.00
Sale price From R 125.00 Regular price
30ml

Serum

0,5% Retinol Serum

Regular price From R 65.00
Sale price From R 65.00 Regular price
30ml

Serum

1% Bakuchiol + 1% Vitamin A,C,E Oil Serum

Regular price From R 60.00
Sale price From R 60.00 Regular price
30ml

Serum

1% Retinol Oil Serum

Regular price From R 75.00
Sale price From R 75.00 Regular price
Skin Functional Retinoid Blend

Moisturiser

1,5% Retinoid Complex

Regular price R 580.00
Sale price R 580.00 Regular price
30ml

Serum

10% Azelaic Acid Serum

Regular price From R 60.00
Sale price From R 60.00 Regular price
30ml

Serum

10% Lactic Acid + 3% Polyhydroxy Acid Exfoliating Serum

Regular price From R 60.00
Sale price From R 60.00 Regular price
30ml

Serum

10% Mandelic Acid + 1% Polyglutamic Acid Exfoliating Serum

Regular price From R 60.00
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30ml

Serum

10% Niacinamide + 2% NAG + 1% Succinic Acid + 1% Zinc Serum

Regular price From R 55.00
Sale price From R 55.00 Regular price
SKIN functional breakout management dropper bottle

Serum

2% Acnoclear Complex™

Regular price From R 70.00
Sale price From R 70.00 Regular price
150ml

Cleanser

2% Amino Acid Blend Gel Cleanser

Regular price From R 30.00
Sale price From R 30.00 Regular price
100ml

Tonic

2% BHA Exfoliating Tonic

Regular price From R 75.00
Sale price From R 75.00 Regular price
SKIN Functional Breakout Spot Treatment with product details skincare product on a white background

Serum

2% Succinic Acid Serum

Regular price R 180.00
Sale price R 180.00 Regular price
30ml

Serum

3,5% Hyaluronic Acid + 3% Peptides + NMF Serum

Regular price From R 60.00
Sale price From R 60.00 Regular price
30ml

Serum

30% Amino Hydroxy Complex Exfoliating Serum

Regular price From R 70.00
Sale price From R 70.00 Regular price
200ml

Cleanser

4% Ferment Filtrate Micellar Water Cleanser

Regular price From R 30.00
Sale price From R 30.00 Regular price
30ml airless

Serum

5% Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate Serum

Regular price From R 75.00
Sale price From R 75.00 Regular price

About Our Acne

Our targeted range of acne skin products is designed with high-performance actives and transparent formulations to help you manage breakouts effectively. Whether you’re looking for good skin products for all concerns, tried-and-tested treatments, or a complete routine for acne-prone skin, we’ve got you covered with the facts and the formulations that work.

Understanding your skin is the first step. Our guides help you identify the root cause of your acne—be it hormonal, environmental, or product-related—and offer practical advice on how to treat it without damaging your skin barrier. From calming inflammation to reducing congestion and preventing future breakouts, we simplify the science so you can focus on visible results.

No empty promises, no confusing ingredients—just honest acne skin care products that deliver. Whether you’re dealing with blackheads, whiteheads, or persistent cystic acne, SKIN Functional makes it easy to find the skin products for acne that are right for you.

Let’s clear things up—literally. Explore our curated acne solutions below and take your next step toward calmer, clearer skin.

Our promise to you

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ALCOHOL FREE

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CRUELTY FREE

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FRAGRANCE FREE

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VEGAN FRIENDLY

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LOVINGLY MADE IN SOUTH AFRICA

Testimonials

I struggled with hormonal acne for years until I tried the Blemish Corrector. Within two weeks, my breakouts calmed and my skin started clearing. No irritation, just results.

Aneesa P.

Cape Town

The 10% Niacinamide Blemish Corrector was a game-changer—my pores appear smaller, red spots calmed within a few days, and my skin feels balanced.

Zoe M

Cape Town

I experienced fewer breakouts and my skin tone evened out visibly. The Niacinamide corrector reduced oil overnight without any irritation.

David S

David S

For those annoying red inflamed spots, the Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate serum worked wonders—gentle, calming, and truly effective within a week.

Aisha B

Durban

I love that the Inflamed Red Blemishes serum targets breakouts without drying me out. My skin is calmer, and red marks are fading.

Lauren T.

Pretoria

Real Science for Real Skin

Breakouts shouldn’t define your skin - or your confidence.
The Skin Functional Acne Range delivers science-backed skincare for acne-prone skin that targets the root causes of breakouts without damaging your barrier. Powered by clinically proven skincare active ingredients like azelaic acid, niacinamide, succinic acid and retinol, every formula is dermatologist-approved and tested for visible, reproducible results.

Whether you’re managing mild congestion, hormonal breakouts, or persistent acne, this collection offers clear-skin solutions for all skin types - designed, tested and made in South Africa.

The Science Behind Clear Skin

Each Skin Functional product is created with one goal: to restore balance and function to the skin.Our acne skincare range uses evidence-based active ingredients to reduce inflammation, regulate oil production and support long-term clarity.

Dermatologist-Formulated Acne Treatments

Every product is expertly formulated under ISO manufacturing standards. These advanced formulations combine actives such as:

  • Niacinamide + Zinc - to calm redness and reduce sebum.
  • Azelaic + Tranexamic Acid - to fade pigmentation and post-acne marks.
  • Succinic Acid + Retinol - to clear pores and prevent future breakouts.

Barrier-Safe, High-Performance Formulas

Traditional acne care often over-dries or irritates. Skin Functional takes a barrier-repair approach, combining anti-inflammatory active ingredients with hydration complexes to ensure consistent results without sensitivity.

Functional Acne Skincare for Every Skin Type

No two breakouts are the same - that’s why our range addresses each stage of acne, from prevention to post-blemish repair.

For Oily or Congested Skin

Our BHA Exfoliating Tonics and Oil Control Serums use salicylic and niacinamide to unclog pores, clear blackheads and smooth texture.

For Sensitive or Inflamed Skin

The Azelaic + Niacinamide Serums calm irritation, reduce redness and even tone without stripping your skin.

For Post-Acne Marks & Pigmentation

Our Pigmentation Treatment Serums fade dark spots and even out skin tone, restoring luminosity while maintaining barrier health.

For Teenagers or First-Time Users

Gentle, fragrance-free and acne-safe skincare that introduces effective actives without overwhelming the skin - ideal for teenage acne or mild breakouts.

A Complete Routine for Acne-Prone Skin

Building a consistent skincare routine is key to lasting results. Skin Functional simplifies the process with dermatologist-approved steps:

  1. Cleanse: Gentle, non-stripping cleansers remove excess oil and impurities.
  2. Tone: Use an AHA or BHA tonic to exfoliate and unclog pores.
  3. Treat: Apply targeted serums like 2% Acnoclear, 10% Azelaic Acid or 10% Niacinamide + 1% Zinc.
  4. Moisturise: Hydrate with barrier-repairing moisturisers enriched with ceramides.
  5. Protect: Always finish with SPF 50 sunscreen to prevent post-acne pigmentation.

Each step is designed to complement the next - science-driven synergy for calm, clear skin.

Why Choose Skin Functional

With over 30 years of dermatological expertise, Skin Functional is South Africa’s trusted authority on clinical acne skincare.
Our formulations are:

  • Science backed and dermatologist tested
  • Fragrance-free, non-comedogenic and vegan
  • Manufactured to ISO standards
  • Designed for African climates and skin tones

We don’t promise perfection - we deliver progress that’s measurable, repeatable and real.

Conclusion

Acne doesn’t need filters or quick fixes; it needs functional skincare that works with your biology, not against it. The Skin Functional Acne Collection empowers you with dermatologist-approved treatments that restore your skin’s health and your confidence.

 

Clear skin, powered by science.
Shop the Acne Skincare Collection now at Skin Functional and discover clinical results you can see and feel.

FAQs for Skin Functional Acne Skincare

1. What makes Skin Functional acne skincare different?

Skin Functional combines dermatologist expertise with science-backed active ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide, niacinamide, azelaic acid, and succinic acid at optimal concentrations™ to deliver reproducible results™ without irritation.

2. Is Skin Functional suitable for sensitive or reactive skin?

Yes. Every formula is fragrance-free, alcohol-free and barrier-supportive, making it safe for even the most sensitive, acne-prone skin types.

3. Which serum works best for acne scars or pigmentation?

The 10% Azelaic or 5% Tranexamic Acid Serum helps fade dark spots, post-acne marks and uneven tone while maintaining barrier health.

4. Can teenagers use Skin Functional products?

Absolutely. Our gentle, acne-safe formulas are ideal for teenage and first-time users learning to manage breakouts responsibly. Contact us for a personalised consultation if you are unsure where to start. 

5. How long does it take to see results?

You’ll typically notice reduced inflammation within 4-6 weeks and clearer, smoother skin within 8-12 weeks of consistent use.

6. Do your acne products dry out the skin?

No. Our formulations are non-stripping and barrier-friendly, combining exfoliating actives with hydrating complexes to prevent dryness or irritation.

7. Should I use retinol for acne-prone skin?

Yes - in moderation. Our 0,5% Retinol promotes cell turnover and reduces congestion while keeping irritation minimal.

8. Can I combine niacinamide and retinol?

Yes, they work beautifully together. Niacinamide strengthens the barrier and reduces redness, while retinol targets breakouts by increasing cell turnover

9. Do your acne products clog pores?

Never. All Skin Functional formulations are non-comedogenic, meaning they won’t block pores or worsen congestion.

10. Is the range safe for long-term use?

Absolutely. Our functional actives are clinically tested for sustained use, maintaining your skin’s health and balance over time.

11. What is the best acne serum for oily skin?

Our 2% Acnoclear, 10% Niacinamide + 1% Zinc and 2% BHA Exfoliating Tonic are ideal for oily, congested skin, helping control sebum and refine pores.

12. Can I use Skin Functional if I have dry or dehydrated acne-prone skin?

Yes. Our Hydrating Moisturisers and Barrier Repair formulations hydrate without clogging pores, restoring balance to dry, breakout-prone skin.

13. Is Skin Functional vegan and cruelty-free?

Yes - all products are 100% vegan, cruelty-free and manufactured in South Africa under ethical, ISO-certified conditions.

14. What’s the best routine for acne-prone skin?

Cleanse gently, exfoliate 2–3 times a week with a BHA or AHA tonic, apply targeted serums, hydrate with a ceramide moisturiser and protect daily with SPF 50 sunscreen.

15. Can I use exfoliating acids and retinol together?

Yes, but alternate them. Only use in the evenings. Apply your exfoliating tonic or serum on one night and then retinol on the next night. This is to avoid irritation while maximising skin renewal benefits.

16. What ingredients should I avoid if I have acne?

Avoid heavy oils, alcohol-based toners, and fragrances, which can disrupt your skin barrier or clog pores. Skin Functional products exclude all of these.

17. Is Skin Functional good for hormonal acne?

Yes. Active ingredients like succinic acid, azelaic acid and niacinamide regulate oil production and inflammation linked to hormonal breakouts.

18. Are these products safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Yes, except retinol-based formulas, which should be avoided. Our Azelaic Acid and Niacinamide serums are pregnancy-safe alternatives.

19. How do I treat post-acne pigmentation with Skin Functional?

Pair 10% Azelaic and 5% Tranexamic Acid with daily SPF 50 to fade marks while preventing new ones from forming.

20. Is Skin Functional an affordable dermatologist brand?

Yes. We deliver clinical-grade skincare at accessible prices, combining dermatologist formulation with science-backed ingredients made in South Africa.