Ranked by ingredients
Best Spot & Targeted Treatments
The 10 highest-scoring of the 12 spot & targeted treatments we scored, ranked on what is in the bottle rather than what is on it. Every score comes from the product's own ingredient list; no brand pays to be here.
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COSRX$9.49 · 125 mlCOSRX AC Collection Calming Liquid Intensive3 high-impact actives: Bee Propolis, Niacinamide, Betaine Salicylate. Fragrance-free
Actives: Propolis Extract, Niacinamide, Centella Asiatica Extract, Betaine Salicylate
A90 - 2
Dr. Dennis Gross$51.99Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel5 high-impact actives: Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Malic Acid +2 more. Loses points on safety: 3 moderate-irritation ingredients: Glycolic Acid, Malic Acid, Retinol
Actives: Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Malic Acid, Retinol, Bakuchiol
B88 - 3
Alpyn Beauty$36.99Alpyn Beauty Wild Huckleberry 8-Acid Polishing Peel7 high-impact actives: Glycolic Acid, Malic Acid, Tartaric Acid +4 more. Loses points on safety: 3 moderate-irritation ingredients: Glycolic Acid, Malic Acid, Tartaric Acid
Actives: Glycolic Acid, Malic Acid, Tartaric Acid, Salicylic Acid, Mandelic Acid
B87 - 4
COSRX$17.99COSRX Centella Blemish Cream6 distinct ingredient classes — well-rounded formula. Fragrance-free
Actives: Centella Asiatica Extract, Madecassic Acid, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Zinc Oxide
B83 - 5
Hero Cosmetics$16.49Hero Cosmetics Rescue Balm +Red Correct Post-Blemish Recovery Cream6 distinct ingredient classes — well-rounded formula. Fragrance-free
Actives: Azelaic Acid, Centella Asiatica Extract, Niacinamide
B83 - 6
Numbuzin$12.49Numbuzin No.1 Pure-full Calming Water Pad4 distinct ingredient classes — well-rounded formula. Fragrance-free
Actives: Centella Asiatica Extract, Beta-Glucan, Madecassoside
B83 - 7
La Roche-Posay$31.99La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Acne Treatment1 active concentration disclosed on the label. Fragrance-free
Actives: Niacinamide, Benzoyl Peroxide, Zinc PCA, Piroctone Olamine
B80 - 8
Numbuzin$9.99Numbuzin No.5 Vitamin-Niacinamide Concentrated Pad5 distinct ingredient classes — well-rounded formula. Fragrance-free
Actives: Niacinamide, Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Glutathione
C79 - 9
Laneige$36.00Laneige Water Sleeping Mask4 distinct ingredient classes — well-rounded formula. Fragrance-free
Actives: Beta-Glucan
C75 - 10
Tower 28$26.99Tower 28 Swipe All-Over Hydrating Serum Concealer5 distinct ingredient classes — well-rounded formula. Fragrance-free
Actives: Niacinamide, Titanium Dioxide
C74
2 more spot & targeted treatments are scored in the Formulate app.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best treatment?
COSRX AC Collection Calming Liquid Intensive by COSRX scores highest of the 12 spot & targeted treatments Formulate has scored, at 90/100 (grade A). 3 high-impact actives: Bee Propolis, Niacinamide, Betaine Salicylate. Fragrance-free.
How are these spot & targeted treatments ranked?
Each product is scored out of 100 on its formula: how well-researched its actives are, whether the label discloses their concentration, the research behind them, and how complete and well-built the formula is. Safety is checked separately — irritants, fragrance, EU-listed allergens, endocrine concerns and pore-clogging ingredients — and only costs points when it falls below 95. No brand pays to be listed.
Are these spot & targeted treatments fragrance-free?
12 of the 12 spot & targeted treatments scored contain no synthetic fragrance. 2 lost points on the safety check.
Best skincare by type
Educational only. Scores rate a product's formula, not how it will suit your skin. Patch-test new products, and see a dermatologist for persistent skin conditions. Some links are affiliate links; they never affect a score.