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NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub for acne-prone skin

Rated by Lovi · Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes

NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub

Average

  • HighCombination Skin Fit
  • AverageEffectiveness
  • HighSafety

Works for acne-prone skin; other products fit it better.

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with acne-prone skin: breakouts, blackheads, and post-acne marks. For scores and recommendations based on your full skin profile, including your 12D face scan results and any goals or preferences you have, please use the Lovi app.

Page built Nov 8, 2026How the Fit score works

Lovi Assistant explains

  • Offers moderate exfoliation for your acne-prone skin, as lactic acid and salicylic acid gently decongest the pores and smooth texture. Niacinamide further supports your combination skin by helping to regulate oil production.
  • The formula is designed to address blemishes and breakouts, providing a balanced approach to improving skin clarity.
  • The safety profile is excellent, with no risks of irritation due to the absence of prohibited or harsh ingredients.

How to apply

  • Use this exfoliant PM once a week to start, and gradually increase if your combination skin tolerates it well. Always apply SPF the next morning to protect your clear skin.
  • Apply the exfoliant after cleansing and toning, but right before your moisturizer step. This ensures the treatment targets blemishes effectively.
  • Gently press 2-3 drops of the exfoliant into your skin without rubbing. Let it absorb for a minute before moving to the next step.
  • Apply the exfoliant on clean, dry skin to help control breakouts safely. Since your skin is not sensitive, this dry application method ensures good product absorption.
  • Avoid the sensitive eye area and do a patch test before your first use. Do not mix this exfoliant with other strong acids in the same routine.

People Say

★4.5Overall rating based on 300+ reviews

Users with oily and blemish-prone skin frequently praise this scrub for its gentle pore-unclogging and blackhead-reducing abilities, leaving skin feeling smooth and clean without excessive dryness. A significant number of reviewers note that the texture is less abrasive than expected, functioning more like a daily cleanser. Some users also report a reduction in blemishes and appreciate the pleasant scent and feel.

Highlights

  • Effective cleansing Often Mentioned
    • “unclogs pores”
    • “removes grease”
    • “skin feels clean”
    • “refreshingly cleansing”
  • Gentle, non-drying Often Mentioned
    • “doesn't dry out skin”
    • “gentle enough for daily use”
    • “skin feels moisturized”
    • “not stripped bare”
  • Smoothes skin Often Mentioned
    • “skin feels smooth”
    • “soft and refreshed”
    • “leaves face feeling amazing”
    • “instantly smooth”
  • Not gritty enough Often Mentioned
    • “not super gritty”
    • “more of a face wash”
    • “not as exfoliating as expected”
    • “particles are too fine”
  • Pleasant scent/feel Sometimes Noted
    • “smells really nice”
    • “fresh feel”
    • “lathers well”
    • “clean Nivea scent”
  • Reduces blemishes Sometimes Noted
    • “reduces blackheads”
    • “helps with acne”
    • “less breakouts”
    • “settle down spots”
  • Messy application Rarely Noted
    • “tad messy”
    • “runny consistency”
    • “messy on the face”
  • Mild dryness Rarely Noted
    • “slightly drying”
    • “dry the skin out a bit”
    • “need moisturizer after”
  • Slow results Rarely Noted
    • “didn't see difference”
    • “takes time to work”
    • “not effective for deep pores”

Sources: lovi.care, nivea.co.uk, hometesterclub.com, tesco.com, superdrug.com, and more

Questions and answers

How well does NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub work for acne-prone skin?

This scrub is an average fit for your acne-prone skin, offering moderate exfoliation and oil control to help clear breakouts without irritation. To work better for this skin type, a product needs effective ingredients like niacinamide and propolis or zinc PCA that balance and hydrate your skin while keeping it clear.

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024BioMed Research International, 2020

Which ingredients make this exfoliant a good fit for acne-prone skin?

Salicylic acid and lactic acid help clear out clogged pores and smooth texture, while niacinamide helps balance oil production for your acne-prone skin. However, an exfoliant for this skin needs ingredients like niacinamide, zinc PCA, or propolis to control oil and calm breakouts while keeping skin balanced and hydrated.

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024BioMed Research International, 2020

What does Salicylic Acid do for acne-prone skin?

Salicylic acid helps clear acne-prone skin by reducing pimples and calming redness without causing many side effects. It works by dipping deep into pores to clear out blockages and control oil, making it a reliable choice for keeping skin smooth and clear.

BioMed Research International, 2020Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024

What does Niacinamide do for acne-prone skin?

Niacinamide helps acne-prone skin by reducing both inflamed and uninflamed breakouts and calming redness. It is also very helpful for keeping oily skin balanced by cutting down on excess oil production, and it is well tolerated by most people.

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024Cureus, 2024

Where does this exfoliant go in a skincare routine for acne-prone skin?

This exfoliant treatment fits into your evening routine once a week, as acid products work best gradually and safely away from daytime sun. To get a better fit for acne-prone skin, look for a product that combines gentle exfoliating acids like salicylic and lactic acid with oil-regulating ingredients like niacinamide to deeply clear pores and smooth texture.

Can I use this exfoliant with retinol, and in what order?

It is best to use this exfoliant on a different night than your retinol to keep your skin calm and avoid irritation. When you do use it, apply it after cleansing and before your moisturizer.

How often should I use this exfoliant?

Start using this exfoliant once a week, and if your acne-prone skin handles it well and shows good results, you may carefully use it more often. This product needs soothing ingredients like niacinamide and gentle exfoliating acids such as lactic acid and salicylic acid to help clear pores and smooth texture without causing irritation.

Can this exfoliant clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for acne-prone skin?

This scrub is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts because it uses salicylic acid and lactic acid to gently clear out pores and smooth your texture. It has an excellent safety profile with no harsh ingredients that typically cause irritation, though acne-prone skin sometimes needs added oil control and soothing ingredients to stay completely clear.

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024BioMed Research International, 2020

Is this exfoliant fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

It has no drying alcohol and contains fragrance (parfum).

What the research says

  • Twice daily application of a multitargeted dermocosmetic cream provided comparable efficacy to benzoyl peroxide 5% gel in reducing inflammatory, non-inflammatory, and total lesions in 150 Caucasian subjects with mild-to-moderate acne over 56 days, while demonstrating superior skin tolerability.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024

  • A moisturizer containing licochalcone A, 1,2-decanediol, L-carnitine, and salicylic acid significantly reduced noninflammatory, inflammatory, and total acne lesion counts compared to a vehicle control in Thai patients during a 12-week maintenance phase.

    BioMed Research International, 2020

  • The use of a salicylic acid-based dermocosmetic significantly reduces the needed quantity of benzoyl peroxide without impacting efficacy in mild to moderate acne, and as maintenance post-benzoyl peroxide allows a significant reduction of acne relapse compared to vehicle.

    Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023

  • Cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen achieved a higher cure rate (39%) than salicylic acid (24%) and a wait-and-see approach (16%) for cutaneous warts at 13 weeks in primary care patients.

    CMAJ, 2010

  • Treatment with 2% supramolecular salicylic acid hydrogel resulted in a regression and markedly improvement rate of 51.01% compared to 43.10% for Adapaline gel in patients with mild to moderate facial acne vulgaris, showing no significant difference in efficacy.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024

  • Topical 5% benzoyl peroxide plus salicylic acid achieved the greatest lesion reduction at early 2 to 4 week time points compared to benzoyl peroxide, clindamycin, and combination benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin, while 5% benzoyl peroxide plus salicylic acid and combination benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin showed similar efficacy at 10 to 12 weeks in acne patients.

    Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2010

  • Topical post-laser application of human adipocyte-derived mesenchymal stem cell media combined with niacinamide significantly improved wrinkle index, melanin index, patient satisfaction, and investigator esthetic improvement scores compared to vehicle cream in patients with aging skin.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021

  • Topical nicotinamide prevented solar-simulated UV-induced immunosuppression in healthy volunteers, and men experienced immunosuppression at solar-simulated UV doses three times lower than those required for women.

    The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2008

  • Topical 5% niacinamide applied twice daily for 12 weeks reduced fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmented spots, red blotchiness, and skin sallowness, and improved skin elasticity compared to vehicle control in 50 female white subjects with facial photoaging.

    Dermatologic Surgery, 2005

  • Application of a cream containing lactic acid 12% and pramoxine HCl 1% significantly improved skin dryness, hydration, and itch compared with a nontreated control in 24 women with a history of dry itchy skin.

    Cutis, 2004

  • Topical 12% ammonium lactate produced a significant sparing of epidermal and dermal atrophy induced by clobetasol propionate in human volunteers, without influencing the corticosteroid's bioavailability or antiinflammatory properties.

    Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 1992

  • A lactic acid/ceramide lotion significantly improved skin moisturization and desquamation compared to no treatment in women with dry, rough skin on the anterior shins.

    The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2020

  • Coco-glucoside powered emulgels containing probiotics and prebiotics demonstrated stability without phase separation and preserved probiotic viability for up to 11 days, supporting the skin's natural barrier.

    International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2025

  • The cytotoxic effect of sodium lauryl sulphate on normal human keratinocytes was significantly decreased when combined with cocamidopropyl betaine, Tween 20, and Tween 80 at concentrations well below the critical micelle concentration.

    Skin Pharmacology and Applied Skin Physiology, 2003

Ingredients

Water, Coco-Glucoside, Coco-Betaine, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Acrylates C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Lactic Acid, Niacinamide, Salicylic Acid, Cellulose, Mannitol, Sodium Chloride, Polyquaternium-10, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Benzophenone-4, Parfum, Ci 77289

Behind this fit score

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update.

  • Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Co-founder, Medical Director

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer

  • Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Co-founder, CEO and CTO

    PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex

  • Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Medical Board

    Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine

  • Aishani Shah, MD

    Aishani Shah, MD

    Medical Board

    Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD

  • Asya Zubkova, MS

    Asya Zubkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member

  • Hanna Kurets, MD

    Hanna Kurets, MD

    Medical Board, Medical Advisor

    Dermatology MD

  • Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Medical Board

    Dermatology and diagnostic consultant

  • Victoria Derkova, MS

    Victoria Derkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist

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How does it fit your skin?

Scan your face, then any product: Lovi shows how well it fits you and what fits even better.

QR code: get the Lovi app
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