Azelaic acid is a go-to ingredient for young skin types, especially those prone to acne and sensitivity. With its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, it effectively reduces redness and controls breakouts. It also regulates sebum production, which is a key factor in acne development, making it an essential part of the best products for teenage acne.

• Best as a wash-off, leave-on product or both? Azelaic Acid can be effective as both wash-off and leave-on treatments. Depending on the percentage, higher percentages are more suitable for wash-off.
• Bare Addiction product(s) with this ingredient: Bare Addiction Nightly Refresh Moisturiser - Contains an Azelaic Acid derivative that helps improve skin complexion and tackle signs of hyperpigmentation. 
• Suitable for which skin types: Azelaic Acid is suitable for all skin types, especially those with acne, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation.
• Potential negative results: Rare, but Azelaic Acid may cause mild irritation and redness initially for very sensitive skin types. Certain derivatives, like the one used by Bare Addiction have been created to lower negative results and increase beneficial results.
• Benefits: Azelaic Acid is recommended mainly due to it's ability to reduce inflammation, kill acne-causing bacteria, and help to reduce pigmentation.

Niacinamide, also known as Vitamin B3, is another star player in the skincare game for teens and young adults. It minimises pore appearance, regulates oil production, and has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe irritated skin. For teenagers dealing with post-acne scars, Niacinamide can even help fade the stubborn marks, making it a staple in the must have ingredients for teens.

• Best as a wash-off, leave-on product or both? Niacinamide is most effective as a leave-on product.
• Bare Addiction product(s) with this ingredient: Daily Defence Moisturiser SPF30 - Formulated with Niacinamide to help restore the skin’s natural barrier and improve overall skin complexion. Nightly Refresh Moisturiser - Also includes Niacinamide to support the skin's natural barrier and promote a more even skin tone.
• Suitable for which skin types: Niacinamide is suitable for all skin types, particularly beneficial for acne-prone and aging skin.
• Potential negative results: Niacinamide can, on rare occasions cause mild itching, redness, or irritation initially, especially for very sensitive skin.
• Benefits: Niacinamide is renown for it's ability to Strengthen the skin’s barrier, minimises pore appearance, regulates oil production, and reduces redness.

Succinic acid is gaining traction as a gentler alternative to Salicylic acid, especially beneficial for sensitive, younger skin. This unique ingredient not only combats acne-causing bacteria but also controls excess oil production. Adding products with Succinic acid into your teen's daily routine can pave the way for healthier, clearer skin.

• Best as a wash-off, leave-on product or both? Succinic Acid is vastly more effective as a leave-on product. Often found in serums and moisturisers.
• Bare Addiction product(s) with this ingredient: Anti-Blemish Boost Serum - Features Succinic Acid for its gentle exfoliation properties and sebum reduction capabilities.
• Suitable for which skin types: Succinic Acid is best for oily, acne-prone skin types, mainly due to it's benefits and the fact it target more problematic skin concerns.
• Potential negative results: Succinic Acid can have limited negative effects, this can include dryness or peeling with overuse. Using as recommended, and using hydrating products afterwards will overcome this.
• Benefits: Succinic Acid effectively decreases the size and redness of blemishes, controls sebum production, and has antibacterial properties.

Salicylic Acid remains a trusted ingredient in the best teenage acne skincare products. As a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), it dives deep into the pores, clearing out dead skin cells and unclogging acne-causing impurities. You will often find this ingredient at different strengths, this may be for brands to reduce cost, or if the product is leave-on vs rinse-off. For problematic skin 2% is the golden standard but best as a rinse/wash-off product, lower percentages at 0.5%-1% are more suitable for leave-on. While effective, it's crucial to use Salicylic acid cautiously to prevent skin dryness or irritation. Look for products that have encapsulated forms of salicylic acid to reduce irritation, and always moisturise afterwards, and apply SPF during the day. 

• Best as a wash-off, leave-on product or both? Salicylic Acid can be highly effective as both, depending on the formulation, and the percentage used. Higher percentages 1-2% best for oily skin and spots, are better as rinse-off as they can irritate the skin otherwise.
• Bare Addiction product(s) with this ingredient: Daily Foaming Gel Cleanser - Contains a 2% Encapsulated Salicylic Acid complex that helps to gently exfoliate and unclog pores, making it ideal for managing oily and acne-prone skin.
• Suitable for which skin types: Salicylic is especially good for oily and acne-prone skin. This is due to it's effective exfoliation benefits.
• Potential negative results: Overuse of Salicylic Acid, and initial use for very sensitive skin types may cause dryness and irritation.
• Benefits: Salicylic Acid exfoliates the skin, clears pores, reduces sebum secretion, and helps prevent acne breakouts.