Accutane is a powerful ally in the fight against acne; however, this medication often brings with it a set of challenges, particularly skin dryness, sensitivity, irritation, and various other skin-related discomforts.
Therefore, finding the right skincare products to complement your Accutane treatment is crucial in managing these side effects.
And in this article, I will delve deeper into a selection of serums that are not only compatible with Accutane use but can be beneficial when combating the common side effects caused by this intense medication.
From hydrating and soothing formulas to brightening and skin-refining products, I curated a list of the best serums to use while on Accutane – whether it’s for dry, dull, sensitive, or irritated skin.
Each recommended serum is chosen for its unique properties, ingredients, and ability to relieve and rejuvenate your skin during Accutane, ensuring it remains healthy and radiant throughout your treatment journey.
Aveeno – Calm + Restore Triple Oat Hydrating Serum
Best serum for irritated skin on Accutane.
The Aveeno Calm + Restore Triple Oat Hydrating Serum is an exceptional choice for those on Accutane, specifically targeting irritated and parched skin caused by the medication’s intense drying effect.
This serum harnesses the soothing power of Aveeno’s signature Triple Oat Complex, renowned for calming and nourishing irritated skin.
The inclusion of oat extract, oat kernel flour, and oat oil makes it especially effective in alleviating the discomfort and dryness commonly experienced during Accutane treatment.
Additionally, the formula is enriched with calming feverfew extract, further enhancing its skin-soothing capabilities.
The texture of the Aveeno Calm + Restore Serum is creamy and deeply hydrating and absorbs quickly into the skin to provide immediate relief from dryness and irritation while leaving a hydrated, healthy glow behind.
This makes it the best serum choice for those on Accutane seeking to restore comfort and hydration to their stressed and thirsty skin.
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BENTON – Deep Green Tea Serum
Best serum for sensitive skin on Accutane.
The BENTON Deep Green Tea Serum is a fantastic K-beauty serum for sensitive skin on Accutane due to its ability to instantly relieve dryness and irritation caused by the medication’s intense effect.
This serum is infused with green tea extract known for its calming and soothing properties, as well as hydrating hyaluronic acid and various botanical extracts, which collectively nourish the skin while reinforcing its natural barrier function.
Its lightweight and non-irritating texture is a major plus for sensitive skin types.
The serum absorbs effortlessly, has a fragrance-free formula, and leaves the skin feeling refreshed and soothed without any heaviness or stickiness.
It’s also super affordable, which makes it an ideal budget-friendly addition to a dryness-combating skincare regimen.
CeraVe – Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Best serum for dry skin on Accutane.
The CeraVe Hyaluronic Acid Serum is one of the best, budget-friendly serums for addressing intense skin dryness experienced by Accutane users.
This serum is generously infused with hyaluronic acid, a key ingredient known for its exceptional ability to attract and retain moisture.
This makes it especially beneficial for Accutane-treated skin, which often suffers from severe dryness.
In addition to hyaluronic acid, the Cerave serum includes essential ceramides and vitamin B5.
These components work together to hydrate the skin and help restore its natural barrier, which is often compromised during Accutane treatment.
The texture of the Cerave Hyaluronic Acid Serum is both soothing and nourishing, yet it absorbs quickly and leaves a hydrated, dewy glow behind.
DERMA E – Vitamin C Concentrated Serum
Best serum for dull skin on Accutane.
The DERMA E Vitamin C Concentrated Serum stands out as the best serum for combating dull skin in Accutane users.
This serum is enriched with a high concentration of vitamin C, a powerhouse ingredient celebrated for its brightening and revitalizing properties.
Vitamin C can benefit those on Accutane, as it helps combat dullness and uneven skin texture, which are common side effects of the medication due to its drying effect exacerbating the appearance of rough texture.
Additionally, the DERMA E serum incorporates soothing green tea and vitamin B5, which provide deep hydration and calming effects, further enhancing the serum’s efficacy for sensitive, Accutane-treated skin.
The consistency of the Vitamin C Concentrated Serum is both refreshing and lightweight, ensuring quick absorption without leaving any sticky residue.
It’s particularly favored for its ability to instantly brighten and add a healthy glow to the skin, making it a top choice for those seeking to restore radiance and vitality to their complexion during Accutane therapy.
ETUDE – SoonJung Cica Calming Ampoule Essence
Best K-beauty serum for irritated skin on Accutane.
The ETUDE SoonJung Cica Calming Ampoule Essence is a lightweight essence that provides Accutane users with relief from dryness and irritation.
This essence is enriched with a concentrated blend of Cica (Centella Asiatica), known for its exceptional soothing and healing properties.
This key ingredient plays a vital role in calming inflammation and redness, which are common issues for those on Accutane.
Moreover, the SoonJung Cica Calming Ampoule Essence boasts a comforting, lightweight texture that sinks into the skin like a dream and delivers an instant soothing effect.
Users frequently commend this product for its effectiveness in soothing and hydrating the skin, making it an outstanding option for those seeking to mitigate the challenging skin conditions associated with Accutane treatment.
EltaMD – Skin Recovery Hydrating Serum
Best serum for damaged skin on Accutane.
The EltaMD Skin Recovery Hydrating Serum is a superbly formulated serum, particularly beneficial for those on Accutane due to its ability to target issues like skin damage and barrier impairment.
This serum is infused with a specialized blend of ingredients focused on skin recovery and contains soothing antioxidants such as Centella Asiatica along with a complex of three strengthening amino acids essential for relieving irritation in affected skin and promoting healing.
The serum also has a lightweight and hydrating texture formulated to absorb rapidly and deliver nourishment to parched skin without leaving any heavy or sticky residue on its surface.
Environ – HA Intensive Hydrating Serum
Best skin for dehydrated skin on Accutane.
The Environ HA Intensive Hydrating Serum is a deeply moisturizing and restorative serum, ideal for those undergoing Accutane treatment, particularly to address concerns like dehydration, dull complexion, and a weakened skin barrier.
Crafted with a premium formulation, this serum features a high concentration of hyaluronic acid, a master humectant with an unparalleled ability to retain moisture and plump the skin.
The HA Intensive Hydrating Serum also has a luxurious, silky texture that enables it to glide effortlessly onto the skin and absorb quickly while leaving a plump, glowy complexion behind.
DMK – Beta Gel
Best serum for reactive and sensitive skin on Accutane.
The DMK Beta Gel is an intensely hydrating and skin-repairing serum particularly beneficial for those on Accutane due to its ability to tackle concerns like inflammation, redness, and a compromised barrier.
The serum is formulated with a high-quality blend of beta-glucan, which is known for its powerful immune-boosting properties and a fantastic component to aid in the treatment of traumatized skin, abrasions, damage and trauma, oxidative stress, and inflammatory reactions caused by various factors and conditions.
Additionally, the Beta Gel also contains peptides, which work together to enhance skin repair and provide strengthening protection.
The serum’s texture is silky, smooth, and soothing, easily absorbed into the skin and leaving a beautiful glowy layer behind.
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SkinCeuticals – Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier
Best serum for dry and dull skin on Accutane.
The SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier is a pricey yet highly suitable serum for those undergoing Accutane treatment, particularly those dealing with dryness, dullness, and exacerbated skin texture.
This serum boasts an expertly crafted formula enriched with high concentrations of pure hyaluronic acid, renowned for its exceptional moisture-retaining properties.
It also includes Proxylane™ and botanical extracts of licorice root and purple rice, which work synergistically to support the skin’s natural hyaluronic acid levels.
The texture of the Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier is silky and luxurious, penetrating the skin smoothly without leaving a greasy residue.
iS CLINICAL – Pro-Heal Serum Advance
Best serum for inflamed and sensitive skin on Accutane.
The iS CLINICAL Pro-Heal Serum Advance is a high-end serum and a fantastic choice for those on Accutane, particularly when dealing with inflamed and sensitive skin.
This serum is formulated with a blend of non-irritating vitamin C, antioxidant olive leaf extract, and a complementary addition of vitamins A and E to help strengthen the skin damaged by the intensity of Accutane.
Additionally, the Pro-Heal Serum Advance has a lightweight and non-greasy texture that absorbs well into the skin, offering hydration without a heavy feel.
Users often report a noticeable reduction in redness and discomfort upon application as the serum provides enough nourishment to relieve inflammation and sensitivity effectively.
RELATED: iS CLINICAL Active Serum Review
The Ingredients to Look For in Serums While on Accutane
Accutane will leave your skin extremely sensitive and dry while on the treatment.
This means that you must be extra careful about what products you use on your face and the ingredients they contain.
Therefore, to soothe irritated skin, relieve dryness, and keep your complexion clear, here are the best ingredients to look for in serums while on Accutane:
Hyaluronic Acid: For deep hydration.
Niacinamide: For its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to improve skin texture.
Beta Glucan: For its healing and soothing properties.
Vitamin E: For its antioxidant benefits and ability to strengthen the skin barrier.
Ceramides: To strengthen the skin barrier.
Peptides: To support skin elasticity and repair.
Centella Asiatica: For its soothing properties.
Oat Extract: For its calming and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Licorice Root Extract: For its brightening and anti-inflammatory properties.
The Ingredients to Avoid in Serums When on Accutane
On the other hand, some ingredients in serums should be avoided while taking Accutane due to their potential to exacerbate the medication’s side effects.
These include:
Retinol: It can further accelerate cellular turnover, which will lead to more dryness and a weakened skin barrier.
Benzoyl Peroxide: It can dry out the skin while increasing free radical activity and preventing the healthy regeneration of new cells.
AHAs & BHAs: These can lead to over-exfoliation and leave the skin vulnerable to external aggressors.
Alcohol: It can further strip the skin of the very little oil produced while on Accutane, leading to even more dryness and irritation.
Fragrance: it can potentially irritate the already sensitive skin and lead to permanent conditions such as dermatitis and rosacea.
My name is Simone and I am a certified skin specialist. I created this website to teach my readers how to take great care of their skin and I also like to occasionally share my honest opinions on skincare products I’ve tried. You can learn more about me here.
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