e.l.f. Cosmetics Blemish Breakthrough Acne Fighting Spot Gel Review

e.l.f. Cosmetics Blemish Breakthrough Acne Fighting Spot Gel
2.8
/ 10
Moisturizing
5.6 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers
Review

Does e.l.f. Cosmetics Blemish Breakthrough Acne Fighting Spot Gel Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what e.l.f. Cosmetics Blemish Breakthrough Acne Fighting Spot Gel has to offer:
 
✅ Light moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 2.8 out of 10.
✅ Soothing: e.l.f. Cosmetics Blemish Breakthrough Acne Fighting Spot Gel contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.
✅ Antioxidant protection

  

Key Benefits of e.l.f. Cosmetics Blemish Breakthrough Acne Fighting Spot Gel

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using e.l.f. Cosmetics Blemish Breakthrough Acne Fighting Spot Gel:
 

🔵 Lightweight Purely Humectant Moisturizer Suitable for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, e.l.f. Cosmetics Blemish Breakthrough Acne Fighting Spot Gel is lightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 2.8 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Purely humectant. It has zero occlusivity (we didn't find any occlusive ingredients on the ingredient list) and a moderate humectancy of 5.6 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Butylene Glycol (est. ≈5.0%).

This product, when used alone as a moisturizer, can provide light humectant hydration in a fast-absorbing formula without any occlusive ingredients. This could work for people with oily skin who need a basic level of hydration.

📌 Certain studies suggest that humectants alone may not effectively moisturize the skin. If you use this product as your only moisturizer, we recommend following it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients.

💧 A Humectant Add-on for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to oily skin - since it contains a moderate amount of humectants, such a humectant add-on will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

🍀 Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that e.l.f. Cosmetics Blemish Breakthrough Acne Fighting Spot Gel is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil (est. ≈1.5%), Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract (est. ≈1.3%), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract (est. ≈0.3%), and others.

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

🔴 Skin Soothing and Calming Potential

Based on the ingredient list analysis, e.l.f. Cosmetics Blemish Breakthrough Acne Fighting Spot Gel is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Camphor (est. ≈2.5%).

When applied to the skin, compounds of soothing ingredients, such as triglycerides, phospholipids, fatty acids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants, work together to soothe the skin through various mechanisms: reducing inflammation, promoting wound healing, repairing the skin barrier, and providing antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.

📌 Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our AI model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: e.l.f. Cosmetics Blemish Breakthrough Acne Fighting Spot Gel

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding e.l.f. Cosmetics Blemish Breakthrough Acne Fighting Spot Gel to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ If It’s Your Only Moisturizer, It Needs to Be Paired with Some Occlusives

While humectants are highly effective at attracting water to the skin, studies (J. N. Kraft, C. W. Lynde) suggest they may not be efficient when used alone.

One major drawback of purely humectant moisturization is that the water attracted by humectants to the upper layers of the skin can evaporate completely into the environment through transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Adding occlusive ingredients helps seal this moisture into the skin and prevent further water loss.

If you’re using e.l.f. Cosmetics Blemish Breakthrough Acne Fighting Spot Gel as your only moisturizer, consider pairing it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients, such as oils, butters, or silicones. These work alongside humectants to create a protective barrier, locking in hydration and ensuring longer-lasting moisturization. The amount of occlusive needed depends on your skin type - the drier the skin, the more occlusives it requires.

If this product is used not as a standalone moisturizer but as part of your skincare routine, such as a toner or serum, it should be applied before your main moisturizer (unless it's a sunscreen), which will provide the necessary occlusivity on top of it.

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing e.l.f. Cosmetics Blemish Breakthrough Acne Fighting Spot Gel is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.

While this does not categorically rule out the possibility that Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract may reduce wrinkles, its efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were available to the CreamScan team at the time of publication.

Therefore, this ingredient does not generate the anti-wrinkle rating.

📌 Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Pros & Cons of e.l.f. Cosmetics Blemish Breakthrough Acne Fighting Spot Gel

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of e.l.f. Cosmetics Blemish Breakthrough Acne Fighting Spot Gel to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

✅ When used alone: Provides moderate humectant moisturizing suitable for oily skin
✅ As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing enhancement, beneficial for any skin type
✅ Lightweight texture
✅ Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage
✅ Potentially soothing, as it contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, specifically Camphor
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ Only if used as a standalone moisturizer - it needs to be paired with occlusives to seal in humectants
⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy
   

Summary: e.l.f. Cosmetics Blemish Breakthrough Acne Fighting Spot Gel

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that e.l.f. Cosmetics Blemish Breakthrough Acne Fighting Spot Gel
, when used alone, provides lightweight, moderate humectant moisturizing, making it suitable for oily skin. As part of a moisturizing routine, it offers a subtle humectant enhancement, beneficial for all skin types.
 
Rich in antioxidants, e.l.f. Cosmetics Blemish Breakthrough Acne Fighting Spot Gel helps protect against free radical damage and offers multiple benefits for all skin types, including preventing premature aging, defending against environmental damage, and calming inflammation. This product is also formulated with a high concentration of soothing ingredients, offering the potential to calm and comfort irritated skin. Whether you’re experiencing redness, irritation, or general sensitivity, its soothing properties may help restore balance and provide relief.
 
That said, there are some things about e.l.f. Cosmetics Blemish Breakthrough Acne Fighting Spot Gel worth noting.
 
Looking at its moisturizing profile, we found that it doesn’t contain any occlusive ingredients, potentially allowing the moisture attracted to the skin by humectants to evaporate. Therefore, if it’s used as the only moisturizer in a routine, it’s recommended to pair it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients, such as oils, butters, or silicones.
 
If one of your main reasons for considering e.l.f. Cosmetics Blemish Breakthrough Acne Fighting Spot Gel is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, its anti-wrinkle efficacy is questionable. None of the ingredients in this product provide substantial evidence of their anti-wrinkle efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.
 
📌 Fact check. At CreamScan, we are committed to accuracy and fairness. If you spot any errors or something that doesn’t seem right, please click here to let us know. We regularly update the ingredient lists and monitor the latest research on ingredient efficacy to ensure that our information remains as complete and precise as possible. The information provided here is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice. We do not guarantee the efficacy or safety of any product, as individual results may vary.

 

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
75
7.5
5
3
2.5
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Alcohol Denat.
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Function:
Origin:
Camphor
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil
Function:
Origin:
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Salicylic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
t-Butyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Denatonium Benzoate
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
5.6
5
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
2.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 5.6 10
5.6
5
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
None
Moisturizing rating
2.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
5
0.3
0.3
All humectants 5.6 10
5.6
All humectants
5.6
5
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
None
All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
1.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 3.4 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
3.4
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil
1.5
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract
1.3
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
0.3
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
2.5
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
All soothing 6.9 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
6.9
2.5
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %75
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Alcohol Denat.
Est. %7.5
Function
Origin
Alcohol Denat.

Denatured alcohol is ethanol that contains additives that make it unsafe to consume. It is mainly used as a solvent and an antimicrobial agent. A major drawback to alcohol denat. is that it dries out the skin.

Butylene Glycol
Est. %5
Function
Origin
Butylene Glycol

A clear, colorless liquid humectant that draws moisture to the skin. The humectancy of butylene glycol, owed to its two hydroxyl groups, is quite considerable, although not as powerful as glycerin, which contains three hydroxyl groups.

Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6A polymeric ingredient that works best in water-based formulas to create gel textures. It helps to stabilize emulsions and control viscosity.
Camphor
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
CamphorA multifunctional fragrance ingredient that makes a great plasticizer.
Sodium Hydroxide
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Sodium Hydroxide

An ingredient that is able to bring the pH of a product up, thereby making it less harsh on the skin.

Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf OilA fragrant and antioxidant essential tea tree oil praised for its antiseptic and antimicrobial properties. Tea tree oil helps to treat acne, inflamed skin, and small wounds. It might, however, cause allergies and skin irritations.
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) ExtractAn extract obtained from the twigs and/or leaves of witch hazel. It is one of the oldest skincare remedies known to man. It is astringent and sebum regulating, meaning that it controls the amount of sebum that the skin produces.
Salicylic Acid
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Salicylic AcidThis effective peeling and anti-inflammatory BHA is used as an anti-acne agent and works by breaking down the junctions between dead skin cells. This results in the peeling of dead skin and the unclogging of pores.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf ExtractDerived from Aloe vera leaves, this moisturizing humectant, soothing, and antioxidant extract is commonly used in products targeting eczema, sunburn, or dermatitis. It soothes the skin and reduces the signs of inflammation and sensitivity.
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract

An antioxidant green tea extract. In the deeper layers, it slows down the destruction of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid – thus delaying the signs of aging. It also acts as an anti-acne, soothing, moisturizing, and emollient ingredient.

t-Butyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
t-Butyl Alcohol
Sodium Benzoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium BenzoateA preservative that usually works in combination with other preservatives. It has to be at low pH (<5.5) to be effective.
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.
Denatonium Benzoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Denatonium Benzoate