Fenty Beauty Blemish Defeat'r BHA Spot-Targeting Gel Review

Fenty Beauty Blemish Defeat'r BHA Spot-Targeting Gel
5.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Review

Does Fenty Beauty Blemish Defeat'r BHA Spot-Targeting Gel Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Fenty Beauty Blemish Defeat'r BHA Spot-Targeting Gel has to offer:
 
  • Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.

Key Benefits of Fenty Beauty Blemish Defeat'r BHA Spot-Targeting Gel

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Fenty Beauty Blemish Defeat'r BHA Spot-Targeting Gel:
 

Lightweight Purely Humectant Moisturizing, Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Fenty Beauty Blemish Defeat'r BHA Spot-Targeting Gel is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? It is purely humectant. It has zero occlusivity (we didn't find any occlusive ingredients on the ingredient list) and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Propanediol (est. ≈7.5%) and Glycerin (est. ≈2.9%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is ideal for oily skin, providing significant hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula without any occlusive ingredients.

Tip: 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 Boost for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to oily skin - such a humectant boost will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer. This type of formulation is typically used in serums, where a light, fast-absorbing texture is key.

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

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: Fenty Beauty Blemish Defeat'r BHA Spot-Targeting Gel

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Fenty Beauty Blemish Defeat'r BHA Spot-Targeting 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 Fenty Beauty Blemish Defeat'r BHA Spot-Targeting 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.

Pros & Cons of Fenty Beauty Blemish Defeat'r BHA Spot-Targeting Gel

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Fenty Beauty Blemish Defeat'r BHA Spot-Targeting Gel to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • Humectant-rich moisturizing ideal for oily skin
  • Lightweight texture
  • A humectant moisturizing boost for any skincare routine

Cons: 

  • Needs occlusives to seal in humectants if used as a standalone moisturizer

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
75
7.5
3
2.9
2.5
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Polyvinyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Polyacrylate
Function:
Origin:
Salicylic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Capryloyl Salicylic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract
Function:
Origin:
Panthenol
Function:
Origin:
Peumus Boldus Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Rheum Palmatum Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyacetophenone
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate
Function:
Origin:
Polyglyceryl-6 Caprylate
Function:
Origin:
Pentylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
11.6
7.5
2.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 11.6 10
10.0
7.5
2.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
None
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
7.5
2.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 11.6 10
10
All humectants
11.6
7.5
2.9
0.3
0.3
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
None
Total
0
None
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 0.9 3 No
All antioxidants
0.9
Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract
0.3
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
0.3
Hydroxyacetophenone
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 3 5 No
All soothing
3
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
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.
Propanediol
Est. %7.5
Function
Origin
PropanediolAn excellent solvent capable of mixing water with normally water-insoluble ingredients. It also functions as a humectant due to its water-loving alcohol groups. Propanediol can control the viscosity of a product by reducing its thickness.
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Glycerin
Est. %2.9
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Polyvinyl Alcohol
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Polyvinyl AlcoholA synthetic polymer that thickens water to form a gel and prevents other ingredients from separating.
Sodium Polyacrylate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Sodium PolyacrylateThis white powder is primarily used as a viscosity controlling agent. It is added to the water phase, which then thickens to form a clear gel. Sodium polyacrylate can also serve as an emollient, absorbent, and emulsion stabilizer.
Salicylic Acid
Est. %1.5
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.
Capryloyl Salicylic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Capryloyl Salicylic AcidA derivative of salicylic acid, with bigger and more lipid-soluble molecules. This makes it more powerful and safer than salicylic acid. It is used as an exfoliating and peeling agent.
Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Salix Alba (Willow) Bark ExtractA potent, soothing extract from the bark of the white willow. It has potent anti-inflammatory effects due to its salicin content. Tannins from the willow bark extract have astringent effects and can aid in the skin’s healing process.
Panthenol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PanthenolA popular soothing and moisturizing derivative of vitamin B5. Panthenol is particularly beneficial for dry, flaking, burned, or damaged skin. It is used to alleviate the symptoms of a rash, dermatitis, eczema, chapped lips, and sunburn.
Peumus Boldus Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Peumus Boldus Leaf Extract
Rheum Palmatum Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Rheum Palmatum Root Extract
Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root ExtractA fragrant and anti-inflammatory extract derived from ginger roots. It is a major part of Chinese traditional medicine. In can increase blood circulation, which helps with skin healing and skin metabolism.
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root ExtractAn extract from the licorice root. It contains a well-researched anti-inflammatory compound called glycyrrhizin that can reduce inflammation. Licorice root extract is also used for its powerful antioxidant effects and ability to treat pigmentation.
Xanthan Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Xanthan GumA natural multi-functional ingredient that originates from fermented sugars. Xanthan gum acts as a viscosity-building agent to thicken skincare products. It is also an excellent stabilizer and works well to hold other ingredients together.
Hydroxyacetophenone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
HydroxyacetophenoneAn antioxidant compound that can be found in many plants, although it is manufactured synthetically for skincare purposes. It can boost the preservative action of other conservants.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
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.

Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyglyceryl-4 CaprateA natural surfactant that softens the appearance of skin and forms oil and water mixtures.
Polyglyceryl-6 Caprylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyglyceryl-6 Caprylate
Pentylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pentylene Glycol

A naturally or synthetically derived preservative that exhibits effective antifungal and antibacterial traits. It also acts as a booster for more traditional preservatives. Pentylene glycol can also serve as a moisturizing humectant and solvent.

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.