Boots • Expert Anti-Blemish Serum • Treatments

Nemezienna on 2/9/2013 10:52:00 AM more reviews by Nemezienna

Age: 19-24   Skin: Very Oily, Dark   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

After my sister had told me great things about the Boots line of skincare, I decided to give this serum a try. I initially wanted their scar serum for my acne scars but accidentaly grabbed this one instead but decided it might work just as well. Boy was I wrong! This product just did not work for me. After only two or three uses, I started to break out like crazy on the areas of my face where I applied this to so i'm POSITIVE this serum was the culprit! I still have an entire bottle of it left so maybe i'll give it another go in the future, but for now, NO THANK YOU BOOTS.

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qisme615 on 8/9/2012 6:46:00 PM more reviews by qisme615

Age: 36-43   Skin: Acne-prone   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I was breaking out but couldn't use benzyol peroxide anymore (allergic reaction occurred). I had bought this awhile back but forgot about it on the shelf.
I read the reviews here and figured to try it, worse is that I would still have my breakouts.
I read that with salicylic acid/willow bark takes awhile to work and that you would experience purging. And on the bottle it says to use it up to 4 weeks to see results.
So the first couple of days I noticed I was getting more breakouts. The type you could feel but can't see (those were on the side of my cheeks). I had a whole bunch on my forehead which was obvious. I was freaking out. Usually I would stop a product because it wasn't working right away. This time I decided to stick with it and see if there were any results.
I'm also using the Boots (Organic) night time moisturizer (the one that has rosemary in it) and also their day time moisturizer (Organic line too) with SPF 12, but I put on Clarins SPF 40 too.
My prior breakouts might have been due to using moisturizers that were too heavy for my skin. So it clogged my pores.
Slowly but surely the breakouts were going away. It wasn't overnight or 2 weeks. It's a little over a month now and I'm ecstatic that I stuck with it and not just jump to the next product. I have tons of skincare products which are only half used. I still get little pimples here and there but it is much better than before. This helps dries it out (it doesn't dry out my face though) and I can feel it when I'm washing my face.
However, for the big red pimples I use this along with the Bye Bye Pimple (it has willow bark and sulfer). Just a dab of the BBP (it's pink but who cares) and the next AM, wow, it's smaller and not getting bigger.

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*TOP REVIEWER* zernelle on 7/10/2012 2:30:00 PM more reviews by zernelle

Age: 30-35   Skin: Sensitive, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brown, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

I bought this serum when I forgot to pack my usual serum while traveling. I generally don't need anything more moisturizing than a serum on my combination skin, but this product actually makes my face feel dry and tight, so I have to follow with a more moisturizing product. It doesn't irritate my skin or cause breakouts, but it also doesn't seem to do anything to prevent acne either. Overall, I'm unimpressed.

Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Salix Nigra (Willow Bark) Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Polyacrylate, Citric Acid, Butylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol, Methylparaben, Sodium Citrate, Aloe Barbadensis Extract, Lupinus Albus Seed Extract, Tetrasodium EDTA, Carbomer, Polysorbate 20, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Disodium EDTA, Propylparaben, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide 7, Isobutylparaben.

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Whenandwhere on 4/3/2012 12:52:00 PM more reviews by Whenandwhere

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Blue    

I've been using this serum for a month now and finally feel like I can give an accurate review.

My skin is acne-prone and for the past three months I have had some pretty bad breakouts on my chin and cheeks along with a few very small zits on my forehead. I thought to try this product because I was looking for a light BHA that would not be too harsh and I liked the small ingredient list on this product. I had never used any Boots or Boots Expert products before so I was going out on a limb with this one.

I use this morning and night right after my cleanser (Olay Foaming for Sensitive) and it is a thin clear substance that is more liquid than gel. I use one pump for my entire face and neck. It doesn't smell and it doesn't sting, which I find a plus.

After 2 weeks of use, my forehead and cheek acne cleared up. I have gotten NO new breakouts on those parts of my face. Can I get a hallelujah!?!? However I am still having some chin breakouts... But no cysts since starting this product. It isn't a miracle product but it surely is helping. For my chin, I am starting a new BCP because I suspect my issues are hormonal. I will update if anything changes.

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kmp72479 on 2/20/2012 7:24:00 PM more reviews by kmp72479

Age: 30-35   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Blue    

I'm not usually this harsh about a product, but this stuff was terrible! I've been using Neutrogenia 3-in1 Acne Stress Control Treatment which is great but it was discontinued, so I was looking for a substitute and tried this product. The day after trying this product I developed one pimple, then the next day two more, and the next another! I NEVER have that kind of an issue with breaking out. I quit using the Boots Serum after that and used the tiny bit of Neutrogenia 3-in-1 Treatment left and the little bit of Juice Beauty Blemish Serum I had to get by. I now bought four bottles of my discontinued Neutrogenia product on Amazon and am using the AcneFree 3-in-1 Acne Night Repair in the mean time. My experience with Boots Anti-Blemish Serum was awful and anything but anti-blemish! I wouldn't recommend this product.

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*TOP REVIEWER* muffingrl on 6/2/2011 5:30:00 AM more reviews by muffingrl

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

This product didn't work for me at all. Prior to this, I was using the Neutrogena Acne Stress Control 3-in-1 treatment which works great, but I wanted to try something new. After reading some reviews on MUA I picked it up at Target for under $10. The serum does come in a pump bottle which is nice and convenient, but you can't see through the plastic to check how much you have left. The product is scentless and lightweight. My main complaint is that it did nothing for my skin. It certainly didn't harm my skin, but it didn't treat my spots either, so I guess I'll be going back to my Neutrogena.

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tiinnhh on 5/29/2011 1:37:00 PM more reviews by tiinnhh

Age: 19-24   Skin: Oily, Olive, Warm   Hair: Black, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

This was an impulse buy at Target a few weeks ago. I had quite a few active breakouts at that moment so I purchased this and used it day and night in addition to may 5% BP spot treatment. After a few days I noticed a reduction in breakout size so I stopped the BP and stuck with this serum. i have been using this religiously day and night for two weeks on its own and my skin has not only cleared up wonderfully, but it is also smooth and supple. This product is truly amazing & a total steal at only $8. I highly recommend everyone try it.

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*TOP REVIEWER* Crivera313 on 4/4/2011 5:24:00 PM more reviews by Crivera313

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Black    

this product doesn't improve my skin nor make it better I wouldn't re-purchase.

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*TOP REVIEWER* flauros on 3/29/2011 5:30:00 PM more reviews by flauros

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Fine   Eyes: Hazel    

This is really helping my skin improve. I use this after cleansing my face at night and in the morning and it has stopped the formation of new blemishes. I went through a few months of lots of blemishes popping up for no reason, and this has helped clear my face up again. I definitely recommend!

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brindled_mer on 10/13/2010 12:37:00 PM more reviews by brindled_mer

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Green    

While I cannot rely on salicylic acid alone to control my acne (I need the strength of 2.5% benzoyl peroxide once a day), it is a useful part of my acne-fighting kit. It helps clear my pores more gently and with less drying effects than benzoyl peroxide. I like that this serum contains no alcohol, menthol, or fragrance. The top three ingredients are water, glycerin, and willow bark extract. Although it does contain synthetic ingredients, I have not experienced any irritation from this product.

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aredore on 8/14/2010 10:40:00 PM more reviews by aredore

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

It didn't do anything for my blemishes.

On the bright side, my acne was not made worse.

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yguo on 7/11/2010 2:25:00 AM more reviews by yguo

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination   Hair: Black   Eyes: Black    

This caused me to break out even more and with larger pimples than before. My skin may be sensitive to salicylic acid, which is contained in this formula. After a week of use, my skin appeared worse than before. I stopped use last week and am waiting for it to recover.

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Brendonoahsmom on 6/27/2010 2:18:00 PM more reviews by Brendonoahsmom

Age: 25-29   Skin: Other, Tan, Cool   Hair: Other, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I wasn't going to write a review for this because I thought it was just "o.k." I bought this because I needed serum (I always wear serum under moisturizer) and was low on cash (this was only 8 bucks at Target). At first I saw no immediate results, but i continued to use and was surprised that after a few weeks my skin looked clear. I have a few pimple scars with redness and this made my skin look a lot smoother.

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Brendonoahsmom on 6/27/2010 2:17:00 PM more reviews by Brendonoahsmom

Age: 25-29   Skin: Other, Tan, Cool   Hair: Other, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I wasn't going to write a review for this because I thought it was just "o.k." I bought this because I needed serum (I always wear serum under moisturizer) and was low on cash (this was only 8 bucks at Target). At first I saw no immediate results, but i continued to use and was surprised that after a few weeks my skin looked clear. I have a few pimple scars with redness and this made my skin look a lot smoother.

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grasshopper1 on 6/11/2010 1:06:00 AM more reviews by grasshopper1

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair, Warm   Hair: Brown, Curly, Fine   Eyes: Hazel    

I have seen zero improvement after a week of nightly use-- and I don't have crazy break-outs so it's not like I'm asking too much of a product that claims to combat blemishes. I simply need something to help get rid of the whiteheads along my jawline and the occasial blemish on my nose without overdrying. Hopefully I'll be able to return this to Target.

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Ashalicious on 5/8/2010 7:26:00 PM more reviews by Ashalicious

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Medium   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I didn't see any changes in my break outs at all after using this every single day. It does make my skin softer, but I didn't see it doing anything else. Because it's so gently formulated I am going to to try it on my daughter, she has a light case of keratosis pilaris, and see if it helps her skin any. If not, then it was a complete waste of money.

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JInglygypsy on 2/9/2010 5:55:00 PM more reviews by JInglygypsy

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

Occasionally, I have to deal with (read: I constantly battle) breakouts along the jaw line. Not little surface whiteheads and pimplies (i.e. tiny, barely there bumps), but the more painful types that hover under the skin and never come to a head, causing skin to look red and irritated. While the rest of my face has improved thanks to some lovely facial products, my jaw line refuses to cooperate. After hearing some great things about Boots' Expert line at Target, I bought this serum. I figured if it didn't work, I wouldn't be out much money because it is so cheap. Well, it DOES work. The thin, watery consistency might have you thinking there's not much to this serum, but that's the good thing about it. It is light, and it sinks in fast with little to no evidence that it is there. After a few weeks of nightly use under a moisturizer I am seeing less of the aforementioned jaw blemishes and more of clearer skin!!
Definitely worth trying for yourself!

PROS: Everything from price to effectiveness!
CONS: Nothing.

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LAMadde on 2/6/2010 10:34:00 AM more reviews by LAMadde

Age: 25-29   Skin: Dry, Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Hazel    

I love love love this product. During my first pregnancy my face became a M E S S and I tried COUNTLESS acne/oily skin/clear you up-systems. All different price ranges, I tried expensive ones like Dermalogica and ProActive and cheaper ones like Neutrogena and Clean and Clear. Of all these different products I actually cared the least for the expensive ones.. reason 1.) They worked great as long as you use them. If you don't use it for 2 days, your skin breaks out like crazy. 2.) Price 3.) Availability, it's so much easier to pick up your products at any local drugstore or walmart or target than having to order it online or having to visit a special counter at Macys. So, I had heard some good things about Boots in the past and took a look during a visit to target. I saw their 'anti blemish' line and thought I'd give it a go. I bought the serum and cleansing foam. These products together w/ the clean and clear 'spot treatment' has worked wonders for my skin. My daugther is almost 2yrs now and I'm 20 weeks pregnant and my skin looks great compared to what it did 6months ago. Thank you Boots :)

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xlitlbitx on 11/2/2009 3:02:00 PM more reviews by xlitlbitx

Age: 36-43   Skin: Acne-prone, Medium   Hair: Black, Coarse   Eyes: Brown    

I tried this along with the other anti-blemish products and found that none of it works for me.
It stated that it would help keep my face matte along with helping with my acne, It did neither.
Will not buy again.

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*TOP REVIEWER* izzybella on 10/23/2009 3:56:00 PM more reviews by izzybella

Age: Unknown   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I used to use Boscia's Willowbark Treatment but wanted a cheaper alternative. This Boots serum caught my eye because it was less than $7 at Target and contained similiar ingredients (willowbark extract). I've been using it for 2 weeks now, on and off, depending on when outbreaks occur. I have to say I'm sold on this - it really does dry up zits! For some reason I had two little whiteheads pop up one day and that night I applied this generously over them and the next morning they were little dry scabbie things and barely noticeable with foundation on. I've also applied this on my jawline, where I tend to get cystic acne. The next morning my blemishes are visibly smaller.



The packaging is white plastic and while I like the pump application, I feel like the packaging is deceptive in that you can't see how much serum is left. Also I don't think there's a way you can unscrew the top so you have to rely on the pump to get all the product in the bottom of the container out. The consistency is a bit watery but to me it means it doesn't have any extra fillers so I can live with it. It dries quickly once on the skin and I apply my night moisturizer over that.



Overall, very pleased with this product. I also like the Boots Expert eye cream for wearing under eye makeup.

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