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Private Label Acne Serum Manufacturer
Custom-branded Acne Serum brightening serums and creams with tailored actives, clinically-aligned use levels, and textures for your market, while Zerun manages GMP/ISO manufacturing, EU/US regulatory dossiers, low MOQs, and fast sampling-to-production timelines for confident global launches.
GMP/ISO • EU/US compliant docs • Samples in 3–7 days • MOQ from 1,000 pcs
Custom Acne Serum Details
Build a results-driven acne serum with decongesting acids, sebum-balancing actives, and barrier-support ingredients. Combine salicylic acid, azelaic acid, niacinamide, zinc complexes, and soothing agents in controlled-pH systems. Non-comedogenic textures and smart packaging keep breakouts in check while respecting sensitive, compromised skin.
Spec / Parameter Card
| Field | Options / Recommendations |
|---|---|
| Texture Systems | Water-light gel serum (oily/acne-prone) • Fluid emulsion (combo/dehydrated) • Spot-treatment gel for local use |
| Core Actives | Salicylic Acid 0.5–2% • Niacinamide 4–10% • Zinc PCA / zinc complexes 0.5–1% • Azelaic/derivatives 5–10% • PHA/LHA as agreed |
| Support | Soothing stack (panthenol, beta-glucan, centella) • Anti-redness botanicals • Chelators + antioxidants for stability |
| pH Window | 3.5–4.5 (exfoliating acne serums) • 5.0–5.5 (maintenance / sensitive formulas) |
| Preservation | EU/US-accepted systems; alcohol-free; fragrance-free or ultra-low-allergen options |
| Color/Fragrance | Clear to slight haze acceptable; fragrance-free preferred; mild, non-sensitizing scent profiles available |
| Packaging | Airless pump 30/50 ml (preferred) • Glass or PET dropper 30 ml • PCR and matte/soft-touch options |
| Stability & QC | Accelerated + transport stability • Freeze–thaw • Micro + challenge test • Active-content assay (BHA/AHA/zinc) |
| Docs | COA, SDS, stability/challenge reports; CPSR/PIF/CPNP (EU, if required) |
| Sampling & Lead Time | Lab samples 3–7 days; production 15–30 days depending on packaging readiness |
| MOQ (typical) | Existing base ≥1,000 pcs; new formula ≥3,000 pcs (guidance) |
More Private Label Products
Private Label Anti Aging Serum →
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Private Label Even Tone Correcting Serum→
Private Label Under Eye Corrector→
Private Label Dark Spot Toner→
More customization points you may want to know
Best acne serum matches skin type: oily/acne-prone needs salicylic acid/LHA + niacinamide; sensitive prefers azelaic/PHA + panthenol; dry-combination pairs gentle retinoid + HA. We tune strength, pH, solvents, non-pilling finish.
Oily Skin
- Texture: Water-light, oil-free serum; fast dry-down, non-comedogenic.
- Core stack: Niacinamide 4–10%, Salicylic Acid 1–2%, Zinc PCA 0.5–1%, optional PHA 2–4%, light humectants (Glycerin/HA 0.1–0.2%).
- Why it works: Focus on decongesting pores and controlling shine without tightness. Avoid heavy emollients; layer comfortably under gel moisturizers and matte SPF.
Dry / Dehydrated Skin
- Texture: Milky gel-emulsion or lotion-serum; cushioned, non-greasy slip.
- Core stack: Salicylic Acid 0.5–1% (or encapsulated), Azelaic Acid 5–10%, Niacinamide 3–5%, Ceramides 0.1–0.3%, HA 0.2–0.3%, Panthenol 0.3–0.5%.
- Why it works: Treat breakouts while actively repairing barrier and dryness. Ideal for “adult acne but dry skin” users who react badly to traditional, stripping acne products.
Sensitive Skin
- Texture: Fragrance-free, essential-oil-free water-gel or fluid emulsion.
- Core stack: Azelaic Acid 5–8% or PHA 3–5%, Niacinamide 2–4%, Zinc PCA 0.3–0.5%, Beta-glucan 0.1–0.3%, Centella / Allantoin as soothing support.
- Why it works: Avoid high acid loads and alcohol; start 2–3×/week and step up slowly. Written IFU can emphasize gentle onboarding and pairing with simple, barrier-friendly routines.
Black Skin / Melanin-Rich
- Texture: Silky, non-greasy serum that layers cleanly under SPF without ashiness or pilling.
- Core stack: Niacinamide 4–6%, Azelaic Acid 5–10%, optional Tranexamic Acid 2–3%, Licorice / Mulberry brighteners, very gentle Salicylic or LHA 0.2–0.5%, HA 0.1–0.3%.
- Why it works: Prioritize low-irritation brightening to reduce risk of PIH. Avoid aggressive peel-style formulas; build a “melanin-friendly” narrative always paired with daily broad-spectrum SPF.
Acne-Prone Skin
- Texture: Water-light gel or fluid serum; quick set, non-tacky.
- Core stack: Salicylic Acid 1–2%, Niacinamide 4–10%, Zinc PCA 0.5–1%, optional Sulfur/derivatives 1–3% or Tea tree / botanical antibacterials, light HA 0.1–0.2%, soothing agents.
- Why it works: Designed for recurrent whiteheads/blackheads and inflammatory papules. Balances potent actives with a calming stack to minimize rebound oiliness and over-drying.
Needs evolve with age: teens favor SA/LHA spot-safe builds; 20s–30s add niacinamide + azelaic for marks; 40s+ prefer retinoid/peptide balancing with soothing humectants. We calibrate irritation risk, layerability, claim language.
20s — Breakout Control
- Priority: Early texture control, antioxidant support, daily SPF pairing.
- Core stack: Niacinamide 2–3%, Peptides ~1%, AOX (tocopherol / tea polyphenols), HA 0.1–0.2%.
- Texture: Light gel-cream for all-day wear.
30s —Adult Acne & Tone
- Priority: Early texture control, antioxidant support, daily SPF pairing.
- Core stack: Niacinamide 2–3%, Peptides ~1%, AOX (tocopherol / tea polyphenols), HA 0.1–0.2%.
- Texture: Light gel-cream for all-day wear.
40s — Clarity & Texture
- Priority: Early texture control, antioxidant support, daily SPF pairing.
- Core stack: Niacinamide 2–3%, Peptides ~1%, AOX (tocopherol / tea polyphenols), HA 0.1–0.2%.
- Texture: Light gel-cream for all-day wear.
50s — Gentle Clarifying
- Priority: Early texture control, antioxidant support, daily SPF pairing.
- Core stack: Niacinamide 2–3%, Peptides ~1%, AOX (tocopherol / tea polyphenols), HA 0.1–0.2%.
- Texture: Light gel-cream for all-day wear.
60s+ — Comfort-First Care
- Priority: Early texture control, antioxidant support, daily SPF pairing.
- Core stack: Niacinamide 2–3%, Peptides ~1%, AOX (tocopherol / tea polyphenols), HA 0.1–0.2%.
- Texture: Light gel-cream for all-day wear.
Hot selling Acne Serum on Amazon to reference
We benchmarked Amazon top-seller acne serums across acid systems, active strengths, textures, and claim stories. Use this matrix to position your private-label formula, identify white space between efficacy and irritation, and brief a build that feels clearer, calmer, and more repeatable.
| Brand / Product | Core Actives (typical %) | Texture | Strengths | Gaps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| La Roche-Posay Effaclar 1.5% Salicylic Acid Serum | Salicylic Acid 1.5% • Glycolic Acid ~3.5% • LHA ~0.45% • Niacinamide • Soothing water base | Lightweight fluid “peeling” serum | Multi-acid + niacinamide system for breakouts, texture, and post-blemish marks; strong derm-brand positioning and retail trust | Contains alcohol and/or fragrance in some regions; may be too strong for very sensitive users; needs clear onboarding plus SPF messaging |
| Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant | Salicylic Acid 2% • Green tea extract • Humectants | Watery leave-on liquid | Iconic 2% BHA benchmark; powerful for blackheads and congestion with a simple INCI and strong review volume | Functions more like a “liquid exfoliant” than a classic serum; requires clear usage-frequency and layering instructions to avoid over-exfoliation |
| The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution | Salicylic Acid 2% in anhydrous emollient base | Lightweight anhydrous serum / oil-like fluid | Anhydrous format can feel gentler than water-based acids; very price-accessible; strong “ingredient-first” branding | Slip can feel slightly oily on very oily skin; needs education on pairing with water-based steps and moisturizers |
| Cocokind Postbiotic Acne Serum | Salicylic Acid 1.5% • Postbiotics • Beta-glucan • Aloe • PHA | Light hydrating serum | Balances 1.5% salicylic acid with microbiome-support and soothing stack; alcohol-free and fragrance-free; gentle-acne positioning | Strength is mid-range; better for mild-to-moderate acne than very severe cases; may need a complementary spot treatment SKU for cystic lesions |
| Naturium Salicylic Acid Serum 2% | Salicylic Acid 2% • PHA / polyhydroxy acid • Hydrating base | Clear gel-serum | “2% BHA without over-drying” narrative; transparent branding, no added fragrance, good daily-usable acne-care story | Primarily focused on decongestion; post-acne mark / PIH story is less emphasized and may require extra brightening stack in your own build |
| Thayers Double Action Acne Serum | Salicylic Acid 2% • Lactic Acid ~3% • Niacinamide ~4% • Azelaic derivative • Hyaluronic Acid | Lightweight water-based serum | Combines BHA + AHA + niacinamide + azelaic tone-care in one SKU; strong “fast results” marketing angle | Multi-acid load can be intense; needs strict step-up instructions and sun-care education; witch hazel can be polarizing for some shoppers |
| Medicube Red Serum (2.0) | BHA complex • Niacinamide • Adenosine • Soothing acids / botanicals | Lightweight K-beauty serum | K-beauty “low-irritation acne + redness + texture” positioning; good fit for younger and pan-Asian audiences; strong social proof | Exact percentages are less transparent; professional buyers may want clearer active-level disclosure and additional clinical-style data |
| The Derma Co 2% Salicylic Acid Face Serum | Salicylic Acid 2% • Niacinamide • Humectants | Water-light serum | Straightforward 2% BHA + niacinamide story at accessible price; highly relevant in India and emerging markets; useful mass-derm comparison point | Brand recognition is regionally concentrated; formulas and claims may need adaptation and expanded documentation for EU/US or ASEAN launches |
Make A Sample First？
If you have your own formula, packaging idea, logo artwork, or even just a concept, please share the details of your project requirements, including preferred product type, ingredients, scent, and customization needs. We’re excited to help you bring your personal care product ideas to life through our sample development process.
Custom Formulation Recommendations for Acne Serum
This matrix helps you design acne serums by intensity and skin type: pair proven decongesting acids with oil-control, brightening, and barrier-support actives. Use it to brief clear “core stack + soothing stack + packaging” scenarios for your private-label acne range.
| Active (Use Range) | Key Features | Suitable Skin Types | Recommended Combinations | Suggested Packaging |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salicylic Acid (0.5–2%) | Oil-soluble BHA; decongests pores, refines texture, reduces blackheads/whiteheads | Oily, Combination, Acne-prone | Niacinamide + Zinc PCA + Panthenol / Beta-glucan | Micro-airless or dropper (UV-safe) |
| Niacinamide (4–10%) | Sebum-regulating, anti-redness, supports barrier, improves post-blemish tone | All (including sensitive with lower levels) | Salicylic or PHA + Zinc PCA + HA + Panthenol | Micro-airless or serum pump |
| Azelaic Acid / Derivatives (5–10%) | Targets redness and post-acne marks, mild antibacterial/keratolytic | Combination, Dry-acne, Sensitive-acne | Niacinamide + PHA + Soothing botanicals (centella/licorice) | Airless tube or pump (opaque) |
| Zinc PCA (0.3–1%) | Sebum-balancing, helps support microbiome, shine control | Oily, Combination, Teen / young adult | Niacinamide + Salicylic Acid + HA; optional Sulfur for spots | Dropper or micro-airless |
| PHA (e.g., Gluconolactone 3–10%) | Gentle exfoliation, humectant, supports smoother texture with lower sting | Sensitive, Dehydrated-acne, Barrier-compromised | Niacinamide + Azelaic + HA + Panthenol | Serum pump or airless (daily-use line) |
| Sulfur / Sulfur Complexes (1–3%) | Traditional acne active; helps reduce inflammatory lesions and oil | Oily, Acne-prone (localized) | Niacinamide + Zinc PCA + Soothing stack to offset dryness | Airless tube; targeted spot-treatment packaging |
| Botanical Antibacterial Complex (equiv. 0.5–1% tea tree) | Supports antibacterial/anti-inflammatory narrative with “clean” positioning | Oily, Combination, Blemish-prone seeking naturals | Niacinamide + PHA/BHA (moderate) + Beta-glucan + HA | UV-safe dropper or pump |
| Panthenol (0.3–1%) | Soothing, barrier-support, helps reduce sting from acids | All, especially Sensitive / Over-treated | Niacinamide + Acids (BHA/PHA) + HA + Ceramide blend | Any (serum pump or airless preferred) |
| Beta-glucan (0.1–0.5%) | Calming, redness-reducing, helps counteract irritation from actives | Sensitive, Reactive, Melanin-rich with PIH risk | Niacinamide + Azelaic + low-dose BHA/PHA | Micro-airless or dropper |
| Hyaluronic Acid (0.1–0.3%) | Hydration, reduces tightness, improves spreadability without oiliness | All, especially Dehydrated-acne | Niacinamide + Salicylic/Azelaic + Panthenol | Serum pump (30 ml) or micro-airless |
Custom Acne Serum Texture System & Sensory
Choose between water-light gel, milky serum-emulsion, or targeted spot gel to match acne type, climate, and routine. We tune spreadability, dry-down, and non-comedogenic feel under SPF and makeup so formulas control breakouts without feeling heavy, sticky, or filmy.
Water-Light Gel Serum (Day)
Fast-absorbing, oil-free, non-tacky (≈ 800–2,500 cps).
Milky Serum-Emulsion (Universal)
Soft-glide, cushioned (≈ 2,500–5,000 cps).
Targeted Spot Gel (PM / Local Use)
Semi-occlusive gel (≈ 5,000–12,000 cps).
Packaging Customization for Acne Serum
For acne serums, use airless, opaque, UV-safe packs to protect acids and oil-control actives. Hero options: 30/50 ml micro-airless for daily serums, 30 ml amber glass droppers for clinic-style lines, and slim opaque tubes for spot gels—plus PCR upgrades for sustainability.
Micro Airless Pump (30/50ml)
Oxygen control, precise dosing for daily acne serums
Amber Glass Dropper (30 ml)
UV attenuation, “clinical lab” aesthetic for AHA/BHA systems
Aluminum / Opaque Tube
Ideal for higher-strength spot gels or travel-ready builds
PCR Options
Recycled content to support sustainability and retailer ESG narratives
Acne Serum – Private Label FAQ
These FAQs cover actives, dose, layering, purging vs irritation, skin types, usage timelines, and OEM details—written in cosmetic-compliant language so you can answer Amazon/website questions clearly while speeding sampling and purchase decisions for your private-label acne serums.
1. What percentage of salicylic acid is best for an acne serum?
Most brands use 0.5–2% salicylic acid in leave-on serums. Around 0.5–1% suits daily or sensitive-friendly formulas; 2% is common for more intensive congestion control. We usually pair BHA with humectants and soothing agents to help maintain comfort and visible tolerance.
2.Can acne serums be used on sensitive or barrier-compromised skin?
Yes, but the design must change. For sensitive or over-treated skin, we reduce BHA strength, lean on PHA/azelaic + niacinamide + zinc + soothing stack, and keep formulas fragrance-free and alcohol-free. Clear onboarding (2–3×/week → daily) is part of the concept.
3. How long does it take to see results from an acne serum?
Most users start to see improvement in texture and individual blemishes in 1–2 weeks, with clearer-looking skin and fewer breakouts over 4–8 weeks of consistent use. For post-blemish marks and tone, realistic communication is gradual improvement, always paired with daily SPF.
4.Does an acne serum cause purging—and how do we explain it to customers?
Exfoliating systems (BHA/AHA/PHA, retinoids) can temporarily bring underlying congestion to the surface, often described as “purging.” We help you draft copy that distinguishes this from irritation: milder, short-term increase in spots vs. ongoing redness, burning, or stinging that signals overuse.
5. Can customers layer acne serum with vitamin C, retinol, or exfoliating toners?
Yes, but not all at once. A common pattern:
AM: gentle cleanser + antioxidant (vitamin C) + hydrating products + SPF.
PM: acne serum (BHA/azelaic/PHA) + barrier-support moisturizer.
We can provide brand-ready “layering maps” to reduce confusion and returns.
6. Is an acne serum suitable for dry or adult-acne skin?
Definitely. For dry or adult-acne profiles, we soften the system: lower BHA, more azelaic/PHA + niacinamide, plus ceramides, HA, panthenol in a milky serum-emulsion. This lets you position “acne care without the stripped, tight feeling” as a core benefit.
7.How should buyers advise customers to use acne serum with makeup and SPF?
We usually recommend: cleanse → acne serum → let it absorb fully → light, non-comedogenic moisturizer → broad-spectrum SPF in the morning → makeup as usual. We can tune slip, dry-down time, and pilling resistance so it behaves well under primer and foundation.
8. What are typical MOQs and lead times for a custom acne serum with Zerun?
For existing bases, typical MOQ starts around 1,000 pcs per formula; for new, fully custom builds, MOQs are usually 3,000 pcs+. Lab samples often ship in 3–7 days after brief confirmation, with bulk production in 15–30 days, depending on packaging.
9.Can you customize acne serums for different regions (EU, US, ASEAN, Middle East)?
Yes. We adapt preservation systems, fragrance policy, claims language, and documentation to target markets. Where needed, we support EU CPSR/PIF, ingredient checks vs local lists, and packaging/IFU localization, so your acne serum is not only effective but launch-ready in key regions.
Ready to Launch Your Custom Acne Serum?
- Our team will answer your inquiries within 12 hours.
- Your information will be kept strictly confidential.
Let’s co-create a hero brand with custom formula, low MOQ, rapid sampling, and global shipping. Share your target market, benchmark, and budget—we’ll propose actives, texture, packaging, and claims in 48 hours (specs + samples)
