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NKD Koala Anti-Acne Serum 30 ml dropper bottle on a soft mist background
Hero ingredients: 10% niacinamide, 10% azelaic acid and 2% salicylic acid
How to use the Anti-Acne Serum: patch test, a few drops on clean skin 2 to 3 nights a week, then moisturiser and SPF
Model holding the Anti-Acne Serum by her cheek, with callouts for 10% niacinamide, 10% azelaic acid and 2% salicylic acid, and a patch test note
Model holding the Anti-Acne Serum
Found in this Ritual: the Anti-Acne Serum is part of the Acne & Clarity Ritual, with the Gel Cleanser with Scrub and Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Targeted serum, 30ml

Anti-Acne Serum

In your routine CleanseSerumMoisturise

10% Niacinamide and 10% Azelaic Acid in one serum, with 2% Salicylic Acid. For blemish-prone skin, the look of redness and pores. Made in Melbourne.

Size
30ml

15% off any 3 formulas, applied automatically in your bag. Mix and match

Free shipping on Australian orders over $75

Or 4 payments of $8.00 with Afterpay

Not sure it suits your skin? Take the 60-second skin quiz

Goes well with

Acne & Clarity RitualWith the Gel Cleanser With Scrub and Hyaluronic Acid Serum. Save 15% on all three together.
$76
Helps with
  • The look of blemishes
  • Blemish-prone skin
  • Redness
  • Uneven tone
  • Pores
How to use

Apply 2 to 3 drops to clean, dry skin morning and/or evening. Press gently and allow to fully absorb before moisturiser. Always use SPF in the morning.

Key ingredients
  • Niacinamide: calms the look of redness and pores
  • Azelaic Acid: for the look of marks and uneven tone
  • Salicylic Acid: helps keep pores clear
  • Ferulic Acid: antioxidant support
  • Mandarin Peel Extract: antioxidant support
The formula

What makes the Anti-Acne Serum different?

Two actives, one step. Niacinamide and azelaic acid are often sold as two separate serums. Ours puts both at 10% in one bottle, with 2% salicylic acid, so your routine stays at three steps. Ferulic Acid and Tocopherol add antioxidant support, while Glycerin, Betaine and Polyglycerin-6 keep skin comfortable.

Who it's for. Blemish-prone skin, skin that shows redness or has visible pores. If your skin is reactive, start every second day. Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

What to expect. In the first one to two weeks, skin may tingle as it adjusts. The look of redness and marks settles with consistent use over time.

Strengths
10% niacinamide, 10% azelaic acid, 2% salicylic acid
Good for
Blemish-prone skin, redness and the look of pores
Feels like
A lightweight serum
Fragrance
Contains fragrance (parfum)
When to use
Morning and/or evening, building to daily over 2 to 3 weeks
Value
30ml at $1.07 per ml. 15% off in the Acne & Clarity Ritual or on any 3 formulas
Application

How do I use the Anti-Acne Serum?

  1. 01

    Cleanse first

    Use your Gentle Face Wash or Gel Cleanser to start with a clean base morning and evening.

    Pat skin dry before applying.

  2. 02

    Apply 2 to 3 drops

    Press gently into skin with fingertips. Focus on blemish-prone areas. No rubbing.

    Less is more. A little goes a long way.

  3. 03

    Layer and protect

    Follow with your moisturiser once absorbed. Always apply SPF in the morning over any active serum.

    Build to daily use over 2 to 3 weeks.

Always follow with SPF in the morning. Build to daily use over 2 to 3 weeks.

Model holding the Anti-Acne Serum close to her face
What's inside

What is in the Anti-Acne Serum?

  • Niacinamide10%

    Helps calm the look of redness, refine the appearance of pores and even out uneven-looking tone.

  • Azelaic Acid10%

    Helps even the look of tone and the look of post-blemish marks, for a more even-looking complexion.

  • Salicylic Acid2%

    A beta hydroxy acid that works inside the pore to help keep it clear.

  • Ferulic Acid

    Antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stress and supports the stability of the other actives.

  • Mandarin Peel Extract

    Citrus Reticulata extract, rich in flavonoids, adding antioxidant support.

Full ingredient list

Aqua, Niacinamide, Azelaic Acid, Undecane, Tridecane, Propanediol, Polyacrylamide, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Laureth-7, Polyglycerin-6, Betaine, Salicylic Acid, Benzyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Sorbic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Ferulic Acid, Tocopherol, Citrus Reticulata (Mandarin) Peel Extract, Parfum.

What does each ingredient do? Read the glossary
Warnings and storage

For external use only. Contains fragrance. Avoid contact with eyes and broken skin. Patch test before first use. Discontinue if irritation occurs. Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Keep out of reach of children. Store away from direct sunlight.

Compare all our face serums, or see every formula.

Works well together

Complete your Ritual

Start with a clean base, then layer hydration once the serum has absorbed.

The full routine Acne & Clarity Ritual

With the Gel Cleanser With Scrub and Hyaluronic Acid Serum. Save 15% on all three together.

$76
Before: CleanseGel Cleanser With Scrub

Cleanse and exfoliate first, 2 to 3 times a week.

$29
After: HydrateHyaluronic Acid Serum

Layer after this serum once absorbed.

$29

The Anti-Acne Serum is part of the Acne & Clarity Ritual.

Reviews

About this formula

Questions about the Anti-Acne Serum

What is in the NKD Koala Anti-Acne Serum?

10% Niacinamide and 10% Azelaic Acid, with 2% Salicylic Acid, plus Ferulic Acid and Vitamin E for antioxidant support.

Can I use the Anti-Acne Serum every day?

Build up to daily use over 2 to 3 weeks. Apply 2 to 3 drops to clean skin morning and/or evening, follow with moisturiser, and use SPF in the morning.

Can I use the Anti-Acne Serum with the Vitamin C Serum?

Yes. Niacinamide and vitamin C can be used together, so the two serums can be layered.

Can I use the Anti-Acne Serum during pregnancy?

NKD Koala does not recommend the Anti-Acne Serum during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Speak to your GP or midwife about your routine.

Can I use the Anti-Acne Serum with the Retinol Serum?

Yes, at different times of day. Use the Anti-Acne Serum in the morning and the Retinol Serum at night, and only add retinol once your skin is comfortable with this serum. If skin feels dry or stings, use them on alternate days.

Can I use the Anti-Acne Serum on the same night as the Sleep Mask?

Use them on different nights. The Sleep Mask contains AHAs and this serum contains salicylic acid, so using both together can be too much exfoliation.

Why are niacinamide and azelaic acid in the same serum?

They suit the same concerns, the look of redness, breakouts and uneven tone, and work well together. Putting both at 10% in one bottle keeps your routine to three steps instead of layering two separate serums.

Can I use the Anti-Acne Serum if my skin reacts easily?

Patch test first, then start every second day and build up over 2 to 3 weeks. Some tingling at first is common with azelaic acid. If redness, burning or itching continues, stop using it. The serum also contains fragrance, listed in the full ingredients.

Will the Anti-Acne Serum make me purge?

Salicylic acid exfoliates inside the pore, so a few extra breakouts where you usually break out can happen in the first weeks. Breakouts in new areas, stinging or a rash are more likely irritation, so stop using it.

More answers in the FAQs and the ingredient glossary.