Combination acid skincare is having a moment on the beauty scene, but what exactly is combination skincare, and why does it focus on acids?

This new wave of transformational products contain a blend of hard-working, spot-busting salicylic, lactic, succinic and glutamic skincare acids to clear clogged pores and prevent breakouts occurring.

Ceryn Askins, Campaigns and PR Editor at escentual.com said: "These latest formulations of anti-acne skincare are really groundbreaking at reducing breakouts and redness. They are the result of years of dermatological research to get the best combination of acids to work together to exfoliate the skin, remove dead skin cells and excess oil, reduce inflammation, and kill bacteria.

“We have seen that they are extremely effective at clearing up breakouts, preventing new ones from forming, and improving the overall appearance of the skin.”

Here we round up some of the best new combination anti-blemish and acne products–which ones will you be adding to your basket?

Avene Cleanance A.H.A. Exfoliating Serum 

This combined duo of lactic and succinic acids helps to exfoliate the skin, reducing the appearance of blemishes, pores and marks, while added glutamic acid helps to reduce excess sebum. The non-sticky, non greasy formula is enriched with Avène's trademark Thermal Spring Water to soften, soothe, and rebalance the skin. Not only that, it is fragrance free and suitable for sensitive skin.

Eucerin DermoPurifyer Triple Effect Cleansing Gel

Looking for a product that can also be used alongside medical acne treatments? This non-comedogenic daily cleansing gel exfoliates and cleanses the skin while treating post-acne marks. It has been formulated with salicylic acid to reduce impurities and unclog pores, while several citric acid complexes remove dead skin cells as well as reducing marks. The cleanser is also effective in removing excess sebum, dirt and makeup; clinical trials saw a 64 per cent reduction in blemishes after eight weeks.

Bioderma Sebium Serum Anti Imperfection Smoothing Concentrate

Specially tailored to oily and acne-prone adult skin, this serum's formula works to rapidly reduce spots and enlarged pores, residual marks and limit their reappearance. It utilises precisely dosed active ingredients including salicylic acid to exfoliate, and hyaluronic acid to hydrate the layers of skin below. It also contains acetyl glucosamine, a multi-purpose antioxidant which helps promote skin cell renewal. For optimum results, use as a 4-week intensive treatment, alone or under your usual overnight treatment after cleansing.

Caudalie Vinopure Salicylic Spot Solution

A clear skin essential, this spot solution is said to reduce localised breakouts in one hour and contains active ingredients including salicylic acid, niacinamide and tea tree essential oil. Salicylic acid helps to soften skin, exfoliate dead cells, unclog pores, and also has anti-inflammatory properties to reduce redness and inflammation, while niacinamide helps to visibly minimise and tighten enlarged pores and improve uneven skin tone. It also reduces redness thanks to its neutralising light green tint, and the small size means you can take it with you wherever you go–it's perfect for applying throughout the day.

Institut Esthederm Intensive Propolis + Amino Acids Purifying Cleansing Gel 

Formulated with exclusive technologies and patented active ingredients, this is an ideal day and night solution for adult skin prone to breakouts, with the added bonus of targeting wrinkles. Salicylic acid helps to soften skin, exfoliate dead cells and unclog pores, while anti-inflammatory properties reduce redness and inflammation, and sodium pyrrolidone carboxylic acid (PCA) helps skin hydrate and hold water to plump fine lines and wrinkles. PCA also reduces inflammation and dry, scaly skin–it is also non irritating, helping to reduce itchiness. The luxurious gel gently but efficiently cleanses and helps to minimise imperfections, while providing soothing and long-lasting hydration.