Acne spot treatments are a must-have for anyone looking to target blemishes quickly and effectively. But with so many products on the market, how do you know which one is right for your skin? Bubble Skincare, a brand known for its science-backed, affordable skincare, offers two targeted solutions: Fade Away and Knock Out.
These two acne spot treatments take different approaches. Fade Away uses 5% benzoyl peroxide to fight active breakouts, while Knock Out harnesses the power of 1.8% salicylic acid to clear clogged pores and prevent future breakouts. But do they actually work? I tested them both to find out.
Summary: Bubble Skincare's Fade Away and Knock Out are designed for different types of acne: Fade Away is best for inflamed, cystic pimples, while Knock Out works for blackheads and smaller blemishes. Both treatments are dermatologist-tested, fragrance-free, and cruelty-free. Fade Away delivers faster results for inflamed acne, while Knock Out helps with long-term pore care.
More About Bubble Skincare’s Acne Spot Treatments
Bubble Skincare launched in 2020 with a mission to create affordable, dermatologist-backed skincare for younger skin types. Their formulas are plant-based, non-toxic, and cruelty-free, making them a great choice for anyone who wants effective yet gentle products.
Fade Away is a 5% benzoyl peroxide treatment designed for inflamed, red pimples. It penetrates deep into the skin to fight acne-causing bacteria while calming inflammation. The gel-like consistency absorbs quickly and doesn’t feel overly drying, which is a big plus for sensitive skin.
Knock Out contains 1.8% salicylic acid, making it perfect for blackheads, whiteheads, and clogged pores. Unlike benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid is an exfoliant that removes dead skin cells and excess oil. The lightweight, non-greasy formula makes it ideal for day and night use.
About The Brand
Bubble Skincare was founded by Shai Eisenman, who saw a gap in the market for science-backed, plant-based skincare designed for younger consumers. The brand focuses on high-quality, affordable formulas that are free from harsh chemicals, synthetic fragrances, and parabens.
Bubble also prioritizes education and transparency, helping customers understand exactly what’s in their skincare. The brand’s commitment to vegan, cruelty-free products has made it a standout in the industry, and its fun, colorful branding makes it especially appealing to Gen Z.
What Makes These Products Special?
The Fade Away and Knock Out treatments stand out because they offer two distinct solutions for different acne concerns.
Fade Away fights active, inflamed breakouts with benzoyl peroxide but also contains soothing ingredients like licorice root and sambucus nigra fruit juice to minimize irritation.
Knock Out tackles clogged pores and blackheads with salicylic acid and botanical extracts like willow bark and meadowsweet to prevent excess dryness.
Both treatments are fragrance-free, cruelty-free, and dermatologist-tested, making them safe for sensitive skin.
Product Features
Best For:
Fade Away: Inflamed, cystic acne.
Knock Out: Blackheads, whiteheads, and clogged pores.
Uses:
Fade Away: Spot treatment for active breakouts.
Knock Out: Exfoliating treatment to prevent blemishes.
Key Ingredients:
Fade Away: 5% Benzoyl Peroxide, Licorice Root Extract, Sambucus Nigra Fruit Juice.
5% Benzoyl Peroxide: Powerful acne-fighting ingredient that kills acne-causing bacteria, reduces inflammation, and prevents new breakouts.
Inactive Ingredients & Their Benefits:
Glycerin & Propanediol : Humectants that help draw moisture into the skin, preventing excessive dryness.
Licorice Root Extract : Natural skin brightener that soothes irritation and reduces redness.
Niacinamide: Form of Vitamin B3 that strengthens the skin barrier, controls sebum production, and improves overall skin texture.
Allantoin & Aloe Vera: Known for their soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, these ingredients help calm irritation.
Zinc PCA: Helps regulate oil production and provides antibacterial properties, further preventing acne.
Sambucus Nigra (Elderberry) Fruit Juice & Spiraea Ulmaria (Meadowsweet) Flower Extract : Antioxidant-rich ingredients that help protect the skin and reduce inflammation.
Carbomer & Xanthan Gum : Helps to stabilize the gel formulation, ensuring smooth application.
Citric Acid & Sodium Hydroxide : pH balancers that help maintain skin’s natural acidity for optimal effectiveness.
Knock Out - 1.8% Salicylic Acid Spot Treatment
Key Active Ingredient:
1.8% Salicylic Acid: beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that penetrates deep into the pores to exfoliate, unclog debris, and reduce blackheads and breakouts.
Inactive Ingredients & Their Benefits:
Pentylene Glycol & Glycerin : Humectants that keep the skin hydrated and prevent excessive dryness from salicylic acid.
Wintergreen Leaf Extract & Willow Bark Extract: Natural sources of salicylic acid that help exfoliate and refine pores.
Azelaic Acid: Known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, it helps fade post-acne marks and improve skin tone. MY FAV!
Aloe Vera: Provides soothing and hydrating benefits, reducing irritation from exfoliation.
Zinc PCA: Controls oil production while offering antibacterial protection.
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate (Licorice Root Derivative): Helps to calm redness and irritation, making it ideal for sensitive skin.
Sambucus Nigra (Elderberry) Fruit Juice & Spiraea Ulmaria (Meadowsweet) Flower Extract : Antioxidant-rich ingredients that help protect and calm the skin.
Citric Acid & Sodium Hydroxide: pH adjusters that maintain formula stability and enhance ingredient effectiveness.
Phenoxyethanol: Preservative that ensures the product remains free from bacteria and mold contamination.
How These Ingredients Work Together
Fade Away is designed for inflamed, red pimples, combining benzoyl peroxide with soothing agents like aloe, licorice root, and allantoin to prevent irritation while targeting acne bacteria.
Knock Out focuses on clogged pores and blackheads, using salicylic acid, azelaic acid, and willow bark extract to exfoliate and reduce congestion while hydrating with aloe and glycerin.
Both treatments offer a balance of powerful actives and calming ingredients, making them effective yet gentle acne solutions.
Why It Works for My Skin
My skin is combination and acne-prone, which means I deal with both inflamed pimples and clogged pores. I tested Fade Away and Knock Out separately to see how they performed on different types of blemishes.
Fade Away (Benzoyl Peroxide): I applied this treatment to a painful, under-the-skin pimple at night, and by morning, the redness and swelling had gone down significantly. It didn’t dry out my skin, which was surprising given that benzoyl peroxide can sometimes be irritating.I believe the lower amount of Benzoyl Peroxide at 5% was better suited for my combo skin than a 10% benzoyl peroxide product. I am still cautious about not over-using the Fade Away spot treatment; so when my pimple starts to look less angry, I switch over to the Knock Out spot treatment to assist in keeping it clear and reducing the post-acne mark.
Knock Out (Salicylic Acid): This was perfect for my clogged pores and blackheads. I applied it to my nose and chin, and after a week of consistent use, I noticed fewer blackheads and smoother skin. The formula absorbs quickly, making it easy to use under moisturizer. I love the gel-like consistency of the formula too. It wears well under other products and even makeup if applied during your morning routine. My skin also LOVES any spot treatment that is paired with Azelaic Acid. By pairing the two, you are combatting the active breakout while also working ahead of time to decrease the appearance of the mark it may leave behind.
Pro Tip: If you experience both types of acne, you can alternate between the two treatments depending on your skin’s needs.
What I Love
Fast results: Fade Away works overnight, and Knock Out prevents new breakouts.
Non-drying formula for combo skin
Affordable & accessible: At $12 each, they’re budget-friendly compared to high-end spot treatments.
What Could Be Better
Not ideal for very dry skin: If you have dry or sensitive skin, use with a moisturizer to prevent irritation.
May cause purging: Knock Out might bring breakouts to the surface before clearing them.
BUBBLE FADE AWAY PURCHASE OPTIONS
BUBBLE KNOCK OUT PURCHASE OPTIONS
Final Thoughts on Bubble Skincare’s Spot Treatments
After testing Fade Away and Knock Out, I can confidently say that they are solid, affordable acne treatments that deliver results. Fade Away is my go-to for fast relief from inflamed pimples, while Knock Out has helped keep my pores clear and my skin smooth.
Both products are great additions to an acne-fighting routine, especially if you prefer gentle, science-backed treatments over harsh drugstore options. While they might not be a one-size-fits-all solution, using them together provides well-rounded acne care.
Between the two products, they average a 4.85/5 on about 1,200 reviews per their website. Take a deeper look below on some of the positive and rare negative reviews from their website.
FADE AWAY: Most customers loved that the Fade Away spot treatment worked quickly to diminish the size and redness of painful and cystic acne.
FADE AWAY POSITIVE REVIEWS
On the other hand, some users claim they didn't seem to see results from the spot treatment or experienced irritation and purging when they first started using the product.
FADE AWAY NEGATIVE REVIEWS
KNOCK OUT: Most of the positive reviews surrounded the notion that the Knock Out 1.8% spot treatment was great for reducing blackheads and preventing breakouts with consistent use. They praised its non-drying and sensitive friendly formula.
KNOCK OUT POSITIVE REVIEWS
A few of the negative reviews claimed the product caused their skin to purge or cause more redness and irritation when first applying it to their skin. This can be attributed to salicylic acid's ability to exfoliate and increase cell turnover.
KNOCK OUT NEGATIVE REVIEWS
Final Verdict
If you’re looking for affordable, dermatologist-tested spot treatments, Bubble’s Fade Away and Knock Out are excellent choices. Fade Away is ideal for inflamed breakouts, while Knock Out works for blackheads and whiteheads. Together, they offer a versatile, gentle acne solution.
Where to Buy
Bubble Skincare’s Fade Away and Knock Out are available on their official website, Ulta, and Amazon.
