Dermalogica Breakout Biotic Moisturizer 50ml

Lightweight prebiotic gel-cream for blemish-prone skin

Those with blemish-prone skin often skip the "moisturizer" step out of fear of worsening pimples. Understandable, but the effect is counterproductive: skin that loses moisture produces more sebum to compensate — and that’s exactly where new clogged pores begin. Mature acne-prone skin needs a day cream that hydrates without weighing down and simultaneously supports microbiome balance.

The Breakout Biotic Moisturizer combines these two functions in one lightweight gel texture. A prebiotic blend nourishes the healthy bacteria on the skin, while a mild dose of salicylic acid helps keep pores clean. The result is hydrated, balanced skin that looks less prone to breakouts — and is better protected against premature aging caused by dehydration.

Benefits

• Hydrates daily without clogging pores or leaving a greasy film
• Helps prevent new pimples through mild exfoliation with salicylic acid
• Supports the skin microbiome with a prebiotic ingredient mix
• Reduces visible pores and remnants of previous pimples
• Regulates sebum production without drying out the skin

Active ingredients

Salicylic Acid (0.5%): A mild dose suitable for daily use without overburdening the skin. This beta-hydroxy acid penetrates the pores, removes dead skin cells, and keeps the channel open that would otherwise clog. Just strong enough to make a difference, mild enough to use as maintenance alongside other actives.

Prebiotic blend (Noni, Glutamic Acid & Inulin from agave): These three ingredients nourish the healthy bacteria that naturally live on the skin. A balanced microbiome makes the skin more resilient to inflammation and helps prevent the "wrong" bacteria — which trigger acne — from taking over. This is the difference between suppressing acne and tackling it at the root.

Niacinamide: Vitamin B3 regulates sebum production and strengthens the skin barrier. It visibly reduces the appearance of pores, diminishes redness, and helps fade post-inflammatory pigmentation after pimples. An essential ingredient for mature, blemish-prone skin.

Bio-engineered Plankton Extract & Squalane: The plankton extract binds moisture in the upper skin layers and soothes irritated skin, while squalane — a light plant-based lipid structurally similar to natural sebum — restores the skin barrier without weighing it down. Together, they provide hydration you can feel but not see.

Manuka & Magnolia bark extract: Manuka, derived from a New Zealand plant, is known for its natural antibacterial properties. Magnolia bark helps reduce excess sebum and soothes inflammation — two botanicals that visibly balance the skin without the harshness of classic acne products.

How to use

1. Cleanse the skin and apply a suitable toner.
2. Optionally apply a serum of your choice, such as the AGE Bright Clearing Serum, and let it absorb.
3. Press one pump of the moisturizer onto your fingertips.
4. Apply with light, upward motions over the face and neck.
5. Always finish with sunscreen in the morning, as salicylic acid makes the skin more sensitive to UV.

Suitable for

• Oily and combination skin with persistent or recurring blemishes.
• Adult skin with visible pores and texture smoothing issues.
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation after pimples that needs brightening.
• Skin that needs hydration but cannot tolerate a rich cream.
• Not recommended for very dry skin — choose a richer alternative for that.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this moisturizer hydrating enough, or do I also need a richer cream?

For most oily to combination skin types, this is sufficient as the only moisturizing step. If you have drier skin in winter, you can combine the moisturizer with a hydrating serum underneath. For very dry skin, a richer product is better suited.

How do I combine this product with other Active Clearing products?

A logical combination is: Clearing Skin Wash → AGE Bright Clearing Serum → Breakout Biotic Moisturizer → sunscreen during the day. In the evening, you can use Retinol Clearing Oil instead of the serum, followed by the moisturizer.

Is this gel-cream suitable to wear under makeup?

Yes, the lightweight texture was developed specifically for that purpose. The moisturizer absorbs quickly and does not leave a greasy layer, allowing foundation to stay even and not streak. Give the product a minute to fully dry before continuing.

Can I use the Breakout Biotic Moisturizer during an acne treatment prescribed by a dermatologist?

When using strong prescription acne medication or oral isotretinoin, your skin is extra sensitive and you should not layer products containing salicylic acid. Always discuss with your doctor or skin therapist which care products are safe to combine.