CAROLINE HIRONS SAYS

This is the perfect pair for anyone dealing with breakouts.
Retinoid 2 and The Control Acid were created to exfoliate, decongest and refine your skin’s texture to reveal a smoother, clearer, more radiant complexion.

Skin Rocks' Founder, Caroline Hirons holding The Control Acid against a yellow background
Image of falling products by Skin Rocks by Caroline Hirons. 2 products in The Breakout Duo Set featured in their powder blue and yellow glass bottles: The Control Acid and Retinoid 2.

Clinicals

Retinoid 2
Clinically proven to...
Increase skin firmness by 25%.*
Reduce visible pigmentation by 23%.**
Reduce visible texture by 17%.**

The Control Acid
Clinically proven to...
Reduce skin oiliness.*
Increase smoothness.*
Improve hyperpigmentation.*

Save 10%

The Blemish Control Duo - Intermediate

£108.00
£108.00
Save 10% and achieve a clearer, smoother complexion with our decongesting duo – perfect for anyone with breakout-prone, congested skin.
Select: Retinoid 1 Retinoid 2

Free Shipping on orders over £50

Targets

Breakouts ⏐ Blackheads ⏐Congestion⏐Fine lines and wrinkles ⏐Uneven skin tone and texture

Suited To

Congested, breakout-prone skin. Tested on all skin tones.

About the product

The Blemish Control Duo brings together two powerful Skin Rocks products to decongest skin, unclog pores, regulate oiliness and help reduce the appearance of breakouts. 

Retinoid 2 lets experienced retinoid users level up their routine with an active level of 0.5% HPR and 0.05% retinal to maintain an even, radiant complexion.

Powered by a unique complex of encapsulated salicylic acid (BHA) and polylysine, The Control Acid works to soothe and strengthen the skin by unclogging pores and regulating sebum production. With redness-reducing and barrier-supporting benefits, and a range of skin-conditioning ingredients, it’s so much more than a standard BHA. 

Set includes: 

  • Retinoid 2 30ml
  • The Control Acid 150ml 

Retinoid 2

*Based on an Independent Clinical Study, involving 30 participants over 8 weeks.

**Based on an Independent Clinical Study, involving 30 participants over 12 weeks.

The Control Acid

*Based on an Independent Clinical Study of 50 participants with blemish-prone/oily skin, using the product regularly for 4 weeks.

Key ingredients

Retinoid 2

Retinal – A fast-acting, powerful retinoid that targets fine lines, wrinkles, breakouts, skin texture and hyperpigmentation.

Hydroxypinacolone retinoate (HPR) – A gentle yet effective retinoid that works in harmony with retinal to give you better results.

Bakuchiol and soybean extract – Retinoid boosters that help to bolster results whilst soothing and protecting the skin.

Squalane and vitamin E – Conditioning agents that support the skin barrier whilst soothing and nourishing the skin.

The Control Acid

Salicylic acid - Decongests the skin, unclogs pores and improves skin texture, promoting smoother, clearer skin.

Polylysine and lemon myrtle - Regulate sebum production whilst maintaining the quality of the skin’s natural oils, helping to protect the skin barrier and minimise shine.

Oligopeptide-10 - Works synergistically with salicylic acid to boost its efficacy.

Niacinamide - Regulates the production of sebum (oil) on the skin, in turn reducing the appearance of pores and improving skin texture. Minimises the appearance of redness whilst supporting the skin barrier.

All ingredients

Retinoid 2
Aqua (Water, Eau), Dimethyl Isosorbide, Isononyl Isononanoate, Diisopropyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Glycerin, Squalane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone, Ethylhexyl Isononanoate, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Bakuchiol, Cetyl Alcohol, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Extract, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Benzyl Alcohol, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Retinal, Gossypium Herbaceum (Cotton) Seed Oil, Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Oil, Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Glyceryl Stearate, Polysilicone-11, Bidens Pilosa Extract, HDI/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Withania Somnifera Root Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Hordeum Vulgare Extract (Extrait d'orge), Tocopheryl Acetate, Tocopherol, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Seed Extract, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract, Ascorbic Acid, Polyisobutene, Bisabolol, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Phytosterols, Citric Acid, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, PEG-7 Trimethylolpropane Coconut Ether, Sorbitan Isostearate, Phospholipids, Phenethyl Alcohol.

The Control Acid
Aqua (Water/Eau), Glycerin, Propanediol, Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide, Panthenol, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract, Boswellia Serrata Extract, Backhousia Citriodora (Lemon Myrtle) Leaf Extract, Mel Extract (Honey Extract/Extrait De Miel), Oligopeptide-10, Benzyl Alcohol, PPG-26-Buteth-26, Butylene Glycol, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Citric Acid, Trisodium Ethelenediamine Disuccinate, Polydextrose, Dextrin, Amylopectin, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Polylysine.

How it works

Retinoid 2 encourages the skin to renew itself and helps promote collagen and elastin production, whilst simultaneously conditioning to reveal a smooth, even complexion.

The Control Acid targets the root causes of congestion to prevent it before it occurs. Polylysine, lemon myrtle and niacinamide work together to regulate oil production whilst salicylic acid exfoliates the pore lining, decongesting the skin. Oligopeptide-10 helps to boost the efficacy of salicylic acid, maximising results.

How to use

Use the products in The Breakout Duo on alternate days. Note: if you are entirely new to using retinoids or acids, incorporate the duo into your routine gradually. Start by using one product for four weeks, before introducing the second.

Apply The Control Acid AM or PM after cleansing, up to three times a week. Dampen a cotton pad with the toner and sweep over a clean, dry face, avoiding the eye area. Follow with the rest of your routine and use sun protection if you’re applying in the morning.

Use Retinoid 2 in the evening after cleansing twice weekly until you are acclimatised. You can then increase your usage to up to three times per week if desired. Apply a few pumps of serum across your face and lightly massage into skin. Allow to absorb and follow with your moisturiser, if preferred. Use sun protection during the day.

View full details

CAROLINE HIRONS SAYS

This is the perfect pair for anyone dealing with breakouts.
Retinoid 2 and The Control Acid were created to exfoliate, decongest and refine your skin’s texture to reveal a smoother, clearer, more radiant complexion.

Skin Rocks' Founder, Caroline Hirons holding The Control Acid against a yellow background
Image of falling products by Skin Rocks by Caroline Hirons. 2 products in The Breakout Duo Set featured in their powder blue and yellow glass bottles: The Control Acid and Retinoid 2.

Clinicals

Retinoid 2
Clinically proven to...
Increase skin firmness by 25%.*
Reduce visible pigmentation by 23%.**
Reduce visible texture by 17%.**

The Control Acid
Clinically proven to...
Reduce skin oiliness.*
Increase smoothness.*
Improve hyperpigmentation.*

FAQs

Can I use The Breakout Duo daily?

We recommend using The Breakout Duo on alternate evenings, and if you are entirely new to using retinoids or acids, incorporate the duo into your routine gradually. Start by using one product for four weeks, before introducing the second.

Retinoid 2 should be used twice a week before gradually increasing to three times a week. The Control Acid should be used up to three times a week.

Is The Breakout Duo suitable for vegans?

Retinoid 2 does not contain any ingredients of animal origin or direct animal by-products (such as honey, milk or beeswax). However, it does contain ‘xanthan gum’ - a viscosity controlling (thickening) ingredient, from fermented sugar molecules.

The ingredient itself is not of animal origin and is classed as vegan by industry standards. However, the fermentation process may have involved enzymes derived from the albumen portion of eggs in the past. Therefore, we feel it could potentially be misleading to say that these products are 100% vegan. We are constantly reviewing the information provided by our material suppliers, and actively looking to source suitable alternatives for this material for future developments.

The Control Acid contains honey extract, which is part of a key raw material blend, for its soothing benefits. Therefore, it is not suitable for vegans.

Is The Breakout Duo cruelty-free?

Yes, Skin Rocks is, and will always remain, cruelty free.

Skin Rocks does not test products or ingredients on animals, nor do we ask any third parties to do so on our behalf. Skin Rocks products are developed to fully comply with relevant cosmetic legislation, including the EU Cosmetic Regulation (Ec. No. 1223/2009), the equivalent UK law (Schedule 34, The Product Safety and Metrology etc. (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019)), both of which have made cosmetic animal testing illegal. It is also our company policy not to sell Skin Rocks cosmetic products in any countries that require animal testing in order to enter the market.

Does The Breakout Duo contain fragrance?

Retinoid 2 and The Control Acid are fragrance-free.

Is the packaging for The Breakout Duo recyclable?

Retinoid 2:
The pumps for our Retinoid products are not currently recyclable unless dismantled. We encourage you to keep your pump and glass bottle and purchase a refill instead. Once you have finished and would like to recycle your product, rinse and dry out all componentry and please check materials against local requirements.

Outer Bottle: Glass Cap: Plastic (PETG)
Refill bottle + Cap: Plastic (PP)
Pump: Mixed plastic - Not readily recyclable
Carton and leaflet: All paper & card is from a certified FSC source.

The Control Acid:
All individual components of The Control Acid packaging are recyclable. Separate, rinse and dry all componentry before recycling. Please check all materials against local requirements.

Bottle: Glass
Cap: Plastic (PP)
Reducer Plug: Plastic (PE)
Carton and leaflet: All paper & card is from a certified FSC source.

The Breakout Duo Box:
The inner tray and gift box are completely recyclable. Please remove the ribbon from the box before disposing. Please check materials against local requirements.

Outer: 100% recycled card
Inner: 100% recycled card

Customer reviews

Hear it direct from our community.

The Blemish Control Duo - Intermediate

£108.00
£108.00