Versed Just Breathe Clarifying Serum
Formulation Summary
A clarifying serum built around niacinamide, willow bark, and zinc. The formula targets oily, acne-prone skin with a combination of pore-decongesting and anti-inflammatory ingredients. Clean beauty standards without high price point.
Versed positions this as a gentle but effective acne-fighting serum. Willow bark extract provides natural salicylic acid while the formula also includes pure salicylic acid for additional exfoliation. Zinc gluconate helps regulate oil production. Horse chestnut extract and licorice derivatives add soothing properties. The formula is fragrance-free and formulated to EU clean beauty standards.
Quick Facts
Designed For
- •Oily and acne-prone skin seeking pore decongestion
- •Those wanting clean beauty at drugstore prices
- •Users looking for gentler BHA delivery via willow bark
- •People who want oil control without high niacinamide concentrations
- •Skincare beginners seeking an accessible clarifying serum
May Not Suit
- •Dry skin types
- •Those seeking high-potency niacinamide (10%+)
- •People sensitive to salicylic acid or BHAs
- •Users who prefer thicker serum textures
Key Ingredients
| Ingredient | Concentration | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Niacinamide | 3.7-5.5%third-party estimate | Regulates sebum, calms inflammation, supports barrier, brightens |
| Salix Nigra (Willow) Bark Extract | — | Natural source of salicylic acid; exfoliates and decongests pores |
| Zinc Gluconate | — | Oil regulation; anti-inflammatory; supports acne reduction |
| Salicylic Acid | — | BHA exfoliant; penetrates pores; dissolves sebum buildup |
| Aesculus Hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut) Seed Extract | — | Soothes inflammation; supports circulation; reduces redness |
The Formulation Explained
Dual BHA approach
The formula includes both willow bark extract (a natural source of salicylic acid) and pure salicylic acid. This dual approach provides pore-clearing exfoliation. Willow bark may be gentler than synthetic salicylic acid alone.
Niacinamide plus zinc for oil control
Niacinamide at an estimated 3.7-5.5% works alongside zinc gluconate to regulate sebum production. This combination targets oily skin without the potential irritation of higher niacinamide concentrations.
Soothing support ingredients
Horse chestnut extract and licorice derivatives (ammonium glycyrrhizate) add anti-inflammatory properties. These help balance the potentially drying effects of the BHA ingredients.
Clean beauty formulation
Versed formulates to EU ingredient standards and excludes over 1,350 questionable ingredients. The formula is fragrance-free, paraben-free, and vegan. Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free.
Ingredients to Know
Can be drying for those with dry or sensitive skin; not recommended during pregnancy
Common preservative; generally well tolerated
Humectant and penetration enhancer; rare sensitizer
Solubilizer; helps blend ingredients; generally well tolerated
User Feedback Patterns
Full INCI List
22 ingredients · Click "Show full list" to view
About Versed
Does not disclose exact active concentrations. Emphasizes EU-standard clean formulation. All products are vegan and cruelty-free.
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Sources
- • versedskin.com (brand website)
- • incidecoder.com (ingredient analysis)
- • whatsinmyjar.com (concentration estimates)
- • Target reviews
- • Amazon reviews
Last updated: 2026-03
Rating Scales
Comedogenicity (0-5)
Likelihood of clogging pores. 0 = won't clog, 1-2 = low, 3 = moderate, 4-5 = high.
Irritancy (0-5)
Potential for skin irritation. 0 = non-irritating, 1-2 = low, 3 = moderate, 4-5 = high.
Ratings based on published ingredient studies. Individual reactions may vary.