Skip to product information
1 of 2

Calming Force Clear Skin Serum

Reduces redness, irritation, sensitivity and breakouts · For calmer, more comfortable skin

Size
Multi-product recurring refills →

Free U.S. shipping on $75+

THE FORMULA

Your skin’s advocate against redness, breakouts and irritation. This weightless clear skin serum calms stressed, reactive skin to support clarity and even tone.

Powered by niacinamide, MSM and a microdose of salicylic acid to interrupt the cycle of inflammation, refine pores, fade post-breakout marks and fortify your skin barrier. 

Daily use helps your skin look and feel healthier, calmer and more in control. Plus, reducing inflammation over the long term slows the signs of aging, too.

  • Gentle and safe for all skin types, especially reactive and redness-prone
  • Light, silky, fast-absorbing texture
  • Free of fragrance and essential oils
  • Skin-friendly pH 5.0-5.5

Key Actives

+ -

5% NIACINAMIDE + 5% MSM: The ultimate skin-soothing duo, working to calm redness, refine pores, and strengthen your skin barrier.

REDNESS CALMING PEPTIDE: Acetyl Tetrapeptide-40 is clinically proven to reduce redness and improve uneven skin tone.

0.5% SALICYLIC ACID: The gold standard for keeping pores clear, gently exfoliating to prevent breakouts and reduce inflammation without irritation or drying out your skin.

1% LICORICE ROOT + 2% PANTHENOL: Plant-powered calmers that fade dark marks and restore skin’s equilibrium.

2% SACCHARIDE ISOMERATE + 0.3% HYALURONIC ACID: Because hydration is essential, especially for irritated skin. These hydrators plump and replenish without clogging.

Ingredients

+ -

Activist blends nature and science: beautiful botanicals + clinically-proven actives = superior results.

  • Only the most beneficial and effective ingredients — no cheap fillers.
  • Free of 1,000+ potential toxins including phthalates, parabens and more (details here).

INGREDIENTS: Aqua, Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Saccharide Isomerate, Salicylic Acid, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-40, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycerin, Sodium Levulinate, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Anisate, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate.

Packaging may vary slightly; ingredients listed above are accurate.

Sampling + Returns

+ -

Please try this product with a sample or Trial Kit (which comes with a free $25 gift card) before you commit to a full size. We promote sampling as part of our return prevention philosophy.

anti-corporate power / pro-people + planet
anti-waste — pro-climate
anti-bullshit — pro-transparency
anti-greenwashing — pro-science
anti-perfection — pro-aging well
anti-hype — pro-integrity
anti-corporate power — pro-people + planet
anti-waste — pro-climate
anti-greenwashing — pro-science
anti-perfection — pro-aging well
anti-corporate power — pro-people + planet
anti-waste — pro-climate
anti-bullshit — pro-transparency
anti-greenwashing — pro-science
anti-perfection — pro-aging well
anti-corporate power — pro-people + planet
anti-waste — pro-climate
anti-greenwashing — pro-science
anti-perfection — pro-aging well
anti-corporate power — pro-people + planet
anti-waste — pro-climate
anti-bullshit — pro-transparency
anti-greenwashing — pro-science
anti-perfection — pro-aging well
anti-corporate power — pro-people + planet
anti-waste — pro-climate
anti-greenwashing — pro-science
anti-perfection — pro-aging well

A powerfully calming formula to the rescue

Calming Force is a dual-benefit serum that soothes irritated, reactive skin while helping defend against premature aging.

We combined a powerfully soothing array of active ingredients that calm the root cause of both aging and acne: inflammation. The result is a surprisingly gentle yet highly effective formula perfect for daily use.

How to use

To get the best effectiveness from your serum, we recommend first misting clean skin with Healing Water Toning Mist. Skin is more receptive to active ingredients when it’s already moist and primed for absorption.

Next, dispense several drops of serum into your cupped fingertips, and apply by smoothing evenly onto all parts of the face and neck.

For best results, lock in the hydration by following this serum with Precious Oils Active Infusion.

Customers praised this serum for calming skin, reducing redness, and clearing breakouts. Many noted it "changed my life" and works well for sensitive skin without being drying. The lightweight formula hydrates and absorbs quickly. One customer reported breakouts and found it heavy/greasy. Shoppers also appreciate the sustainable, female-owned company.

  • 5 stars: 38 (90%)
  • 4 stars: 3 (7%)
  • 3 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 2 stars: 1 (2%)
  • 1 star: 0 (0%)
Some of the reviews shown are from related products the merchant grouped with this one.
M
Matisse G. (Pasco, WA)
No other product will do!

Thank you for developing this product. My sensitive skin has always been a struggle. Now in my mid-40’s - 4 years from 50 - I needed something that would preserve what is left of my youth. I use Activist Botanical Cleansing Oil, Active Hydration Vitamin C+ Antioxidant Serum, Calming Force Clear Skin Serum, and Precious Oils Active Infusion. The travel kit is convenient and last a long time. It takes just a little of each. I highly recommend.

G
Gabrielle B. (Denver, CO)
Just give the company and products a shot

Not only did this serum (Calming Force) work for me, which I tried as a sample, but the customer service is top tier. I have sensitive acne prone skin and my mask acne has been a horror story. I've tried a few different products for it but this one worked the best AND my acne dark spot are noticeably fading, which an Osea essence didn't help with. Almost all the packaging, say for a sticker, is completely recyclable in my city. Both times I received a package from Activist there was a hand written note and honestly I'm all for that company consumer connection.

S
Stevee K. (Fort Collins, CO)
THE BEST

Okay, I’m obsessed. I loveeeee a sustainable company that truly cares and people and planet. I’ve tried basically everything on the website, and can tell you it’s all magical! The precious oils smells amazing and leaves me soft and glowy all day! Love love love!

L
Laura R. (Miami, FL)

Calming Force Clear Skin Serum

E
Emma L.B. (Gilbert, MN)
Great products and company

I tried the trial kit first and loved how the products kept my skin clear and hydrated. I ordered the full size versions and still love them, and especially because it’s a female owned company that focuses on sustainability and ethical production! They unfortunately have had no effect on my hormonal acne but i still love the products.

A
Amanda A. (Houston, TX)
I love everything about these products

I use multiple products from Activist and love them all. I started buying these to reduce plastic consumption, but they have been the most effective, enjoyable skin care products I have ever used.

B
Brandy M. (Garden Grove, CA)
The only serum that has calmed my skin!

I’m not exaggerating when I say this serum has changed my life. It’s honestly the only serum I’ve found that both moisturizes and calms my skin at night. I’ve been trying to find a solution to my skin flare ups for years! I’m so glad I tried the sample kit and found this product. I definitely recommend those with skin flare ups try it!

T
Tanya K. (Los Angeles, CA)
Botanical Cleansing Oil

Every time I try a new Activist product I fall in love! My new obsession is the Botanical Cleansing Oil - it smells amazing and hydrates my skin beautifully. I actually look forward to washing my face, even at night when I am exhausted 💕

S
Sophia (Washington, DC)
Makes pimples go away fast!

I got this product as part of the trial/travel size kit, and I originally thought I wasn't going to use the serums. But I decided to try it one night after popping a pimple (I know, I know!), and I was shocked when I woke up that the pimple wasn't red and even bigger than before. So I have continued to use the serum, and I will literally be purchasing it with the subscription once I finish this review!

A
Amberly D. (Buxton, NC)

Calming Force Clear Skin Serum

K
Kayla B. (Menomonee Falls, WI)
love this stuff!

LOVE this serum! keeps my KP at bay and helps to calm cystic breakouts. doesn't make my skin oily and plays nicely with my moisturizer. will refill this one!

A
Alexandra (Newport, OR)
My Sensitive Skin Loves It

My skin can’t tolerate a lot of products sadly, but I have had really good luck with this serum. I started with the trial size and now I’m using the full size. It is very hydrating and soothing. It’s helps calm skin irritation and redness and has really helped me to manage my mild acne and the inflammation that comes along with it. I love the consistency and how easily it spreads on top of a face mist. I use a rosewater face mist from Cocokind that pairs really well with it. I use the Precious Oils Active Infusion (also LOVE) on top, and my skin always looks and feels so nice afterwards. I am super grateful for such a wonderful product from a company I feel great supporting.

B
Beatriz M. (Los Angeles, CA)
I love this serum!!!!

Calming Force is one of my favorites! I use this more often during the days of the month when my skin is extra sensitive, and I can tell an improvement since I started using it. I love how it calms my redness. It’s amazing!

I
Isabella P.P. (Los Angeles, CA)

Calming Force Clear Skin Serum refill

M
Mariah D.V. (Medford, OR)
Really wanted to love this, BUT

I have sensitive skin and it DID NOT like this product. I always introduce new products very slowly (about a 3 week process) and within a week of introduction, my skin started breaking out. The product felt heavy and a bit greasy. I so wish I would have had a different experience because I love what the company stands for, but this just did not work for me. I’ve now got a nearly full bottle of product I can’t use.

Sorry to hear this wasn't a fit for you! This shouldn't give off a greasy feeling, as it's a very lightweight, oil-free formula that absorbs quickly into the skin. It should be used before any moisturizers or oils (not after) to help it absorb.

A
Amanda A. (Houston, TX)
I adore these products!

I gave been using the Activist skincare products for over a year. I originally bought them to reduce the plastics I put into the environment, but have also found they are amazing for my skin. I have suffered what I thought was hormonal acne for 30 years. With the oil based cleanser and moisturizer, my skin completely cleared up in 2 months and has stayed that way. Plus I use less product than my previous regime, so I actually spend less money. Big win for the environment and me!

N
Noelle L. (Sacramento, CA)
Great customer service!

Allison helped me with my order and was very kind, thank you!

D
Denise F. (Providence, RI)
Really enjoying the Activist calming serum

I ordered a trial set and really liked this serum to help my occasional breakouts and redness. It feels so clean and my skin feels soft after as well. I really recommend this company for their products and environmental policy!

K
Kaitlin Q.Q. (Woodridge, IL)
Calming Quality

I buy and use almost every product Activist Skincare provides. That said, I've used this Calming Force Serum for over a year now and my skin has only gotten better. Any irritation or blemishes are gone within hours to a day. If you haven't tried their products, you're missing out!

J
Jodie G. (San Ramon, CA)

Calming Force Clear Skin Serum

D
Danielle A. (Paphos, 05)
Quality Serum

I love it. My esthetician loves it. It's just great!

A
Amanda A. (Houston, TX)
Love these products!

I love everything about these…quality, scent, improvement in my skin condition, reduction in plastic waste!

B
Britt T. (San Luis Obispo, CA)
Skin has never looked better!

I initially made the switch to Activist for their sustainability measures - I love that they sell refill packs for their refillable bottles - but honestly everyone tells me my skin is glowing. I get more compliments on my skin now than I have my entire life, huge win! I feel great supporting the brand and being conscious about my purchasing power, and having products that work so well (and they all feel and smell super luxurious too) makes it that much better.

E
Elizabeth S.
Amazing

I have developed a lot of dark spots as I’ve aged, and this serum has been a lifesaver. I’ve used for a little over a month now, and my dark spots have actually began to fade and my complexion is clear. And, of course, the packaging and eco-friendly refills are an extra bonus on top of the incredibly effective formulation. Love Activist, and love this serum!

K
Katie H. (Denver, CO)
Great products!

Works well for my acne without being super drying. Nice and light on my skin and goes well under other products.

G
Gianna P. (Lee's Summit, MO)
Another Winner

I added this into my Activist skincare routine at night. It really calms redness, and I wake up with my skin feeling hydrated and smooth!

S
Sarah H. (Arlington, VA)
Love it!

Makes such a difference in my skin! I have hormonal acne and can get clogged pores and this definitely helps reduce outbreaks and speeds healing

J
Jessica (El Dorado Hills, CA)
Best Natural Skincare Out There!

I've been looking all over for healthy skincare without all the crap preservatives, dyes, parabens, etc. After trying a few brands, this is the only one that actually works. It cleans without drying, it moisturizes without leaving me feeling greasy. I love every product that Activist has.

A
Anjana P. (Reno, NV)

I won the sample kit previously in a giveaway and loved it and have since bought the sea to skin cleansing gel and calming force serum! They’re amazing and I’ve seen improvements in my skin already.

GET PRODUCT MATCHED

One minute to find the best products for you

Take our quick skin quiz, and we’ll match you with the perfect products — tailored to your skin type, concerns, and goals. No guesswork, just results.

Plus, there's an opportunity to SAVE 20% at the end.

TRY THE SKIN QUIZ