The Target & Treat Set: A Problem-Solving Skincare Kit
By The Ordinary | Clinical Formulations with Integrity | Published: 2026-10-18
Category: Buying Guides
The Target & Treat Set pairs sulfur and niacinamide to tackle blemishes and shine. See who it suits and when the Acne Set fits better.
Quick Answer
Choose The Target & Treat Set if you want a focused blemish-care duo with sulfur and niacinamide. If you prefer a three-step routine built around salicylic acid, The Acne Set is the better fit.
Why the Set Works for Problem-Solving Skincare
The Target & Treat Set is a curated regimen for blemish-prone skin, combining two complementary formulations. The full-size Sulfur 10% Powder-to-Cream Concentrate helps reduce visible blemishes and control excess shine, while the mini Niacinamide concentrate works to even skin tone. This pairing targets active breakouts and the after-effects they leave behind, making it a practical problem-solving skincare kit.
Because the set is small and focused, it suits someone who wants to address a specific concern without committing to a long multi-step routine. It also gives you a chance to test how sulfur and niacinamide behave on your skin before buying full sizes separately.
Trade-Offs to Consider
The set includes a mini niacinamide, so if you already have a niacinamide serum you love, you may end up with a duplicate. Also, sulfur has a distinct scent and can be drying, so it is not ideal for very sensitive or dry skin without a patch test.
If your main concern is clogged pores and blackheads rather than active blemishes, the salicylic acid in The Acne Set might be more effective. That set is a three-step regimen, so it covers more of the acne process from exfoliation to maintenance.
How to Decide: Target & Treat vs. Acne Set
- Active breakouts and shine: Choose The Target & Treat Set. The sulfur concentrate directly targets visible blemishes and excess oil, while niacinamide supports even tone. Patch test sulfur on a small area first to check for sensitivity.
- Clogged pores and blackheads: Choose The Acne Set. Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid that exfoliates inside the pore, which is more suited to congestion than sulfur.
- Minimal routine preference: The Target & Treat Set offers a two-product step, while The Acne Set is a three-step regimen. Pick based on how many steps you want to add. If you already own a niacinamide serum, the mini in the set may be redundant.
What's Inside and Why It Matters
- The Target & Treat Set: Includes a full-size Sulfur 10% Powder-to-Cream Concentrate, known for helping to reduce visible blemishes and control excess shine. This is the core blemish-fighting step, so you get enough product to see whether sulfur works for your skin before repurchasing.
The Target & Treat Set - The Target & Treat Set: Includes a mini Niacinamide concentrate to help even skin tone and… The mini size lets you address post-blemish marks without committing to a full-size serum you may not need.
- The Acne Set: The Acne Set is a targeted 3-step regimen featuring Salicylic Acid 2% Solution to help promote clearer skin. If you prefer a structured routine with a BHA exfoliant, this set gives you a complete system rather than a two-product duo.
The Acne Set
Who Should Choose What
Best for
- People with occasional breakouts who want a simple two-step blemish solution
- Those who prefer sulfur over salicylic acid for spot treatment
- Shoppers who want to test a targeted skincare set before buying full sizes
Not for
- People with dry or very sensitive skin who cannot tolerate sulfur
- Those whose main issue is blackheads or clogged pores rather than active blemishes
