List of Ingredients to Avoid in Skincare for Acne-Prone Skin 2024

• Ingredients to Avoid in Skincare for Acne-Prone Skin

Lanolin

Lanolin is a natural oil made from sheep's wool and is mainly used in moisturizers for its emollient propertie. But lanolin is also known to clog pores, triggering a cycle of what is called comedonal acne or flesh-coloured papules. In some cases, lanolin has been reported to aggravate the acne itself.

Coconut Oil

Although coconut oil is a rich source of hydrating triglycerides like oleic, linoleic acid and lauric acid, when applied on acne-prone skin, it can block the pores, trapping dirt, sebum and dead cells inside. So while coconut oil is full of moisturizing properties, it’s not the best choice for people with oily or acne-prone skin.

Alcohol

When used in toners and exfoliating products—which are used over the entire face—these specific forms of alcohol become drying and irritating to the overall health of the skin. While removing oils may seem like a good thing for people with acne, stripping too much of your skin’s oils will actually prompt your body to overproduce sebum. And too much sebum leads to clogged pores and breakouts.

It's okay if used in just an acne spot-treatment product, however. Denatured alcohol is a common ingredient in drugstore toners and is sometimes used in acne spot treatments.

Mineral oil

This one's a no-no for any skin types and conditions, not just those with acne-prone skin. According to the Environmental Working Group, mineral oil is a liquid mixture of hydrocarbons obtained from petroleum, and may be a possible human immune system toxicant or allergen. This thick emollient, often used in oils, moisturizers and cosmetics, can clog pores and result in acne flare-ups.

Synthetic Perfumes

The truth about skincare products is that the words "fragrance," "perfume," or "parfum," on an ingredient list can often mean a mix of dozens of chemicals, any of which can be irritating to acne-prone skin. Artificial fragrances are often a trigger for allergies, sensitivities and acne. As fragrance is so commonly used to make a product smell better, those with sensitive skin should steer clear from words like "parfum" and "linalool" and actively look for products that are labeled "fragrance-free."

Cocoa Butter

Often found in facial moisturizers as well as body creams, it can be a dream for those with dry skin. Though it's a rich emollient ingredient that offers great hydration, cocoa butter—like coconut oil—is often considered to be a comedogenic ingredient that can clog pores and contribute to breakouts. 

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is a foaming agent that's often used in shampoos, toothpastes and facial cleansers. This ingredient is a cleansing agent that can cause skin barrier disruption and make active breakouts worse. Thankfully, there are plenty of sulfate-free cleansers available that perform just as well as sulfate-ridden ones.

Parabens

You'll find parabens in everything from shower gel to moisturizers and shampoo to serums. They are used as preservatives because they extend the shelf life of products. They also worsen acne because they mimic hormones (e.g., estrogen). Hormonal imbalances contribute to the development of acne.

Isopropyl Myristate/Isopropyl Palmitate

Isopropyl myristate and isopropyl palmitate are emollients that help to strengthen the skin barrier and help the moisture stay locked in. Although skin emollient/softeners may provide many skin benefits, these should be weighed against their potential side effects. It is known to cause clogged pores, acne, whiteheads, blackheads, and possible irritation if overused.

• Product Recommendations For Acne-Prone Skin

| CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser

($15.03/150ml, up to 4% cashback at Walmart)

The new CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser is formulated to thoroughly dissolve dirt and excess oil, while clearing acne with 4% benzoyl peroxide. The formula also features hyaluronic acid to help retain your skin's natural moisture and niacinamide to provide you with soothing benefits, while allowing your skin to heal. Gentle on your skin, CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser helps maintain the skin's barrier with three essential ceramides, leaving your skin feeling soft and comfortable, while reducing acne without dryness or flaking.

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| Paula's Choice Earth Sourced Perfectly Natural Cleansing Gel

($19/198ml, up to 7% cashback at Paula's Choice)

Earth Sourced Perfectly Natural Cleansing Gel cleanses, removing impurities, excess oil, and makeup with naturally derived ingredients that produce a soft lather, leaving skin refreshed. It contains only natural ingredients shown to be gentle, yet effective, without causing flaking or dryness. Suitable for all skin types, even sensitive or irritated skin, and gentle enough for use on babies or children.

| COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner

($14/150ml, up to 4% cashback at Walmart)

Harnessing the powers of White Willow Bark and Apple Water, an ingredient containing natural Alpha Hydroxy Acids, the lightweight toner expertly eliminates dead skin cells and pore-clogging impurities, whilst minimising the appearance of whiteheads, blackheads and blemishes to reveal a smooth, clear complexion.

Ultra-hydrating Allantoin is combined with Mineral Water (sourced from Jeju Island in South Korea and recognised for its natural Beta Hydroxy Acid content), to help restore moisturised, revitalised skin with revived radiance.

| Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

($32/118ml, up to 4% cashback at Sephora)

Paula's Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant boosts the skin's tone and texture to enhance a natural glow. Salicylic acid exfoliates and promotes faster cell regeneration to minimize the appearance of blemishes, redness, large pores and wrinkles. Green tea soothes inflammation and shields against free-radical damage.

| The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

($5.90/30ml, up to 8% cashback at Skinstore)

Using advanced science and high concentrations of vitamins and minerals, the lightweight serum infuses skin with an intense dose of Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) that has been proven to minimise the look of blemishes and discolouration. A high 10% concentration of this vitamin is supported in the formula by zinc salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid to balance visible aspects of sebum activity.

| SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

($166/30ml, up to 6% cashback at Skinceuticals)

C E Ferulic features a synergistic antioxidant combination of 15% pure vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), 1% vitamin E (alpha tocopherol), and 0.5% ferulic acid to envelop skin in a protective veil. This patented triple antioxidant serum provides powerful environmental protection by neutralizing free radicals caused by exposure to environmental aggressors like UVA/UVB, infrared radiation and ozone pollution, which can contribute to premature aging. The formula is gentle yet effective and is suitable for normal, dry and even sensitive skin types.

| CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion

($15.99/89ml, up to 4% cashback at Walgreens)

PM lotion contains the three essential ceramides (called 1, 3, and 6-II) skin needs to help restore the protective skin barrier. The formula also contains hyaluronic acid to help retain skin's natural moisture and niacinamide to help calm skin. Its patented Multivesicular Emulsion (MVE) formulation releases these ingredients over time, penetrating deep into the skin to hydrate and nourish throughout the night. Additionally, the formula is noncomedogenic, hypoallergenic, and free of fragrance and oil.

| Tata Harper Repairative Moisturizer

($120/50ml, up to 8% cashback at Tata Harper)

Rehydrate, restore and soothe tired, parched skin with this luxurious Tata Harper Repairative Moisturiser. Dual-weight hyaluronic acid, featuring two molecular weights of hyaluronic acid, creates a double plumping effect for intense youth-giving hydration.

An estate-grown beautiful complex featuring a concentrated blend of arnica, borage, alfalfa, elderberry, meadowsweet and calendula that provides complete skin nourishment with minerals, vitamins, nutrients and essential fatty acids for healthy-looking skin. Buckbean extract helps improve the look of firmness and tone to minimize visible signs of aging and promote an overall youthful appearance.

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