Understanding Acne and Makeup


Dealing with acne or occasional breakouts? Choosing the right makeup can be tricky. Some makeup can actually make acne worse, and it’s important to be careful. When you’re at the store looking for makeup, check the label. Words like “hypoallergenic” or “non-comedogenic” might sound good, but they don’t always mean the product is safe for your skin.

Big cosmetic companies sometimes use ingredients in their products that can clog your pores or make skin problems worse. Here are examples of common makeup that can worsen acne:

  1. Bare Minerals SPF 15 Matte Foundation
  2. MAC Studio Fix
  3. Laura Mercier Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer
  4. Nars Blush
  5. Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder
  6. Neutrogena Healthy Skin Liquid Makeup
  7. Clinique Acne Solutions Liquid Makeup

Just because a product says “oil-free,” “healthy skin,” or “acne solutions” doesn’t mean it’s safe for acne-prone skin.

To make sure a product is safe, check the ingredients. We recommend comparing the ingredients in your makeup with a list of pore-clogging ingredients. If you can’t find the ingredients on the product, you might need to look online. This extra effort is worth it if you’re prone to breakouts – it ensures your makeup isn’t making your skin worse.

Even products designed to treat acne can have ingredients that clog pores. For example, a cream called Retin-A, recommended by dermatologists, can sometimes make acne worse. Always check the label for ingredients. Cosmetics companies use various ingredients that clog pores and worsen acne. Taking charge of your skincare means being cautious and checking labels to avoid unwanted surprises.