Skincare Ingredients to Avoid If You Have Acne-Prone Skin

If you have acne-prone skin, using the wrong products can make your breakouts worse. Some ingredients clog pores, irritate the skin, or make it oilier—causing more pimples instead of preventing them.

Here’s a list of bad ingredients for acne-prone skin you should avoid, plus some tips on what to use instead.

1. Coconut Oil

Feels moisturizing but clogs pores
Can cause blackheads and whiteheads

Better option: Use jojoba oil or squalane (non-comedogenic oils)

2. Alcohol (like SD Alcohol, Denatured Alcohol)

Dries out skin and causes irritation
Triggers more oil production

Better option: Use alcohol-free toners with calming ingredients like rose water or witch hazel (alcohol-free)

3. Fragrance

Can irritate sensitive or acne-prone skin
May cause redness and breakouts

Better option: Choose fragrance-free products

4. Silicones (like Dimethicone)

Trap dirt, oil, and bacteria
Can block pores and cause acne

Better option: Go for water-based, non-comedogenic moisturizers

5. Lanolin

Thick and greasy; often causes clogged pores

Better option: Use lightweight creams like gel moisturizers

6. Sulfates (like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate – SLS)

Harsh foaming agents in face washes
Strip natural oils and irritate skin

Better option: Use gentle, sulfate-free cleansers

7. Isopropyl Myristate

Used in makeup and lotions
One of the most pore-clogging ingredients

Better option: Stick to non-comedogenic labeled products

8. Strong Essential Oils (Lemon, Lavender, Eucalyptus)

Natural but too harsh for acne-prone skin
Can cause burning or inflammation

Better option: Use products with low or no essential oils

How to Choose Skincare for Acne-Prone Skin

Look for:

"Non-comedogenic" or "acne-safe" label
Oil-free and fragrance-free formulas
Ingredients like salicylic acid, niacinamide, azelaic acid, zinc, and green tea extract

Final Tips from Phimedy

Avoiding these harmful skincare ingredients for oily skin can help reduce breakouts and irritation. Always read labels before buying and choose gentle, effective skincare designed for acne-prone skin.

At Phimedy, our products are dermatologist-tested, non-comedogenic, and made with safe, effective ingredients.