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Are you on the hunt for the best non-toxic acne products in 2024? You’ve probably noticed that the natural acne treatment market is pretty small.
While we have dozens of clean skincare options online, only a few of them are suitable for our particular skin type.
What’s even trickier is that some ingredients might cause acne to flare up for us while most other people don’t experience any side effects at all. That’s because even the cleanest ingredient might aggravate our skin.
In this guide, I’ll share the most triggering ingredients you should be avoiding to help keep acne-prone skin calm and clear. You’ll also find a breakdown of the best ingredients for acne-prone skin.
And, of course, my tried-and-trusted list of natural acne products for blemishes and acne scar treatment.
SKL top picks, in a nutshell…
- Best non-toxic acne face wash: With Simplicity
- Best non-toxic acne treatment: BUBBLE
- Best non-toxic acne cleanser: WELEDA
- Best non-toxic acne spot treatment: Burt’s Bees
- Best non-toxic acne-safe sunscreen: Kinfield
- Best non-toxic acne-safe foundation: ILIA
I’ve been dealing with adult acne since my early 20s, and let me tell you, it’s been a rollercoaster. It’s disheartening, it makes you feel trapped, and let’s be real – the body issues that arise are no joke.
Every morning, I’d look in the mirror and see those stubborn blemishes staring back at me, almost as if they were mocking my every effort to get rid of them.
Back in the day, I used to slather an array of different formulas that promised to tackle my blemishes and minimize scarring. If it had the most amazing reviews on Amazon, you bet it was in my arsenal.
My bathroom shelf quite literally looked like a skincare store, filled with all kinds of potions and lotions. I was convinced that somewhere in that mix was the magical cure for my skin woes.
Luckily for me (and my poor skin), I quickly realized that it’s not that simple. The reality is that I was actually harming my skin a lot more than helping it.
All those harsh ingredients, the constant switching of products, and the layering of too many treatments left my skin irritated, red, and even more prone to breakouts.
The turning point came when I started educating myself about the ingredients in my skincare products. I learned about the importance of gentle, non-toxic acne skincare formulas and how less is more when it comes to acne-prone skin.
It’s been a journey, but switching to minimalist products from natural and organic skincare brands has made a world of difference.
What Ingredients Should Acne-Prone Skin Avoid?
Alcohol
When it comes to skincare, not all alcohols are created equal. The drying types, like ethanol and isopropyl alcohol, are often found in toners and astringents.
They might feel refreshing at first, but they strip away the skin’s natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation.
For acne-prone skin, this can trigger an overproduction of oil as the skin tries to compensate, resulting in even more breakouts.
Fragrances
Both synthetic and natural fragrances can be problematic for acne-prone skin. They’re one of the most common causes of skin irritation and allergic reactions.
Fragrances can disrupt the skin’s barrier, leading to increased sensitivity and inflammation. This is particularly bad news for acne-prone skin, which is already sensitive.
Parabens
Parabens are preservatives used to extend the shelf life of skincare products. While they help prevent bacterial growth in products, they can also disrupt hormone function by mimicking estrogen.
For acne-prone skin, this hormonal disruption can lead to increased oil production and breakouts.
Studies have shown that parabens can be absorbed through the skin and have been detected in urine, blood, and breast tissue, raising concerns about their long-term effects on health.
Sulfates
Sulfates, like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), are surfactants that create lather in cleansers and shampoos.
They can be very harsh and strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. For acne-prone skin, this can mean an increase in oil production and more breakouts. It’s like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut – way too harsh and damaging.
Mineral Oil
Mineral oil and its cousins (petrolatum and paraffin) are occlusive agents that form a barrier on the skin.
While they can be good for dry skin by preventing moisture loss, they can also clog pores and trap bacteria and sebum underneath the skin. This can lead to blackheads, whiteheads, and acne flare-ups.
Silicones
Silicones, like dimethicone and cyclopentasiloxane, are used in skin care to give a smooth, silky feel and create a barrier on the skin.
However, this barrier can trap dirt, bacteria, and sebum which causes clogged pores and breakouts. Silicones are also difficult to remove completely, often leading to buildup over time.
Lanolin
Lanolin is a natural substance derived from sheep’s wool, often used for its moisturizing properties. However, it can be comedogenic, meaning it can clog pores and lead to breakouts.
Common Toxic Ingredients in Acne Skincare Products
Benzoyl Peroxide
First up, we have the big bad wolf of acne treatment – Benzoyl Peroxide. This ingredient is a powerhouse in the fight against acne, known for its bacteria-busting abilities.
However, benzoyl peroxide can be a bit too aggressive, often leading to dryness, redness, and irritation. Studies show that up to 40% of users experience side effects like excessive dryness and peeling.
The American Academy of Dermatology has noted that while effective, benzoyl peroxide should be used cautiously to avoid over-irritation, especially in sensitive skin types. While it might zap those zits, it can also leave your skin feeling like the Sahara Desert.
Triclosan
If you’ve ever used antibacterial soap, you’ve likely encountered this one. In acne products, it’s used for its bacteria-fighting properties.
However, reports have shown that triclosan can affect thyroid hormone concentrations, leading to potential endocrine disruption.
The FDA has even banned triclosan in hand soaps due to concerns over antibiotic resistance and hormonal disruption, emphasizing the need to avoid it in other personal care products. Yet, it still sneaks into some skincare products. Talk about overstaying your welcome!
Formaldehyde
Ah, Formaldehyde. You might remember this one from high school biology class – it’s used to preserve specimens. In skincare, it’s often found in preservatives to keep products fresh.
According to the National Cancer Institute, formaldehyde exposure has been associated with certain types of cancers, particularly nasopharyngeal cancer and leukemia. Additionally, the European Union has restricted its use in cosmetics due to these health concerns.
Synthetic Dyes
Who doesn’t love a bit of color in their life? Unfortunately, synthetic dyes in skincare are not the way to go. They add no benefits to your skin and are often derived from petroleum.
These dyes can cause irritation and allergic reactions, especially in sensitive skin. Research has linked certain synthetic dyes to hyperpigmentation and even cancer.
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) highlights that some synthetic dyes, especially those derived from coal tar, are carcinogenic in animal studies.
Silicones
Last but not least, let’s talk about Silicones. These ingredients are often used to give products that smooth, silky feel and to create a barrier on the skin.
While that might sound good, silicones can trap dirt, bacteria, and sebum, potentially worsening acne. Over time, this can lead to more breakouts and dull skin.
A study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that long-term use of silicones can lead to significant skin irritation and may exacerbate acne in individuals prone to breakouts.
Plus, silicones are notoriously difficult to wash off, meaning they can build up on your skin and in your pores.
The 10+ Best Natural, Non-Toxic Acne Products in 2024
Let’s start with the basics – when it comes to battling acne, we all want products that are gentle on our skin but tough on those pesky pimples.
This detoxifying face wash sponge is made from just two simple ingredients: the konjac plant and bamboo charcoal.
Despite its simplicity, this sponge packs a powerful punch against dirt, oil, and makeup, while also detoxifying your skin from environmental pollutants.
The konjac sponge dives deep into your pores, drawing out impurities, and leaving your skin smooth and glowing without irritation. Just add water, and let it work its magic.
Price
$15
Best For
Konjac sponges for acne
Ingredients
Bamboo charcoal powder and konjac
In addition to safe sunscreens for sensitive skin, Blissoma also offers an array of acne-safe skincare products packed with organic ingredients.
The cruelty-free and vegan, free rejuvenating herbal gel cleanser is here to save the day.
This award-winning cleanser is the ultimate multitasker, perfect for anyone with sensitive, reactive, or problem skin.
Whether you have sensitive, reactive, problem, oily, or acne-prone skin, this cleanser has got you covered. It’s even safe for those with allergy-prone skin.
It tackles breakouts, removes makeup, and soothes redness, making it a true all-rounder in your skincare arsenal.
Price
$58
Best For
Nontoxic acne cleanser
Ingredients
Organic, food-grade soapbark extract, organic yerba mate, organic self heal & cornflowers, organic linden & olive leaf
BLUME has grouped a fantastic trio of natural acne products for sensitive skin!
This three-step skincare set is designed to cleanse, treat, and hydrate your way to a flawless complexion. Kick things off with a clean slate.
This meltdown daily balancing gel cleanser is loaded with green tea leaf extract and salicylic acid.
These powerhouse ingredients gently exfoliate while diving deep to clear out even the toughest grime, like makeup residue. The result? Smoother, fresher skin from the get-go.
Next up, lock in some serious moisture. This meltdown gel cream with ceramides is infused with ceramides and pentavitin, which team up to provide a whopping 72 hours of hydration.
Not only does it quench your skin’s thirst, but it also fortifies your skin barrier, keeping the good stuff in and the bad stuff out.
Lastly, the meltdown acne oil, featuring blue tansy and tamanu oil, is like a soothing balm for your skin woes.
It calms irritation, clears existing breakouts, and helps prevent future flare-ups. Plus, it leaves your skin feeling balanced and happy.
Price
$100
Best For
Sets of essential non-toxic acne products
Ingredients
Sunflower seed oil, black cumin seed oil, rosehip seed oil, tamanu seed oil, tea tree leaf oil, olive leaf extract
When it comes to breakouts, sometimes you need to zoom in and tackle those pesky spots head-on.
That’s where this spot treatment with salicylic acid and cica comes in.
Burt Bees’ targeted spot treatment reduces redness and the appearance of blemishes by combining naturally derived salicylic acid and soothing cica.
This amazing duo works to clear clogged pores and comfort your skin, leaving you with a healthy-looking, clear complexion.
What’s more, the Leaping Bunny Certified formula is made with 99.9% natural origin ingredients and is completely free from parabens, phthalates, petrolatum, and SLS.
Price
$9.99
best for
Non-toxic acne spot treatment
ingredients
Salicylic acid from willow bark, cica, or tiger grass
Looking for the perfect sunscreen that caters to all your needs?
Kinfield has you covered, whether you need a hydrating face sunscreen, a luminous face sunscreen, a protective lip sunscreen, or a nourishing body sunscreen.
Kinfield offers a 100% mineral, broad-spectrum SPF 35 sunscreen that combines effective protection with a delightful fragrance reminiscent of a Mediterranean getaway.
Its reef-safe formula is gentle on both sensitive and acne-prone skin, providing a dewy, bounce-back finish without streaking—even when you’re sweating.
Moreover, Kinfield’s commitment to sustainability shines through with packaging made from post-consumer recycled plastic, ensuring that both the tube and cap are recyclable.
Price
From $26+
best for
Non-toxic acne-safe sunscreen
ingredients
Zinc oxide, sea kelp, aloe vera, rice bran extract, glycerin, sunflower extract & more!
ILIA offers some of the best non-toxic acne products for makeup lovers who want to keep their skin safe and blemish-free.
This weightless, medium-coverage foundation is available in 25+ inclusive shades and is designed to deliver a natural finish, now enriched with powerful skincare ingredients—niacinamide for smoothing and allantoin for soothing.
The silky, breathable formula effortlessly blends into your skin, moving with you to create a seamless, blurred effect.
It promises to visibly enhance your skin’s appearance with each application, helping to minimize uneven tone and texture over time.
The result is a radiant, authentic look that enhances your natural beauty while offering a polished, perfect finish.
Price
$54
best for
Non-toxic acne-safe foundation
ingredients
Niacinamide, allantoin, aloe
Best Non-Toxic and Natural Ingredients for Acne-Prone Skin
Tea Tree Oil
This essential oil is famous for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s like the superhero of natural acne treatment, swooping in to reduce redness and kill off acne-causing bacteria.
Studies have shown that tea tree oil is as effective as benzoyl peroxide in treating acne but without harsh side effects like dryness and peeling.
Plus, it’s packed with antioxidants that help soothe irritated skin. Just remember to dilute it with carrier oil to avoid any potential irritation – even superheroes need sidekicks!
Witch Hazel
Next up, witch hazel. This botanical extract is a natural astringent, meaning it can help tighten and tone the skin. Witch hazel is also anti-inflammatory, which makes it perfect for calming down those angry, red pimples.
Research indicates that it can help reduce the size of pores and control excess oil production, a major win for acne-prone skin.
Plus, its antioxidant properties help protect the skin from environmental damage. Use it as a toner to balance your skin and keep breakouts at bay.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera isn’t just for sunburns – it’s a skin-soothing superstar.
This plant’s gel is packed with vitamins, minerals, and anti-inflammatory compounds that help heal acne and reduce redness. Aloe Vera is also a natural moisturizer, providing hydration without clogging pores.
Studies have found that aloe vera can enhance the effectiveness of acne treatments like retinoids, making them more tolerable for sensitive skin.
Green Tea Extract
This raved-about ingredient is loaded with polyphenols, which have strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Green tea extract helps reduce sebum production, one of the main culprits behind acne.
Experts advise us to apply green tea topically to significantly decrease the number of pimples and improve the overall appearance of acne-prone skin.
Honey
Let’s sweeten things up with honey. Not just any honey, but raw or Manuka honey, which has potent antibacterial and healing properties.
Honey acts as a natural humectant, drawing moisture into the skin and keeping it hydrated without making it greasy.
Studies have proven that honey can inhibit the growth of acne-causing bacteria and promote faster healing of acne lesions. It’s also packed with antioxidants that help repair skin damage.
The Bubble skincare daily acne-treating serum is your new best friend in the battle against breakouts.
Acne can be a huge cause of anxiety, but now you can rest easy-peezy knowing that super clear serum has your back (and your face).
It’s a powerful yet gentle serum that stops acne in its tracks.
With a blend of 2% salicylic acid and willow bark extract, this serum clears clogged pores and tackles breakouts without irritation, leaving your skin visibly clearer, calmer, and less congested.
It’s one of our favorite natural acne products because it has the ability to penetrate deep into the pores, effectively cleaning out dirt, oil, and other acne-causing culprits.
It helps prevent new breakouts from forming, removing dead cells and reducing oiliness.
Price
$35
best for
Non-toxic acne treatment serum
ingredients
Salicylic acid, willow bark extract, squalane, neem seed oil, colloidal oatmeal
The e.l.f. skin blemish breakthrough acne-fighting spot gel is your go-to fast SOS solution according to over 1.000 satisfied Amazon reviewers.
This handy roll-on gel targets acne with precision, helping to clear up and soothe troubled skin quickly.
It’s perfect for oily and acne-prone skin, helping to treat current acne while preventing new breakouts.
Salicylic acid is here to help treat current blemishes and prevent new ones by clarifying pores and removing acne-causing impurities.
Aloe is added to soothe and calm the skin, reducing irritation and promoting healing.
Lastly, witch hazel offers irs anti-inflammatory and astringent properties to reduce excess oil.
Plus, as a bonus, all e.l.f. products are 100% cruelty-free and vegan, so you can feel good about using them.
Price
$4
Best For
Sensitive skin acne spot treatment
Ingredients
Salicylic acid, aloe, witch hazel
It’s no secret that Aesop formulates some of the best non-toxic acne products on the market.
This vegan, cruelty-free face mask is designed to leave your skin clarified and soothed, all while being kind to the planet.
The blend of chamomile concentrate, tea tree leaf, and evening primrose works together to leave your skin deeply cleansed and clarified without over-drying or irritating it.
Another reason to love this natural acne product is the packaging. Aesop uses infinitely recyclable glass pots.
Price
$47
Best For
Non-toxic face mask
Ingredients
Clay, chamomile, tea tree
Revitalize your skincare routine with the Invigorating deep cleansing gel, designed specifically for oily and combination skin types.
This refreshing natural acne gel cleanser delivers a thorough purifying experience and a healthier, and more balanced complexion.
With each use, you’ll notice your skin becoming softer and more even in appearance, thanks to the replenishing properties of jojoba and babassu oils.
Price
$19.99
Best For
Non-toxic acne cleanser gel
ingredients
Licorice root extract, witch hazel, jojoba & babassu oils
This gentle acne-fighting cleanser is a skincare essential crafted specifically for acne-prone skin.
This cleanser harnesses the power of natural, plant-based ingredients to tackle acne and its causes while keeping your skin calm and balanced.
The formula is infused with a blend of tea tree, niaouli, and lavender essential oils, this cleanser works hard to combat acne and bacteria.
Rosemary leaf oil adds another layer of care with its anti-inflammatory benefits, helping to diminish redness and swelling.
Rich in iron, calcium, and essential vitamins, rosemary oil revitalizes and rejuvenates the skin, making it a powerful ally in soothing burns and irritated areas.
Niaouli leaf oil rounds out the formula with its impressive antiseptic qualities. It accelerates the healing of wounds and infections by fighting off bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microbes.
Additionally, niaouli oil acts as a protective barrier against environmental pollutants, keeping your skin safeguarded from external aggressors.
Price
$24
Best for
Natural acne foaming cream cleanser
ingredients
Tea tree oil, rosemary leaf oil, niaouli leaf oil
The solid stick acne treatment is designed to prevent breakouts, reduce redness, and keep your skin clear.
It’s packed with skin-rejuvenating ingredients that work together to reduce inflammation and improve your skin’s appearance.
For example, lactobacillus ferment lysate filtrate helps balance your skin’s microbiome, keeping it hydrated and protected from environmental stressors.
Helichrysum flower oil is known for its potent anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties, this oil is perfect for calming sensitive and inflamed skin.
Another fantastic ingredient is tea tree oil – a time-tested remedy, tea tree oil offers substantial antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Price
$19.95
Best for
Anti-spot blemish stick with tea tree oil
ingredients
Probiotic lactobacillus ferment lysate filtrate, helichrysum flower oil & tea tree oil
This post was about the best non-toxic skincare products and natural treatments.
When it comes to tackling acne, the choice of non-toxic acne products can really make all the difference.
Natural acne products steer clear of harsh chemicals, synthetic fragrances, and irritating additives that can exacerbate acne and inflammation. Instead, they use gentle, natural ingredients that work with your skin, not against it.
This means fewer flare-ups, less irritation, and a more balanced complexion. While these might promise quick fixes, they can lead to a host of issues, from dryness and sensitivity to worsening acne over time.
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