Irritating substances that may make acne worse
Some substances, such as certain oils or dyes, may make acne worse by irritating the skin. Avoid skin care products that contain the following:
- Sodium lauryl sulfate,TEA-lauryl sulfate, laureth-4, and lauryl alcohol
- Propylene glycol and polyethylene glycol (PEG)
- Silicone and dimethicone
- Isopropyl alcohol, SD alcohol, isopropyl myristate, and acetone
- Butylstearate, and oleic acid
- Mineral oil, petrolatum, or lanolin
- Methyl- or propylparaben, phenoxyethanol, and imidazolidinyl urea
- Pumice, aluminum oxide, and sodium tetraborate
- Dyes, such as drug and cosmetic red dyes found in blush make-up
| Author: | Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS | Last Updated: February 27, 2009 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology | |
 | ||
| |