These Makeup Ingredients Are Causing Your Breakouts

While diagnosing breakouts with the help of the best skincare experts in the game is our job, we sometimes overlook how the ingredients in our makeup can affect our skin. And though makeup formulas have come a long way, there are several breakout-causing ingredients that the makeup industry hasn't yet phased out of its formulas.

"Make sure your products are noncomedogenic, which means it was developed not to clog pores or cause breakouts," advises Bella Schneider, CEO and founder of Bella Schneider Beauty. Esthetician-approved makeup brands include Jane Iredale and Glo Skin Beauty, which are formulated with skin-loving ingredients like vitamins and antioxidants.

Board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD, recommends avoiding "heavy moisturizing ingredients, which include mineral oils and coconut oil if acne-prone skin." Those with acne-prone or sensitive skin should also steer clear of D and C red dye, which may be found in blush, she says.

Using a topical ingredient that decreases acne-causing bacteria, or those that continually slough skin cells to unclog pores, is a great way to combat breakouts, according to dermatologist Rachel Nazarian, MD. "Look for makeup with added salicylic acid, or use products with benzoyl peroxide, retinoids like adapalene, or topical sulfur- and use daily to treat acne now and to prevent future breakouts," she says.

Keep reading to learn more about which makeup ingredients to avoid, and what products you should be using instead.

Alcohol

Alcohols can be drying and irritating. If you have existing breakouts, alcohol may inflame pimples or make them temporarily worse. "Alcohol strips too much oil, drys the skin, and breaks the barrier, which disrupts the pH of healthy skin, leading to acne-like bumps," says Nazarian.

Acrylic

Acrylics help ingredients stick together, but "it's the same as putting plastic on your skin," says Schneider of the occlusive ingredient. "Anything underneath will get trapped and clog your pores." Avoid the negative effects with 14e Cosmetics's Aloe Nourish Foundation ($46), which is 100 percent natural and formulated specifically for breakout-prone skin.

Bismuth Oxychloride

This chemical gives powders their shimmery, lacquered finish, but it may cause irritation, potentially leading to acne as well. So if you see these two words on a product's ingredient list, proceed with caution. Instead, choose Alima Pure's skin-benefiting Pressed Foundation with Rosehip Antioxidant Complex ($38).

Mica, Silica, and Talc

Our derms say that these light-reflecting particles, found in everything from foundation and powder to bronzer, can all cause irritation and dehydration, potentially leading to breakouts. "Mica, silica, and talc all have the ability to occlude skin and clog pores," says Nazarian. These ingredients do give the skin a glowy, youthful appearance, but if you're acne-prone, they might not be your best bet.

Perfumes and Dyes

Artificial fragrances and colors certainly help make a product look and smell appealing, but our experts agree they can be extremely irritating, exacerbating skin sensitivity and clogging pores. "Perfumes and dyes can cause irritation that shifts skin's pH and increases inflammation. This could lead to inflammatory acne-like lesions," cautions Nazarian. Instead, go the natural route with 100 percent Pure's Fruit Dyed Makeup, which looks and smells delicious, all thanks to plant-based ingredients.

Petrochemicals

"Better known as paraffin wax, mineral oil, and petrolatum, these chemicals are used in makeup as a preservative and to lock in moisture," says Schneider. "But they just clog pores and help other bad ingredients to seep deep into your skin to wreck havoc as well."

Nazarian adds that petrochemicals are often and the occlusive ingredients can "trap heat, and flare inflammatory heat sensitive conditions like acne rosacea."

Silicone

Silicones make products like primers and foundations feel silky and smooth (and they can have the same effect on the skin). However, because of silicones' occlusive properties, on certain skin types, they may be dehydrating and clog pores. Instead, opt for a silicone-free foundation instead, like Oxygenetix’s Oxygenating Foundation ($66).

Ingredients to Look for Instead

As you read the labels for ingredients to avoid when shopping for makeup, keep an eye out for those that are beneficial, too.

"Makeup products that incorporate sunscreen, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, squalane, aloe vera, and niacinamide can be beneficial to the skin. For those with acne-prone skin, some makeups may also include salicylic acid, which may help to address pores and acne," says Garshick, who notes that Neutrogena, Clinique, Maybelline, Bare Minerals, Ilia, and It Cosmetics are all brands that have products that are non-comedogenic.

Keep reading for Garshick's picks on makeup that's good for skin.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint Foundation with Hyaluronic Acid

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint Foundation with Hyaluronic Acid $10.00

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This hydrating formulation contains hyaluronic acid to help boost moisture, leaving the skin looking smooth and refreshed. It is available in 10 different shades, making it easy to find the right shade for your skin. Additionally, it is oil-free making it a good option for those who may be dealing with dry skin as well as breakouts.

Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40

Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 $48.00

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"This lightweight serum provides broad-spectrum SPF 40 coverage using zinc oxide, as well as a blend of hyaluronic acid, squalane and niacinamide to help hydrate and soothe the skin," says Garshick. "It also comes in so many shades, making it easy to find a shade that matches your skin tone." Ilia's serum is also gluten-free and free of silicones, fragrance, chemical sunscreen filters and is oil-free so won’t clog pores, making it a good option for all skin types.

Wanderlust Powder Foundation

Wanderlust Powder Foundation $42.00

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Garshick says that the Wanderlust Powder Foundation is particularly useful for someone with sensitive skin as it "delivers a natural matte-finish without drying out the skin as it starts as a liquid that gets transformed into a powder." It is free of mineral oil, parabens, phthalates and synthetic fragrance while also being gluten-free and vegan-friendly. "It helps to absorb excess oil, while also improving the appearance of redness, discoloration, and melasma, and is lightweight and contains hyaluronic acid and aloe so it is both hydrating and soothing," she says. Additionally, this Wanderlust pick is free of synthetic fragrance, phthalates, parabens, and mineral oil and won’t clog the pores.

Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Foundation

Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Foundation $49.00

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Charlotte Tilbury's foundation incorporates hyaluronic acid to help hydrate the skin and boost moisture as well as a rose complex to help brighten the skin. "It provides long lasting coverage in addition to ingredients that also help to decrease the appearance of oiliness and reduce the look of pores, strengthen the skin barrier, improve overall dryness and dullness as well as using Defence helps to protect against pollutants," says Garshick.

Clinique Acne Solutions Liquid Makeup

Clinique Acne Solutions Liquid Makeup $35.00

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"For someone who is particularly oily, it can help to incorporate a makeup with a small amount of salicylic acid to help reduce oil and unclog the pores, such as this one from Clinique," says Garshick of the product, which also provides coverage for blemishes and helps to reduce redness.