The Most Common Ingredients That Trigger Breakouts

Even products labeled as clean or gentle can still cause breakouts.
If your skincare or makeup seems to be making your acne worse, the cause might be one or more pore-clogging or irritating ingredients.

Learning to spot common culprits on ingredient lists can help you avoid unnecessary flare-ups and choose products that actually support your skin.

Why ingredients matter
Everyone’s skin is different, but certain ingredients are more likely to cause breakouts in acne-prone users. These can clog pores, trap oil, or cause inflammation, especially when used daily or layered with other products.

Ingredients that may clog pores

• Coconut oil: Although natural, it is very rich and can trap bacteria in the skin
• Lanolin: Found in many moisturizers and lip balms, it can clog pores in oily or sensitive skin
• Algae extract: Common in natural skincare, but can be highly comedogenic
• Isopropyl myristate: Often added to make products feel smooth, but very pore-clogging
• Silicones: Ingredients like dimethicone can seal in moisture, but may also trap debris and bacteria if not removed properly

Irritating ingredients to be cautious about

• Fragrance: Both natural and synthetic scents can inflame or dry the skin
• Alcohol (denatured or SD alcohol): May feel light, but often strips skin and leads to more oil production
• Essential oils: Strong oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, or citrus can cause redness or burning
• Sulfates: Used in cleansers and shampoos, they can be overly harsh and dry out the skin barrier

What about natural or organic products?
Natural does not always mean better. Many botanical ingredients are strong or fragrant, and can trigger breakouts or reactions. Organic coconut oil, for example, is still comedogenic for most acne-prone skin.

Focus on what is proven to work for your skin, not just what is plant-based or labeled clean.

Tips for checking ingredients

• Look up unfamiliar ingredients on a comedogenicity scale
• Use fewer products with long or complex ingredient lists
• When trying something new, patch test it before using on your whole face
• Keep a list of ingredients your skin does not tolerate well

Choosing better products takes practice
You do not need to memorize every harmful ingredient. But learning to spot the top offenders and keeping your routine simple can help prevent breakouts and support your treatment plan.

Trust how your skin responds, not just what the label promises.
If something causes redness, tightness, or more pimples, it is worth switching. What works for someone else might not be right for you.

Sources to learn more:
Mayo Clinic | National Institute of Health | Johns Hopkins