Many of our clients come in feeling guilty or confused about wearing foundation, concealer or make-up in general. But makeup doesn’t have to be your enemy. The key lies in what’s inside your products and how you use them.

🚫 The Real Problem: Pore-Clogging Ingredients

Most makeup isn’t created with acne-prone skin in mind. Even products labeled as “non-comedogenic” or “clean” can sneak in ingredients that clog pores, irritate skin, and lead to more breakouts and inflammation.

Common culprits we see in clinic include:

• Isopropyl Myristate

• Laureth-4 / Laureth-23

• Coconut Oil & Derivatives

• Algae Extracts

• Myristyl Myristate

• Wheat Germ Oil

When these ingredients mix with your natural oils and dead skin cells, they can trap bacteria under the surface — the perfect storm for breakouts and inflammation.

🧴 What to Look for in Acne-Safe Makeup

When choosing makeup, look for formulas that are:

• Oil-free and fragrance-free

• Water-based or mineral-based (these are less likely to clog pores)

• Labeled “acne-safe” rather than just “non-comedogenic”

• Free of shea butter, silicones, and heavy emollients

Our acne clients do best with lightweight, breathable formulas that enhance your natural skin without suffocating it. And remember — proper removal is just as important. Always double-cleanse at night to remove every trace of makeup, SPF, and oil buildup.

💋 Our Rule: Makeup Should Support Your Skin, Not Smother It

Makeup can be empowering — helping you feel confident as your skin clears. The goal isn’t to give it up, but to choose smarter products that work with your skin, not against it.

When in doubt, let your acne expert guide you. During your We Love Acne consultation, we review your current skincare and makeup products to spot anything that might be standing in your way.

✅ Check Your Products Instantly

Not sure if your foundation or moisturizer is breaking you out?
Use our Ingredient Checker Tool on the We Love Acne website to instantly see if a product contains pore-clogging ingredients. It’s quick, easy, and might just save your skin.