ARE YOUR PRODUCTS ACNE SAFE?
When it comes to breakouts, ingredients play a critical role. And what you add to your routine matters just as much as what you leave out.
Some ingredients commonly found in skincare can contribute to clogged pores, irritation, and ongoing breakouts.
The first step toward clearer skin is identifying and eliminating acne-triggering ingredients. Use our ingredient checker to spot potential triggers and build a routine that supports clearer, calmer skin.
Since everyone’s skin is unique, we always recommend checking in with a medical professional for advice that’s right for you.
How to check your product:
Coconut Oil
Shea Butter
Acetylated Lanolin
Isopropyl Myristate
ingredients for acne-prone skin, explained.
We asked Dr. Mamina Turegano—triple board-certified dermatologist and Personal Day advisory board member— to break down what ingredients and routines she recommends for acne-prone skin.
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"I typically tell my acne-prone patients to avoid heavy oils and occlusives—especially things like coconut oil, lanolin, and isopropyl myristate, which are highly comedogenic. I also caution against fragrance and alcohol-heavy toners, which can irritate and disrupt the skin barrier, leading to more inflammation. Thick balms and waxes can also trap bacteria if you’re already breaking out. Petroleum jelly is technically not comedogenic but it’s very occlusive, so I recommend avoiding that."
- Dr. Mamina Turegano, triple board-certified dermatologist and Personal Day advisory board member -
"For acne-prone skin, I recommend building a foundation with a retinoid (adapinoid or tretinoin) plus one or two other ingredients such as salicylic acid or azelaic acid depending on the acne type. One underrated favorite of mine is hypochlorous acid spray. It’s antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and incredibly gentle—making it great for calming red, angry breakouts or preventing flare-ups after workouts, sweating, or wearing masks. It also plays well with other actives and won’t disrupt the skin barrier. Niacinamide is a great calming, oil-balancing multitasker that I like to see as an ingredient in a moisturizer or serum. I also like incorporating non-comedogenic hydrators like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or panthenol, and of course—a lightweight, broad-spectrum SPF every morning."
- Dr. Mamina Turegano, triple board-certified dermatologist and Personal Day advisory board member -
"For acne-prone skin, the goal is to gently treat, hydrate, and protect.
A basic but effective routine would include:
AM
Cleanser: A gentle foaming cleanser
Treatment: A targeted active like azelaic acid
Moisturizer: Lightweight, oil-free, and non-comedogenic
SPF: Lightweight sunscreen
PM
Cleanser
Treatment: typically a retinoid (adapinoid or tretinoin)
Moisturizer"
- Dr. Mamina Turegano, triple board-certified dermatologist and Personal Day advisory board member
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"Yes, while on isotretinoin (Accutane), the skin becomes very dry, fragile, and sun-sensitive, so the routine needs to shift.
I recommend avoiding:
Harsh exfoliants (like scrubs, AHAs/BHAs)
Retinoids
Any other actives like benzoyl peroxide
Instead, focus on rich moisturizers, gentle cleansers, lip balms, and sun protection. Hydration is key—think ihyaluronic acid, glycerin, and niacinamide for barrier support. Even though you’re targeting acne, the treatment is internal now, so the topical routine should support and soothe the skin."
- Dr. Mamina Turegano, triple board-certified dermatologist and Personal Day advisory board member -
"For teens, I tend to keep things simple and consistent—their acne is often more inflammatory and driven by oil, so I focus on cleansing and oil control with actives like salicylic acid.
For adults, I look more at hormonal patterns, stress, and barrier repair. Adult acne often comes with dryness or sensitivity, so we lean more on azelaic acid and niacinamide, and are careful not to over-strip the skin.
In general, everyone should be on a retinoid."
- Dr. Mamina Turegano, triple board-certified dermatologist and Personal Day advisory board member -
"Add a salicylic acid treatment a few times a week if breakouts flare. I’m a big fan of the Personal Day Doing the Work Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment. While it has effective actives like salicylic acid and azelaic acid, it also has soothing acne-fighting ingredients like niacinamide and zinc hyaluronate. I love it for all skin types that are prone to acne."
- Dr. Mamina Turegano, triple board-certified dermatologist and Personal Day advisory board member
