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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 Monica Rhodes
Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology
Last Updated March 1, 2007

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: March 01, 2007
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