5 Makeup Ingredients That Trigger Acne — Especially on Sensitive Skin

Have you ever paused to go through those ingredients at the back of your foundation bottle? Likely because as long as it matches your skin tone you’re good to go but that’s wrong, especially when you have sensitive skin. You keep wondering why you breakout and then often blame it on your skincare products or hormones, meanwhile the real culprit is sitting pretty inside your makeup bag. Some products contains ingredient that clogs the skin, preventing it from excreting sweat or toxins from your body. Now what happens if those tiny holes on the skin (pores) are closed? It causes irritation and acne.

Here are five common ingredients present in some makeup products that can trigger breakouts, particularly for those with sensitive skin;

Fragrance
Fragrance makes your product smell nice, but your skin doesn’t always agree. Synthetic fragrances are among the top irritants in makeup and skincare. They can cause inflammation and allergic reactions.

You’ll often find fragrance listed as “parfum” or “fragrance” on ingredient labels.

Synthetic Colours

Synthetic colours are artificial dyes made from petroleum and coal tar, they’re added to makeup products to make them more pigmented. The more the pigment, the higher the coal tar which is harsh on the skin and causes skin irritation, further leading to acne.

Coconut Oil
Don’t panic, yes coconut oil is natural — but that doesn’t make it great for everyone. Specifically for individuals with easily irritated skin. Coconut oil is one of the most pore-clogging oils out there. It can cause major flare-ups, especially when paired with foundations or creamy concealers.
Some makeup products may not list “coconut oil” directly, but will use derivatives like “cocos nucifera oil” or “caprylic/capric triglyceride.” If your skin is sensitive, these can cause major issues.

Talc

Talc is a mineral commonly used in powders to give them that smooth, matte finish. However, it can trap oil, dirt, and bacteria on the skin — particularly if you wear makeup all day in a hot climate. This creates a breeding ground for bacteria causing acne.
It’s found in many setting powders, eyeshadows, and some pressed foundations.

Parabens
These are preservatives used to keep or extend the life span of your makeup products.
When these chemical penetrates the skin, it disrupts your hormones thereby causing hormonal imbalance which has a negative impact on the skin

Final Thoughts

When shopping for makeup, always check the ingredient list, especially if your skin is easily irritated. Remember, what works for one person might not work for you, we all have different skin types. Make sure to pay attention to your body and use what is best for you.