Since we’re both in our 30s and hoping to start a family in the near future, I’ve started looking for beauty products that are paraben-free. Thankfully, it’s getting easier to spot these products. However, because my skin never got the memo that it’s no longer a 12 year old, I’m still battling acne. So now, I’m also looking for paraben-free beauty products for acne-prone skin.
This acne is different than teenage acne, as it’s now concentrating along my jawline. Sometimes it’s painful, deep and cystic-like. No amount of make-up will cover bumps along your jawline, and whenever I see really bad flare-ups, my inclination is to avoid pore-clogging products altogether. Sadly, many ‘non-comedogenic’ products clog my pores.
When I was a teenager I relied on Accutane for a year, and if you’ve ever read up on it, you’ll know that it’s actually a dangerous drug that can induce depression and severe birth defects among other things. Definitely not what I’m going for right now. My acne arsenal also included other prescribed medicine by dermatologists that didn’t always do the trick.
There’s so much conflicting information out there about parabens. Some say they’re harmless and they’re naturally found in fruits; others say that they mimic estrogen and lead to breast cancer1. I’m sure there are tons more chemicals that really shouldn’t be in our bodies, especially if we want to start a family in the near future, but for now I’m trying to eliminate parabens. Note: I am not an expert and I am simply sharing what I have been using thus far.
9 Paraben-Free Beauty Products for Acne-Prone Skin
1. Purpose Facial Cleanser
2. Dickinson’s Oil Controlling Astringent
3. Yes to Grapefruit Dark Spot Correcting Serum
4. Burt’s Bees Herbal Blemish Stick
5. Murad Acne Spot Fast Fix
6. Murad Oil-Control Mattifier SPF 15
7. bareMinerals Bareskin Pure Brightening Serum Foundation
8. Yes To Cucumbers Hypoallergenic Facial Towelettes
9. Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash
I have been using all of these products in my daily routine for the past several weeks and I’ve noticed a reduction in my acne. However, it wasn’t until I added the Murad Acne Spot Fast Fix that I noticed faster results. My skin has always responded better to benzoyl peroxide than salicylic acid.
I first used the Murad oil-control mattifier several years ago from a sample at Ulta. I fell in love with the formula, and it really does help keep my oiliness at bay. It’s important to have sunscreen on your skin if you’re using all of these treatments on your skin. You’re at a higher risk for sunburns. I stopped buying it at beauty stores because of the price, but now that I’ve realized it’s paraben-free AND found it for less on Amazon, I will always have this in my beauty bag.
I’ve been using the bare Escentuals BareSkin liquid mineral foundation for the past several months and I am in love!
Honorable mentions:
- Nadine talks about the wonders of argan oil on her dry skin. My skin is on the oily side, so I’m a little hesitant to try this out, but it should work wonders for those with dry to normal skin.
- From the makers of Yes to Cucumbers, Yes To Tomatoes Blemish Clearing Facial Towelettes has salicylic acid in it. Because I am already using products with salicylic acid in them, I did not include this product in my main list, but it would be a great product to toss in your gym bag!
- Ruth + Genker recently came out with an updated formula of their famous acne-line: Proactive+. I had success with Proactive as a teenager, and I just picked up a kit in the mall kiosk this week. I’ll let you know how this fares out. (Crossing my fingers here!).
- Megan shares the pregnancy-safe beauty products in her arsenal.
What paraben-free products have you used on your skin?
Source: 1 Parabens
