Best Ingredients for Acne

Looking for skin care products that keep your skin balanced and acne at bay? When a breakout strikes, we need a quick and powerful fix to get our skin back to normal. No need to turn to harsh acids and chemicals — natural ingredients have the power to soothe and eliminate any blemish that’s giving you a hard time. Time to introduce your skin to some organic and all-natural alternatives that won’t take skin on a roller-coaster ride!

Chemical Vs. Natural Acne Products

The trouble with chemical acne treatments? That results aren’t sustainable. Maybe your harsh, stinging scrub isn’t working anymore. Or you skin is back to its old tricks, right when you thought it was clearing up.

Our natural acne products capitalize on the natural behavior of flowers, herbs and plants that then translates real results to your skin without harmful risk factors attached. We use antibacterial, cold pressed essential oils to purify and cleanse. Our products can deeply clean and calm, without being harsh or causing adverse side effects. Another plus? They don’t cost a fortune or require a prescription to purchase.

Natural Ingredients Built to Battle Acne

Our superstar acne fighting ingredients are essentially plant-food for your skin. When it comes to acne, people often think that natural acne products are too gentle or “too natural” (is that even possible?) and they are sometimes afraid that our products won’t work! This couldn’t be farther from the truth — and you can see for yourself!

Bearberry Arbutin and Other Antibacterials

Bearberry is naturally antibacterial, and helps eliminate dirt and debris that can cause acne. Found in our Caffeine Mask and many of our toners and serums, bearberry is also a natural source of a compound called arbutin. Arbutin helps to break apart hyperpigmented skin (dark spots) and even skin tone for a brighter, smoother complexion.

In addition to bearberry, we use antibacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredients such as green tea, Oregon grapes, sage, turmeric and neem that are proven to address acneic skin (even better than the stuff with the complicated ingredient labels).

Charcoal and Other Oil Controllers

We’ve said it before and we stand by it – oily skin isn’t always a bad thing. Those with oily and combination skin types have naturally radiant skin that is slightly more resistant to fine lines and aging, however the excess sebum can contribute to acne and breakouts. We’ve addressed this issue in our anti-acne products with balancing ingredients. Charcoal, well-loved for its detoxifying power and being the most active ingredient in our Charcoal Clay Cleanser, it helps to neutralize excess oil, even pulling it deep out of the pores for clarified skin. Other sebum balancing ingredients that you’ll see in our products include lemon and lemon water, green tea and rosemary.

Our Best Natural Acne Products

Below are our top 6 anti-acne products for balancing oil, banishing bacteria, and calming breakouts for smoother, soothed skin.

Charcoal Clay Cleanser

If is used once (or twice) daily, cleansers help to get rid of acne-causing buildup sitting on our skin. This cleanser utilizes brightening, detoxifying charcoal and kaolin clays to result in neutralized skin. If that weren’t powerful enough, this cleanser includes powerful lemon extract and lemon water for illuminating power and an antibacterial boost.

Tea Tree & Willow Acne Clear Cleanser and Astringent

Most acne astringents use harsh and drying alcohol to pull oil and dirt from the skin. This acne astringent uses tea tree water and tea tree oil. Along with witch hazel and a custom blend of herbs that contribute to long-term sebum control, you’ll see a brightened complexion and instant soothing for breakouts that #srsly need to go away. This vegan astringent addresses excess oil as a contributor to breakouts by using tea tree leaf water to clarify the skin. Because tea tree is naturally antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, this makes it an ideal ingredient for acne-prone skin to wipe away acne causing bacteria.

When used together, this tea tree & willow acne duo can’t be beat. The cleanser, also packed with brightening and antibacterial lemon, also features rosemary which is a powerful herb for neutralizing excess sebum in the skin. Antibacterial neem helps to address acne-causing dirt, while turmeric treats the inflammation deep within the skin for soothing results. Combine that with the balancing potency of the astringent and you have a year around acne treatment that is the perfect balance of powerful yet gentle.

Anti-Acne Sheet Mask

Talk about a mask-match made in heaven for treating breakouts. Our anti-acne mask includes soothing and hydrating aloe which also reduces redness and inflammation. The trifecta of herbs – rosemary, parsley and basil – help balance oil production in the skin and achieve a brightened complexion while witch hazel, grapefruit extract and tea tree help address active breakouts and blemishes for instant results.

Caffeine Mask

This caffeine mask if great for those of us with random or irregular breakouts, and suits our busy, active lifestyles without long-term commitment. Green tea in this formula helps tone the skin, reduce inflammation, and treat overactive sebum. Find results of tightened, brightened skin that is hydrated, refreshed and less red or inflamed.

Multi-Vitamin + Antioxidants Potent PM Serum

This serum has mega anti-aging power with enriching vitamin E and brightening vitamin C, but this serum also contains retinol and niacinamide for acne. Retinol helps to sweep pores clean of dirt and debris, enhancing the effectiveness of other ingredients and products in your skin care regimen. Follow that with niacinamide – vitamin B3 – which is anti-inflammatory to give you soothed skin, but also helps with anti-aging benefits to smooth fine lines and tighten pores. Be sure to follow up with sunscreen the next day, to keep vulnerable skin safe after the gentle resurfacing effects of retinol.

Understanding the Role of Skin’s Microbiome in Acne Management

An often-overlooked aspect of acne management is the skin’s microbiome—the natural ecosystem of bacteria and microorganisms that live on our skin. A healthy microbiome is essential for maintaining balance and preventing breakouts. When the microbiome is disrupted—due to harsh products, environmental factors, or poor skincare habits—it can lead to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria, which often triggers acne.

Natural ingredients like probiotics, prebiotics, and plant-based antibacterial agents can help nurture the skin’s microbiome. Probiotics introduce beneficial bacteria to the skin, while prebiotics provide food for these bacteria, helping them thrive. These ingredients work synergistically to restore balance, calm inflammation, and promote clear, healthy skin.

Tips for Supporting Your Skin’s Microbiome:

• Avoid harsh cleansers and over-exfoliating, which can strip the skin’s natural defenses.
• Incorporate products with probiotics or natural antibacterials like tea tree oil or green tea.
• Maintain a balanced diet, as internal health plays a significant role in the skin’s microbiome health.

FAQs About Natural Ingredients for Acne

1. Can natural ingredients be as effective as chemical treatments for acne?
Yes, natural ingredients can be highly effective for acne management. They work to soothe inflammation, balance oil production, and fight bacteria without the harsh side effects often associated with chemical treatments. Consistency and patience are key to seeing results.

2. Are natural acne products suitable for sensitive skin?
Absolutely. Many natural ingredients, such as aloe vera, green tea, and chamomile, are gentle and ideal for sensitive skin. However, it’s important to patch-test products and avoid potential irritants like essential oils if your skin is highly reactive.

3. How long does it take to see results with natural acne treatments?
Results can vary, but most people notice improvements within 2-4 weeks of consistent use. For more significant changes, such as reduced scarring or pigmentation, it may take 2-3 months.

4. Can I combine natural acne products with chemical treatments?
Yes, but it’s crucial to use them cautiously and avoid overloading your skin. For instance, pairing natural ingredients with retinoids or salicylic acid can be effective, but be mindful of potential irritation. Always introduce new products slowly and monitor your skin’s response.

5. What’s the best way to prevent acne naturally?
The best way to prevent acne is by maintaining a consistent skincare routine that includes gentle cleansing, regular exfoliation, and balanced hydration. Protect your skin’s microbiome by avoiding overly harsh products, and use natural antibacterials like tea tree oil or neem to keep breakouts at bay.