Cosmetics & Acne

Some skin and hair-care cosmetics can cause outbreaks of comedones. This is called acnegenicity—the ability to induce acne.  The term acnegenicity refers to both: comedogenicity—the ability to induce comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), and papule and pustule formation.

Papules and pustules induced by a cosmetic usually appear within a few days after the cosmetic is used. Comedones begin to appear later.

Most cosmetics made and marketed by large cosmetics firms in the United States are tested for acnegenicity and labeled as noncomedogenic (not causing comedones to form). Even when a cosmetic is so labeled, however, it should be used with care by anyone who has, or has had, acne:

Cosmetics should be used sparingly by a person with acne, or a history of acne.

Any cosmetic that is used should be labeled as noncomedogenic.

When cosmetics are removed, cleansing should be with gentle cleansers or plain soap and water, and should be done without harsh scrubbing.

Regardless of whether a cosmetic is labeled as noncomedogenic, if acne lesions appear after its use any future use should be avoided.

Many persons today are interested in cosmetics that claim to contain “natural,” “herbal” or “organic” ingredients. A person with acne should be cautious in their use:

Regardless of other claims, a cosmetic should be avoided if it is not labeled as noncomedogenic; and the possibility of other skin sensitivities should be kept in mind, and the cosmetic discontinued if the skin becomes excessively dry, scaly, inflamed or itchy.