Looking for skin care products that keep your skin balanced and acne free? When a breakout occurs, we need a quick and powerful solution 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 blemishes that bother you. It’s time to introduce your skin to some organic and all-natural alternatives that won’t take the skin on a rollercoaster ride!
Chemical Vs. Natural Acne Products
The problem with chemical acne treatments? These results are not sustainable. Maybe your harsh, stinging scrub isn’t working anymore. Or your skin is back to its old tricks, just when you thought it cleared up.
Our natural acne products harness the natural behavior of flowers, herbs and plants which then translate real results to your skin without harmful risk factors attached. We use antibacterial cold pressed essential oils to cleanse and purify. Our products can deep clean and soothe without being harsh or causing negative side effects. Another plus? They don’t cost a fortune or require a prescription to purchase.
Natural ingredients made to fight acne
Our superstar acne-fighting ingredients are essentially plant-based food for your skin. When it comes to acne, people often think that natural acne products are too mild or “too natural” (is that possible too?) and sometimes they fear that our products won’t work! That couldn’t be further 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, the berry is also a natural source of a compound called arbutin. Arbutin helps break up hyperpigmented skin (dark spots) and even skin tone for brighter, smoother skin.
In addition to blackberry, we use antibacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredients like green tea, Oregon grape, sage, turmeric, and neem that are proven to treat acne-prone skin (even better than the stuff with complicated ingredient labels).
Carbon and other oil testers
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again – oily skin isn’t always bad. Those with oily and combination skin types have naturally glowing skin that is slightly more resistant to fine lines and aging, however excess sebum can contribute to acne and breakouts. We’ve addressed this issue in our anti-acne products with balancing ingredients. Charcoal, beloved for its detoxifying power and the most active ingredient in our Charcoal Clay Cleanser, helps neutralize excess oil, even removing it deep outside the pores for clear skin. Other sebum-balancing ingredients you’ll see in our products include lemon and lime water, green tea and rosemary.
Our best natural acne products
Below are our top 6 anti-acne products to balance oil, eliminate bacteria, and calm breakouts for smoother, softer skin.
Cleanser with charcoal clay
Used once (or twice) a day, cleansers help get rid of acne-causing buildup on our skin. This cleanser uses brightening, detoxifying charcoal and kaolin clays to result in neutralized skin. If that wasn’t powerful enough, this cleanser includes potent lemon extract and lemon water for brightening 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 help with long-lasting sebum control, you’ll see glowing skin and instant relief for pimples that #srsly need to disappear. This vegan astringent treats excess oil as a contributor to breakouts by using tea leaf water to cleanse the skin. Because tea tree is naturally antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, this makes it an ideal ingredient for acne-prone skin to wipe out acne-causing bacteria.
When used together, this tea tree and willow acne duo can’t be beat. The cleanser, also infused with lemon for brightening and antibacterial action, also contains rosemary which is a powerful herb for neutralizing excess sebum on the skin. Antibacterial neem helps tackle acne-causing pollutants, while turmeric tackles inflammation deep within the skin for soothing effects. Combine that with the balancing power of the astringent and you have a year around acne treatment that’s the perfect balance of strong yet gentle.
Anti-acne mask
Talk about a mask match made in anti-seizure heaven. Our anti-acne mask includes soothing and hydrating aloe that also reduces redness and inflammation. Herbal clovers – rosemary, parsley and basil – help balance the skin’s oil production and achieve a glowing complexion, while witch hazel, grapefruit extract and tea tree help tackle active breakouts and blemishes for immediate results.
Caffeine mask
This caffeine mask is perfect for those of us with occasional or irregular breakouts and fits into our busy, active lifestyles without the long-term commitment. The green tea in this formula helps to tone the skin, reduce inflammation and treat overactive sebum. Find results of firmer, brighter skin that’s hydrated, refreshed and less red or inflamed.
Multivitamins + Antioxidants Powerful PM serum
This serum has great anti-aging power with vitamin E enrichment and brightening vitamin C, but this serum also contains retinol and niacinamide for acne. Retinol helps clear pores of dirt and debris, enhancing the effectiveness of other ingredients and products in your skin care regimen. Follow it up with niacinamide – vitamin B3 – which is anti-inflammatory to give your skin softness, 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 the skin microbiome in acne management
An often overlooked aspect of acne management is the skin microbiome – the natural ecosystem of bacteria and microorganisms that live on our skin. A healthy microbiome is essential to maintain balance and prevent breakouts. When the microbiome is disrupted—due to harsh products, environmental factors, or poor skin care habits—it can lead to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria, which often cause acne.
Natural ingredients such as probiotics, prebiotics and plant-based antibacterial agents can help nourish the skin’s microbiome. Probiotics introduce beneficial bacteria to the skin, while prebiotics provide food for these bacteria, helping them to thrive. These ingredients work synergistically to restore balance, calm inflammation and promote clear, healthy skin.
Tips for supporting your skin microbiome:
- Avoid harsh cleansers and excessive exfoliation, which can remove the skin’s natural defenses.
- Incorporate products with probiotics or natural antibacterials such as tea tree oil or green tea.
- Maintain a balanced diet, as internal health plays an important role in the health of the skin microbiome.
Frequently asked questions about natural ingredients for acne
1. Can natural ingredients be as effective as chemical acne treatments?
Yes, natural ingredients can be extremely effective in managing acne. 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 the keys 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 check products and avoid potential irritants, such as essential oils, if your skin is highly reactive.
3. How long does it take to see results with natural acne treatments?
Results may 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 important to use them carefully and avoid overloading your skin. For example, combining natural ingredients with retinoids or salicylic acid can be effective, but be aware of potential irritation. Always introduce new products slowly and monitor your skin’s response.
5. What is the best way to prevent acne naturally?
The best way to prevent acne is to maintain a consistent skin care 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 prevent breakouts.
