I’m sold out of Acne.org Moisturizer right now (it will be a few months before I get more in stock), but you can still successfully perform The Regimen with alternative moisturizers.
(I am not associated with any of the companies, brands, or products listed below and receive no affiliate payments. They are simply the best alternative options I have found.)
When Choosing a Moisturizer
Without SPF:
Avoid:
- Most oils: While some oils are perfectly safe, like jojoba oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil, macadamia nut oil, and mineral oil, many other oils can clog pores.
- Thick and greasy moisturizers: Moisturizers and creams that are thick and greasy tend to clog pores. Plus, when a moisturizer is thick, it can be harder to apply gently.
- Pore-clogging Ingredients: Researchers have tested many ingredients one at a time on either rabbit ears or human skin, and a list of ingredients to avoid has started coming into focus. But to be safe, avoid the biggest offenders. See below for a complete list of ingredients to avoid or to consider avoiding.
- Scents: Some fragrances irritate some people, and some do not. If you are sensitive, try your best to avoid scented products. But this is usually not a huge deal, so no need to overthink it.
Look for:
- Moisturizers made specifically for the face.
- The words “non-comedogenic” or “will not clog pores” on the label.
- Moisturizers aimed at younger audiences. Moisturizers for older customers tend to not be as concerned about pore-clogging (comedogenic) ingredients. In other words, moisturizers that you find on drugstore shelves may be safer than moisturizers you find in department stores.
If buying on store shelves:
I don’t have any in particular to recommend right now, but that’s more because I don’t like the feel on my skin or the scent. There are many moisturizers that are safe to use with The Regimen. If you find one you love, let me know so I can try it.
You can also take a look at Acne.org user reviews for Acne.org members’ opinions of drugstore products. Keep in mind, however, that not all of the reviews are from people who are using the products while on The Regimen.
With SPF:
Avoid:
- Most sunscreens: Sunscreens are often by their very nature oily and greasy products. I recommend wearing hats and protective clothing instead when possible. However, we all need to wear sunscreen sometimes, so when you do use one, be aware of how your skin responds, and if it breaks you out, switch to a different one.
- Alcohols: While still not scientifically proven, alcohol is known to dry and strip the skin, so avoid any product that contains Ethyl Alcohol, Denatured Alcohol (Alcohol Denat.), Isopropyl Alcohol, Methyl Alcohol, or Methanol. Some other alcohols are not the same type of chemical and should be okay as long as they are not listed in the first seven (7) ingredients. These include benzyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol, and lanolin alcohol.
- Pore-clogging Ingredients: Researchers have tested many ingredients one at a time on either rabbit ears or human skin, and a list of ingredients to avoid has started coming into focus. But to be safe, avoid the biggest offenders. See below for a complete list of ingredients to avoid or to consider avoiding.
- Scents: Some fragrances irritate some people, and some do not. If you are sensitive, try your best to avoid scented products. But this is usually not a huge deal, so no need to overthink it.
If buying on store shelves:
The one SPF I have found that seems to work well enough is:
- Olay – Complete All Day Moisturizer with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 15 – Sensitive. However, you’ll need to try it and see if you can stay clear using it.
You can also take a look at Acne.org user reviews for Acne.org members’ opinions of drugstore products. Keep in mind, however, that not all of the reviews are from people who are using the products while on The Regimen.
