Why Some Facial Skincare Products Make Your Skin Worse

Did you ever receive a skincare recommendation from a friend with great skin, only to find out that the products that work so well for them make you break out?

To help you make better decisions for your facial skincare, we asked our expert, Dr. Oren Friedman, to share which ingredients can be problematic and which alternatives can improve the appearance of your skin.

How can skincare products become problematic

Some ingredients can cause specific issues depending on your skin type. When shopping for new skincare products, keep in mind the concerns you experience most, such as irritation, breakouts, redness, or dehydration, and look for ingredients that do not worsen them.

Ingredients that can clog your pores

If you suffer from acne or have oily or combination skin, certain substances in skincare products can trap oil and dead skin cells. This creates an environment where bacteria thrives, leading to breakouts.

Common pore-clogging ingredients include:

Coconut oil
Beeswax
Isopropyl myristate
Lanolin
Cocoa butter

Many products labeled "non-comedogenic" can still contain these ingredients. Always check the ingredient list to be sure they are absent.

Ingredients that can irritate the skin

Some ingredients can lead to redness, dryness, or a compromised skin barrier.

Common irritants include:

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)
Alcohol (especially denatured alcohol)
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs)
Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs)

Irritation can also result from how products are combined. For example, using both AHAs and BHAs together often leads to sensitivity. Unprotected sun exposure after using acids can make skin even more reactive.

Ingredients that often lead to allergic reactions

Allergic reactions do not have to be severe. They can appear as redness, itching, or discomfort. You can even develop a reaction to a product you’ve used before without issues.

Common allergens include:

Fragrances (synthetic or natural)
Preservatives like parabens and formaldehyde releasers
Dyes and colorants
Essential oils

To avoid reactions, always patch-test new products and discontinue any that cause symptoms, even mild ones.

Upgrade your beauty regimen

Once you know your skin concerns — such as enlarged pores, acne scars, fine lines, wrinkles, or sunspots — the right skincare routine can support your goals. Certain professional treatments can also deliver faster, more predictable results.

To address skin imperfections and accelerate improvements beyond what a routine can achieve, Dr. Friedman offers laser resurfacing, microneedling, chemical peels, fat injections to the face, and more.

He can also recommend which cosmetic products are best suited for your skin type and concerns. For expert advice and to upgrade your beauty regimen, schedule an appointment with Oren Friedman, MD, at his offices in Philadelphia or Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, today.