Cruelty-free acne products?
September 22, 2009 12:54 PM Subscribe
Does anyone have any suggestions for acne products that are effective but don't use animal testing? I've tried Burt's Bees and natural stuff my esthetician makes to no avail. I am looking for stronger treatments but am leery of animal testing. Have also found the dermatologist to be pretty much useless... Prescription stuff just makes my face peel off.
Any advice is appreciated. Thanks.
In my experience, lots of natural products have extracts and essential oils in them that irritate my acne prone skin. Burt's Bees, for all I love the hand cream, was a disaster on my face. Check out the acne treatment stuff from Paula Begoun. It's very well formulated without unnecessary fragrances or irritants and with effective pH. The price is fair, and this is their statement about animal testing:
Paula's Choice has never tested on animals and never will. We also support many animal-centered charities like the Humane Society, ASPCA and NAVS.
posted by mostlymartha at 1:07 PM on September 22, 2009
Paula's Choice has never tested on animals and never will. We also support many animal-centered charities like the Humane Society, ASPCA and NAVS.
posted by mostlymartha at 1:07 PM on September 22, 2009
Murad apparently doesn't do animal testing, and they have some salicylic acid-based products. I haven't used Murad's versions, but my sensitive skin does better with salicylic acid than with benzoyl peroxide.
posted by peep at 1:09 PM on September 22, 2009
posted by peep at 1:09 PM on September 22, 2009
Lather makes a very good overall/spot treatment. It's pricey for sure, but it works well and (as an added bonus) does not contain benzoyl peroxide, which bleaches colored towels and pillowcases. And they are members of PETA.
posted by DrGail at 1:13 PM on September 22, 2009
posted by DrGail at 1:13 PM on September 22, 2009
You might want to check out whether or not alcohol-based soap uses animal testing. It works really, really well.
posted by KokuRyu at 1:13 PM on September 22, 2009
posted by KokuRyu at 1:13 PM on September 22, 2009
Desert Essence Tea Tree Cleansing Pads. No animal ingredients or testing. I'm allergic to benzoyl peroxide, so a lot of the general topical acne products are off limits to me. I discovered these a few years ago, and the pads are fantastic cleansing astringents. Don't use them every day, or they will dry out your skin. But 1-3 times a week is great for cleaning dirt, oil, bacteria, etc. They sell them at Trader Joe's for about $3.99 for a container of 50, but they also sell them at Whole Foods, and a lot of other "natural foods" like places (but for more $$).
posted by raztaj at 1:16 PM on September 22, 2009
posted by raztaj at 1:16 PM on September 22, 2009
A friend of mine in the business recommended just adding a drop of tea tree oil to a whole bottle of Cetaphil (substitute similar cruelty-free all-purpose gentle cleanser here). It works like crazy.
posted by padraigin at 1:23 PM on September 22, 2009 [2 favorites]
posted by padraigin at 1:23 PM on September 22, 2009 [2 favorites]
I like Boscia products a lot. I also love this antimicrobial Lush facial scrub.
posted by showbiz_liz at 1:25 PM on September 22, 2009 [1 favorite]
posted by showbiz_liz at 1:25 PM on September 22, 2009 [1 favorite]
My mom mashed up some dandelion stems or something and then let them "steep" in some vinegar . . . applies it to her face once a day . . . ta-da! She's not sure if it was the the dandelion or the vinegar or the mixture of the two that caused it to work, but oh well.
(she had adult onset acne)
And tea tree oil . . . I just can't say enough good things about it. I have a little book, "101 Ways to Use Tea Tree Oil." This is what it says about acne: "Apply three drops of oil to infected area twice daily. Add oil to facewash and use moisturizing cream. Check health stores for Tea Tree soaps and creams."
posted by Sassyfras at 1:36 PM on September 22, 2009
(she had adult onset acne)
And tea tree oil . . . I just can't say enough good things about it. I have a little book, "101 Ways to Use Tea Tree Oil." This is what it says about acne: "Apply three drops of oil to infected area twice daily. Add oil to facewash and use moisturizing cream. Check health stores for Tea Tree soaps and creams."
posted by Sassyfras at 1:36 PM on September 22, 2009
Everything sold at The Body Shop is cruelty and testing free, as well as all the indredients in their products. It is also all fair trade, and the company donates a great deal to charity.
Not to mention has a huge devoted following of customers who swear by the product. Go in and tell one of the employees about your skin, they are knowledgable and will tell you everything you need to know/ need. Not overly pushy either, they're trained not to be.
posted by assasinatdbeauty at 1:54 PM on September 22, 2009 [1 favorite]
Not to mention has a huge devoted following of customers who swear by the product. Go in and tell one of the employees about your skin, they are knowledgable and will tell you everything you need to know/ need. Not overly pushy either, they're trained not to be.
posted by assasinatdbeauty at 1:54 PM on September 22, 2009 [1 favorite]
Anecdotal data point: I've used Murad's Acne Spot Treatment before, and it really works.
posted by Juliet Banana at 2:00 PM on September 22, 2009
posted by Juliet Banana at 2:00 PM on September 22, 2009
I had acne for four decades, it finally stopped after menopause. When I was younger, the doctors tried sulfur baths, sun-light treatments, X-Ray treatments, experimental creams....antibiotics, I even scrubbed my face with Comet cleanser I was so desperate. The ONLY thing that worked was Retin-A creme. I used it, made my face burn like crazy, I almost stopped using it, but after two weeks my skin was as smooth as a baby's butt, my pores got smaller and my small wrinkles went away, as well as blackheads.
For the first time in over 30 years my skin was flawless.
An animal may have been sacrificed for this drug but I pray it didn't suffer too much as the drug completely changed my life forever.
If you insist on natural things, it will never happen unless you become a strict vegan, do not drink any alcohol, go near smoke or basically not live in the real world.
Kimberly said Origins was a good product, I second that but it will not clear up acne, especially if it is cystic and chronic. Good luck!
posted by ~Sushma~ at 2:11 PM on September 22, 2009 [2 favorites]
For the first time in over 30 years my skin was flawless.
An animal may have been sacrificed for this drug but I pray it didn't suffer too much as the drug completely changed my life forever.
If you insist on natural things, it will never happen unless you become a strict vegan, do not drink any alcohol, go near smoke or basically not live in the real world.
Kimberly said Origins was a good product, I second that but it will not clear up acne, especially if it is cystic and chronic. Good luck!
posted by ~Sushma~ at 2:11 PM on September 22, 2009 [2 favorites]
I use Lush's CoalFace for cleansing, which works AMAZINGLY. I then follow up with Fresh Farmacy cleansing bar. I used to have a pretty bad case of blackheads on/around my nose, and they have cleaner up completely and the Fresh Farmacy soap does a great job of toning my skin and reducing my pores. Not only not tested on animals, but even vegan friendly. Added benefit? One bar of Coalface and a bar of FF will be about $20 and the two will last me for almost six months. Awwwwesome.
posted by banannafish at 2:18 PM on September 22, 2009 [2 favorites]
posted by banannafish at 2:18 PM on September 22, 2009 [2 favorites]
Response by poster: I don't insist on natural but I would strongly prefer not to have stuff put in bunny eyes and whatnot. =/
posted by ShadePlant at 2:23 PM on September 22, 2009
posted by ShadePlant at 2:23 PM on September 22, 2009
Kiehl's does not test on animals. I've been very happy with the effect of their products on my face. I've been less happy with the effect of their products on my wallet.
posted by Xalf at 2:28 PM on September 22, 2009
posted by Xalf at 2:28 PM on September 22, 2009
I'm going to go COMPLETELY out on a limb here...
I see acne, blemishes, hives, etc. as "infection sites." They get red, inflammed, and they get pus. Pus is part of the body's immune response to an infection.
My father had awful acne as a kid. When I was a teenager, I started to head in that direction myself.
Tried everything. I ended up using Neosporin with great great success. Still do for the occasional blemish - works like a charm.
Here is my theory, FWIW:
Facial skin is delicate. Even tea tree oil (which I use for other stuff) burned my face like crazy. "Astringents" same effing thing. Neosporin (and its cousin, Bacitracin) are anti-bacterials that soothe.
I put the lotion on the "eruption" as needed. As a kid, I smeared it everywhere if my skin was going donuts.
----
I'm 40 years old, now. I have few, few wrinkles. I get SUPER complimented on my skin quite a lot. (I also use Eucerin facial moisturizer w/ zinc when I will be in the sun. I live in Southern California, so, the sun thing is an issue...) I'm fair (European decent) and I have super sensitive fair skin. I drink alcohol and smoke on occasion. Everyone is shocked to learn I am 40 yrs old. My husband is 9 years younger than I am, no one notices the differences in our ages. I don't have plastic surgery, although I am starting to consider laser for the few freckles (age spots?) that I've developed in the past couple of years.
----
I think the dandelion suggestion was in the same vein. Bentonite clay masks have been helpful to me prior to anti-bacterial salve applications during break-outs. I bet the coal suggestion is similar to clay mask action. Vitamins help your body's natural defenses, as will yoga or mediation or some other form of exercise/stress relief.
Raw honey & other bee products (GO TO YOUR LOCAL FARMER'S MARKET FOR THIS!) also have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
But seriously - neosporin or bacitracin (I've always used the neosporin gel) will cure the blemish, diminish the risk of scarring (just like the commercials say!) and leave your skin in a healthier state.
Ultimately, you want your epidermis to repair and maintain itself. Help it do that by using gentle stuff, eh.
PS. I'm not sure about the animal testing regarding OTC anti-bacterial salves. Just telling what worked for me over the last 25 years with exceptional success.
posted by jbenben at 3:04 PM on September 22, 2009 [2 favorites]
I see acne, blemishes, hives, etc. as "infection sites." They get red, inflammed, and they get pus. Pus is part of the body's immune response to an infection.
My father had awful acne as a kid. When I was a teenager, I started to head in that direction myself.
Tried everything. I ended up using Neosporin with great great success. Still do for the occasional blemish - works like a charm.
Here is my theory, FWIW:
Facial skin is delicate. Even tea tree oil (which I use for other stuff) burned my face like crazy. "Astringents" same effing thing. Neosporin (and its cousin, Bacitracin) are anti-bacterials that soothe.
I put the lotion on the "eruption" as needed. As a kid, I smeared it everywhere if my skin was going donuts.
----
I'm 40 years old, now. I have few, few wrinkles. I get SUPER complimented on my skin quite a lot. (I also use Eucerin facial moisturizer w/ zinc when I will be in the sun. I live in Southern California, so, the sun thing is an issue...) I'm fair (European decent) and I have super sensitive fair skin. I drink alcohol and smoke on occasion. Everyone is shocked to learn I am 40 yrs old. My husband is 9 years younger than I am, no one notices the differences in our ages. I don't have plastic surgery, although I am starting to consider laser for the few freckles (age spots?) that I've developed in the past couple of years.
----
I think the dandelion suggestion was in the same vein. Bentonite clay masks have been helpful to me prior to anti-bacterial salve applications during break-outs. I bet the coal suggestion is similar to clay mask action. Vitamins help your body's natural defenses, as will yoga or mediation or some other form of exercise/stress relief.
Raw honey & other bee products (GO TO YOUR LOCAL FARMER'S MARKET FOR THIS!) also have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
But seriously - neosporin or bacitracin (I've always used the neosporin gel) will cure the blemish, diminish the risk of scarring (just like the commercials say!) and leave your skin in a healthier state.
Ultimately, you want your epidermis to repair and maintain itself. Help it do that by using gentle stuff, eh.
PS. I'm not sure about the animal testing regarding OTC anti-bacterial salves. Just telling what worked for me over the last 25 years with exceptional success.
posted by jbenben at 3:04 PM on September 22, 2009 [2 favorites]
Another vote for Boscia. Their stuff is super-gentle and natural...and actually works.
posted by mynameisluka at 3:05 PM on September 22, 2009
posted by mynameisluka at 3:05 PM on September 22, 2009
Anything acidic is going to make your skin less hospitable to the acne bacteria: lemon juice, vinegar, aspirin mask, etc.
Also, anything that speeds up exfoliation WITHOUT applying pressure (which breaks pore walls and leads to infections) reduces the number of closed comedos (whiteheads, which can turn into pimples). Chemical peels and Retin-A do this, although it's not much good if you trade pimply skin for red and peeling.
AHA (alpha hydroxy acids) products do both.
Still, for hard-core acne, you need benzoyl peroxide.
Check out the products and information at www.acne.org --I have been impressed with both, and I've had acne for about 25 years. The products are not tested on animals.
acne.org also hosts forums, and this link has extensive discussion of specific companies and different definitions of what constitutes animal testing:
http://www.acne.org/messageboard/animal-testing-wonderers-t142358.html
You can also search the forums for "vegan" or "cruelty free" or "animal testing" for more info.
posted by r0w at 3:14 PM on September 22, 2009
Also, anything that speeds up exfoliation WITHOUT applying pressure (which breaks pore walls and leads to infections) reduces the number of closed comedos (whiteheads, which can turn into pimples). Chemical peels and Retin-A do this, although it's not much good if you trade pimply skin for red and peeling.
AHA (alpha hydroxy acids) products do both.
Still, for hard-core acne, you need benzoyl peroxide.
Check out the products and information at www.acne.org --I have been impressed with both, and I've had acne for about 25 years. The products are not tested on animals.
acne.org also hosts forums, and this link has extensive discussion of specific companies and different definitions of what constitutes animal testing:
http://www.acne.org/messageboard/animal-testing-wonderers-t142358.html
You can also search the forums for "vegan" or "cruelty free" or "animal testing" for more info.
posted by r0w at 3:14 PM on September 22, 2009
FWIW - for years, I've used Burt's Bees and Kiehls. Among other products...
At the end of the day, tho, I found that using the active ingredient directly (or as directly as possible) i.e: raw honey, raw bee pollen, dandelion leaves mashed up, bamboo charcoal, bentonite clay, sea salt, white vinegar, baking soda, extra virgin olive oil (for moisturizing) etc. etc. were WAY better than using any commercial preparation.
But if I have an obvious infection on the skin - OTC anti-bacterial salve/lotion.
posted by jbenben at 3:19 PM on September 22, 2009
At the end of the day, tho, I found that using the active ingredient directly (or as directly as possible) i.e: raw honey, raw bee pollen, dandelion leaves mashed up, bamboo charcoal, bentonite clay, sea salt, white vinegar, baking soda, extra virgin olive oil (for moisturizing) etc. etc. were WAY better than using any commercial preparation.
But if I have an obvious infection on the skin - OTC anti-bacterial salve/lotion.
posted by jbenben at 3:19 PM on September 22, 2009
Kiss My Face makes some acne products that I have used/liked e.g. "botanical acne gel"...
posted by crenquis at 3:32 PM on September 22, 2009
posted by crenquis at 3:32 PM on September 22, 2009
I don't know how good this will be for someone with full-blown acne (if that's what you have) but I recently started using Queen Helene's Mint Julep Mask and for me, it's one of the few things that actually has an effect on pimples. Apparently the sulfur is what makes it so work so well. Tube says that it contains no animal ingredients and is not tested on animals.
posted by Rora at 4:33 PM on September 22, 2009
posted by Rora at 4:33 PM on September 22, 2009
This isn't an acne product, but... try changing your pillowcase every day or so. It's probably not the cause of the acne, but the pillowcase likely helps spread and prolong infection.
posted by parudox at 6:13 PM on September 22, 2009
posted by parudox at 6:13 PM on September 22, 2009
Do you get enough sleep? Nothing has as big an effect on my skin as a night of good, solid sleep. Maybe also try changing your face towel regularly.
In addition to using tea tree oil and Sukin Organics creams, I have found that it is most effective for me to make my own skin products. Added bonus: I know for a fact that the products are natural, and the only animal testing them is me.
To clear up blackheads and exfoliate:
- Mix lemon juice and cinnamon together to form a paste. Spread on the skin for at least 15 minutes. It will burn for the first few minutes, fanning helps a lot, but after the initial pain the result is quite nice. My skin is softer and decidedly clearer after using this mask.
A great mask for acne:
- Mash up a few strawberries into about 4 tablespoons of yogurt. Mix in one tablespoon of olive oil and at least two teaspoons of honey. Mix in as much oatmeal as you like to make it less liquidy. Then smear all over your face for at least 15 minutes. Heavenly and soothing.
- I also make the same mask without the strawberries when they are not in season, just add more oatmeal.
Added bonus, these last two masks are very tasty too! I usually use the leftover mask material as my face wash for the week afterwards.
posted by so much modern time at 7:00 PM on September 22, 2009
In addition to using tea tree oil and Sukin Organics creams, I have found that it is most effective for me to make my own skin products. Added bonus: I know for a fact that the products are natural, and the only animal testing them is me.
To clear up blackheads and exfoliate:
- Mix lemon juice and cinnamon together to form a paste. Spread on the skin for at least 15 minutes. It will burn for the first few minutes, fanning helps a lot, but after the initial pain the result is quite nice. My skin is softer and decidedly clearer after using this mask.
A great mask for acne:
- Mash up a few strawberries into about 4 tablespoons of yogurt. Mix in one tablespoon of olive oil and at least two teaspoons of honey. Mix in as much oatmeal as you like to make it less liquidy. Then smear all over your face for at least 15 minutes. Heavenly and soothing.
- I also make the same mask without the strawberries when they are not in season, just add more oatmeal.
Added bonus, these last two masks are very tasty too! I usually use the leftover mask material as my face wash for the week afterwards.
posted by so much modern time at 7:00 PM on September 22, 2009
Mario Badescu drying lotion (they do not test on animals). Plus, for bad cystic acne Lotrisone clears up the infected/swollen area for me almost overnight.
posted by Unicorn on the cob at 8:33 PM on September 22, 2009
posted by Unicorn on the cob at 8:33 PM on September 22, 2009
Aveda is also cruelty-free (though their note in their disclaimer about regulatory requirements for animal testing is interesting). Their Outer Peace line is very effective. Their skin care people also recommended to me, counter-intuitively, a once a day washing scheme with twice daily moisturizing that is working like a charm.
posted by crazycanuck at 8:39 PM on September 22, 2009
posted by crazycanuck at 8:39 PM on September 22, 2009
Keep in mind that not testing on animals is not the same as not buying from manufacturers who do. The Body Shop got busted for that several times in their first decade, and they're not the only ones who've been caught with their hands in the IFF cookie jar.
If you have actual acne, rather than the occasional breakout, you might want to see a dermatologist. You don't have to use anything they give you (Rx or otherwise), but you will find out what problems you really have and what might be likely to irritate your skin.
Whatever you do, take the advice about washing your pillowcase often. If you wear glasses, wash them often (especially the stems). Keep your cell phone clean. Anything that touches your face should be kept clean.
posted by Lesser Shrew at 8:46 PM on September 22, 2009
If you have actual acne, rather than the occasional breakout, you might want to see a dermatologist. You don't have to use anything they give you (Rx or otherwise), but you will find out what problems you really have and what might be likely to irritate your skin.
Whatever you do, take the advice about washing your pillowcase often. If you wear glasses, wash them often (especially the stems). Keep your cell phone clean. Anything that touches your face should be kept clean.
posted by Lesser Shrew at 8:46 PM on September 22, 2009
Check out the 2.5% benzoyl peroxide gel from Daniel Kern. It wasn't over drying like the 10% gels out there but I still found it very effective. The website states that the products are not tested on animals and do not contain any animal ingredients.
posted by handabear at 9:22 PM on September 22, 2009
posted by handabear at 9:22 PM on September 22, 2009
Back in the day, I tried a variety of non-natural products, and a lot of them just made my face break out worse. Tea tree oil works in a hit-or-miss sort of way, but normal soap (I use Dr. Bronner's) and a good scrub works the best for me. I just use a wash cloth, but they sell facial loofahs at my food co-op, and those work well, too.
Also noteworthy: I have heard speculation that tea tree oil is no longer sustainable, but can't easily find a link to back that rumor up. (She read it somewhere, though!)
posted by aniola at 12:25 AM on September 23, 2009 [1 favorite]
Also noteworthy: I have heard speculation that tea tree oil is no longer sustainable, but can't easily find a link to back that rumor up. (She read it somewhere, though!)
posted by aniola at 12:25 AM on September 23, 2009 [1 favorite]
Seriously, handabear has it right. Acne.org has a wealth of non-scammy info about acne and everything related, and the Daniel Kern products are generally effective, gentle, and never tested on or made from byproducts of animals.
disclaimer: I worked for acne.org in the past, but only because they are pretty much the exact opposite of all the other snake-oil acne product salesman garbage out there. (yeah, I'm lookin at you proactiv)
posted by baserunner73 at 3:25 AM on September 23, 2009
disclaimer: I worked for acne.org in the past, but only because they are pretty much the exact opposite of all the other snake-oil acne product salesman garbage out there. (yeah, I'm lookin at you proactiv)
posted by baserunner73 at 3:25 AM on September 23, 2009
Response by poster: Thanks for all the advice... I am going to comb through it and sort of "trial and error" treat my acne. Also, to respond to some comments: I've been to a derm. I have full-blown, quasi-cystic acne. The cystic part has gotten MUCH better since I drastically reduced my dairy intake. I get adequate sleep because I am on a crazy schedule with work, an internship and grad school so I know if I don't sleep enough I won't be able to function.
posted by ShadePlant at 6:53 AM on September 23, 2009
posted by ShadePlant at 6:53 AM on September 23, 2009
"Keep in mind that not testing on animals is not the same as not buying from manufacturers who do. The Body Shop got busted for that several times in their first decade, and they're not the only ones who've been caught with their hands in the IFF cookie jar. "
FYI Body shop does NOT buy from manufacturers who test on animals, nor have they since their first decade, which was the 70's. Be fair, please. That's over 25 years testing free, down to every ingredient. everyone has to start somewhere, and the body shop started with one woman in england doing everything herself.
posted by assasinatdbeauty at 7:16 AM on September 23, 2009
FYI Body shop does NOT buy from manufacturers who test on animals, nor have they since their first decade, which was the 70's. Be fair, please. That's over 25 years testing free, down to every ingredient. everyone has to start somewhere, and the body shop started with one woman in england doing everything herself.
posted by assasinatdbeauty at 7:16 AM on September 23, 2009
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by kellyblah at 1:02 PM on September 22, 2009 [1 favorite]