Non-Toxic Skincare For Post-Acne Red Spots
I’m sharing the best non-toxic and non-comedogenic skincare products to use if you want to reduce post-inflammatory acne spots (PIE). From vitamin C to azelaic acid and niacinamide, I’ve got all the details about non-toxic skincare products to reduce post-acne redness and inflammation.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Banishing red marks left over from acne will not happen overnight, but there are plenty of great non-toxic skincare products to help reduce the look of red marks and fade them over time. It’s extremely frustrating to conquer your acne, only to be left with red marks that look like acne. With time these red marks will fade, but the non-toxic skincare products below will help to speed up that process.
What is Post-Inflammatory Erythema?
Post inflammatory erythema (PIE) is a condition where capillaries, aka tiny blood vessels, are dilated or get damaged, prompting more blood flow to the area. It looks like red or pink marks in the spot where you had an inflammatory event, such as acne. People with lighter skin tones tend to have this condition more often.
Just to be clear, PIE is not a type of pitted scarring or hyperpigmentation, it is simply an irritated and inflamed area of skin.
What is Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation?
Acne can also cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), which is the overproduction of melanin as a response to inflamed skin. If you have a darker skin tone, you have more melanin and will most likely be more susceptible to hyperpigmentation.
How To Avoid Post Inflammatory Erythema
- Treating your acne and reducing breakouts is the best way to avoid PIE. A consistent skincare routine is important for preventing and treating PIE.
- Wear pimple patches if you’re prone to picking, since popping and picking can make PIE worse and extend the time it takes to heal your inflamed skin.
- Be gentle. You don’t want to further exacerbate inflammation with harsh exfoliators and scrubs. Pat your face dry with a clean towel and don’t use any irritating products, especially with fragrance.
- Wear sunscreen every day.
Here are the topicals that may help in reducing post inflammatory erythema (read more about how these topicals can reduce post-inflammatory acne spots at the end of this post):
- Vitamin C
- Azelaic Acid
- Niacinamide
- Salicylic Acid
- Retinoids
- Mandelic Acid
- Tranexamic Acid
- Alpha Arbutin
- Centella Asiatica
- Green & Black Tea
- Tamanu Oil
Regardless of treatment type, you will need to be patient and consistent to ensure optimal results. Beyond post-acne spot treatments, it’s important to continue using non-toxic and non-comedogenic acne products to control future breakouts.
Below you’ll find all of my recommendations for non-toxic and non-comedogenic skincare products to reduce post-acne inflammation.
Azelaic Acid
Typology 10% Azelaic Acid Serum
Cost: $46.90
Pore Clogging Checker: no pore clogging ingredients
Highlights: Plant-derived, this acid is known for its non-comedogenic and anti-bacterial effects. This molecule has the power to unclog pores and reduce the formation of “open” comedones (also known as blackheads). It also helps fight acne-forming bacteria.
Shop: Typology 10% Azelaic Acid Serum
Kiso Care 15% Azelaic Acid Serum
Cost: $5.99 for 1 oz
Pore Clogging Checker: no pore clogging ingredients
Highlights: Azelaic acid helps balance oil and moisture in the skin by suppressing the secretion of sebum, leading to smoother skin while reducing sensitivity. Niacinamide regulates the balance of moisture and oil, for firmer, more lustrous skin.
Shop: Kiso Care 15% Azelaic Acid Serum
Kiso Care 15% Azelaic Acid Cream
Cost: $19.99 for 0.7 oz
Pore Clogging Checker: no pore clogging ingredients
Highlights: This facial cream is designed for balancing skin fluctuations, featuring a combination of 15% azelaic acid with moisturizing ingredients like squalane and hyaluronic acid for a well-rounded defense and offense approach.
Shop: Kiso Care 15% Azelaic Acid Cream
Niacinamide
Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum
Cost: $6 for 1 oz ($6 per ounce)
Pore Clogging Checker: no pore clogging ingredients
Highlights: Niacinamide is clinically proven to improve the look of enlarged pores, uneven skin tone and texture, and dullness while also strengthening the skin’s barrier function and reducing moisture loss for a healthy, hydrated complexion.
Shop: Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum
100% Pure Niacinamide Boost
Cost: $30 for 1 oz
Pore Clogging Checker: no pore clogging ingredients
Highlights: Water-activated natural niacinamide powder treatment designed to minimize the appearance of large pores, reduce oil production, and restore sun damaged skin for a rejuvenated glow.
Shop: 100% Pure Niacinamide Boost
CosRX 15% Niacinamide Serum
Cost: $22 for 1 oz
Pore Clogging Checker: no pore clogging ingredients
Highlights: Highly concentrated serum that combines the maximum concentration of niacinamide with optimal ratios of synergistic ingredients for total acne control.
Shop: CosRX 15% Niacinamide Serum
W3LL People Niacinamide Serum
Cost: $20 for 1 oz
Pore Clogging Checker: no pore clogging ingredients
Highlights: This multi-tasking, pore serum works to detoxify, improve skin’s texture, and rebalance for a softer, smoother, and healthy-looking complexion. Indulge your skin in the plant-powered benefits of niacinamide to help minimize the look of pores, plus purifying Hibiscus Flower Extract and hydrating Beet Root Extract. Great for daily use on all skin types.
Shop: W3LL People Niacinamide Serum
Vitamin C
Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum
Cost: $27.99 for 1 oz
Pore Clogging Checker: no pore clogging ingredients
Highlights: This award-winning serum is a harmonious blend of antioxidants that sinks beautifully into skin to leave it soft & glowing! Utilizing Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, an advanced and stable form of vitamin C, this serum works wonders on aging, sun damaged and acne-prone skin.
Shop: Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum
Cocokind Vitamin C Glow Serum
Cost: $14.58 for 1 oz
Pore Clogging Checker: no pore clogging ingredients
Highlights: A stable vitamin c serum that helps brighten, firm, and defend skin against environmental stressors. gently paired with azelaic acid to reduce the look of dark spots over time, improving uneven skin tone. Hyaluronic acid and sea grape caviar help plump skin’s surface with hydration and reinforce skin’s moisture barrier.
Shop: Cocokind Vitamin C Glow Serum
Typology 11% Vitamin C Serum
Cost: $42.90 for 1 oz
Pore Clogging Checker: no pore clogging ingredients
Highlights: Illuminate dull, tired skin with this active-rich serum that helps restore radiance.
Shop: Typology 11% Vitamin C Serum
Salicylic Acid
Cocokind Postbiotic Acne Serum
Cost: $20 for 1 oz ($20 per ounce)
Pore Clogging Checker: no pore clogging ingredients
Highlights: This serum is powered by 1.5% salicylic acid to slough off dead skin and within pores to clear congestion. It’s paired with microbiome-friendly postbiotics and beta glucan to help hydrate and reduce the appearance of inflammation without irritation or dryness.
Shop: Cocokind Postbiotic Acne Serum
Honest Beauty In The Clear Acne Serum
Cost: $21.16 for 1 oz ($21.16 per ounce)
Pore Clogging Checker: no pore clogging ingredients
Highlights: This lightweight, acne-fighting serum is made with Wintergreen-Derived Salicylic Acid + Azelaic Acid + Zinc PCA + Niacinamide. Made for Oily Skin.
Shop: Honest Beauty In The Clear Acne Serum
Tranexamic Acid
Typology 5% Tranexamic Acid + Tetrapeptide Serum
Cost: $76 for 1 oz
Pore Clogging Checker: no pore clogging ingredients
Highlights: Prevent and reduce the appearance of dark spots by inhibiting melanin synthesis at its source. This serum also stimulates collagen production to help firm the skin.
Shop: Typology 5% Tranexamic Acid + Tetrapeptide Serum
Facetheory S10 Tranexamic Acid Serum
Cost: $38 for 1 oz
Pore Clogging Checker: no pore clogging ingredients
Highlights: This lightweight age spot remover serum is formulated with tranexamic acid and vitamin c. It helps lighten skin, fight discoloration, and work like a hyperpigmentation treatment.
Shop: Facetheory S10 Tranexamic Acid Serum
Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum
Cost: $12 for 1 oz
Pore Clogging Checker: no pore clogging ingredients
Highlights: Formulated with an advanced form of tranexamic acid (cetyl tranexamate mesylate) and 4% niacinamide, this lightweight serum improves the appearance of age spots, acne scars, hyperpigmentation, and sun damage.
Shop: Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum
Curology Dark Spot Serum
Cost: $22.99 for 1 oz
Pore Clogging Checker: no pore clogging ingredients
Highlights: This gentle, fast-absorbing, milky serum is formulated with our blend of 5 clinically tested, dark spot-fighting acids and antioxidants that zero in on the appearance of discoloration, stubborn spots, and post-acne marks, while helping soothe and support your skin’s barrier.
Shop: Curology Dark Spot Serum
Mandelic Acid
Natural Outcome 10% Mandelic Acid + AHA Serum
Cost: $14.95 for 1 oz
Pore Clogging Checker: no pore clogging ingredients
Highlights: Decrease the appearance of large pores and surface wrinkles, even out your skin tone, improves overall skin texture, removes dead skin cells, unclogs pores to prevent acne
Shop: Natural Outcome 10% Mandelic Acid + AHA Serum
Facetheory Mandlebright Serum
Cost: $35 for 1 oz
Pore Clogging Checker: no pore clogging ingredients
Highlights: This gentle leave-on exfoliating serum is formulated with 10% mandelic acid at pH 3.5 and 2% niacinamide to refine pores and balance out skin tone while keeping skin hydrated and protected. Niacinamide helps even skin tone and reduces pigmentation, redness, and facial photo-aging.
Shop: Facetheory Mandlebright Serum
Retinal, Alpha Arbutin & Tea
Mychelle Renew Remarkable Retinal Serum
Cost: $39 for 1 fl oz ($39 per ounce)
Pore Clogging Checker: no pore clogging ingredients
Highlights: This advanced serum promotes healthy skin regeneration and reduces the appearance of wrinkles by combining the most potent non-prescription form of Vitamin A (patented-process Retinal) with Ceramide 3 and Orange Plant Stem Cells. This non-irritating, dermatologist tested serum is made without parabens, petroleum, phthalates, silicones, sulfates, ureas, artificial fragrances and colors.
Shop: Mychelle Renew Remarkable Retinal Serum
Acure 2% Alpha Arbutin Serum
Cost: $15.66
Pore Clogging Checker: no pore clogging ingredients
Highlights: This brighter skin serum is formulated with Alpha Arbutin, a potent skin-brightening ingredient. It effectively diminishes the appearance of age spots, freckles, melasma, and post-inflammatory pigmentation.
Shop: Acure 2% Alpha Arbutin Serum
Benton Deep Green Tea Serum
Cost: $16.99 for 1.18 oz
Pore Clogging Checker: no pore clogging ingredients
Highlights: Known for its excellent skin-soothing effects, ideal choice for acne-prone skin. Green Tea also contains powerful antioxidants and EGCG to help protect the skin from damage. Green tea can reduce the chances of developing acne scars by reducing inflammation.
Shop: Benton Deep Green Tea Serum
100% Pure Black Tea Grass Jelly Serum
Cost: $25 for 1.7 oz
Pore Clogging Checker: no pore clogging ingredients
Highlights: Black tea contains antioxidants, such as polyphenols, which can help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. These antioxidants may contribute to reducing inflammation and promoting skin healing, potentially aiding in the fading of acne scars over time.
Shop: 100% Pure Black Tea Grass Jelly Serum
Cica & Tamanu Oil
Typology Anti-Mark Serum
Cost: $50.90 for 1 oz
Pore Clogging Checker: no pore clogging ingredients
Highlights: Improve the appearance of superficial, healed, and shallow scars with the resurfacing and depigmenting effect PHA and the regenerating power of centella asiatica. Suitable for post-acne scarring.
Shop: Typology Anti-Mark Serum
Rael Beauty Cica Spot Corrector
Cost: $7.99 for 0.68 oz
Pore Clogging Checker: no pore clogging ingredients
Highlights: Reduces the appearance of dark spots and unwanted discoloration naturally. Improves the look of skin’s clarity and tone. Made with clean ingredients. Formulated with brightening Cica Extract, White Willow Bark Extract, and H3O Hyaluronic Acid Complex for deep moisturization.
Shop: Rael Beauty Cica Spot Corrector
CosRX Blemish Spot Clearing Serum
Cost: $17 for 1 oz
Pore Clogging Checker: no pore clogging ingredients
Highlights: Total solution serum which clears all traces of acne including red, dark spots and scars. The highly concentrated serum which quickly absorbs into your skin and doesn’t leave a tacky feeling. It provides calm for active & red spots, clearing for after acne and dark spots, and recovery for scars and uneven texture.
Shop: CosRX Blemish Spot Clearing Serum
Cliganic Organic Tamanu Oil
Cost: $16.99 for 4 oz
Pore Clogging Checker: no pore clogging ingredients
Highlights: Cliganic tamanu oil is proudly usda organic certified. Tamanu oil can help prevent or lessen post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which frequently happens after blemishes heal, by assisting the skin’s healing process.
Shop: Cliganic Organic Tamanu Oil
How Do Topicals Help To Reduce Post Inflammatory Erythema?
Vitamin C is a powerful topical that is used to treat PIE. It has anti-inflammatory properties to help reduce redness and inflammation. Vitamin C promotes collagen synthesis, is a potent antioxidant and has skin-brightening properties due to its ability to inhibit melanin production.
Azelaic acid has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help calm down redness and inflammation associated with PIE. Azelaic acid promotes collagen synthesis, regulates the process of keratinization (shedding of dead skin cells), and inhibits the activity of tyrosinase, an enzyme involved in melanin production.
Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, has anti-inflammatory effects, helping to reduce redness and inflammation associated with PIE. Niacinamide also strengthens the skin barrier, inhibits the transfer of melanin from melanocytes to keratinocytes, exhibits antioxidant properties, aids in the regulation of sebum and stimulates collagen production.
Salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid (BHA), is well-known for exfoliating the skin and unclogging pores, but it can indirectly help with post-inflammatory erythema (PIE). Salicylic acid can penetrate deep into the pores and dissolve excess oil (sebum) and other debris that can contribute to acne and inflammation. It accelerates the natural process of cell turnover, which is essential for repairing damaged skin and promoting a more even skin tone. Salicylic acid may not be suitable for those with sensitive or dry skin.
Retinoids, which are derivatives of vitamin A, are renowned for their ability to promote skin cell turnover. They are also great at stimulating collagen production, normalizing the process of keratinization (shedding of dead skin cells), reducing inflammation and improving skin tone and texture.
Mandelic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from bitter almonds, offers the following benefits for post-inflammatory erythema (PIE): gentle exfoliation, anti-inflammatory effects, antibacterial activity, it promotes collagen synthesi, and it improves skin texture and tone.
Tranexamic acid is a synthetic derivative of the amino acid lysine, and it blocks the conversion of plasminogen to plasmin, which helps to prevent the breakdown of fibrin and reduce melanocyte activation, thus decreasing melanin production. Tranexamic acid has been shown to have a vasoconstrictive effect on blood vessels, it has anti-inflammatory properties, it stimulates collagen production and improves skin barrier function.
Alpha arbutin is a naturally occurring compound that inhibits the activity of tyrosinase, an enzyme involved in the production of melanin. By blocking this enzyme, alpha arbutin helps to prevent the formation of excess melanin in the skin, which can contribute to hyperpigmentation and post-inflammatory erythema. Alpha arbutin also exhibits antioxidant properties, is gentle on the skin and has skin-lightening properties that can help fade dark spots and areas of hyperpigmentation caused by inflammation.
Centella asiatica, also known as Gotu Kola or Cica, is a medicinal herb that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its various skin-healing properties. It has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, promotes wound healing and tissue regeneration, improves skin barrier function and promotes collagen synthesis.
Green and black tea are both rich in polyphenols that reduce inflammation and help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. Caffeine has vasoconstrictor effects, meaning it can help constrict blood vessels. Green and black tea contain compounds that help to hydrate and moisturize the skin and they have added photoprotective effects.
Tamanu oil, extracted from the nuts of the Calophyllum inophyllum tree, is renowned for its potential skin benefits, including its ability to reduce redness and inflammation. Tamanu oil has been traditionally used for wound healing and scar reduction, it has anti-inflammatory properties, and is rich in fatty acids, which are essential for skin repair.
In What order Do I apply Serum For PIE?
Cleansing: Start by cleansing your face with a gentle cleanser suitable for your skin type to remove any dirt, oil, or impurities. Pat your skin dry with a clean towel.
Toning (Optional): If you use a toner in your skincare routine, apply it after cleansing. Toners help balance the skin’s pH levels and can enhance the absorption of subsequent skincare products.
Serum: Apply your serum targeted for reducing redness and inflammation associated with PIE. Use a small amount of serum and gently massage it into your skin using upward motions. Allow the serum to absorb fully before proceeding to the next step.
Spot Treatments (Optional): If you have specific areas of concern, you can apply spot treatments such as acne treatments or other targeted products after applying the serum and before moisturizing.
Moisturizer: After the serum has absorbed into your skin, follow up with a moisturizer to hydrate and seal in the serum’s active ingredients. Choose a moisturizer suitable for your skin type.
Sunscreen (Daytime): If you’re applying your skincare routine in the morning, finish with a broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Sun protection is crucial for preventing further damage and pigmentation changes, especially when dealing with post-inflammatory erythema.
Here are the non-toxic, non-comedogenic sunscreens that my daughters have used and love (Find 13 acne-safe non-toxic sunscreen brands here):
Supergoop! Mineral Matte Sunscreen SPF40
Cost: $40 for 1.5 oz ($26.67 per ounce)
Pore Clogging Checker: no pore clogging ingredients
Highlights: This formula smooths your skin’s appearance, minimizes the look of pores and helps control shine. With an oil-free formula, Mattescreen delivers mattifying benefits in a neutral tint with broad spectrum physical sunscreen — plus it doubles as a primer! Non-nano Titanium Dioxide (1.33%) and Zinc Oxide (17.42%).
Shop: Supergoop! Mineral Matte Sunscreen SPF40
Live Tinted Hueguard Mineral Sunscreen SPF30
Cost: $34 for 1.7 oz ($20 per ounce)
Pore Clogging Checker: no pore clogging ingredients
Highlights: This daily mineral SPF 30, moisturizer, and primer that protects skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays and blue light. This 18.23% non-nano zinc, weightless sunscreen blends seamlessly into the skin, giving it a natural glow with no white cast on all skin tones and types.
Shop: Live Tinted Hueguard Mineral Sunscreen SPF30
Clearstem Sheer Sunscreen
Cost: $42 for 2.1 oz ($20 per ounce)
Pore Clogging Checker: no pore clogging ingredients
Highlights: This antioxidant-rich, ultra-sheer, weightless, and scentless tinted sunscreen contains non-nano 21% zinc oxide and is rated SPF 50+. It contains calming botanicals for a velvety finish & beautiful blurring effect. It is non-toxic & contains zero pore cloggers.
Shop: Clearstem Sheer Sunscreen
It’s important to note that consistency is key when using skincare products to address post-inflammatory erythema. You may not see immediate results, so be patient and continue using the products as directed. Additionally, if you experience any irritation or adverse reactions, discontinue use and consult a dermatologist for further guidance.
What Toxic Ingredients Should I Avoid In Skincare?
- BHA and BHT- Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHA) and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHT) are preservatives derived from petroleum and found in some lotion formulations. BHA is an endocrine disruptor and a possible carcinogen. BHT is a respiratory irritant and is considered toxic or harmful to human organ systems.
- Formaldehyde- Diazolidinyl urea, Imidazolidinyl Urea, DMDM hydantoin, methenamine and quarternium-15 are formaldehyde-releasing preservatives found in skin care products and cosmetics. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen as well as a skin irritant.
- Mineral Oil– You might find this listed as petrolatum, mineral oil, liquid paraffin, or paraffin oil on the ingredient list. Petrolatum is a byproduct of oil refining, and was originally discovered in the 1800’s building up in the machinery of an oil rig. Petroleum jelly is highly susceptible to contamination of Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Once PAHs enter the body, they are stored in the kidneys, liver, and fat cells. There are more than 100 types of PAHs, and about 15 are thought to be carcinogenic (cancer-causing). Petroleum jelly also contains xenoestrogens, which interact with hormone receptors and may increase estrogen-related health issues in the body.
- Parabens- Parabens are a type of preservative used to prevent the growth of bacteria and prolong the shelf life of lip balm, deodorant, lotion, and other beauty products. The most commonly used are methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, isobutylparaben and butylparaben. Based on a study conducted at the University of California Berkeley, researchers found that parabens were able to stimulate breast cancer cell growth, even at concentrations 100 times lower than the natural growth factor heregulin. These findings suggest that paraben exposure doesn’t have to be high to lead to cancer growth. The European Union banned the use parabens in cosmetics in 2012.
- Phenoxyethanol, Steareth, & Other Ethoxylated Ingredients- The “-eth” is a good indication that ethoxylation has been used. Ethoxylated ingredients can contain the impurities ethylene oxide and/or 1,4-dioxane, which are associated with reproductive, developmental and endocrine effects, as well as cancer.
- Phthalates- Phthalates are used to increase the flexibility and transparency in plastics. They’re also found in beauty products, and they enhance product absorption, help products stick to your skin and keep fragrance smelling fresh. Phthalates mimic hormones, interrupting hormone production. A 2018 review found that current human exposure to phthalates may have effects on the male reproductive system.
- Polyethylene glycol– Polyethylene glycol is used to make lotion thicker and better able to transport moisture to the skin. The manufacturing process and introduce impurities and by-products, such as ethylene oxides and 1,4-dioxane, which are known carcinogenic materials.
- Synthetic fragrance- Beauty products can list fragrance as one ingredient and don’t have to disclose the fact that these formulations may contain hundreds of ingredients. Synthetic Fragrance may contain carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, allergens, respiratory irritants and neurotoxic chemicals. Synthetic musks like galaxolide and tonalide, are linked to hormone disruption. Fragrance formulations also contain phthalates, which are hormone disruptors.
More Non-Toxic Skincare Inspiration
