GHS 10 BEST
10 Best Cruelty-Free Acne Fighting Products
We’ve put together a GHS curated regimen of cruelty-free skincare products for fighting acne and blemishes. We only link to products that we absolutely believe in. We’ve chosen the below products based on the necessary ingredients needed to provide successful results, and all products are paraben-free, sulfate-free, and phthalate-free.
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Why we love this cruelty-free cleanser
This gentle cruelty-free foam cleanser unclogs and tightens the appearance of pores without stripping your skin of its natural oils. The plant extracts in the cleanser help soothe and calm redness and irritation.
Use as your AM & PM cleanser
Cleanse 2x daily and rinse thoroughly with warm water.
Key ingredients for acne
✓ Lactic Acid (AHA)
✓ Salicylic Acid (BHA)
Certified: paraben-free, sulfate-free, phthalate-free, cruelty-free, gluten-free, vegan
Price: $$$
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Why we love this cruelty-free cleanser
This cruelty-free cleanser neutralizes acne bacteria, controls oil production, exfoliates and unclogs pores without stripping your skin of its natural oils. It also contains azelaic acid, which helps fade marks and dark spots left by past acne.
Use as your AM & PM cleanser
Cleanse 2x daily and rinse thoroughly with warm water.
Key ingredients for acne
✓ Salicylic Acid (BHA)
✓ Azelaic Acid
✓ Lactic Acid (AHA)
Certified: paraben-free, sulfate-free, phthalate-free, cruelty-free
Price: $$
SEE MORE TULA SKINCARE PRODUCTS
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Why we love this cruelty-free exfoliant
This cruelty-free exfoliant is formulated with powerful ingredients including pink salt, volcanic sand and witch hazel that all work to deeply clean and minimize your pores, take on blackheads and help reveal a balanced, even skin tone. The probiotic extracts, raspberry leaf and pomegranate work to reveal a smoother, softer-looking complexion.
Use after cleanser in your PM routine
Post cleansing -- apply this exfoliant a few times a week. Apply it to your face using circular motions (avoid the eye area) for one minute, then rinse off thoroughly with warm water. Follow with your toner, serum and/or moisturizer.
Key ingredients for acne
✓ Witch hazel
✓ Pink salt
✓ Volcanic sand
Certified: paraben-free, sulfate-free, phthalate-free, cruelty-free
Price: $$
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Why we love this cruelty-free exfoliant
This cruelty-free exfoliant is gentle enough for all skin types (yes, even sensitive skin) and exfoliates your skin by removing dead skin cells without drying out your skin and works to clear out excess oil in your pores for a more even, radiant skin tone.
Use after cleanser in your PM routine
Post cleansing -- apply this exfoliant in the evenings only every other night - lightly soak a cotton pad and apply this exfoliant to your entire face (avoiding the eye area). Do not rinse off. Follow up with other serums and a moisturizer.
Key ingredients for acne
✓ Salicylic Acid (BHA)
Certified: paraben-free, sulfate-free, phthalate-free, cruelty-free
Price: $$
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Why we love this cruelty-free toner
This cruelty-free and alcohol-free toner helps minimize oil production, reduce the visibility of pores, and restore your skin's optimal pH without overdrying your skin. It leaves your skin shine-free with a healthy-looking glow. The papaya enzymes and nutrient-dense moringa help keep your pores clean, while antioxidant-rich chlorella nourishes and soothes your skin.
Use after cleanser and exfoliator in your AM & PM routine
Post cleansing and/or exfoliating -- apply this toner 2x daily using a cotton ball and smoothing over entire face and neck. Do not rinse off - instead, follow up with any additional serums or creams.
Key ingredients for acne
✓ Salicylic Acid (BHA)
Certified: paraben-free, sulfate-free, phthalate-free, cruelty-free
Price: $
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Why we love this cruelty-free acne treatment
This cruelty-free overnight face oil soothes irritation, controls oil production, unclogs pores, and helps your skin heal in order to prevent future breakouts.
Use after toner in your AM or PM routine
Post cleansing, exfoliating, and toning -- apply a few drops of this oil once a day to your entire face, avoiding the eye area. For skin prone to purging, start with 2–3 times per week. Although it can be used in the morning or evening, we recommend just using it in the evenings. Keep in mind that the use of other topical acne drugs at the same time or right after use of this product may increase dryness or irritation of the skin.
Key ingredients for acne
✓ Salicylic Acid (BHA)
✓ Tea Tree Oil
Certified: paraben-free, sulfate-free, phthalate-free, cruelty-free, vegan, gluten-free
Price: $$$$
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Why we love this cruelty-free acne treatment
This cruelty-free lightweight serum kills acne bacteria and soothes irritated skin, helping rapidly heal your skin and reduce the redness caused by blemishes. It also has a matte finish (ideal for under-makeup application).
Use after toner in your AM & PM routine
Post cleansing, exfoliating, and toning -- apply this serum 2x daily to your entire face, avoiding the eye area. Due to excessive drying of the skin that may occur, start with 1 application daily and then gradually increase to 2x daily.
Key ingredients for acne
✓ Benzoyl Peroxide
✓ Allantoin
Certified: paraben-free, sulfate-free, phthalate-free, cruelty-free
Price: $
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Why we love this cruelty-free acne spot treatment
This cruelty-free acne mask works to remove dirt/other impurities from your pores, reduce excess oil production, and reduce redness and inflammation, as well acne scarring and infection. The mask also contains hyaluronic acid, giving it the ability to replenish and retains moisture in your skin. It can be used for acne on your back as well.
Use as overnight spot treatment in your PM routine
Post cleansing and toning -- apply the patch gel-side down onto your zit. Leave on overnight, and remove in the morning.
Key ingredients for acne
✓ Hydrocolloid
Certified: paraben-free, sulfate-free, phthalate-free, cruelty-free, gluten-free
Price: $
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Why we love this cruelty-free moisturizer
This oil-free and cruelty-free moisturizer works to hydrate your skin without clogging your pores. It has 2% salicylic acid to help control oil levels and prevent future breakouts, as well as azelaic acid to help brighten dark spots left by past blemishes.
Use after serums or treatments in your AM & PM routine
Post serums and acne treatments (serums or creams) -- apply this moisturizer to your face and neck 2x daily.
Key ingredients for acne
✓ Salicylic Acid (BHA)
✓ Azelaic Acid
Certified: paraben-free, sulfate-free, phthalate-free, cruelty-free, gluten-free
Price: $$
SEE MORE TULA SKINCARE PRODUCTS
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Why we love this cruelty-free moisturizer
This cruelty-free lightweight and oil-free moisturizer works to hydrate your skin without clogging your pores. It also has 1% of salicylic acid to help control oil levels and prevent future breakouts.
Use after serums and treatments in your AM & PM routine
Post serums and treatments -- apply this moisturizer to your face and neck 2x daily.
Key ingredients for acne
✓ Salicylic Acid (BHA)
✓ Bamboo Charcoal
Certified: paraben-free, sulfate-free, phthalate-free, cruelty-free, noncomedogenic, gluten-free, vegan
Price: $$
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Why we love this cruelty-free sunscreen
Great for all skin types (yes, even sensitive skin), this cruelty-free sunscreen protects your skin from harmful UV rays without clogging your pores, and it has matte finish (aka shine free!).
If you are heading to the beach for your next vacay or spend a lot of time in the ocean (surfer and kitesurf babes we see you!), check out our favorite cruelty-free reef safe face sunscreens for environmental-friendly water resistant protection against harmful UV rays.
Use as the final step in your AM routine
Post moisturizing -- apply this sunscreen to your face and neck - reapply at least every 2 hours if you will be in the sun all day.
Key ingredients for UV protection
✓ Zinc Oxide
✓ Octinoxate
Certified: paraben-free, sulfate-free, phthalate-free, cruelty-free
Price: $$
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BONUS: Dr. Dennis SpectraLite™ FaceWare Pro
CRUELTY-FREE PROFESSIONAL TOOL
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Why we love this professional skin care tool
Unlike some other popular LED light tools, with SpectraLite maximum surface area is covered on your face, requiring no work on your end. So, instead of having to consistently move a smaller LED light tool around to cover each area of your face (which can take 20+mins), you get it all done in 3 minutes, and it's comfortable to wear.
How it works
This cruelty-free FDA cleared LED light tool has 3 treatment settings:
- Acne fighting is the blue light therapy
- Anti-aging and acne fighting is the red and blue light therapy
- Anti-aging is the red light therapy
At home use
Prior to use, cleanse your face.
Step 1: Place SpectraLite comfortably over your face and secure the strap around your head.
Step 2: Turn on SpectraLite by pressing the power button for two seconds.
Step 3: Select the light setting and use for the programmed treatment time of three minutes. It automatically shuts off after three minutes. Use daily. Optimal results occur after a 10-week course of treatment.
Step 4: Follow with a serum and moisturizer of your choice.
Price: $$$$
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View more acne-fighting tips and products:
How to Treat Acne - Causes, Treatments, & Top Ingredients
10 Best Acne Fighting Products
Benzoyl Peroxide Products for Acne
Salicylic Acid Products for Acne
Azelaic Acid Products for Acne
Benzoyl Peroxide Skin Care Benefits: All You Need to Know
Salicylic Acid Skin Care Benefits: All You Need to Know
Adapalene (Differin) Skin Care Benefits: All You Need to Know
Azelaic Acid Skin Care Benefits: All You Need to Know
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