8 Skincare Ingredients Every Makeup User Should Avoid

While it may feel refreshing, alcohol can dry out your skin and disrupt natural barrier, leading to irritation — especially under foundation.

Alcohol

Fragrance adds a nice scent, but it’s a common irritant. It can cause redness, breakouts, or allergic reactions, particularly for sensitive skin

Fragrance

Though natural and moisturizing, coconut oil is comedogenic — meaning it clogs pores. Best to avoid it in moisturizers or primers if you wear makeup daily.

Coconut Oil

Grainy scrubs can cause microtears in the skin. When combined with daily makeup use, this can lead to irritation, dullness, or even breakouts.

Harsh Physical Exfoliants

While silicones can smooth the skin, overuse or buildup can clog pores and trap debris if not removed thoroughly.

Silicones

Found in some foaming cleansers, SLS can strip the skin’s natural oils, leaving it dry, tight, and more prone to irritation under makeup.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)

These can make skin photosensitive or cause breakouts when combined with heat and makeup wear. Always patch test or choose fragrance-free options.

Essential Oils

Used as preservatives, parabens may disrupt hormones and are best avoided if you're trying to maintain a clean, minimal-ingredient routine.

Parabens

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