Acne.org Products
I wanted to write this post to warn all users about the new moisturizer from acne.org, which has switched from containing licochalconean ingredient that is absolutely beneficial for acne-prone skinto niacinamide.
I have been using the acne.org regimen since 2011, and I have NEVER experienced any issues.
I have already spoken personally with Dan on the phone to explain what happened.
After two months, here is all the information you need to know:
At first, I thought the problem was the new BP, with its smaller particles, because my skin became incredibly oily after using the regimenunbearably oily. Previously, my skin was always perfectly dry after the regimen.
After a few days, problems started: every day, I would get 5 to 10 new persistent whiteheads.
After a few more days, terrible breakouts began. It felt like I was back to ten years ago, before starting the regimen. The BP had absolutely no effect against what was happening.
After a lot of trial and error, I realized that the problem was NOT the new BP, but rather the niacinamide in the new moisturizer. This is a TRANSFORMATIVE ingredient that triggers internal reactions within the skin. Without delving into the scientific details (a quick search is enough), niacinamide alters sebum production by changing internal skin processes.
In contrast, ingredients like licochalcone do not have this effectthey are simply anti-inflammatory.The transformative effects of niacinamide last at least 48 weeks, so it took me two months to normalize my skin by switching to other moisturizers but continuing to use the acne.org BP. I even had to add a 5% strength BP to mitigate the initial devastating effects of niacinamide.
Niacinamide can cause these issues even in people who have never had acne beforeit must be tested individually.
I strongly advise against niacinamide for anyone with acne issues, despite the current global pro-niacinamide trend that describes it as a miracle ingredient (most likely because its inexpensive for manufacturers).
As I told Dan, I will never purchase an acne.org product again as long as it contains niacinamide.
I hope my testimony is helpful to all users worldwide who are struggling with this issue.
Sorry it's not working for you. That sucks!
I am basing my decisions on what to include in products based on whatever is the latest and best science we have. Niacinamide, based on lots of good research, shows that it reduces oil production, tamps down inflammation, and significantly reduces acne in most people.
Does it cause problems in others? Perhaps it does on rare occasions, and perhaps you are one of those people, and in that case, remember that you don't have to use Acne.org products to do The Regimen. You can find other products that you feel work better for your particular skin.
One more thing I should note is that the new Moisturizer I formulated that contains Niacinamide is extremely effective - in other words, it is super hydrating. Almost everyone has been telling me a little goes a long way. Sometimes when you use too much of any Moisturizer it can cause issues. For instance, occlusives in moisturizer can keep other ingredients in contact with your skin. It's not necessary the Moisturizer itself, but its the way a Moisturizer can keep things in contact with your skin underneath if there's anything underneath that you don't want in long-term contact with your skin. Just a thought to keep in mind.
Just for a short synopsis, I asked ChatGPT and Gemini and they agree that Niacinamide overall helps with acne (attached). I have to go with the hard science when I make decisions on what to include in products. But I also absolutely hear every person who has issues with any product and I'm always considering that as well. Thanks for letting us know how things are going.
I wanted to write this post to warn all users about the new moisturizer from acne.org, which has switched from containing licochalconean ingredient that is absolutely beneficial for acne-prone skinto niacinamide.
I have been using the acne.org regimen since 2011, and I have NEVER experienced any issues.
I have already spoken personally with Dan on the phone to explain what happened.
After two months, here is all the information you need to know:
At first, I thought the problem was the new BP, with its smaller particles, because my skin became incredibly oily after using the regimenunbearably oily. Previously, my skin was always perfectly dry after the regimen.
After a few days, problems started: every day, I would get 5 to 10 new persistent whiteheads.
After a few more days, terrible breakouts began. It felt like I was back to ten years ago, before starting the regimen. The BP had absolutely no effect against what was happening.
After a lot of trial and error, I realized that the problem was NOT the new BP, but rather the niacinamide in the new moisturizer. This is a TRANSFORMATIVE ingredient that triggers internal reactions within the skin. Without delving into the scientific details (a quick search is enough), niacinamide alters sebum production by changing internal skin processes.
In contrast, ingredients like licochalcone do not have this effectthey are simply anti-inflammatory.The transformative effects of niacinamide last at least 48 weeks, so it took me two months to normalize my skin by switching to other moisturizers but continuing to use the acne.org BP. I even had to add a 5% strength BP to mitigate the initial devastating effects of niacinamide.
Niacinamide can cause these issues even in people who have never had acne beforeit must be tested individually.
I strongly advise against niacinamide for anyone with acne issues, despite the current global pro-niacinamide trend that describes it as a miracle ingredient (most likely because its inexpensive for manufacturers).
As I told Dan, I will never purchase an acne.org product again as long as it contains niacinamide.
I hope my testimony is helpful to all users worldwide who are struggling with this issue.
Ok, so absolutely on board with this! Ive been using the acne org products years! Until the niacinamode was added to the moisturiser! I used it for 4 days and my face was literally cracking if I smiled., quick google and was like oh dear need to switch moisturisers.. found Cerave Moisturising lotion for dry to very dry skin. Its ultra moisturising, non comedogenic, large bottle (473ml for 19 Im in Ireland) and no niacinamide. Praise the Lord I was 2 weeks into the use of it before I realised the controversy over the Cetearyl alcohol + cetearyth 20 issue or I wouldve missed an absolute gem!!! Im almost 6 weeks into it (I had to apply 3x a day for the first 2 weeks to combat dryness associated with 4 days niacinamide use) and Im delighted I made the plunge. I still use acne org cleanser + BP tho 🙂
Ok, so absolutely on board with this! Ive been using the acne org products years! Until the niacinamode was added to the moisturiser! I used it for 4 days and my face was literally cracking if I smiled., quick google and was like oh dear need to switch moisturisers.. found Cerave Moisturising lotion for dry to very dry skin. Its ultra moisturising, non comedogenic, large bottle (473ml for 19 Im in Ireland) and no niacinamide. Praise the Lord I was 2 weeks into the use of it before I realised the controversy over the Cetearyl alcohol + cetearyth 20 issue or I wouldve missed an absolute gem!!! Im almost 6 weeks into it (I had to apply 3x a day for the first 2 weeks to combat dryness associated with 4 days niacinamide use) and Im delighted I made the plunge. I still use acne org cleanser + BP tho 🙂
The Cerave moisturisers all contain Niacinamide.
Ok, so absolutely on board with this! Ive been using the acne org products years! Until the niacinamode was added to the moisturiser! I used it for 4 days and my face was literally cracking if I smiled., quick google and was like oh dear need to switch moisturisers.. found Cerave Moisturising lotion for dry to very dry skin. Its ultra moisturising, non comedogenic, large bottle (473ml for 19 Im in Ireland) and no niacinamide. Praise the Lord I was 2 weeks into the use of it before I realised the controversy over the Cetearyl alcohol + cetearyth 20 issue or I wouldve missed an absolute gem!!! Im almost 6 weeks into it (I had to apply 3x a day for the first 2 weeks to combat dryness associated with 4 days niacinamide use) and Im delighted I made the plunge. I still use acne org cleanser + BP tho 🙂
The Cerave moisturisers all contain Niacinamide.
Not this one:
@marronn2 you are absolutely right. Thanks for the link I might try it as Niacinamide breaks me out too. I've been using neutrogena oil free moisturiser for years; it's a good moisturiser but since they've added salicylic acid to it it's not as hydrating as it used to be, especially in winter.
The only issue with this moisturiser is that it has Cerearyl alcohol + Ceteryth 20 but Im using it almost 6 weeks now and Ive found it great. I also bought this one, now I havent tried it yet but it does meet the criteria when you put it into the ingredient checker website and it doesnt contain niacinamide:
https://au.qandaskin.com/products/hyaluronic-acid-daily-moisturiser?variant=42428683157691
@marronn2 Thanks for the warning on that; my skin is extremely sensitive to comedogenic ingredients so that might be an issue. Still I might still try it once my skin has settled down. I think I saw your review on boots.com 🙂 Its becoming increasingly difficult to source good products for acne which is a concern.
I would consider myself very sensitive as well but thank God its been fine. I bought the Q&A moisturiser as a just in case but havent had to use it 🙂
Hi Dan,
I believe you're a good person, but I don't buy into your response of "you're free to use other products," which I've also seen given to other users who raised the same concerns.
Acne.org is not just a cosmetic brandyour mission was to help people. I can expect that kind of reply from commercial brands, but not from acne.org.
Licochalcone might not be everyones favorite, but it doesnt harm ANYONE.
Niacinamide might not be everyones favorite either, but it does cause problems for many.
A brand that truly aims to help people cannot choose an ingredient like that and simply say, "you're free to use something else."
The niacinamide trend, adopted by many mainstream brands, will eventually fadelike all trends.
What will remain, for me, is the conscious choice made by acne.org to follow that trend.
Science should not be followed blindly, otherwise it becomes a source of serious harm.
It is patients who shape science.
I hope one day youll understand this point of view.
I had Acne.org for 8 years before I even sold products. The Regimen is the most important thing. If you can't use one of my products, use a different one. That's the beauty of The Regimen. Anyone in the world can use it.
If you're considering a different product btw, feel free to post the ingredients here and I can have a look and give you my 2 cents on whether it's fine to use on The Regimen.
This is becoming broken record, but I base my decisions on each ingredient on science. And niacinamide has really good science behind it specifically for acne-prone skin. It's been shown to reduce oil production (the less oil the less acne), inflammation (acne is an inflammatory disease), and combat redness/hyperpigmentation (good for after you have a zit), among other things. I kinda view my products as iterations. If a much better ingredient comes out that is backed by even stronger evidence, I'll for sure consider it.
Just anecdotally speaking, niacinamide works well for me personally. My skin looks better when I'm consistently using it. It took a good month or even two for my skin to look better on niacinamide, but it does. Niacinamide isn't one of those things that works immediately. You need to give it a little time. I have heard a few anecdotal reports of purging at first with niacinamide (not in the literature that I've come across, but anecdotally). And initial purges normally subside and after the purge your skin should be better than ever. But the bottom line is if you don't want to give niacinamide time to do its thing or if you're sure your skin reacts poorly to it long term, try a different product.
Finally, I'll just throw in there that if you're tired of trial and error of products and want total control of every ingredient specifically for your skin and only your skin, you can make a Moisturizer yourself at home. It is possible and it's actually kinda fun. Then you can control every ingredient and you're not at the mercy of any brand. Just be sure to preserve it effectively and follow instructions from a reputable source.