The Best Skincare Products For PCOS & Hormonal Acne

Written by Martina S. in Beauty

Problematic skin, hormonal acne and excessive oil production are some of the most common symptoms of PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) which makes choosing the right skincare products particularly difficult for women with this condition.

I’ve experienced it myself after many years of combating hormonal acne and oversensitive skin. You can find a detailed guide on how to address the root cause of this problem and how to heal PCOS acne naturally here:  ‘PCOS Acne Explained & How To Treat It Naturally’.

In this article, however, I’ll share with you all you need to know about choosing the right skincare products for PCOS, how they may affect your skin and what to avoid if you suffer from problematic acne-prone skin. I’ll also give you some tips on my favorite skincare products and techniques that helped me the most to heal acne and clear my skin.

What skin care is good for PCOS?

In general, natural skincare is considered good for PCOS as it’s typically free from endocrine-disrupting chemicals and harmful toxins. However, not all natural skincare products are suitable for acne-prone skin as they may contain fats, oils, waxes and other pore-clogging ingredients.

Things to consider:

  • Hormonal balance
  • Endocrine-disrupting chemicals
  • Personal tolerance
  • Hygiene
  • Purpose

• Hormonal balance

Using appropriate skincare is extremely important if you suffer from problematic skin but without addressing the root cause of this issue, skincare products alone won’t make your hormonal acne go away. For this reason, you should primarily focus on restoring your hormonal balance and think of skincare only as a part of the equation.

Read more: ’How To Treat PCOS Naturally (Science-Based Guidelines)’ 

Nonetheless, you can still achieve some major improvements in your skin by choosing the right skincare products as they can help reduce bacteria, lower inflammation, increase hydration and speed up the healing process. Here is what to look for.

• Endocrine-disrupting chemicals

EDCs (endocrine-disrupting chemicals) are a group of environmental toxins that can either mimic, block or interfered with our natural hormones once they enter the bloodstream. They have been shown to contribute to hormone disruptions and endocrine disorders such as PCOS.

Unfortunately, EDCs are commonly found almost everywhere (food, water, air, packaging, toys) but they are particularly potent in cosmetics and skincare products. Since your skin absorbs about 60% of everything you put on it, using skincare products containing high levels EDCs can have a serious impact on your hormonal health and PCOS.

For this reason, it’s important to recognize such chemicals and try to avoid them in your skincare products. Some of the most common EDCs found in skincare include:

  • parabens
  • benzophenones
  • bisphenols
  • phthalates 
  • PFAs
  • fragrance

Always check the ingredient list and do a little bit of research before purchasing a new skincare product (you can use an online ingredient checker or an app). Fortunately, there are now many brands offering some high-quality natural skincare products that are EDCs-free and PCOS-friendly. I highly recommend sticking to those.

• Personal tolerance

Another thing to bear in mind is that finding the right skincare products is an extremely personal process and what works for one person may not work for someone else. Not only do we all have a unique type of skin but we also tend to be sensitive to different ingredients and chemical substances.

You should always choose your skincare products based on your individual tolerance and skin sensitivities. It is definitely worth tracking your skin reactions to different chemicals commonly used in cosmetics to figure out what is and what isn’t suitable for you (I recommend a skin diary).

This might take some time and effort but once you know your ingredient triggers that are likely to irritate your skin, you can do a better job at avoiding them in your skincare. Again, you can use an online ingredient checker or an app to do so. 

If you have sensitive skin but don’t know where to start, here are some of the most common skin irritants and allergens used in cosmetics:

  • Sulfates
  • Petroleum
  • Fragrance
  • Latex
  • Metals
  • Dyes
  • Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA)
  • Glycolic Acid
  • Lactic Acid
  • Benzoyl Peroxide
  • Alcohol (or Ethanol)

• Hygiene

Since bacteria overgrowth is one of the main contributors to acne and problematic skin you should pay extra attention to your hygienic practices regarding skincare. There are a few things you can do to minimize the spread of bacteria on your skin and prevent skin irritations.

First of all, try to avoid touching your face during the day and always wash your hands before starting your skincare routine. Be particularly careful with skincare products that you need to dip out from the container (such as moisturizers in a jar). 

I highly recommend using a spatula instead of your hands as the bacteria from your fingers can easily spread in the container. For some products, you may want to avoid using your hands completely and opt for cotton pads or cotton buds instead (especially when applying treatments directly to your active acne).

The way you store your skinacare products is another important factor that can affect their quality and impact on your skin. Most products need to be stored in a sun-safe environment preferably in a dark cool place. 

You should also always check the expiry date on the label as most skincare products expire in 6-12 months after opening. However, this period might be even shorter in the case of natural skincare products as they tend to contain fewer preservatives. Never use an expired product on your skin (especially your face) and opt for smaller ‘travel sizes’ if you’re unable to finish them in time.

• Purpose

Remember that there is no one size fits all when it comes to skincare and that we all have different needs and preferences (besides our sensitivities and tolerances). Always consider your individual circumstances and choose accordingly. Here are a few things you might want to take into consideration:

  • Skin condition (do you suffer from active acne or acne scars?)
  • Environment (do you live in a dry or humid environment?)
  • Skin type (is your skin oily, dry or a combination?)
  • Makeup (do you regularly wear makeup or not?)
  • Accessibility (how much are you willing to spend on skincare?)

Based on your personal needs and preferences, you can choose from a wide selection of skincare products available on the market. While I like experimenting with new skincare brands and products, I also have a few favorites that I always go back to. I also tend to cycle between different products depending on the season and the state of my skin.

Here are some of my skincare staples.

Best skincare products for PCOS:

1. Face wash (cleanser)

Best face wash (cleanser) for PCOS:

Using a good cleanser for your face is extremely important if you suffer from problematic skin as it helps remove dirt, oils, bacteria, makeup and other substances that might clog your pores and contribute to acne. I highly recommend double-cleansing your face every morning and night to get the best results.

To minimize the spread of bacteria and control your production of sebum, you may want to look for products developed for Seborrheic Dermatitis or Malassezia as they tend to contain the best ingredients. Salicylic acid, sulfur and ichthammol are some of the most powerful ones. 

• CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser

Best for: active acne – bacteria overgrowth

This is one of my all-time favorite cleansers as it contains some of the best ingredients for sensitive and acne-prone skin (salicylic acid, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, ceramides) but it’s also free from oils, alcohol, fragrance and other harmful chemicals. 

This means that it won’t irritate your skin, clog your pores and disrupt your endocrine system. It has a gel consistency but it foams once you start applying it to your face which makes it particularly great for face cleansing brushes. Additionally, it’s very affordable and accessible in most places. 

• Dermalogica Ultracalming Cleanser

Best for: oversensitive skin – irritations

Another great non-toxic cleanser for sensitive skin is by Dermalogica which is one of my favorite skincare brands overall. All of their products are vegan and paraben-free but this cleanser is also free from fragrance, alcohol, oils and colors that might be irritating to your skin.

It has a gel consistency that doesn’t foam and it’s meant to calm down your skin, reduce redness and balance your pH. This cleanser is great if you have overreactive skin that doesn’t tolerate regular skincare products but it may not be as effective in reducing acne and oil production as some other cleansers. It’s also slightly more expensive.

• Joesoef Skincare Sulfur Soap

Best for: oily skin – bacteria overgrowth

If you’re looking for a cheap but very effective way to regulate your skin oil production and prevent the growth of bacteria I highly recommend using a sulfur soap as your face wash. Sulfur is a very powerful ingredient that is commonly used to treat many skin disorders as it’s also suitable for sensitive skin.

It has similar properties to salicylic acid including its exfoliating effect that helps remove dead skin and excess sebum. I personally found some big improvements in my acne (when it was at its worst) after incorporating sulfur soap into my skincare. However, it can be very drying so I don’t recommend leaving it on for too long or using it too often.

2. Moisturizer

Best moisturizers for PCOS:

When it comes to moisturizing I highly recommend not skipping this step even though you might find it a bit counterproductive. Keeping your skin hydrated is extremely important if you suffer from acne as it helps speed up the healing process and prevent scarring. 

In addition, some acne treatments can be very drying so using a high-quality moisturizer is essential. That being said, you don’t need to use huge amounts of moisturizer if you have oily and acne-prone skin. I also recommend opting for products that are non-comedogenic, free from oils and other pore-clogging ingredients. 

In general, gel-based (or lightweight) moisturizers are some of the best options for acne-prone skin. You can also use the Sezia ingredient checker to find whether it contains any ingredients supporting the growth of Malassezia (fungi found on the skin’s surface that may contribute to acne). 

• Honest Beauty Hydrogel Cream

Best for: lightweight – makeup base

This moisturizer is very lightweight and it has a gel-like consistency that quickly soaks into your skin and won’t leave it greasy. It’s particularly great as a makeup base. If you’re familiar with Neutrogena Hydro Boost (another gel-based moisturizer) this one has similar properties but a much better ingredient list.

It’s free from fragrance, parabens, silicones, alcohol and oils so it’s not irritating and great even for sensitive skin and women with PCOS. Additionally, it has some powerful ingredients (hyaluronic acid, squalane) that help your skin keep hydrated and soft. Considering its high-quality content, it’s also very affordable.

• Cerave AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30

Best for: oily skin – bacteria overgrowth

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly moisturizer with a really good ingredient list then you might want to try this one from CeraVe. They did a really good job at formulating a moisturizer that doesn’t contain any Malassezia-promoting ingredients and skin irritants.

It’s free from oils, alcohol and fragrance but it contains some of my favorite skin-loving substances such as niacinamide, ceramides and hyaluronic acid (similar to their face wash I also love). This particular moisturizer is also enriched with SPF30 sun protection which can be advantageous but it also makes the consistency slightly thicker.

If you want a bit lighter moisturizer with a similar ingredient list (but no SPF) then you might want to opt for their PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion instead and use a separate sunscreen for daily use.

• Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment

Best for: undereye area – hydration

Don’t forget to care for your undereye area where your skin is more delicate and requires a different type of treatment. Oil-free products developed for acne-prone skin are not great for this particular area so I highly recommend finding a different moisturizing formula specifically for your eyes. 

If you have sensitive eyes (like me) you want to look for eye creams with non-irritating but hydrating ingredients. There are many great options you can choose from but my absolute favorite is the Creamy Eye Treatment by Kiehl’s. It’s very rich and hydrating (especially great for winter) and it’s free from fragrance, alcohol and essential oils.

3. Serum

Best serums for PCOS:

While using serums is not completely necessary and I actually don’t recommend using too many layers of skincare products if you suffer from problematic skin, some of them can be great for acne-prone skin.

However, you should be very careful with skin serums as some of them can be particularly strong and may even irritate your skin. Always look at the concentration of your product and opt for the lower % (at least at the beginning). Remember that high concentration is not always better.

• The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

Best for: acne/acne scars – oily skin

This is one of the best serums for acne-prone and oily skin as it contains powerful ingredients (niacinamide and zinc) that have been shown to be effective in improving skin quality. Niacinamide (vitamin) is particularly great for brightening your skin and reducing redness while zinc (mineral) helps control sebum production.

I absolutely love this serum and I found it to be really good for acne scars and discoloration. However, I highly recommend using only small amounts (before moisturizer) and introducing it to your skin slowly. It’s also not recommended to combine it with products containing pure vitamin C so be careful with your other skincare choices.

• Cosmedica Hyaluronic Acid

Best for: acne scars – hydration

Hyaluronic acid (HA) has gained a lot of popularity in recent years and for a good reason. It has some major evidence-based benefits that help your skin keep hydrated, smooth and healthy. You can imagine HA as a sponge that soaks up water and locks it up in your skin. 

While many skincare products use HA in their ingredient list, you can now also find pure HA serum to add into your skincare routine. I personally like the pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum from Cosmedica as they use minimal ingredients with no fillers, parabens, fragrances or other skin irritants. It’s also oil-free so it doesn’t cause breakouts. 

You can use it on its own (as a serum or moisturizer) but you can also add a drop into your regular moisturizer and apply it this way (that’s how I like to use it).

4. Sunscreen

Best sunscreen for PCOS:

Finding a good PCOS-friendly sunscreen that is also suitable for acne-prone and oily skin is particularly tricky. That’s because most SPF ingredients are now not considered safe due to their endocrine-disrupting effects. However, natural sunscreens (using mineral-based SPF) tend to be very heavy as they contain lots of oils, fats and other pore-clogging ingredients.

Nonetheless, using sun protection on your face is extremely important if you suffer from acne as you want to prevent scarring and further skin damage. I’ve tried so many of them over the years that either broke me out or contained harmful chemicals. There’s only one that works for me so it’s the one I now stick to.

• Biossance Mineral Sunscreen SPF30

Best for: sensitive skin – non-toxic

This is one of the only non-toxic sunscreens that is also great for acne-prone and sensitive skin. It has a really good ingredient list free from parabens, fragrance, alcohol and essential oils. It uses mineral-based SPF (zinc oxide) and it also contains some powerful ingredients (such as plant-derived squalene) to keep your skin hydrated.

Unlike most sunscreens, it’s actually very light and doesn’t leave your skin greasy or oily. Because it absorbs into your skin quite quickly, you can comfortably wear it underneath your makeup. 

5. Exfoliator

Best exfoliators (peels) for PCOS:

Exfoliating is an important step that helps remove dead skin, improve texture and even out skin tone. However, overdoing it (or using the wrong products) can actually make your acne worse and irritate your skin. There are different types of peels (chemical and physical) associated with different benefits.

Physical peels (face scrubs) can sometimes be too harsh for sensitive skin if they contain sharp or too hard objects. Even the natural ones (such as sugar or coffee scrubs) are not optimal for your face and I highly recommend finding a gentle exfoliant with fine ingredients (look for powder-like consistency).

Chemical peels are actually really good for acne-prone skin (they are more gentle than scrubs) but again, you don’t want to overdo it. Be aware that most chemical exfoliators are highly concentrated with strong substances that can be irritating for some people. If you’re new to chemical peels make sure you start really slow.

• Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant

Best for: physical peel – sensitive skin

One of my favorite exfoliators overall is the Daily Micrfoliant by Dermalogica which is a very gentle powder-based face scrub (using natural scrubbing agents) that also contains some powerful chemical exfoliants (such as salicylic acid and papaya enzymes).

It has a very unique creamy-paste consistency that is suitable even for sensitive skin. It makes your skin feels really smooth afterward. More importantly, it is free from parabens, fragrance, artificial colors, alcohol and Malassezia-promoting ingredients (Dermalogica is also vegan and cruelty-free).

• Paula’s Choice BHA 2% Liquid Exfoliant

Bets for: chemical peel – oily skin

This chemical peel contains 2% of Salicylic acid which is a powerful exfoliator that helps unclog pores and remove excess oil, dead skin cells and bacteria. Unlike most exfoliators, this is a leave-on product that is meant to be applied after cleansing and toning.

I personally like to use it as an overnight mask that I can rinse off in the morning. I don’t recommend applying it for the daytime as BHA can interact badly with the sun. I also suggest you start using it only 1 or 2x per week (even though it says for daily use) especially if you’re new to this form of peel.

Nonetheless, it is a great product for fading acne scars and evening-out skin tone. All of the ingredients are non-comedogenic as well as free from parabens, fragrance, oils and alcohols. It doesn’t support the growth of Malassezia.

• The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peel Solution

Best for: chemical peel – acne scars

Another great chemical peel is The Ordinary AHA 30% & BHA 2% Solution which contains a combination of some of the most powerful evidence-based chemical exfoliants (Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Lactic Acid, Tartaric Acid). However, this peel is relatively strong and if you suffer from active acne and skin irritations, it can be quite aggressive.

I personally love to use it to brighten my skin, improve its texture and fade acne scars, however, I wouldn’t use it on open wounds and inflamed acne spots. That being said, it works very well to get rid of fungal acne (little bumps typically on your forehead) and prevent the growth of bacteria.

This peel solution is meant to be used as a mask for about 10 minutes (you can start with less) only once or twice a week. It has a high-quality ingredient list with no synthetic fragrance, parabens, colors, alcohols and oils. 

6. Toner

Best toners for PCOS:

Using a toner for your face is another extra step that may not be completely necessary for everyone. However, this is highly dependent on what type of toner you want to use and for what purpose. Some toner formulas are more similar to chemical peels (typically consisting of AHA and BHA ingredients) while others are developed to balance your skin pH and remove any remaining substances.

If you suffer from acne-prone and oily skin you may actually benefit from pH-balancing toners. However, make sure they are alcohol-free as most toners are very drying and particularly irritating to sensitive skin. In addition to your skin pH, you may also want to focus on balancing your skin microbiome barrier with some probiotics as they play a major role in your skin health.

• Thayers Witch Hazel Facial Toner

Best for: sensitive skin – pH balance

Witch hazel is a great anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial ingredient that is believed to promote skin healing (it was traditionally used to heal wounds). It is great as a toner as it helps balance the skin pH level and tighten up pores. 

You can find a great non-toxic formula in the Witch Hazel Toner by Thayers which uses very simple non-irritating ingredients free from fragrance, parabens, alcohol and oils. It doesn’t promote the growth of Malassezia and it can help remove any last bits of makeup, dirt, oils and bacteria after cleansing.

• Mother Dirt AO+ Mist Probiotic Spray

Best for: acne-prone skin – microbiome balance

If there is one product that can drastically improve your skin in a short period of time (a few weeks) then it is the Probiotic Mist by Mother Dirt. This spray is full of the ‘good bacteria’ that live on our skin and helps keep it healthy. You’ve probably heard about the importance of a healthy gut microbiome but the same is true for the surface of your skin.

Even though this product is really expensive and to be honest I was very skeptical about whether it even works, I must admit that it is definitely worth the investment. I think I first read about it in one of Tim Ferris’s books (Tribes of Titans I believe) where someone recommended it for adult acne.

If you have the option I highly recommend trying this out as you can simply use it as a toner or as a ‘finisher’ after your whole skincare routine (including makeup). It’s basically probiotics for your skin. 

It doesn’t contain any irritating ingredients, fragrance, parabens, oils or alcohols but there are more than 3 billion CFUS of AOB (ammonia-oxidizing bacteria) in the bottle. Since it contains live cultures of this bacteria, it is best to keep it in the fridge.

7. Face mask

Best face masks for PCOS:

Face masks are great for all types of skin as there are so many options out there. You can choose from hydrating, deep cleansing or even brightening masks depending on your current needs. They are not an essential step in your daily skincare routine but they can play a big role in reducing your acne and improving your skin health.

I personally love using all types of face masks as it’s a great form of self-care and I find it very relaxing. More importantly, they do make a difference to my skin.

• Aztec Secret Bentonite Clay Mask

Best for: acne – oily skin

This is a single-ingredient face mask consisting of 100% natural calcium bentonite clay which is a powerful deep cleansing substance commonly used in skincare. I like it because it doesn’t contain any unnecessary ingredients and you simply mix it with a little bit of water (or other ingredients of your choice) to create a paste-like consistency.

It is particularly great for acne-prone and oily skin (it is a deep cleansing mask) but beware that it can be very drying to your skin. Don’t leave it on for too long (you’ll feel a tightening sensation) and make sure you hydrate afterward. I don’t recommend using it too often as it really strips your skin of all natural oils.

If your skin is too sensitive to bentonite clay then you may want to opt for pure charcoal powder which can also be mixed with water and used as a face mask. It has similar properties but it’s a bit more gentle to your skin (you can also use it to whiten your teeth).

• Lather Brightening Mask

Bets for: acne scars – hydration

Another type of mask that I like to use is the Brightening Mask by Lather which contains 7% of AHA (chemical exfoliant). I don’t recommend using this mask for active acne (it contains several types of oils) but it works great for fading out acne scars and discoloration.

There are also other powerful ingredients (niacinamide, squalane, kojic acid, antioxidants) and it’s free from parabens, fragrance, sulfates, colors and alcohols (Lather is also a vegan and cruelty-free skincare brand).

8. Acne treatment

Best acne treatment creams for PCOS:

Certain ingredients (found in acne treatment creams) are very powerful and effective in lowering inflammation and reducing acne. However, such products (especially highly concentrated) need to be used with extra caution as they can be quite aggressive and very drying to your skin.

They are meant to be applied in small amounts and only to the affected areas. Even if your acne is spread all over the face (I know exactly the struggle) try to use it sparingly as a spot treatment. It’s the only way to prevent skin damage, scars and speed up the healing process.

• Proactive Emergency Blemish Relief

Best for: active acne – inflammation

Benzoyl peroxide is one of the most well-known acne-fighting ingredients (FDA approved) that is recommended by many dermatologists. It has strong antiseptic properties that help prevent the growth of bacteria and stop acne from spreading. However, highly concentrated products or acute exposure to this substance can cause severe skin irritations.

For this reason, I recommend using products with a lower percentage of benzoyl peroxide and only applying it where needed. I have a good experience with the Emergency Blemish Relief by Proactive which contains 5% of benzoyl peroxide.

• The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution

Best for: acne – inflammation

Similar to benzoyl peroxide, you can also use salicylic acid as a spot treatment for your acne. I’ve already described its benefits for acne-prone and oily skin (it is anti-inflammatory and acts as a chemical exfoliant) but bear in mind that this substance is sometimes poorly tolerated by many individuals.

Besides other salicylic acid-containing products (listed above) I like The Ordinary Salicylic acid 2 % Solution to use as a direct acne treatment. It doesn’t contain any alcohol, fragrance, oils or other irritants and you only need small amounts. I find it slightly more gentle than benzoyl peroxide.

• Nizoral Anti-dandruff Shampoo

Best for: fungal acne – inflammation

One thing that also really helped me when my skin was at its worse was using the Nizoral Anti-dandruff Shampoo as a face wash/face mask. It is very effective in reducing inflammation, bacteria and combating seborrheic dermatitis. It contains 2% of Ketoconazole which is a powerful antifungal and antiandrogen ingredient.

However, I don’t recommend leaving it on for too long (max 5-10 mins) or using it too often as it can be quite irritating. It can even damage your skin and cause skin burns. Nonetheless, it does work.

• Careall Zinc Oxide Ointment

Best for: acne scars – irritations

Zinc oxide is another powerful ingredient that works as a healing agent and skin protectant. It is commonly used to treat skin rashes, sores and eczema and it’s also one of the most widely used natural mineral-based SPF. It is my favorite way to fade acne scars, redness and discolorations, however, it doesn’t work on active acne and new breakouts.

You can use any diaper cream containing zinc oxide but many of them tend to have other ingredients that may promote acne. I personally like the Zinc Oxide Ointment by Careall as it’s highly concentrated (20%of  Zinc Oxide) and contains only a few other simple ingredients. It’s also very affordable and will last you for a long time. 

Pro tips:

  • Use ingredient checkers – you can check the content of almost any product online to find any potential endocrine disruptors, allergens or other irritating ingredients, I like using INCIDecoder and Sezia for skincare
  • Prioritize lifestyle – make sure you focus on developing healthy habits in other important areas that can affect your skin health (diet, sleep, stress, exercise, hydration)
  • Get samples – high-quality skincare can be very expensive and it can be oftentimes hit and miss if you have particularly sensitive or acne-prone skin, try to get some sample sizes first (when possible) to test new products before purchasing
  • Use appropriate makeup – your makeup selection is equally important as your skincare, you can find a list of my favorite non-toxic PCOS-friendly products here: ‘The Best Makeup Products For PCOS & Hormonal Acne‘
  • Keep a skin diary – a skin diary is a great tool that can help you identify potential triggers in your skincare so you can better understand your individual needs and choose accordingly
  • Wash your hands – keep your hands (and other skincare applicators) clean and make sure you always wash them before starting your skincare routine
  • Use clean face towels – use separate towels for your face and change them frequently, you can get 7 mini towels (1 for each day) for your face and wash them all once a week
  • Keep it simple – keep your skincare routine simple and don’t use too many layers of products that aren’t completely necessary, try not to overcomplicate it (especially if your skin is sensitive)
  • Store appropriately – keep all your skincare products in a cool dark place to extend their freshness (especially clean beauty products as they don’t contain as many preservatives)

Resources:

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  • Keen, M. A., Shah, I. H., & Sheikh, G. (2017). Cutaneous Manifestations of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Cross-Sectional Clinical Study. Indian dermatology online journal, 8(2), 104–110. https://doi.org/10.4103/2229-5178.202275
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