Comments on: Avoid Cosmetic Cornstarch If You’re Acne-Prone

By: Elizabeth

Elizabeth — Wed, 18 May 2011 15:42:11 +0000

I love Paula Begeoun, but I don’t fully know where she’s getting this cornstarch, rice starch stuff from. When I was in esthetician school, our textbooks recommended corn starch on a few occasions, and after I researched my own acne, I read a lot about the benefits of rice powder. After reading an article on the Dermadoctor website, I ordered the T. Leclerc blushes and my acne vanished in days. I think it makes sense to be extra cautious about exposing these ingredients to moisture and complying by expiration dates, but I don’t see how there’s this instant bacterial growth going on. I searched through PubMed for hours one night and couldn’t pull up a single journal on the subject. Do you know of any sources that explain this? I can only find info that quotes Paula Begeoun.

By: kris

kris — Sat, 11 Dec 2010 03:48:32 +0000

hi!!
can you please reccomend me a good concealer to cover up blemishes , that has wont cause acne?
i want to get the pixi illuminating tint and conceal concealer but it has sodium chloride and pottasium chloride which i heard isnt good for acne prone skin:[

By: Cindy

Cindy — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 18:12:16 +0000

I’ve used Cornsilk Powder for years, and recently started using Mattify Loose Powder – those both have cornstarch, but have not caused me any problems. My skin is VERY acnegenic, but when I use the Mattify Powder underneath my liquid foundation, I get hardly any breakouts at all. On the days I forget to use the Mattify underneath, I almost always get broken out a couple days later. It seems to protect my skin, rather than break it out. Maybe it just depends on personal sensitivity I guess. But, I am wondering if Rice Powder is the same as Rice Starch? Rice Powder is an ingredient in another Mattify product I want to try that is supposed to absorb even more oil, but now that I’m reading Rice Starch can cause breakouts – I’m curious to see if Rice Powder is the same thing? If I’m not allergic to cornstarch, the Rice Starch or Powder will probably be fine, but am curious if the Powder and Starch are the same.

By: Gina

Gina — Thu, 13 May 2010 00:27:40 +0000

I am allergic to corn starch and always have to look at ingredients. Its in most mineral makeups and is used as a filler to take up space cause it absorbs water. You have to pay more for the better stuff but its worth it. My questions is what is a good foundation for dry skin. I’m in my 40’s and have some acne on my forehead. I am going to start using a retinoid at night, but what about the makeup. Everything out there is so drying. And what about lotions that i can wear in day with spf but wont make me break out? So no cornstarch etc, nor drying makeups. any suggestions?

By: Linda

Linda — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 18:38:40 +0000

I just got some of Paula’s acne fighting treatment and I started breaking out worse. Just FYI these products contain several of the ingredients from your list of ingredients to avoid with high numbers. I do appreciate your advice on what make-up and cleanser to use. This has helped me tremendously. Thanks!

By: Katherine@SterlingMinerals

Katherine@SterlingMinerals — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:57:11 +0000

Hell Savvy,

Though Paula Begoun is one of the leaders in consumer protection for cosmetics, it should be noted that she also carries her own line of products. I have watched her over the past 20 years and many of her initial reports have changed in regard to certain ingredients and this is obviously due in part to her beginning her own cosmetic line.

Unfortunately since these two ingredients are not included in her line it is easy to make comments that are actually without fact. Researchers and Scientists including Medical practitioners know the actual cause of acne and if Paula was not intent on lambasting and ingredient to meet her agenda she would know that acne is not supported by an outside source of anything applied to the skin…Corn Starch has the capability of being occlusive to pores when it becomes damp or moist and left wet as in a jar, then yes it will grow mold or bacteria. But this is more likely to cause acne due to occlusion not a bacteria

Rice Powder also when applied wet or moist is actually used in poultices for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine for healing and soothing bleeding pimples and skin ulcerations. It is not a food source for acne. Sebum in the blocked pore is what propionibacterium acnes thrives on and is its’ only food source, not any ingredient you apply to the face.

It is also not a potential allergen, in fact, Rice powder is one of the leading starches Doctors recommend for those with grain allergies can eat as a substitute including rice milk and for those who must have a Gluten Free Diet. This is one of the most viable resources for those who cannot wear conventional makeup and is the reason it is one of our main ingredients in our mineral makeup and why it is also the only makeup our customers can wear after trying many.

By: Jo Ann

Jo Ann — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 21:50:46 +0000

Talc is a known carcinogen and corn starch is a great substitute. I’d like to see the studies showing corn starch promotes or aggravates acne.
Bare Escentuals makes Bare Minerals foundation that is great for acne prone skin and now they have a NEW Matte foundation that is even better than the original (especially if you have oily or acne prone skin). They also sell a wonderful product in their RARE skincare line called BLEMISH THERAPY. Unlike acne meds with chemicals that burn and peel and dry out, it gently helps acne and blackheads disappear and reduce redness. If you use their cleanser (a powder form with oatmeal and rice bran) along with their preservative free (all products) moisturizer, it will help to PH balance your skin and clear it up.

By: carmen

carmen — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 17:49:54 +0000

I’m confused. I thought Talc was also something that shouldn’t be in the powder, but the Neutrogena powder that you’re talking about has Talc as an ingredient. Can you comment on that?

By: mimi

mimi — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 05:13:35 +0000

i just found this site today and find the acne causing ingredient info very helpful. I have read on a few other sites about corn starch possibly promoting bacteria growth, but pointing out that it is bad when found in a liquid instead of a powder product, or in a product meant for application in moist areas (not your face). I’d still be worried about powers gaining moisture from the environment in its case, or my face throughout the day. Although, the main alternative seems to be Talc, which also has concerns not for comedogenic reasons, but health concerns, such as links to cancer. From the American Cancer Websites article, it seems that inhalation is a concern (loose powders) but in very extreme amounts. I am not very concerned with it, but I don’t know if it would be possible to find a powder product with neither ingredient.

By: amelia

amelia — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 13:32:37 +0000

Hi Savvy Skin! I’m so glad I found your website :) I keep having these breakouts on my chin and around my nose even though the rest of my face is pimple free..I suspect highly that it is due to the makeup I use.I want to get the Neutrogena pressed powder but I have to buy it online as my country does not sell it at all :( I was wondering if you could help me out… I use Loreal true match pressed powder too in W4, natural beige. Do you by any chance know what Neutrogena shade (fair/light/medium) that corresponds too? thanks!!!