Everyone drinks protein shakes these days – but did you know that not all protein powders are created equal?! In fact, you’d be surprised to know how many popular protein powder brands use fillers and other acne-triggering ingredients.
To help you find a good product, we’ve researched & compared some of the best protein supplements on the market right now.
But first, let’s talk about what acne culprits are in protein shakes.
What Causes Acne in Protein Shakes?
The most common culprits of acne-causing ingredients in protein supplements are dairy or casein, whey, soy, b12, algae derivatives, biotin, and public enemy no. 1, sugar!
Most protein powder supplements contain fillers and lots of sugar which is a big no-no for those fortunate ones with acne-prone skin.
Choose Protein Shakes Wisely
Say No to Soy & Whey!
You need to avoid whey and casein proteins. Whey protein is one of the two main proteins in cow’s milk (the other being casein). Whey protein is a by-product of cheese making. It’s an almost neon-yellowish liquid that’s strained off in the initial draining of most cheeses.
Whey is dairy and must be avoided.
Soy also is not good for acne-prone skin. Stay away from soy proteins if you want to get clear or stay luminous!
We recommend using pea protein, rice protein, or hemp protein.
Blend Protein Powder Carefully
I don’t know about you, but I always make my shakes with water and ice, though you could easily use coconut milk, almond milk, or oat milk as the liquid. I also like to substitute frozen fruit for ice. It gives it a thicker consistency and adds flavor to the drink.
Make sure you choose low to no sugar options.
Many protein shakes are packed with sugar to make them taste better. We know this may be singing a sweet tune to your taste buds, but we can assure you, that it won’t be singing the same sweet tune to your skin health.
If you’re looking to up the sweet tooth ante on your protein shake, we recommend using natural fruits, like berries or bananas, to satisfy your craving instead.
Not all Vegan Protein Powders Are Made The Same
Vegan protein powders are a much better alternative for most people prone to acne. So we did some taste testing and took a closer look at the ingredients of a few favorite choices.
Arbonne Protein Shake Mix – Vanilla
At a glance, this protein powder looked like a good pick because we saw it was made from pea protein powder, cranberry protein, and rice protein. Pea protein is one of the easiest types of protein powder to digest. This shake has 160 calories and 20 grams of protein per serving.
This mix is sweetened with cane sugar as well, making it less ideal than a mix made with organic coconut palm sugar.
But upon further investigation, we discovered that it has biotin and B12 in it which is not safe for acne. While this shake is delicious, we had to give it a thumbs down for the clean factor.
Trader Joes Vanilla Organic Pea Protein Powder
This one was impressive!
We mixed this with water and ice. It’s a fairly bland flavor (not too sweet or vanilla “y”) but we feel it’s a good base powder to mix in other things like almond butter and a banana or any fruits.
It’s made with organic pea protein, organic coconut palm sugar, and organic vanilla. There are 130 calories and 20 grams of protein per serving.
All in all, it’s a very clean choice for someone with acne. Thumbs up for the clean factor!
Vega (One) Protein and Greens
I’m so glad we’re reviewing this choice because it shows us why it’s so important not to take things for face value all the time. Read the labels on every product – even if it’s the same brand.
Things we like about this powder are it’s made with pea protein, hemp seed protein, and brown rice protein. There are 110 calories, 20 grams of protein, and 1 gram of sugar per serving. (Sounds, good right?)
The vanilla flavor checked off all the “safe for acne” boxes. But interestingly enough – the chocolate flavor contains B12 and spirulina! Both ingredients are not safe for acne-prone clients.
Vanilla, thumbs up! Chocolate, thumbs down.
Twenty2 Nutrition
This protein powder made from collagen egg protein gets a thumbs up. Surprisingly, it doesn’t irritate acne-prone skin being that it’s made with eggs.
The flavor we tasted was cinnamon oatmeal, which sort of reminded us of our favorite horchata drink! It’s delicious and nutritious. There are 140 calories and 20 grams of protein per serving.
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptide
We like this choice because it’s a powerhouse multi-tasker!
For the die-hard Collagen Peptides fan who’s looking for a little something extra in their routine, this option puts a “boost” in their scoop. You’re getting all the benefits of a protein shake with 70 calories and 18 grams of protein per serving in addition to hyaluronic acid and vitamin C.
Big thumbs up!
Keto – Ketogenic Collagen Protein Powder Description from Orgain
This protein powder has the same grass-fed collagen peptides you love in the Vital Collagen Peptides. We taste-tested the chocolate flavor which we really liked because it reminded us of drinking cold chocolate milk!
There are 90 calories and 10 grams of protein per serving in this supplement. It’s a clean vegan option that is acne safe. A protein shake that tastes good AND it’s healthy? Enough Said.
Final Thoughts
Remember:
Read all labels! Avoid B12, and algae components.
Opt for an organic palm sugar sweetener instead of cane sugar or if you can help it, choose a sugar-free option. And always say no way Jose to soy and whey!
Choosing a protein powder that doesn’t cause acne can be tough. It will come down to finding what works for you. However, we hope we’ve provided you with enough information to confidently choose a clean acne-safe option.
Are you still not sure which ingredients trigger acne breakouts? Schedule your initial acne consultation, and we will help you get started on your clear skin journey!
Cheers to clear!
Rene