It’s happened to all of us—one day, you notice your trusted product isn’t performing the same, and your skin or hair starts acting up. That’s when you discover the company changed the formula without so much as a heads-up. This happens across the board with shampoos, conditioners, detergents, processed foods, and even beverages.
For those of us with acne-prone or sensitive skin, even the smallest adjustment can wreak havoc. Manufacturers often tweak formulas to cut costs or add new “beneficial” ingredients, but these changes can have unintended consequences.
Not All “Free and Gentle” Products Are Created Equal
A perfect example of this is detergents. Many brands market themselves as “free and gentle,” but not all live up to the promise when it comes to acne-safe ingredients. For instance:
- 7th Generation Liquid Free and Clear contains pore-clogging ingredients.
- All Free and Clear for Sensitive Skin also includes ingredients that can contribute to breakouts.
The truth is, the “free and gentle” label doesn’t always mean acne-safe, which is why staying vigilant is key.
Our New Laundry Detergent Recommendations
We’ve recently discovered that Tide Free and Gentle—previously a go-to for acne-safe laundry—has been reformulated to include sodium laurel sulfate (SLS), making it no longer safe for acne-prone skin.
Thankfully, there are excellent alternatives:
- ECOS Detergent: Gentle, effective, and non-pore-clogging.
- Nine Elements Unscented Laundry Detergent
- Branch Basics Concentrate: A true game-changer. This versatile, acne-safe cleaner works for laundry and so much more.
Remember, what you wash your sheets, towels, and pillowcases in matters—especially pillowcases, since they spend up to eight hours pressed against your face each night. If your detergent contains pore-clogging ingredients, it’s a recipe for clogged pores and breakouts.
Don’t Forget Toothpaste
It’s not just detergents—your toothpaste can also impact your skin. For years, we loved Schmidt’s Wondermint, but unfortunately, it’s been discontinued. Thankfully, we’ve found two incredible replacements:
- Made by Dentists Enamel Rebuilding Toothpaste
- Made by Dentists Ultra Whitening Toothpaste
Both are effective, acne-safe, and gentle on your skin and teeth.
Stay Informed with Our Acne-Safe Shopping List
To help you navigate these ever-changing products, we are updating and adding new approved products to our Acne Safe Shopping List. This curated guide includes all of our top recommendations, from detergents to toothpaste and beyond.
If you need access to this coveted list, let us know! It’s reserved exclusively for clients, and we’ll provide the password upon request.
The Bigger Picture
This formula-switching issue isn’t unique to detergents or toothpaste. I remember when a beloved non-dairy milk brand suddenly began fortifying its product with B12—a nutrient that can trigger acne in some people. What was once a safe choice for clear skin quickly became a potential problem.
So, what can you do?
- Check labels frequently. Even your most trusted products may change without notice.
- Be proactive. When in doubt, test new formulas on a small area before committing fully.
Your skin deserves the best care, and staying informed is one of the best ways to ensure your routine works for you—not against you.
What’s the most surprising formula change you’ve come across? Share your story in the comments!
Cheers to clear!
Joyce