How to Tell If Your Shampoo Is Breaking You Out, According to Derms

You'll be surprised which ingredients could be the culprit.

You buy shampoo to clean and clarify impurities on your scalp and in your hair, but what happens when that backfires, and the product that’s supposed to cleanse actually leads to a skin freakout? If you’ve noticed acne or other blemishes around your forehead or on the scalp, it could be a result of the shampoo or other hair-care products you’re using. To get to the bottom of these pesky pimples in spots where they shouldn’t be, we turned to experts for their insight.

What are some common ingredients that can cause breakouts?

There are a handful of ingredients that are common offenders when it comes to causing shampoo-related breakouts. Dr. Elias says any oils, found in pomades, shampoos, conditioners, gels, sprays and waxes, can lead to acne. Dr. Markowitz notes that propylene glycol, tea tree oil and alcohol or alcohol-like ingredients can also lead to breakouts.  

Ingredients in shampoos to avoid that can cause breakouts include sulfates such as sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium laureth sulfate,” adds medical aesthetician Amy Peterson, “Sulfates like these disrupt the skin’s natural barrier function and can lead to inflammation and potential breakouts especially for individuals with sensitive or acne-prone skin. Silicones are also found in many shampoos and can create a film on the scalp which can trap debris and bacteria, which can result in acne. Other popular ingredients found in most shampoos are fragrances and dyes, and these are also potential causes of breakouts because they often contain allergens that can irritate the skin.”