Best Natural Topical Acne Treatments

by Rachel Kirby

Application of Topical Treatment for Acne

There's a growing list of trendy topical treatments that TikTok has convinced us are essential for any skincare routine. However, if you're dealing with hormonal acne—pimples on the chin and jawline—it's important to focus on products and ingredients that actually benefit these types of breakouts without disrupting the delicate hormonal balance in your body.

CAN TOPICAL TREATMENTS HELP HORMONAL ACNE?

Topical acne treatments, on their own, are unlikely to completely eliminate persistent hormonal acne in the long-term. This is because they don't address the internal root cause—hormone imbalance. Determining what hormone imbalance is causing your hormonal acne, understanding the potential reasons for that hormone imbalance, and then proactively managing those factors is the key to achieving acne-free skin.

Take our free hormone balance quiz to connect your symptoms and lifestyle factors to acne-causing hormone imbalances.

That said, topical acne treatments can be really effective at keeping skin free of bacteria and dead skin cells, healing existing breakouts, and fading acne scars. Pairing healthy hormone-balancing habits and supplements with a consistent topical acne treatment regimen will provide optimal results. Just ensure you're using non-toxic skincare products. The more natural the ingredients, the less likely they are to throw your hormones, and skin, off balance, and cause other side effects, like irritation. Here are some natural topical ingredients that can help treat your hormonal acne both effectively and safely.

THE BEST NATURAL TOPICAL HORMONAL ACNE TREATMENTS

SALICYLIC ACID

Salicylic Acid is a BHA (beta hydroxy acid) often derived from willow bark. It gently exfoliates the skin to encourage dead skin cells to shed so they don’t have the opportunity to build up and clog pores.

NIACINAMIDE

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that helps control excess sebum production. It also reduces inflammation, redness, and acne marks.

VITAMIN C

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps reduce inflammation. It also brightens skin, boosts collagen (which accelerates healing), and protects the skin from environmental stressors.

KOJIC ACID

Kojic Acid is a naturally occurring compound produced by certain fungi. It has antimicrobial properties (protection against bacteria) that help detoxify pores. It also helps fade acne marks and brighten skin.

LICORICE EXTRACT

Licorice Extract is derived from the root of the licorice plant. It has antimicrobial properties, helps fade acne marks, and protects the skin against UV-induced damage.

ALOE VERA GEL

Aloe Vera Gel has natural bacteria and inflammation fighting properties, and can help speed up the healing process. DIY tip: Buy an aloe vera plant and scrape out the gel inside to use in place of a cleanser, spot treatment, or mask.

TEA

Tea is rich in polyphenol antioxidants which help fight inflammation and reduce sebum production. DIY tip: Apply cooled, steeped green tea as a facial toner.

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

Apple Cider Vinegar contains acetic acid which helps to fight acne-causing bacteria and fade acne marks. DIY tip: Dilute apple cider vinegar with water (1:1 ratio) and use it as a natural toner.

OTHER EFFECTIVE NATURAL TOPICAL HORMONAL ACNE TREATMENTS

Hyaluronic acid
Azelaic acid
Kaolin clay
Witch hazel
Tea tree oil
Evening primrose oil
Rose water
Honey
Lemon
Spearmint
Echinacea
Eucalyptus
Vitamin E

The efficacy of these treatments will vary from person to person, so experiment with a few different products to find what works best for your hormonal acne. They could also require some time to take effect. Patience and persistence will go a long way.

Most importantly, remember that acne-free skin starts from within. While these natural topical ingredients can help heal existing breakouts and scars, they can’t address hormone imbalances. Without internal changes, your hormonal pimples will probably keep popping up. Following a hormonal acne diet and making healthy hormone lifestyle changes are great ways to help restore hormonal balance in the body and achieve lasting results. If you’re looking for a little extra support, our hormonal acne supplement, Balance, is an excellent way to kickstart your hormonal balance journey. Take our free hormone balance quiz to see if Balance is right for you.

Rachel Kirby

Founder of Cocoon

Rachel Kirby is the founder of Cocoon, an internal skincare company specializing in hormonal acne supplements. With over seven years of experience managing global health and beauty brands like COVERGIRL and Clearasil, and a personal journey of overcoming hormonal acne naturally, Rachel launched Cocoon in 2023. Since then, Cocoon has helped hundreds of women balance their hormones and achieve clearer, healthier skin.