Can Setting Spray Cause Breakouts? USA 2024

If you’re anything like me, you love makeup. But sometimes, your skin can pay the price for all that foundation, powder, and concealer. One way to avoid breakouts is to use a setting spray. But beware – some setting sprays can actually cause breakouts! Here’s what you need to know about setting spray and acne.

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Can setting spray cause breakouts?

A setting spray is a fine mist that you can use to hold your makeup in place. It can be used on its own or after applying makeup to help set it up.

Although setting sprays are generally safe to use, some people may be allergic to the ingredients in them. This can cause breakouts or other skin reactions. If you notice any irritation after using a setting spray, discontinue using it and consult a doctor if necessary.

How to avoid breakouts when using a setting spray.

While it’s true that setting spray can cause breakouts, there are ways to avoid this problem. First, be sure to clean your face thoroughly before applying the setting spray. Second, use a light hand when applying the spray, and don’t overdo it. Third, choose a setting spray that is oil-free and non-comedogenic. Finally, be sure to remove all traces of setting spray from your face before going to bed. Following these tips should help you avoid breakouts when using a setting spray.

The best setting sprays for avoiding breakouts.

There are a few things to look for in a good setting spray if you’re wanting to avoid breakouts. First, make sure it’s oil-free. Secondly, look for one that has Dimethicone listed as one of the first five ingredients. Dimethicone is a type of silicone that helps to temporarily fill in pores and fine lines, creating a smooth surface on the skin that makeup can adhere to more easily.

Another ingredient to look for is glycerin, which is a humectant that helps attract moisture to the skin. This is important because when skin is adequately hydrated, it’s less likely to produce excess oil which can lead to breakouts.

Finally, make sure the setting spray you choose is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores. Here are a few of our favorites:

–NYX Cosmetics Matte Finish Makeup Setting Spray: This drugstore setting spray contains both glycerin and dimethicone for a reasonable price.

–MAC Fix+: A cult-favorite setting spray that also contains glycerin and dimethicone, this one also has a refreshing green tea scent.

–Milk Makeup Blur Stick: This one goes on like a primer and contains silicone polymers which help blur the appearance of pores and fine lines while mattifying the skin.

The worst setting sprays for causing breakouts.

We all know the feeling: you’ve just applied your makeup, and it looks bomb. But then, a few hours later, you catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror and realize that your once-flawless complexion has turned into a grease-slicked, breakout-ridden mess. And all you can think is: setting spray, why hast thou forsaken me?

Chances are if you’re experiencing this issue on the reg, it’s not your setting spray that’s to blame — it’s the ingredients list.

Yep, that’s right: Just like your favorite face wash or moisturizer, the ingredients in your setting spray can either be your BFF or your worst enemy when it comes to keeping your skin clear.

The good news? We did some digging and found three (totally natural!) setting sprays that will help keep breakouts at bay — no matter how oily your skin might be.

How to tell if your setting spray is causing breakouts.

If you love makeup, you’ve probably tried a setting spray. They’re awesome for making your makeup last all day, but they can also be a breeding ground for bacteria — which can lead to breakouts.

So, how can you tell if your setting spray is causing breakouts? Here are a few things to look for:

Do you notice more breakouts around your hairline or on your cheeks? This could be a sign that your setting spray is contaminated with bacteria.
Do you notice that your skin is extra oily after using setting spray? This could be a sign that the product is clogging your pores.
Do you notice that your skin is extra dry after using setting spray? This could be a sign that the product is stripping your skin of its natural oils.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to ditch your setting spray and switch to a better option.

Setting spray ingredients to avoid if you’re prone to breakouts.

If you have acne-prone skin, you may want to take a closer look at the ingredients in your setting spray. Many setting sprays contain alcohol, which can dry out your skin and make it more susceptible to breakouts. Other common acne-causing ingredients include fragrances, mineral oil, and silicone.

If you’re concerned about breakouts, look for setting sprays that are alcohol-free and non-comedogenic (meaning they won’t clog your pores). You might also want to try a natural setting spray made with ingredients like Witch Hazel or Rosewater.

The best way to apply setting spray to avoid breakouts.

When applied correctly, a setting spray can actually help to avoid breakouts by keeping your makeup in place and preventing it from rubbing off onto your skin. However, if you’re not careful, setting spray can also cause breakouts. Here are a few tips to help you avoid this problem:

Shake the bottle well before use to ensure that the ingredients are mixed evenly.
Spray the setting spray onto your brush or beauty blender, and then apply it to your face. Avoid spraying directly onto your skin.
Allow the setting spray to dry completely before applying any other products to your face.
Be sure to clean your brushes and beauty blender regularly to avoid the buildup of bacteria.

Top Pick

4.8/5

★★★★★

Buy on Amazon

Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray

Pros

Lightweight
Makeup looks fresh and last for long
Good longevity and Very comfortable.
Affordable

Cons

Other setting sprays smell better than it.

Bottom Line

Urban Decay’s All-Nighter Makeup Setting Spray is a cult classic because it makes makeup long-lasting for hours.

How often to clean your setting spray to avoid breakouts?

Wondering how often to clean your setting spray to avoid breakouts? Here’s what dermatologists say you should do to make sure your makeup doesn’t cause pimples.

It’s no secret that makeup can cause breakouts. In fact, any kind of product that you put on your face has the potential to clog your pores and lead to a blemish (or two, or three).

And while we all know that we should be washing our face every night before bed, sometimes we just don’t have time (or we’re too tired) to do a full routine.

That’s where the setting spray comes in: It’s like an extra step that takes seconds, and it can help keep your makeup in place all day long. But if you don’t clean your setting spray regularly, it can actually cause breakouts.

“Setting sprays can become contaminated with dirt and bacteria from the air and from your skin,” Dr. Joshua Zeichner, the director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, tells Allure. “When you reapply contaminated setting spray to your skin, you can end up spreading bacteria which can lead to pimples.”

So how often should you be cleaning your setting spray? Zeichner recommends doing it once a week — but if you wear makeup every day, you may want to do it more often. “If you feel that your setting spray is causing breakouts, then clean it more frequently until you get things under control,” he says.

Cleaning your setting spray is pretty easy: Just pump some into a cotton pad and wipe it all over the nozzle. Then, rinse the nozzle with warm water and dry it off with a clean towel. Voilà — now you’re good to go for another week (or until your next breakout).

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