Does setting spray cause acne? NO? Why? 2024

Acne is one of the most common skin problems that people of all ages suffer from. And while there are many different causes of acne, one of the most common questions we get asked is whether setting spray can cause acne.

So, does setting spray cause acne? The short answer is no. Setting spray does not cause acne. However, we should caveat that by saying that certain ingredients in some setting sprays may aggravate existing acne or even cause breakouts in people who are susceptible to them.

Does setting spray cause acne?

There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on a number of factors, including the ingredients in the setting spray, your skin type, and whether you are using other products that could be causing or exacerbating your acne.

However, there are some general things to keep in mind that may help you avoid setting spray-induced breakouts.

First, make sure you’re using a setting spray that is suitable for your skin type – if you have oily or acne-prone skin, look for a setting spray that is oil-free and non-comedogenic.

Second, be sure to cleanse your face thoroughly before applying setting spray, and avoid spraying it directly onto any pimples or blemishes.

Finally, don’t forget to remove your makeup and setting spray at the end of the day – letting it sit on your skin overnight can clog pores and lead to breakouts.

The possible causes of acne from setting spray

While the cause of acne is largely unknown, there are many possible contributing factors, including genetics, diet, stress, and hormone levels. One possible cause of acne that is often overlooked is the use of cosmetics, including setting spray.

While it is not clear how exactly setting spray could contribute to acne, it is thought that the ingredients in some setting sprays may clog pores and trap oil and bacteria on the skin.

If you have oily skin, the setting spray can add to your oiliness and make your acne worse.

This can lead to inflammation and breakouts. If you are concerned about setting spray causing acne, you may want to try using an oil-free or non-comedogenic setting spray.

10 Tips on How to avoid setting spray-induced acne

Setting spray is a makeup product that is used to keep your makeup in place and make it last longer. It can be tempting to use setting spray every day, but if you have acne-prone skin, you may want to avoid this product.

If you want to use a setting spray, there are a few things you can do to avoid causing acne.

To avoid setting spray-induced acne, you should take the following steps:

1. Make sure you clean your skin thoroughly before applying makeup. The dirt, oil, or bacteria will be removed this way.
2. Avoid using it on your T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin). These parts are easily prone to acne. 
3. Apply it lightly, and avoid spraying too close to your face. You don’t need to douse your face in the stuff; a light mist will do.
4. Cut back on how often you use setting spray. If you only use it on special occasions, that should be fine—just don’t use it every day.
5. Remove face makeup and carefully cleanse your skin at the end of the day.
6. Don’t use expired makeup or setting spray.
7. Regular exfoliation will remove dead skin cells and unclog your pores.
8. Use oil-free and water-based setting spray.
9. Use setting powder instead of setting spray.
10. Consider buying a product that is specifically formulated for sensitive skin, or that has a non-acnegenic or non-comedogenic label.

Each person’s skin is unique, so what works for one may not work for another. You should consult a dermatologist if you have persistent acne.

By following these tips, you can avoid setting spray-induced acne and keep your complexion clear and blemish-free.

Benefits of Using Setting Spray for Acne Prone Skin

Setting spray helps keep your makeup in place and prevents it from creasing or smudging, which is always a plus. It is also beneficial to acne-prone skin, did you know?

The following reasons explain why acne-prone skin should use setting spray:

• Control excess oil production: Oily skin is one of the main causes of breakouts. Using a setting spray can help prevent your makeup from sliding off or looking greasy.
• Keep your makeup in place: Makeup can be tricky on acne-prone skin. It is important to cover up blemishes without making them worse. A setting spray will help makeup won’t slide off and won’t aggravate your acne.
• Prevent makeup from creasing or smudging: Having acne-prone skin can be even more frustrating when your makeup creases or smudges. Setting spray keeps your makeup looking fresh all day.

An acne-prone skin type should definitely consider using a setting spray. Here are 4 of the best setting sprays for acne-prone skin.

4 best setting sprays for acne-prone skin

As we mentioned above, there are a few things to consider when choosing the best setting spray for acne-prone skin. Let’s take a look again for your ease of access.

First, look for a setting spray that is oil-free and non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog your pores.

Second, choose a setting spray with ingredients that help control oil and reduce shine.

And last, make sure the setting spray you choose is suitable for your skin type.

Here are our top picks for the best setting sprays for acne-prone skin:

1. e.l.f. Matte Magic Mist & Set – (Multi-Tasking)

e.l.f.’s mattifying setting spray is great for people who are tired of blotting and/or worrying about redness.

It contains Arctium Majus Root, which has been shown to help treat acne, especially inflammatory acne. 

Furthermore, the spray contains vitamins B and E to add an extra layer of antioxidant protection. 

It helps control excess oil production, decrease inflammation, and prevent free radical damage – all for the cost of an oat milk latte.

2. NYX Professional Matte Finish Makeup Setting Spray (Most Popular)

The more rave Amazon reviews there are, the more respect the product has. This is the best drugstore setting spray for acne-prone skin.

NYX’s mattifying setting spray promises to prolong the life of your makeup for up to 16 hours and balance your skin’s oil production.

Additionally, it contains niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3) to promote a brighter, more even complexion, which can be especially beneficial for acne-prone skin.

3. Urban Decay All Nighter Ultra Matte Setting Spray

This iconic mattifying setting spray is a favorite among makeup artists who recommend it for acne-prone skin types due to its lightweight, smudge-proof, and transfer-proof properties that absorb excess oil.

They also said that this is a popular setting spray that provides exactly what it promises.

What makes this setting spray a favorite among fans? Urban Decay’s All Nighter spray contains its patented Temperature Control Technology, which lowers makeup’s temperature so sweat, excess oil production, and heat are less likely to melt it off.

With its 16-hour wear time, this formula will keep your makeup looking just as good at the end of the day as when you applied it.

4. Rimmel London Stay Matte Fix & Go 2-in-1 Primer & Setting Spray

Do you want to downsize your cosmetics collection? With Rimmel London’s Fix & Go 2-in-1, you can prepare your makeup and set it with one product. It is both a setting spray and primer. 

Save your money with this two-in-one product. It solves the problem of excess shine. Its oil-free and mattifying formula is perfect for acne-prone and oily skin types.

With ingredients such as sodium PCA and urea, this dual-action product mattifies the skin while gently hydrating it throughout the day. Moreover, this formula contains cucumber, which reduces redness.

The bottom line on setting spray and acne

There is no definitive answer to this question, as everyone’s skin is different and reacts differently to different products. However, setting spray does not generally cause acne, and may even help to prevent it by keeping makeup in place and keeping skin from becoming too dry or oily.

If you are concerned about setting spray causing acne, try using a hypoallergenic or noncomedogenic product, and always moisturize before applying makeup.

FAQs about setting spray and acne