You can find many over-the-counter (OTC) products for acne, but are they safe to use? In essence, yes. Most OTC products are suitable for mild to moderate acne, including periodic breakouts. You may find different cleansing lotions, gels, foams, leave-on products, and skincare kits, but choosing an ideal one may be tricky.
Before you pick a particular product for its compelling bottle or a hefty price tag, make sure you read its label and see its ingredients. Certain OTC products for acne may cause severe reactions such as facial swelling or throat tightness. Milder irritations, including redness and itching, are common when applying such products, and you shouldn’t be worried if you notice them right after you’ve used the cream.
Almost every acne-free product contains active ingredients that help beat the underlying factors. Some work by killing the bacteria that provokes inflammation, while others eliminate excess oil from the skin, fostering the growth of new skin cells.
Here are the active ingredients most commonly used in acne products: