Best Natural Acne Soap to Clear Symptoms and Scarring

Acne can be debilitating.

After struggling with a sudden onset of adult acne out of nowhere, our founder feels your frustration.

With a background in biochem, she was disheartened by what she found on the market.

So, she took matters into her own hands and created her own natural soaps with gentle yet powerhouse ingredients.

Thus, Butter & Lye was born.

Things have taken off more than her wildest dreams could imagine.

And the best part? She cleared up her acne and scarring.

From detoxifying charcoal to healing turmeric, we're here to help you find the perfect match for your needs.

Let’s dive in!

Natural Soaps for Acne and Scarring:

Understanding Acne and Skin Care
Benefits of Natural Soaps For Acne
Detoxifying Charcoal Face & Body Soap
Healing Tumeric Face & Body Soap
Moisturizing Rosehip Face & Body Soap
How to Choose the Right Soap for Your Skin
Ingredients to Avoid
FAQs About Acne & Soap
Additional Resources You May Find Useful
Follow Us On Social

1. Understanding Acne & Skincare

Acne is something many of us deal with, and it can be both physically uncomfortable and emotionally tough.

Our founder, Monique remembers feeling overwhelmed by all the information online—there's just so much out there.

She was so embarrassed when her face products stained her now-husband's pillowcase different colors in her desperate attempts to control her adult acne.

Acne happens when hair follicles get clogged with oil and dead skin cells, leading to inflammation, pimples, and sometimes severe scarring.

Managing it effectively requires a skincare routine that's tailored to your unique skin type and needs.

In this blog we're going to keep it real simple for you because a clean and simple approach worked for Monique, and she hopes it can work for you too.

Is it possible to heal acne?

Yes, it is possible to heal acne, though it can take time for your skin to clear up completely.

Your results will depend on factors like your age, the type and severity of your acne, and if you’re willing to commit to a solid and consistent regimen.

Consistency is key—stick to with it and be patient with the process.

While it can be frustrating, with dedication and the right approach, you can significantly improve your skin's condition and work towards healing your acne.

Back to top

2. The Benefits of Natural Soap for Acne-Prone Skin

Why opt for natural soap over synthetic soap?

You can learn more clicking the link above, but in short:

Using natural soaps for acne offers several benefits:

Gentle on Skin: A good natural soaps is typically free from harsh chemicals, synthetic fragrances, and artificial colors that can irritate sensitive or acne-prone skin. This gentleness helps to reduce inflammation and prevent further breakouts. Remember though, not all natural soaps were created equal - so, do your homework.
Moisturizing Properties: Free from sulphates, Parabens and alcohol that dry the skin out natural soaps are enriched with nourishing ingredients that are more compatible with your skin’s biology. A well-formulated and balanced natural soap should leave your skin feel comfortable and buttery soft. Antibacterial Ingredients: Natural soaps often include antibacterial ingredients like turmeric, rosehips, and tea tree oil which can help reduce the bacteria that contribute to acne formation.

Anti-inflammatory Properties: Ingredients such as turmeric and rosehips also have anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe irritated skin and reduce redness and swelling associated with acne.
Carefully formulated balance of Comedogenic and Non-Comedogenic ingredients: There is a narrative online that suggests everyone with acne should avoid non-comedogenic ingredients at all costs! While it's true that everyone's skin is unique, it's worth noting that certain comedogenic products have scientific backing for their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and sebum-balancing properties.The crucial step is to patch test and observe how your skin responds. If you're feeling frustrated with your current skincare routine, explore your options, regardless of what you may have heard or seen online.
Rich in Antioxidants: Ingredients like turmeric and sage provide antioxidants that help fight free radicals, promoting overall skin health and reducing the likelihood of acne scars.
Balanced pH Levels: Many natural soaps are formulated to have a pH level that is close to that of the skin, helping to maintain the skin’s natural barrier and preventing dryness and irritation.
Eco-Friendly: Natural soaps are often made with sustainable ingredients and minimal packaging, making them a better choice for the environment. At Butter & Lye we go one step further with a focus on community. We have a bar for bar program which means for every natural soap of ours you buy, we donate one to a NYC shelter in collaboration with The Bowery Mission.

Ready to find a natural soap your acne-prone skin will love?

Let's dive in!

Back to top

3. Oil-Reducing Charcoal Face & Body Bar

For anyone who reaches out to me struggling with acne this is the go-to bar we recommend straight off the bat.

"Oily skin and acne prevention have been a main concern of mine since I was a teenager. I’ve always used acne face wash products, but over the years, they’ve gotten too harsh. This charcoal bar is the perfect solution! I use it daily and it visibly keeps my oil and acne under control without the extra dry feeling. My skin feels smooth and soft after each use. I love this bar and highly recommend!"

Why is charcoal a hero ingredient for acne-prone skin?

Scientifically, charcoal's porous structure allows it to absorb a wide range of substances, including bacteria and excess sebum, which are key contributors to acne formation.

Its antibacterial properties further help to eliminate acne-causing bacteria, making it an effective and evidence-based solution for clearer, healthier skin.

Back to top

4. Healing Tumeric Face & Body Bar

A healing turmeric face and body soap is a great option for addressing both acne and scarring due to its unique properties.

Don’t worry it won’t dye your face yellow, I promise!

Anti-Inflammatory Benefits: Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound known for its powerful anti-inflammatory properties. These properties help reduce inflammation associated with acne, soothing redness and discomfort. Additionally, by calming inflammation, turmeric can aid in the healing process, minimizing the appearance of acne scars over time. Antioxidant Properties: Turmeric is RICH in antioxidants, which help neutralize free radicals and protect the skin from oxidative stress. This can prevent further damage to the skin and promote cell repair, aiding in the fading of acne scars and promoting overall skin health.
Lightening and Brightening Effects: Turmeric has natural skin-brightening properties that can help fade hyperpigmentation and dark spots left behind by acne. Regular use of turmeric soap can lead to a more even complexion and reduced visibility of acne scars.
Gentle Exfoliation: Our turmeric soap contains mild exfoliants, such as ground turmeric and kaolin clay, which can help slough off dead skin cells and promote cell turnover. This gentle exfoliation can improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of acne scars by encouraging the growth of new, healthy skin cells. It’s also free from harsh chemicals, synthetic fragrances and artificial colors. With consistent use, it can help improve the appearance of acne-prone skin and promote a smoother, clearer complexion. (

Why is tumeric a star-ingredient for acne and scarring?

Turmeric's star status for acne and scarring stems from its active compound, curcumin, which boasts potent anti-inflammatory properties that calm acne-related inflammation and aid in scar healing.

Additionally, curcumin's antioxidant prowess helps fend off free radicals, promoting skin repair and reducing hyperpigmentation, resulting in clearer, more even-toned skin.

Back to top

5. Moisturizing Rosehip Face & Body Bar

If you’re dying to hydrate your skin but scared you’re going to clog your pores and make things worse, consider rosehips!

A moisturizing rosehip face and body soap is an excellent option for acne and scarring due to several reasons:

Hydration: Rosehip oil is rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins, providing deep hydration to the skin without clogging pores. Proper hydration is crucial for maintaining a healthy skin barrier, which can aid in acne healing and scar reduction.
Regenerative Properties: Rosehip oil contains natural retinoids, which promote skin cell regeneration and repair. This can also help fade acne scars and hyperpigmentation over time, leading to a smoother and more even complexion.
Antioxidant Protection: Rosehip oil is packed with antioxidants, such as vitamin C and E, which help protect the skin from free radical damage. This can prevent further damage to the skin and promote overall skin health, aiding in the healing of acne and scars. It’s also free from harsh chemicals, synthetic fragrances and artificial colors. With consistent use, it can help improve the appearance of acne-prone skin and promote a smoother, clearer complexion.

Why are Rosehips a star ingredient for acne and scarring?

Rosehips make the grade thanks to their vitamin-packed punch, including A, C, and E, which work wonders for your skin—think nourishment, calming inflammation, and speeding up the healing process.

They're basically the fruit babies of rose plants, picked after the petals have had their moment.

And get this—they've been rocking the skincare scene for eons, with ancient civilizations like the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans singing their praises for thousands of years.

Back to top

6. How to Choose The Right Soap For You?

With so many soap options out there, finding the perfect one can feel like a daunting task, right?

Especially when natural soaps, which often deliver the best results, tend to come with a higher price tag.

But hey, no one wants to break the bank!

That's why we've poured my heart into crafting soaps with sensitive skin in mind, all while keeping them affordable at just $10 USD per bar.

Because let's face it, everyone's skin is unique, and what works wonders for one person might not be the best fit for another.

That's why we've made it easy for you to mix and match with our personalized bundle options.

Choose any 3 soaps to create your own custom set at a discounted price and discover your new favorites without the guesswork.

Because when it comes to skincare, finding what works for you should be made simple.

Click here to create your personalised bundle.

The 3 options we've listed in this blog are a great start but if you want to explore more there's also:

Back to top

7. Ingredients Acne-Prone Skin Should Avoid

Here's a quick rundown of ingredients we recommend steering clear of if you're dealing with acne:

Artificial Fragrances: Watch out for terms like "fragrance," "parfum," or "perfume" on the label. They often mean there's a mix of synthetic fragrances lurking inside that could upset your skin.
Alcohol: Keep an eye out for "alcohol denat," "ethyl alcohol," "isopropyl alcohol," or "SD alcohol." These can be drying and strip your skin of its natural oils.
Sulfates: Ingredients like "sodium lauryl sulfate" (SLS) or "sodium laureth sulfate" (SLES) in cleansers might be too harsh for your skin, so it's best to avoid them.

Silicones: Look for words ending in "-cone," "-methicone," or "-siloxane." These can form a barrier on your skin that might worsen acne.
Denatured or SD Alcohol: If you spot "denatured alcohol" or "SD alcohol" on the label, it could mean trouble for your skin. These alcohols can be irritating and drying.
Artificial Colors: Keep an eye out for terms like FD&C or D&C followed by a color and a number, like "FD&C Red No. 40" or "D&C Yellow No. 5." These synthetic dyes could potentially irritate your skin and make acne worse. Avoiding these ingredients can help prevent irritation and flare-ups, keeping your skin happy and clear.

Back to top

8.FAQs About Acne & Soap

Here are some of the most common questions surrounding acne, soap, and skincare, we hope you find the answers helpful!

Q. Does hard water affect acne?

A. Yes, hard water can potentially worsen acne for some individuals. The minerals in hard water, such as calcium and magnesium, can leave residue on the skin, leading to clogged pores and irritation, which may exacerbate acne breakouts.

Q. Does using soap help with acne?

A. Yes, using a suitable soap can help manage acne by removing excess oil, dirt, and bacteria from the skin, which are contributing factors to acne breakouts.

Q. What type of soap is best for acne-prone skin?

A. A gentle, natural soap that is free from harsh chemicals and fragrances is best for acne-prone skin. Look for ingredients like charcoal, or turmeric can be effective in managing acne due to their antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and detoxifying properties.

Q. How often should I use soap for acne?

A. It's generally recommended to wash your face twice a day with a gentle soap suitable for acne-prone skin, once in the morning and once before bed. Over-washing can strip the skin of its natural oils and worsen acne.

Q. Can soap worsen acne?

A. Yes, using harsh synthetic soaps that strip the skin of its natural oils can irritate the skin and worsen acne. It's important to choose a gentle soap specifically formulated for acne-prone skin.

Q. Should I moisturize after using acne soap?

A. Yes, it's essential to moisturize after using acne soap to prevent dryness and maintain skin hydration. Look for oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizers that won't clog pores.

Q. How long does it take for acne soap to work?

A. The effectiveness of acne soap varies from person to person. Some may see improvement within a few days, while others may take several weeks or months to notice a difference. Consistency with use and patience are key.

Q. Can I use acne soap on my body?

A. Yes, we have both a face and body range, as well as just a body range to use on areas prone to acne breakouts, such as the chest, back, and shoulders. Just ensure the soap is suitable for use on the face and won't be too rough on delicate skin.

Feel free to let me know in the comments if you have any further questions, I would be happy to answer them for you.

Back to top

9.Additional Resources You May Find Useful

Back to top

If you're intereted in living more naturally, you've found your tribe!

Join the community on Instagram @butterandlye a fun space that showcases how we're building a better and brighter future for all.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Butter & Lye | Sensitive Skin Approved (@butterandlye)

Pssst! We often share exclusive discount codes there too!

If you know someone who this article may help we would greatly appreciate it if you shared it with them.

Thank you for reading!

Best Natural Acne Soap to Clear Symptoms and Scarring

Natural Soaps for Acne and Scarring: