Can you treat pimples without using salicylic acid

Why oil cleansing works

A question from our community

We recently received a thoughtful question from a customer about why we formulated our cleanser using apricot kernel oil and avocado oil rather than more commonly used oils such as jojoba, sesame or grapeseed.

The question touched on oil cleansing theory, fatty acid profiles and suitability for oily or acne prone skin. Deborah, our founder, shared such a detailed response that we felt it deserved to be shared as a blog post.

Why oil dissolves oil

Understanding how pores clog

Pores exist to help the skin stay healthy. Beneath the skin are sebaceous glands which produce sebum. Sebum binds to dead skin cells and helps transport them to the surface where they are shed naturally.

Problems arise when:

• Excess oil is produced
• Dead skin cells build up
• Oil and debris become trapped in the pore

When this happens, pores clog and inflammation can develop, leading to pimples or blackheads.

Washing only the surface of the skin does not remove this deeper oil buildup. This is one of the reasons harsh foaming cleansers can be ineffective for acne prone skin.

Why we do not rely on salicylic acid

Treating acne without increasing sensitivity

Salicylic acid can help clear pores when used correctly. However, it can also increase sun sensitivity by up to 50 percent, contributing to photo ageing and skin damage.

For this reason, we choose to support acne prone skin without relying on strong acids that compromise the skin barrier or increase UV vulnerability.

Instead, we use a combination of gentle oils, botanicals and minerals that work with the skin rather than against it.

Why apricot and avocado oils

Not all oils behave the same

Apricot kernel oil and avocado oil were chosen for specific reasons:

• They have a fine molecular structure that allows deep pore penetration
• They dissolve hardened sebum effectively
• They support barrier repair rather than stripping the skin

While these oils are higher in oleic acid, this does not mean they clog pores. In fact, providing the skin with clean external oils helps reduce internal overproduction of sebum.

This is why oily and acne prone skin often improves when oil stripping products are removed from the routine.

A simple way to understand this is to think about cleaning a bathtub ring. Oil removes oil more effectively than harsh detergents.

How the Lemon Myrtle Cleanser supports clear skin

Deep cleansing without stripping

The Lemon Myrtle Cleanser combines apricot kernel oil, avocado oil and aloe vera gel with botanicals such as lemon myrtle, lotus extract and sandalwood oil.

These ingredients work together to:

• Clean deeply within the pores
• Provide antiseptic and anti inflammatory support
• Calm inflamed or infected pores
• Maintain the skin’s natural pH balance

Because it cleans at depth without stripping, it prepares the skin for treatments that follow.

Why cleansing alone is not enough

Detoxifying and balancing the skin

For congested or acne prone skin, cleansing must be paired with detoxification.

The White Clay Mask is essential for drawing out excess oil, impurities and debris from the pores while calming inflammation.

To complete the routine, hydration must be balanced rather than heavy.

The Light Balancing Creme supports oil regulation, hydration and barrier repair without clogging pores.

The most effective routine for acne prone skin

Recommended product bundle

For best results, these products work together as a system:

• Lemon Myrtle Cleanser
• White Clay Mask
• Light Balancing Creme

This combination cleanses deeply, detoxifies pores and restores balance to the skin.

For value and consistency, these products are best used together as part of a prep and hydrate routine.

Final thoughts on oil cleansing and acne

Oil cleansing is not about adding more oil to the skin. It is about restoring balance, supporting barrier health and allowing the skin to regulate itself naturally.

When the skin is supported instead of stripped, congestion reduces, inflammation settles and clarity improves.