If you've ever struggled with acne, you've probably been told to exfoliate more, strip away excess oil or try yet another active ingredient.

Salicylic acid. Benzoyl peroxide. Retinoids. The list goes on.

But what about protecting your skin?

I'm Sian, founder and formulator of Obvs Skincare, and I think zinc oxide deserves far more attention when we're talking about skincare for acne-prone skin.

It's one of my favourite ingredients, and there's a reason I chose it for my Intensive Skin Recovery Cream.

Why is zinc oxide so interesting for acne-prone skin?

Zinc oxide is a mineral ingredient with a long history of use in protective skincare.

But zinc compounds have also attracted scientific interest for their relationship with acne, particularly inflammation, bacteria and sebum.

And some of the research is fascinating.

1. Zinc has been studied for its role in acne

A 2013 scientific review examined oral and topical zinc in acne management.

Researchers discussed zinc's potential antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, along with its possible influence on sebum production.

Now, different zinc compounds behave differently, so we can't assume every result applies to zinc oxide in a cosmetic cream.

But it's one of the reasons I find zinc chemistry so interesting.

2. A zinc oxide-containing cream was compared with benzoyl peroxide

This is a study I find particularly interesting.

A randomised clinical trial compared a cream containing zinc oxide and chloroxylenol with a 5% benzoyl peroxide cream.

After eight weeks, both active formulations performed better than the control cream, and researchers found no statistically significant difference between the two active formulations in reducing acne lesions.

That's fascinating!

Of course, the zinc oxide formulation also contained chloroxylenol, so we can't say zinc oxide alone was responsible for the results.

But it shows why I think zinc-containing formulations deserve more scientific attention.

3. Zinc oxide continues to attract research interest

Scientists are also investigating specialised zinc oxide nanoparticle formulations for their potential effects on acne-associated bacteria and inflammation.

Some laboratory findings are promising.

However, these experimental nanoparticles are not the same as the non-nano zinc oxide I use at Obvs, and further human research is needed.

Why I chose zinc oxide for Intensive Skin Recovery Cream

When I developed Intensive Skin Recovery Cream, I wanted a carefully considered formula that would provide protective care for skin that feels sore, dry or uncomfortable.

I chose:

• Non-nano zinc oxide for its protective function on the skin.
• Organic shea butter to soften and condition the skin.
• Organic safflower oil for its emollient properties.
• Arrowroot powder to improve the texture and reduce the greasy feel.
• Vitamin E to help protect the oils within the formula from oxidation.

Every ingredient has a job.

No unnecessary fragrance. No complicated formulation designed around the latest trend.

Just ingredients I've selected for a reason.

Fight oil with oil!

Yes, you read that correctly.

Fight oil with oil.

If you've got oily or acne-prone skin, you've probably spent years trying to get rid of every last trace of oil.

But your skin naturally produces sebum for a reason.

Sebum is part of the lipid mixture that helps protect your skin's surface.

And here's where oil-based skincare becomes interesting.

Oil-based cleansers can help dissolve make-up, sunscreen and oily residue without relying on a harsh, stripping cleansing experience.

This is why I'm such a fan of oil cleansing.

That doesn't mean all water-based skincare is bad or that every plant oil suits acne-prone skin. Some people do better with lightweight, water-based products, and some richer formulas can contribute to congestion.

But I don't believe oily skin automatically needs aggressive cleansing.

Quite the opposite.

I believe in treating it with care.

Step 1: Cleanse with Obvs Organic Fragrance Free Cleanser

One of the first things I'd look at in an acne-prone skincare routine is the cleanser.

Does your skin feel tight after washing?

Does it feel uncomfortable?

Are you cleansing so aggressively that your skin feels stripped?

My Organic Fragrance Free Cleanser is an oil-based cleansing balm designed to lift away daily grime, make-up and excess surface oil.

I love this approach because it allows you to cleanse while leaving the skin feeling soft and comfortable.

How I recommend using it

1. Massage a small amount onto dry skin.
2. Work it gently over your face to loosen make-up, sunscreen and daily build-up.
3. Remove with a warm, damp cloth.
4. Pat your skin dry without rubbing.

No aggressive scrubbing required.

Step 2: Moisturise with Obvs Organic Naked Moisturiser

Here's another misconception I want to challenge.

Oily skin doesn't mean you should skip moisturiser.

Your skin can produce plenty of sebum and still feel dehydrated.

That's because sebum production and water content aren't the same thing.

My Organic Naked Moisturiser is fragrance free and formulated with carefully selected ingredients to soften and moisturise the skin.

It's a straightforward option for people who want to avoid added fragrance in their skincare routine.

You don't need ten different serums and creams.

Sometimes a gentle cleanser and a moisturiser that suits your skin are all you need alongside any appropriate acne treatment.

And that's exactly the sort of simplicity I love.

Step 3: Give uncomfortable areas extra care with Intensive Skin Recovery Cream

This is where my favourite ingredient comes in.

Zinc oxide.

My Intensive Skin Recovery Cream is a waterless formula containing non-nano zinc oxide, organic shea butter and organic safflower oil.

I designed it to provide protective, conditioning care for areas of skin that need a little extra attention.

How I recommend using it

Apply a small amount to areas that feel dry or uncomfortable, after your normal cleansing and moisturising steps.

You don't necessarily need to cover your entire face in a thick layer.

Start with a small amount and see how your skin responds.

If your skin is prone to clogged pores, patch test first and discontinue use if the product seems to worsen congestion.

And if you're using prescribed acne medication, follow your healthcare professional's instructions.

Three products. Three different jobs. One simple routine.

This is exactly why I created the Obvs Acne Bundle.

I wanted to bring together three complementary products without making skincare feel unnecessarily complicated.

Organic Fragrance Free Cleanser

To gently remove make-up, sunscreen and daily build-up.

Organic Naked Moisturiser

To moisturise and soften the skin without added fragrance.

Intensive Skin Recovery Cream

To provide additional protective care to areas that feel dry or uncomfortable.

Three different formulations, each with its own purpose.

And importantly, you don't have to use every product all over your face.

It's about understanding your skin and choosing what it actually needs.

So, is zinc oxide the best skincare ingredient for acne-prone skin?

It's certainly one of my favourite ingredients for protective skincare.

But there's an important distinction between treating acne itself and caring for skin that is also sensitive, dry or uncomfortable.

Established acne treatments such as benzoyl peroxide and topical retinoids have stronger clinical evidence for reducing acne lesions.

Zinc oxide, meanwhile, has an established protective role in cosmetic formulations, and zinc-related acne research continues to develop.

That's why I've chosen it for Intensive Skin Recovery Cream.

Not because I believe in miracle ingredients.

Because I believe in understanding what ingredients do and formulating products with a purpose.

Discover the Obvs Acne Bundle

My own experience with hormonal acne is what started my skincare journey.

I know how frustrating it can be when your skin feels unpredictable and you're spending a fortune trying different products.

That's why I created Obvs.

Simple skincare. Carefully selected ingredients. No unnecessary fragrance.

If you're looking to simplify your routine and introduce gentle cleansing, moisturising and protective care, I've brought my three complementary products together for you.

The Obvs Acne Bundle

Includes:

• Organic Fragrance Free Cleanser
• Organic Naked Moisturiser
• Intensive Skin Recovery Cream

£64.99 for the complete bundle.

Shop the Obvs Acne Bundle

Your skin doesn't need a complicated routine to deserve thoughtful care.

All my best,

Sian x

Founder & Formulator, Obvs Skincare

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Scientific references

1. Brandt S. (2013). The clinical effects of zinc as a topical or oral agent on the clinical response and pathophysiologic mechanisms of acne. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23652948/

2. Papageorgiou PP, Chu AC. (2000). Chloroxylenol and zinc oxide containing cream versus 5% benzoyl peroxide cream in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Clinical and Experimental Dermatology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10671963/

3. Crainic D et al. (2025). Topical Zinc Oxide Nanoparticle Formulations for Acne Vulgaris: A Systematic Review of Pre-Clinical and Early-Phase Clinical Evidence. Biomedicines. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41007718/

This article provides cosmetic skincare education and is not medical advice. Obvs products are cosmetics, not medicinal acne treatments. For persistent, painful or scarring acne, consult a pharmacist, GP or dermatologist.