Safe For Acne-Prone Skin: Our Clinical Testing Protocol

How We're Setting a New Standard for Acne-Safe Skincare

If you’ve ever scanned a skincare label looking for that magic phrase “non-comedogenic” only to break out anyway, I’ve been there.

When I was struggling with chronic acne, I assumed the products I was using were safe. They were labeled “for sensitive skin” and “dermatologist recommended.” Some were even “non-comedogenic.” But my breakouts kept getting worse, and for years, I couldn’t figure out why.

Eventually, I realized the hard truth: there’s no real industry standard for what makes a product “acne-safe.”

There’s a Standard for Eczema, Rosacea, and Psoriasis. Why Not Acne?

If you’ve seen the Eczema Seal of Acceptance or the Rosacea Seal of Approval, you might assume there’s something similar for acne. A way to know—clinically and objectively—that a product won’t trigger breakouts.

There isn’t.

Organizations like the National Eczema Association and the American Academy of Dermatology have defined protocols for conditions like eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis. But for acne, this just doesn't exist. Instead, most brands rely on the term “non-comedogenic,” which simply means a product is unlikely to clog pores. The problem? That label doesn’t mean much—especially if you have breakout-prone skin.

The Current Testing Standard Wasn’t Designed for Us

Non-comedogenic testing is typically done on the back, not the face. Products are applied under occlusive patches for 28 days, and then the test site is analyzed for clogged pores.

But back skin is not facial skin. The face has more oil glands, thinner skin, and behaves differently altogether. So, a product that passes a back test might still cause breakouts on the face.

To make matters more confusing, there’s no universally accepted list of pore-clogging ingredients. An ingredient that seems harmless on its own might become problematic when paired with something else or used at a higher concentration.

For those of us with acne-prone skin, this can be anxiety-inducing. You’re left guessing: will this product break me out? Is it worth the risk?

I wanted banu to take that stress out of the equation.

So We Built Our Own Standard

We don’t rely on vague claims or outdated tests. At banu, we created our own formulation and clinical testing protocol. It’s approved by board-certified dermatologists and designed specifically for people with acne-prone skin.

Here’s what we do:

We leave out anything that might clog pores. Even if the risk is low, it’s not worth it to us.
We avoid ingredients that can trigger fungal acne (technically called Malassezia folliculitis).
We clinically test every formula on real people with acne-prone skin—on their faces, not their backs.

Our third-party, independent testing partner tracks comedones, papules, and pustules on day one and again after 28 days of use. If there’s no increase, the product passes.

That means every formula is both non-comedogenic and non-acnegenic. It won’t clog your pores, and it won’t trigger breakouts.

Inclusivity Matters—and We Made It a Requirement

The beauty industry doesn’t require testing on diverse skin tones. But we do. Every banu product is tested across all six Fitzpatrick skin types. We also conduct additional safety testing to ensure our formulas don’t cause irritation or sensitivity on melanin-rich skin.

If it’s not safe for all skin tones, it’s not safe enough.

Why This Matters

As someone who spent years trying to figure out what my skin could handle, I know how exhausting it feels to try product after product—never knowing what might set you back.

I started banu because I wanted real answers. I didn’t want to guess anymore, and I don’t want you to have to either.

That’s why we formulate the way we do. That’s why we test the way we do. And that’s why acne-prone skin will always be our priority.

You deserve skincare that works with your skin, not against it. With banu, you can stop second-guessing—and start feeling confident in what you’re putting on your face.