Aloe Vera Gel Test Formula for Clogged Pores, Small Bumps, and Inflamed Acne
Question
Requesting a Test formula to help with small bumps, clogged pores, and inflamed acne
Could you please recommend ingredients for the Test part of Pure Aloe Vera Gel (not cosmetics) that help with clogged pores, inflamed acne, and small bumps?
Currently using:
Pure Aloe Vera Gel (not cosmetics) -
- whitening: Active Resveratrol™: Active Resveratrol™ 5%
- whitening: N-Acetyl-D Glucosamine (GlucoBright™): N-Acetyl-D Glucosamine (GlucoBright™) 4%
- Moisturizing: Vitamin B5 (Panthenol): Vitamin B5 5%
- Anti-Irritant: Bisabolol (German Chamomile Extract): Bisabolol (German Chamomile Extract) 1%
- Anti-Irritant: Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin) 3%
- Anti-oxidant: Green Tea EGCG (green tea extract): Hi-EGCG™ (Green Tea Extract) 3%
- Anti-oxidant: Co-Enzyme Q10 (coenzyme Q10): Coenzyme Q10 Extra 1%
- anti-aging/Anti-Acne: Vitamin B3 (Safe-B3™): Vitamin B3 (Safe-B3™) 5%
- anti-aging: Soy Extract (Isoflavones / Genistein): Soy Extract 5%
- Skin-Feel: AminoSilk™ : AminoSilk™ 3%
- Penetrate: Phospholipid (Hydrogenated Lecithin): Phospholipid (Hydrogenated Lecithin) 2%
Vitamin C E Ferulic (Lite) - 100 grams (Bottle 180 days after opening)
According to the purchase history, and I have been using a face mask product from tamarind and herbal powder from another place, which at first helped reduce inflamed acne. After I got the Test and vit c E to use, using vit c E in the morning and evening and Pure Aloe Vera Gel in the evening, clogged pores and small bumps increased again. What is the cause and how should I fix it?
Skin type is very oily in the T-zone, other areas are not very dry. Inflamed acne, clogged pores, small bumps, red marks from acne.
Answer
It sounds like you're experiencing increased clogged pores and small bumps after adjusting your skincare routine, specifically after incorporating the Vitamin C E Ferulic product and continuing your custom Aloe Vera Gel mix. Your skin type, which is very oily in the T-zone and prone to various types of acne, can be sensitive to certain ingredients or combinations.
Using many active ingredients simultaneously, as in your current routine with the Aloe Vera Gel mix containing multiple actives (Active Resveratrol™, GlucoBright™, Vitamin B5, Bisabolol, Vitamin B12, Hi-EGCG™, Coenzyme Q10 Extra, Soy Extract, AminoSilk™, Phospholipid) and the separate Vitamin C E Ferulic product, can sometimes overwhelm the skin. This complexity makes it challenging to pinpoint exactly which ingredient or combination is causing the increased clogged pores and small bumps.
It's possible that certain components in your current routine, such as Vitamin E in the Vitamin C E Ferulic product, or some ingredients in the Aloe Vera Gel base or the added actives, might be contributing to the clogging issue for your oily skin type.
To address the clogged pores and small bumps effectively and identify the cause, simplifying your routine is recommended, as suggested by the staff. You could temporarily pause your current active treatments and use a gentle cleanser and a basic, non-comedogenic moisturizer.
Once your skin has calmed down, you can gradually introduce ingredients known to target clogged pores and small bumps. Some effective options for oily, acne-prone skin include:
- Salicylic Acid (BHA): This ingredient is oil-soluble, allowing it to penetrate into pores and exfoliate dead skin cells and sebum buildup, which helps to unclog pores and reduce the formation of blackheads and whiteheads. It is available in various forms, including powders and liquids that can be incorporated into serums or gels. A typical usage rate in leave-on products is up to 2%.
- Azelaic Acid (Liquid Azelaic™): This ingredient helps reduce inflammation, has antibacterial properties against acne-causing bacteria, and helps normalize keratin production, preventing clogged pores. It can also help reduce redness and post-acne marks. Liquid Azelaic™ is a water-soluble form that is gentler than traditional Azelaic Acid and can be used at concentrations typically ranging from 5% to 10%.
- Acne-TT™ (Standardized Tea Tree Extract): This extract contains a high concentration of Terpinen-4-ol, which has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects beneficial for acne. It can help reduce inflammation and fight bacteria associated with breakouts.
When reintroducing actives or trying new ones, start with one product at a time in a simple formulation to observe your skin's response. Begin with lower concentrations and gradually increase if needed and tolerated. Always use sun protection, especially when using exfoliating ingredients like Salicylic Acid or Azelaic Acid.
By simplifying your routine and introducing targeted ingredients gradually, you can better understand what works for your skin and effectively manage clogged pores and small bumps.
Updated Review: May 2026
This section was added after reviewing the original answer against current product availability and formulation knowledge at the stated point in time.
Update: May 17, 2026
Because several new products and many actives were used together, we cannot know which one caused the clogged pores without separating the test. The first recommendation is to simplify the routine and test only one product at a time for several weeks.
Recommended Process:
- Reset the routine: For about 2-4 weeks, use only a gentle cleanser, a lightweight non-comedogenic moisturizer, and sunscreen. Stop using the Vitamin C E Ferulic and the complex active gel during this period.
- Reintroduce gradually: Reintroduce only one product at a time for 2-4 weeks before adding another to observe your skin's response accurately.
- Targeted Treatment: For oily skin with clogged pores, Salicylic Acid (BHA) is still the most directly relevant active because it helps clear oil-related buildup inside pores. Start BHA slowly (e.g., 2-3 nights per week) and increase frequency only if tolerated.
- Supportive Actives: Liquid Azelaic™ can be used as a gentler support for oily and acne-prone skin, especially when redness or post-acne marks are also present, but it may not replace BHA for closed comedones. Acne-TT™ (Tea Tree Extract) may help, but use it cautiously as it can cause irritation or sensitivity for some users.
Vitamin E (Tocopherol) in the Vitamin C serum is a possible suspect for very oily, clog-prone skin, but it cannot be confirmed as the only cause. Avoid adding many actives into the Pure Aloe Vera Gel at the same time; a simpler formula is safer for identifying tolerance and reducing the chance of irritation or clogged pores.
References:
- Reynolds RV et al. Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2024.
- Yoon JY et al. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate improves acne in humans by modulating intracellular molecular targets and inhibiting P. acnes. Journal of Investigative Dermatology. 2013.
- Saric S et al. Green Tea and Other Tea Polyphenols: Effects on Sebum Production and Acne Vulgaris. Antioxidants. 2017.
- Keen MA, Hassan I. Vitamin E in dermatology. Indian Dermatology Online Journal. 2016.