SOY: The Tricky Hidden Acne Trigger

Think you are avoiding soy to prevent breakouts or health issues? You would be surprised that soy not only is found in the tiny print at the bottom of a package, you can also definitely find it in the gum you may be chewing right now! Here is how to avoid those pesky acne triggers.

Did you know there are many different alternatives names for soy? As you already should know, soy is a major acne trigger, and consuming these disguised forms of soy in your daily diet and personal products can hinder your progression towards and maintaining clear and beautiful skin. You always want to ensure that there are no soy ingredients in any part of your diet. The FDA requires that all dietary items list a full ingredient deck, however there are a few alternative names for soy. Also, any advisory statements such as “May contain soy” or “Made in a facility with soy” are completely voluntary by the manufacturer. Thoroughly read the ingredient deck to make sure it is safe.

Additionally, not only are all things soy heavily connected to break outs, there are many studies that show it can actually trigger hormonal imbalances for both men and women. Not sure about soy? Research it and you will find a tremendous amount of information with heavy ‘caution’ flags tagged to it.

In personal care products such as shampoos/conditioners, styling products, including all skin care and cosmetics, you can find soy ingredients which can definitely create a cascade of blemishes. Look for names such as soybean oil and soy lecithin just to name a couple. When in doubt, simply research the name of the ingredient and it’s comedogenic rating to determine if a product is really acne safe or not.

In order to ensure that you are avoiding all things soy, make sure to steer clear of the following ingredients:

Bean curd
Edamame (soybeans in pods)
Hydrolyzed soy protein
Kinnoko flour
Kyodofu (freeze dried tofu)
Miso
Natto
Okara (soy pulp)
Shoyu sauce
Soy albumin
Soy concentrate
Soy fiber
Soy formula
Soy grits
Soy milk
Soy miso
Soy nuts
Soy nut butter
Soy protein, soy protein concentrate, soy protein isolate
Soy sauce
Soy sprouts
Soya
Soya flour
Soybeans
Soybean granules
Soybean curd
Soybean flour
Soy lecithin**
Soybean paste
Supro
Tamari
Tempeh
Teriyaki sauce
Textured soy flour (TSF)
Textured soy protein (TSP)
Textured vegetable protein (TVP)
Tofu
Yakidofu
Yuba (bean curd)

**Lecithin: Products that are covered by the FDA labeling laws and contain soy lecithin as an ingredient must be labeled to state that they contain soy.