Does Almond Milk Cause Acne?

Published: 26 Mar 2025

        You switched to almond milk, thinking it was the healthier choice, but suddenly, breakouts started popping up. Could this innocent-looking drink be secretly causing acne? Many people are confused about whether almond milk helps or harms their skin, and with so much conflicting advice online, it’s hard to know what’s true.

      Let’s break it down with science, expert insights, and real-life experiences to uncover the truth. By the end, you’ll know if almond milk is a friend or foe for your skin.

1- Can Almond Milk Really Cause Acne? Let’s Find Out!

Many people also relate acne to other foods, such as mangoes, bananas, spicy meals, rice, eggs, dairy, junk food or even peanut butter.

Let’s see whether the almond milk is the acne trigger or if it is only a myth.

Young white girl with acne and almonds and milk are placed sideby depicting does almond milk cause acne

1.1 Are Nut Sensitivities Secretly Wrecking Your Skin?

Some people have mild nut sensitivities that don’t cause full-blown allergic reactions but still lead to inflammation. Skin inflammation can make acne worse, especially for those with sensitive or reactive skin.

Young white girl sneezing having allegy

If you notice redness, itching, or small breakouts after consuming almonds or almond-based products, your skin might be reacting to a sensitivity. 

1.2 Hidden Sugars in Almond Milk: Acne’s Silent Enemy?

Many store-bought almond milk brands contain added sugars, which can spike insulin levels. High insulin levels increase sebum (oil) production and inflammation, two key factors in acne.

Sugar and almonds and milk

Studies show that high-glycemic foods (like sugar) are linked to acne breakouts. Opting for unsweetened almond milk can help reduce this risk  (1)

1.3 Do Almonds Mess With Your Hormones and Skin?

Almonds contain phytoestrogens, plant compounds that can mimic estrogen in the body. Some theories suggest this could affect hormonal balance, potentially influencing acne.

Dna and protien hormone

    But is it a big deal? For most people, the amount of phytoestrogens in almonds is too low to cause noticeable hormonal changes. However, those with hormonal acne may want to observe how their skin reacts.

Ever checked what’s really hiding in your almond milk? Let’s dig deeper below!

1.4 The Hidden Additives in Almond Milk That Could Hurt Your Skin

Many commercial almond milk brands contain emulsifiers (like carrageenan and lecithin) to improve texture and shelf life. (2) These additives may:
✅ Disrupts gut microbiome balance
✅ Increases inflammation
✅ Worsen skin conditions like acne 

Look for clean-label almond milk with minimal ingredients, or try homemade almond milk for a healthier option.

2- Should You Give Up Almond Milk for Clearer Skin?

Not necessarily! If you have acne-prone skin but love almond milk, opt for:
✅ Unsweetened & preservative-free brands
✅ Homemade almond milk (to control ingredients)
✅ Listen to your skin—if you notice breakouts, try swapping it for another alternative.

Not sure which almond milk to pick? Stick around. I’ll share my personal go-to choices next.

3- How to Pick the Best Almond Milk Without Breaking Out

Not all almond milk is created equal! If you want to enjoy it without worrying about breakouts, here’s what to look for:

3.1 Opt for Unsweetened Versions

  • Pick “unsweetened” almond milk with 0g of added sugar to keep your skin happy.

Flavoured almond milks (like vanilla or chocolate) often have more sugar, so always check the label!

3.2 Check Ingredient Labels Carefully

  • Some brands add emulsifiers and preservatives. The fewer ingredients, the better it is.

Look for Almond milk with just almonds, water, and maybe a little salt.

3.3 Choose Organic Brands with Minimal Additives

  • Organic almond milk ensures no pesticides or harmful chemicals that could trigger skin reactions.
  • Many non-organic brands use synthetic vitamins (like Vitamin D2 instead of D3), which some people find irritating to the gut and skin.

Organic almond milk with minimal ingredients for a cleaner, skin-friendly choice.

Youtube video thumbnail

Still wondering if your favourite foods are messing with your skin? Dive deeper with our latest skin-friendly diet tips, your future clear skin will thank you!

4- Final Thoughts: Is Almond Milk a Friend or Foe for Your Skin?

        So, guys, in this article, we’ve covered “Does Almond Milk Cause Acne?” in detail. While there’s no solid scientific proof linking almond milk to breakouts, certain ingredients, like added sugars and preservatives, could be potential triggers for some people.

      If you suspect it’s affecting your skin, try switching to unsweetened versions or alternative plant-based milks. My recommendation? Keep a simple food diary, track any skin changes, and focus on a balanced diet for overall skin health.

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5- FAQs

Does almond milk directly cause acne?

Not necessarily! Almond milk itself isn’t a common acne trigger, but some ingredients—like added sugars, emulsifiers, and preservatives—can cause breakouts. If you have nut sensitivities, almonds may also trigger skin inflammation.

Can nut allergies make acne worse?

Yes! If you’re allergic or sensitive to nuts, drinking almond milk might trigger inflammation, redness, or breakouts. Even if you’re not allergic, some people’s skin reacts negatively to nuts due to their omega-6 fatty acids.

Does almond milk affect hormones and cause hormonal acne?

Almonds contain phytoestrogens, which act like weak estrogens in the body. While they’re unlikely to cause major hormone changes, some people with hormonal acne might notice flare-ups. If you suspect this, try switching to another plant-based milk like coconut or oat.

Is almond milk better for acne than cow’s milk?

In most cases, yes! Dairy contains hormones and IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor), which can increase oil production and acne. Almond milk is a great alternative, but only if you choose an unsweetened, clean-ingredient version.

Can the sugar in almond milk trigger acne?

Absolutely! Added sugars spike blood sugar and insulin levels, which can lead to more oil production and clogged pores. Always choose unsweetened almond milk to avoid this risk.

What ingredients in almond milk should I avoid for acne?

Watch out for carrageenan, gums, artificial flavors, and preservatives—they may irritate your gut and skin. Also, avoid almond milk with added sugars or synthetic vitamins like D2 (instead of D3). The fewer ingredients, the better!

How do I know if almond milk is causing my acne?

Try an elimination test! Stop drinking almond milk for 2-4 weeks and see if your skin improves. If your acne clears up, almond milk (or certain ingredients in it) could be the culprit.

What’s the best almond milk for acne-prone skin?

Look for unsweetened, organic almond milk with minimal ingredients—ideally just almonds, water, and salt. Homemade almond milk is even better because it’s fresh, clean, and free from additives.

What’s a good alternative to almond milk for acne-prone skin?

If almond milk doesn’t work for you, try coconut milk, oat milk, or hemp milk. They’re naturally dairy-free and less likely to trigger acne compared to cow’s milk or high-sugar plant milks.

Can I still drink almond milk if I have acne?

Yes! Just make sure to choose the right type—unsweetened, additive-free, and preferably organic. If you notice acne flare-ups, try switching to another plant-based milk and see if your skin improves.

6- References

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📚 Sources

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Dr Jawwad Ahmad Avatar

Dr. Jawwad, MBBS Doctor & Medical WriterDr. Jawwad is an experienced medical writer specializing in health and wellness topics. With a strong background in clinical knowledge and SEO-focused writing, he is passionate about simplifying complex medical information for readers. His mission is to ensure that every article published on MedicaWire is accurate, trustworthy, and medically sound.

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