No-Sebum AC Powder
No-Sebum AC Powder
Product Description
Product overview
A hypoallergenic, fragrance-free loose powder formulated with salicylic acid (BHA), calamine, and five types of hyaluronic acid to absorb excess sebum, soothe acne-prone skin, and maintain oil-moisture balance — all while leaving a silky matte finish without clogging pores.
AC (Actual Care) Complex
Combines Acorus Calamus Root Extract and five types of hyaluronic acid to balance oil and moisture while calming troubled skin.
Texture & feel
SENSORYAC (Actual Care) Complex
Combines Acorus Calamus Root Extract and five types of hyaluronic acid to balance oil and moisture while calming troubled skin.
Silica-Based Sebum Control
Ultra-fine silica particles absorb excess oil on contact, keeping skin matte for hours without a cakey or heavy feel.
Calamine + Centella Soothing
Calamine calms redness and irritation while Centella Asiatica extract promotes skin healing on acne-prone areas.
BHA Pore Care
Low-concentration salicylic acid gently helps keep pores clear and reduces the appearance of blemishes over time.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains salicylic acid (BHA). ACOG considers low-dose topical salicylic acid safe during pregnancy, but consult your doctor. Minimal absorption expected from a setting powder.
Free from ferments, fatty acids, esters, and polysorbates that feed malassezia. Confirmed fungal acne safe by SkinSort ingredient analysis.
Comedogenic rating 1/5. Silica-based formula with no pore-clogging oils or heavy emollients. Will not clog pores or cause breakouts.
No animal-derived ingredients. Not tested on animals. Innisfree is certified cruelty-free.
Alcohol Denat. is present as a solvent. May be mildly drying for very dry or compromised skin barriers. Not a primary concern in powder format.
Skin irritation test completed. 10-free formula excludes parabens, talc, mineral oil, synthetic colorants, fragrance, PEG, polyacrylamide, imidazolidinyl urea, TEA, and animal-derived ingredients.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSSilica #1 IngredientProven
The primary oil-absorbing agent in this formula. Silica is a naturally occurring mineral that acts as a powerful mattifier, absorbing excess sebum on the skin's surface while providing a smooth, silky finish.
- Function: Oil absorption, mattifying, texture enhancement
- Science: Porous structure allows it to trap sebum molecules effectively
- Benefit: Keeps skin matte for hours without a heavy or cakey feel
Salicylic Acid (BHA) <0.5%Proven
A beta hydroxy acid (BHA) renowned for its ability to penetrate into pores and dissolve the oil and dead skin cells that cause acne. At this low concentration, it provides gentle, ongoing pore-clearing action.
- Function: Exfoliation, pore-clearing, antibacterial
- Science: Oil-soluble BHA penetrates sebaceous follicles to reduce comedones
- FDA-cleared: Approved for acne treatment at 0.5–2% concentrations
Calamine Mid-rangeProven
A classic dermatological ingredient made from zinc oxide and iron oxide. Calamine soothes irritated and inflamed skin, reduces redness, and provides a mild antiseptic effect — perfect for acne-prone complexions.
- Function: Anti-inflammatory, soothing, mild antiseptic
- Science: Zinc oxide component provides barrier protection and calming action
- Benefit: Helps reduce redness and irritation around active breakouts
Centella Asiatica Extract LowProven
A powerhouse botanical extract widely used in K-beauty for its wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties. Helps repair the skin barrier and calms post-acne irritation.
- Function: Skin healing, anti-inflammatory, barrier repair
- Science: Active compounds (asiaticoside, madecassoside) stimulate collagen synthesis
- Benefit: Promotes faster healing of acne marks and reduces redness
5x Hyaluronic Acid Complex LowProven
Five different forms of hyaluronic acid (Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed HA, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate) work at multiple skin layers to maintain hydration even while controlling oil.
- Function: Multi-layer hydration, moisture retention
- Science: Different molecular weights penetrate to varying depths for comprehensive hydration
- Benefit: Prevents the over-drying effect common with sebum-control powders
Acorus Calamus Root Extract LowPromising
A traditional herbal extract from sweet flag root, used in Korean skincare for its sebum-regulating and anti-inflammatory properties. A key component of the AC (Actual Care) Complex.
- Function: Sebum regulation, anti-inflammatory
- Science: Contains beta-asarone and other bioactive compounds with antimicrobial activity
- Benefit: Helps regulate sebum production at the source for long-term oil control
24 ingredients
Silica, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Water, Mica, Alcohol Denat., Butylene Glycol, Calamine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Lauroyl Lysine, 1,2-Hexanediol, Dehydroacetic Acid, Acorus Calamus Root Extract, Salicylic Acid, Propanediol, Centella Asiatica Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Tocopherol, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEApply as the final step after skincare or makeup. Can also be used for midday touch-ups over makeup to control shine.
How to use
HOW TO USEComplete Your Skincare or Makeup
Finish your full skincare routine (moisturizer + sunscreen) or your makeup application first. The AC Powder goes on as the very last step.
Pick Up Product with Puff
Gently press the included powder puff into the jar to pick up a moderate amount of powder. Tap off any excess before applying.
Dab Onto Skin
Lightly dab and press the puff onto your face, focusing on oily areas like the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin). Avoid rubbing — use a gentle pressing motion.
Touch Up Throughout the Day
Reapply as needed whenever shine appears. The compact 5g jar is portable enough for purse or pocket carry. You can also use a fluffy brush for a lighter application.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have oily or combination skin that gets shiny by midday
- You struggle with acne and want a powder that actively cares for troubled skin
- You need a fragrance-free, non-irritating setting powder
- You want oil control without a cakey, heavy feel
- You have fungal acne and need a malassezia-safe powder
- You want a powder with skincare benefits (BHA, Centella, HA)
Consider alternatives if:
- You have very dry skin — this may emphasize dry patches
- You want heavy coverage or color correction (this is translucent)
- You prefer pressed powder compacts for easier on-the-go use
- You are very sensitive to any form of alcohol (contains Alcohol Denat.)
- You need a larger size for daily heavy use (only 5g)
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESThis powder was designed for you. Silica-based formula absorbs excess sebum instantly and keeps your T-zone matte for hours. BHA helps prevent new breakouts.
Apply selectively to oily zones (T-zone) while skipping dry areas. The 5x HA complex helps prevent over-drying on normal zones.
Non-comedogenic, fungal acne safe, with active BHA and calamine to soothe breakouts. One of the best powder choices for acne-prone skin.
Fragrance-free and hypoallergenic tested. Contains calamine and Centella for soothing. However, salicylic acid and alcohol denat. may irritate very reactive skin — patch test first.
The 5x HA complex helps, but this is fundamentally a sebum-absorbing powder. May emphasize dry patches if applied all over. Best used sparingly on the T-zone only.
Results timeline
6–8 WEEKSInstant Matte Finish
Visible shine reduction and a smooth, silky texture the moment you apply. Pores appear blurred and skin looks refined.
95% noticedImproved Oil Control
With daily use, you may notice your skin stays matte longer between touch-ups. The BHA and Acorus Calamus extract begin supporting healthier pore function.
75% noticedClearer, Calmer Complexion
Salicylic acid's cumulative pore-clearing action and Centella's healing benefits contribute to fewer breakouts and reduced redness over time.
60% noticedBalanced Oil-Moisture Levels
The AC Complex helps normalize sebum production. Users report needing fewer touch-ups throughout the day as oil-moisture balance improves.
50% noticedRatings by platform
1K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Instantly mattifies without a heavy or cakey feel
- Skincare benefits (BHA, Centella, HA) go beyond a basic setting powder
- Fragrance-free and hypoallergenic — great for sensitive and acne-prone skin
- Fungal acne safe — hard to find in the powder category
- Compact and portable for on-the-go touch-ups
- Vegan, cruelty-free, and 10-free formula
- Does not cause white cast on darker skin tones
- Works well over sunscreen without pilling
Criticized
- Very small 5g size — heavy users may go through it quickly
- Loose powder format can be messy in transit
- Included puff is tiny and not ideal for full-face use
- May not provide enough oil control in extreme humidity
- Contains denatured alcohol, which some users prefer to avoid
- No coverage — purely translucent, won't conceal blemishes
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES80% mineral powder with strong oil control. Lacks the BHA and Centella skincare benefits of the AC Powder, but excellent as a pure sebum-absorbing powder at a lower price point.
Pressed pact format makes it easier to carry and apply on-the-go. Good oil absorption but misses the acne-care ingredients (BHA, calamine, Centella) that make the AC Powder unique.
Pressed powder with a pleasant peach scent and pore-blurring effect. More cosmetic than skincare — lacks BHA and soothing actives. Contains fragrance, which the AC Powder avoids.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEETUDE Zero Sebum Drying Powder
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep the lid tightly closed to prevent moisture contamination.
Compact jar with twist-off lid and included mini powder puff. Eco-friendly packaging from innisfree.
Yes — only 5g, well under TSA limits. Compact enough for any bag or pocket. Ideal for on-the-go touch-ups.
Frequently asked questions
FAQThis product contains salicylic acid (BHA), which requires caution during pregnancy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) considers low-dose topical salicylic acid generally safe during pregnancy, and the concentration in this powder is very low. However, we recommend consulting your healthcare provider before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. The amount absorbed from a setting powder is minimal, but it is always best to seek personalized medical advice.
Yes. This powder is confirmed fungal acne safe. The formula does not contain ferments, fatty acids (like oleic or lauric acid), esters, polysorbates, or any other ingredients known to feed the malassezia yeast that causes fungal acne. SkinSort's independent ingredient analysis verifies its malassezia safety. It is one of the best powder options for those dealing with fungal acne.
Yes, in most cases. Since this powder contains a very low concentration of salicylic acid (BHA), it can generally be layered over serums containing retinol, vitamin C, or other AHA/BHA products. The BHA amount is too low to cause significant interactions. However, if you are using strong prescription retinoids or high-concentration chemical exfoliants, monitor your skin for any signs of over-exfoliation (redness, flaking, stinging) and reduce frequency if needed.
This powder is ideal for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin types. It excels at absorbing excess sebum while providing active skincare ingredients to calm and care for troubled skin. Combination skin users can apply it selectively to oily zones. It is also suitable for sensitive skin due to its fragrance-free, hypoallergenic formula, though very dry skin types may find it over-mattifying if applied all over.
You will see immediate mattifying results — shine is reduced the moment you apply. For the skincare benefits (clearer pores, reduced breakouts, calmer skin), most users report noticeable improvement within 2–4 weeks of consistent daily use. The salicylic acid and Centella extract work cumulatively over time, so patience and consistent application are key for long-term results.
Apply the AC Powder as the very last step in your routine — after moisturizer and sunscreen, or after your final makeup product. It is a finishing/setting powder. You can also reapply throughout the day as a touch-up whenever shine appears. There is no need to remove your makeup to reapply; simply dab over existing makeup.
No. This powder has a comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5, meaning it is non-comedogenic and extremely unlikely to clog pores. The silica-based formula is free from heavy oils, waxes, and occlusive ingredients. In fact, the salicylic acid in the formula actively helps to keep pores clear. It is safe and recommended for acne-prone and congestion-prone skin.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. Once opened, use within one year for optimal effectiveness and safety. Store in a cool, dry place with the lid tightly closed to prevent moisture from affecting the powder texture. Since the jar is only 5g, most regular users will finish it well before the 12-month mark.
Verdict: The innisfree No-Sebum AC Powder is a standout in the K-beauty setting powder category because it goes beyond basic oil control. While most loose powders simply absorb sebum, this one delivers actual skincare benefits with its BHA, calamine, Centella, and five types of hyaluronic acid. It is one of the few powders that is both fungal acne safe and actively treats acne-prone skin. The only drawbacks are its small 5g size and the inherent messiness of loose powder format. If you have oily or acne-prone skin and want a setting powder that works double duty as skincare, this is an excellent choice.
Product Overview
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 |
Silica
Absorbent, Abrasive
|
|
|
| 1 |
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Viscosity Controlling
|
|
|
| 1 |
Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Viscosity Controlling
|
|
|
| 3 |
Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Antifoaming Agent, Skin Protecting
|
|
|
| 1 |
Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
Skin Conditioning, Emollient
|
|



