Sydney Sweeney on Her Skincare Journey: From Acne Struggles to Her ‘Game-Changing’ Serum
In a world obsessed with flawless skin, Sydney Sweeney, the breakout star of HBO’s Euphoria and The White Lotus, is refreshingly candid about her struggles with sensitive skin and cystic acne. She opens up about everything—from the early days of battling irritation with drugstore treatments to discovering the skincare secrets that now help her feel confident on and off set. In this special edition of What I Put on My Face, we dive deep into the actress’s evolving skincare philosophy, the products she swears by, and the surprising ways her Idaho upbringing shaped her beauty routine.
A Star with Skin Like Ours
Sydney Sweeney isn’t just known for her intense performances on screen—she’s also becoming increasingly recognized for her honest approach to beauty. Known for portraying sharp, complex characters, Sweeney might play the quintessential “girl’s girl” on screen, but in person, she’s as approachable as your best friend from high school. In this conversation, she opens up about her real-life experiences that many of us can relate to: having ultra-sensitive skin, dealing with the shame of breakouts, and the trial-and-error process of finding products that work.
“I’ve always had really sensitive skin,” Sweeney admits. “I’m even allergic to fake jewelry. On set, they’d put something on me and suddenly my ears would start bleeding, or I’d break out with cystic acne or rashes. It wasn’t just frustrating—it was painful.”
Growing Up Without Access to Skincare Experts
For many, skin care starts in a well-lit Sephora or a dermatologist’s office. But for Sydney, growing up in rural Idaho meant skin care was mostly trial and error. “We didn’t have the luxury of going to dermatologists or aestheticians. I just used whatever my mom had in the cabinet. It was a guessing game—and most of the time, I guessed wrong.”
This meant experimenting with harsh drugstore acne treatments during middle school, which often left her skin more irritated than before. “I remember slathering on every cream I could find, trying to dry out my breakouts,” she says. “And instead, I’d end up with flaky, red patches and even more acne underneath.”
Looking back, she realizes that it wasn’t about more products, but about the right ones—and a better understanding of her skin’s unique needs.
The Turning Point: Lessons from Makeup Artists
Sydney’s skincare journey took a major turn when she started working professionally in Hollywood. While filming shows like The Handmaid’s Tale and Sharp Objects, she had the chance to work with seasoned makeup artists who introduced her to the world of high-quality skincare.
“They took skin seriously,” she recalls. “You can’t Photoshop your face on camera. They started handing me samples, asking me to try serums and moisturizers, and explaining why each step mattered. That’s when I really started to get into skincare—not just because of the way I looked, but because of how it made me feel.”
Combination Skin and Climate Challenges
Now, Sydney is hyper-aware of how climate and environment affect her skin. “I have combination skin—so some parts are oily, others are dry—and it reacts differently depending on where I am. Hawaii was amazing. My skin loved it. But when I went back home to Idaho, the dryness hit me hard.”
Her response? A reliable set of skincare staples she can use anywhere, no matter the climate. She uses Bioderma Micellar Water morning and night—“it’s like water, but better”—and sticks to gentle products that won’t inflame her sensitive skin.
Her Morning and Evening Routine
Sydney’s skincare routine is thoughtful, but not overly complicated. It changes based on her environment, but a few steps are non-negotiable.
Morning Routine:
Cleanser Duo: She uses a mix of scrub and gel cleansers. “I don’t even know if it’s the ‘right’ way, but it works for me.”
Serums: She applies SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Booster (HA) and the C E Ferulic Acid serum. These help with hydration and protection from environmental stressors.
Eye Care: Eye patches from Peter Thomas Roth—especially the gold or blue ones—are a daily ritual. “Even if I don’t do anything else, I always use those patches.”
Evening Routine:
Double Serum Treatment: At night, she switches to HA Intensive Serum and Hydrating B5 Gel, both by SkinCeuticals.
Collagen Cream: She replaced heavy lotions with a lightweight collagen cream and swears by the change.
Eye Cream Mix: In true Gen Z fashion, she mixes Ole Henriksen Eye Cream with the luxurious La Mer Eye Cream, creating a hybrid product that’s uniquely hers.
“I just mix everything with my fingers in the bathroom,” she says, laughing. “It feels more fun that way.”
A Shaver That Saved Her Skin
Interestingly, one of Sydney’s most loyal beauty products isn’t a serum or toner—it’s a razor. “I started getting severe razor burn and bumps, and we couldn’t figure out why. Turns out, I’m allergic to most shaving creams.”
Her parents helped her find a solution: the BIC Soleil Sensitive Advanced Shaver, a drugstore staple that includes aloe vera and shea butter in the blades. “I don’t even use shaving cream anymore. This one product changed everything. It’s affordable, gentle, and it’s been in my shower ever since.”
The “Game-Changing” Product That Elevated Her Routine
Ask Sydney to name the single product that made the biggest difference in her skin, and she doesn’t hesitate: the SkinCeuticals HA serum.
“It was a total game changer,” she says. “So many products either didn’t work or made my breakouts worse. This one was different. It preps my skin perfectly for makeup but also helps heal and hydrate.”
Her passion for it is clear—not just because it works, but because it gave her back a sense of control over her skin.
Her Ultimate Skincare Rule: Sunscreen, Always
Like many of us, Sydney once struggled to find a sunscreen that didn’t clog her pores or cause irritation. Then she discovered EltaMD Sunscreen—a dermatologist favorite known for its gentle formulation. “This is the only sunscreen that works for me, and I never leave the house without it now. It’s non-negotiable.”
What She’s Loving Right Now
In addition to her regular products, Sydney has recently become obsessed with the SolaWave red-light wand. “It vibrates, warms up, and gives your face this little massage. I put on oil first and then use it for about five minutes every night. It’s my little ‘me-time’ ritual before bed.”
Lessons Learned Through Skin Struggles
Reflecting on her journey, Sydney doesn’t shy away from the hard parts. “Middle school was the worst. I’d cover my acne with Band-Aids, put Neosporin on everything, and go to school that way. I didn’t know what I was doing—but I was trying. It was survival mode.”
Today, she’s grateful that those experiences helped her become more compassionate toward herself and others. “Skin problems are so personal. People think you’re not clean or you’re doing something wrong, but a lot of it is out of your control—especially as a teen when hormones are all over the place.”
A Star Who Keeps It Real
What makes Sydney Sweeney’s skincare story so relatable is her willingness to admit that it’s still a work in progress. There’s no magic fix, no perfect routine—just consistency, curiosity, and a little bit of trial and error.
“My skin still has its moments,” she admits. “But I’ve learned not to stress out over every little breakout. I focus on the long game now—hydration, protection, and finding products that make my skin feel good, not just look good.”
And if that’s not the best skincare advice ever, we don’t know what is.
