From cult skincare to bodycare: Rachael Wilde on creating a range for breakout-prone skin

For years, Rachael Wilde has built a loyal following by helping people navigate the often-frustrating world of acne-prone skin. Now, the founder of The Breakout Hack is expanding beyond facial skincare with the launch of a bodycare range designed specifically for those who struggle with breakouts on areas like the back, chest, and shoulders.

As consumers become more ingredient-conscious and bodycare begins to mirror the sophistication of facial skincare, Rachael says there was a clear opportunity to create products that support skin health without compromising on the everyday experience of self-care. We spoke with her about the inspiration behind the range, the growing demand for acne-safe body products, and why body breakouts deserve more attention.

You have built a loyal following in facial skincare. What inspired the move into bodycare, and why now?

We’re always listening closely to our community, and over time it became clear there was a real demand for bodycare products that catered to acne-prone skin. After launching our body spritz last year, we saw an opportunity to create a complete routine rather than a standalone product.

At the same time, we’re seeing the rise of what many call the “skinification” of bodycare, where people are paying as much attention to ingredients and formulation in their body products as they do in their facial skincare. Rather than simply following trends, we wanted to create a range that genuinely supports people who are prone to body breakouts, so they can enjoy bodycare rituals without worrying about making their skin worse.

For us, it was a natural next step. We care for our customers’ skin on their face, so it made sense to extend that support to the rest of the body too.

What gaps did you identify in the bodycare market, particularly for acne-prone consumers?

We noticed a significant gap when it came to products designed specifically for acne-prone skin. Many traditional bodycare products contain heavy oils, fragrances, or other ingredients that can contribute to congestion and breakouts, particularly on areas like the back and chest.

At the other end of the spectrum, some products aimed at treating breakouts focus so heavily on active ingredients that they overlook skin barrier health altogether.

Our community often told us they struggled to find bodycare they could use consistently without second-guessing whether it would trigger their skin. We wanted to remove that uncertainty by creating products that are effective, gentle, and enjoyable to use every day.

How do you define “acne-safe” when it comes to bodycare, and how does that differ from traditional body products?

For us, being acne-safe goes beyond including a few targeted ingredients. Every aspect of the formulation is considered with breakout-prone skin in mind.

Many traditional body products are designed to feel rich, luxurious, and heavily fragranced, but those qualities don’t always work well for people who are susceptible to breakouts. Our bodycare range is intentionally fragrance-free, lightweight, and non-comedogenic, meaning it’s formulated not to clog pores.

The goal is to create products people can use consistently and confidently, knowing they’re supporting their skin rather than potentially aggravating it.

Have you seen growing demand from customers specifically asking for body products that won’t trigger breakouts?

Absolutely. Conversations around body acne have become much more common over the past few years, and we’ve seen a noticeable increase in customers asking for products designed specifically for breakout-prone skin.

People are becoming more aware that the products they use on their body can have a direct impact on skin health. Many want the same thoughtful, targeted approach they use in their facial skincare routine, and that’s exactly what we’ve aimed to provide with this range.

Your new Body Milk evolved from the viral success of Skin Milk. What made you want to adapt that formula for the body?

The response to Skin Milk showed us just how much people loved the formula and the way it made their skin feel. Creating a body version felt like a natural progression.

Body Milk delivers the same lightweight, nourishing hydration that made Skin Milk so popular, but in a format designed for the body. One of the things our customers love most is that it absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave behind a sticky or tacky finish.

For people who want hydration without feeling like their skin is coated in product, it’s an ideal solution. It feels nourishing while remaining incredibly lightweight and comfortable to wear throughout the day.

Your products incorporate proprietary breakout-targeting technology. How does it work, and what makes it different from conventional treatments?

Our Body Wash and Body Spritz use proprietary technology designed to target some of the factors associated with body breakouts beyond what’s happening on the skin’s surface.

The technology helps address excess oil and impurity build-up within the biofilm environment linked to breakouts – an area many traditional acne treatments don’t specifically target.

Rather than relying on stronger ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, we’ve focused on a gentler, more barrier-friendly approach. The aim is to help manage and prevent breakouts while supporting overall skin health, making the products suitable for consistent, long-term use.

Is “acne-safe” something that benefits everyone, not just those with active breakouts? Can anyone incorporate these products into their routine?

Definitely. While the range was created with acne-prone skin in mind, the benefits extend well beyond people who are currently experiencing breakouts.

The formulations are lightweight, non-comedogenic, and designed to support the skin barrier, making them suitable for a wide variety of skin types. Products like the Body Milk and Body Lotion are particularly appealing for people who prefer fuss-free hydration that doesn’t feel heavy on the skin.

Ultimately, our goal is to create bodycare products that anyone can use with confidence, whether they’re managing breakouts or simply looking for healthy, balanced skin.


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