Ahead, get the scoop on the link between whey protein and breakouts.

Meet the Experts

What Is Whey Protein?

Fresh milk protein content breaks down into about 20 percent whey protein and 80 percent casein.

Composed image of two smoothies and a spoon full of protein powder

Stocksy

Does Whey Protein Cause Breakouts?

Though whey protein may be beneficial forbuilding muscle, it can also increase the chance of breakouts.

Who Is Susceptible to Whey Protein Breakouts?

However, whey protein doesn’talwayscause breakouts.

“It greatly depends on each individual and their hormonal levels and who is more prone to breakouts.”

Dr. Lancer suggests that limiting your dairy intake can help reduce the testosterone spikes that can cause breakouts.

Thankfully, the options are plentiful when it comes to protein powders.

“All non-dairy proteins can replace whey protein if needed,” Dr. Meder points out.

Here are some top choices.

Bone Broth Protein

Fear not, bone broth protein tastes nothing likebone broth.

It comes in regular flavors like chocolate and vanilla and has no smell or taste of actual bone broth.

Depending on the brand, egg protein can be neutral in flavor or may have an eggy quality.

Its a popular plant-based protein because its texture is smoother than other veganproteins, and its taste is milder.

Its neutral in flavor, allergen-free, and is often available sprouted (which increases nutrient bioavailability).

Plant-based proteins are often available in mixed blends as well.

She explains that this system will help moderate inflammation and control sebum production.

“This strategy leads to a quick improvement in most cases,” she says.

The Takeaway

The idea of dairy causing breakouts is not a myth.

Milk has two types of protein: whey and casein.

Both of them can cause breakouts in the same way that milk can.