There are no chemicals or perfumes in the wax. All ingredients are totally non-allergenic and natural. Although the Kukui is classified as a nut, like Coconut, there are very few, if any, documented cases of allergic reactions to this nut. Having said this, it is always good to exercise extreme caution if you have severe nut allergies and discuss usage of this product with your doctor. Please see http://www.knottyboy.com/learn/ingredients/ for more information on the health benefits of Kukui Nut Oil. As far as preventing breakouts go, just keep your dreads away from your face with a hat or band after you've just freshly waxed them up. The wax absorbs into the dreads after a day or so, binding them from the inside, so they don't stay tacky for long.