Comedogenicity refers to the ability of a substance to clog pores and cause pimples. Have you ever wondered why your skin is prone to breakouts, even though you’ve been diligent with your skincare routine? The answer may lie in the ingredients you’re using.
Comedogenic ingredients are notorious for clogging pores and causing acne. These ingredients are found in many skincare and cosmetic products, and their comedogenicity can vary from mild to severe. But what exactly are they, and how do they affect your skin?
In this article, we’ll explore the world of comedogenic ingredients and how they contribute to the occurrence of pimples and acne. We’ll also discuss how to avoid comedogenic ingredients and provide tips on how to stop the occurrence of pimples. With the right knowledge and tools, you can take control of your skincare regime. So, let’s dive in!
What does the term Comedogenic mean?
Let’s start with the basics: what does the term “comedogenic” even mean?
Well, if you break down the word, “comedo” refers to a clogged hair follicle (aka a pore) and “genic” means “causing”. So, in short, comedogenic ingredients are substances that have the potential to cause clogged pores, leading to blackheads, whiteheads, and all those other lovely forms of acne.
But why do we care about comedogenic ingredients?
Comedogenic ingredients can irritate the skin, causing inflammation, redness, acne breakouts and clogged pores. When your pores get clogged, it prevents your skin from breathing and functioning properly.
Comedogenic ingredients can be found in various skincare products, including cleansers, moisturisers, sunscreens, and makeup. While not all comedogenic ingredients will have the same effect on every individual, they can be problematic for people with acne-prone or sensitive skin. So if you’re trying to maintain healthy, clear skin, it’s important to keep a watch on products containing pore clogging ingredients.
Don’t worry, it’s not all doom and gloom! By the end of this article, you’ll be armed with the knowledge to make informed decisions about your skincare products!
Let’s take a quick glance at the list of comedogenic ingredients and non-comedogenic ingredients.
Benefits of Non-Comedogenic Products for Acne-Prone Skin
If you have oily or acne-prone skin, you know how frustrating it can be to find the right way to deal with acne. One of the most important things you can do to control oily skin and get rid of extra oil on your face is to use non-comedogenic products.
Comedogenic acne, which is caused by pore-clogging ingredients, can exacerbate acne-prone skin. By using non-comedogenic products, you can reduce your risk of breakouts and enjoy a healthier, clearer complexion. Let’s explore the benefits of non-comedogenic products in more detail.
- Prevents Clogged Pores: Non-comedogenic products are specifically designed to not clog pores, reducing the chances of developing blackheads, whiteheads, and acne.
- Soothes Irritated Skin: Acne-prone skin can often become irritated and inflamed. Non-comedogenic products are typically gentle on the skin and can help to reduce redness and inflammation.
- Hydrates without Weighing Down Skin: Non-comedogenic moisturisers are formulated to provide hydration to the skin without feeling heavy or greasy. This can be especially important for those with oily or acne-prone skin.
- Enhances the Effectiveness of Acne Treatments: Non-comedogenic products work in conjunction with acne treatments to improve their effectiveness. By using non-comedogenic products, you’re creating a clear path for acne-fighting ingredients to penetrate the skin.
- Reduces the Risk of Scarring: When acne-prone skin is repeatedly clogged with comedogenic products, it can lead to scarring. By using non-comedogenic products, you’re reducing the risk of clogged pores, which can lead to a reduction in scarring over time.
Comedogenic Products vs. Non-Comedogenic Products
| Differences | Comedogenic Products | Non-Comedogenic Products |
| Effects | Can clog pores, leading to acne and breakouts. | Less likely to clog pores, reducing the risk of acne and breakouts. |
| Examples | Coconut oil, cocoa butter, wheat germ oil and algae extract. | Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, glycerin, aloe vera, squalane and argan oil. |
| Skin Types | Generally not recommended for acne-prone or oily skin types. May be suitable for normal, dry or mature skin types. | Suitable for most types of skin, including sensitive or acne-prone skin. |
| Usage | Should be used with caution and sparingly, if at all. | Can be used more liberally in skincare products. |
| Absorption | May not absorb easily into the skin, leading to a greasy or heavy feeling. | Absorb easily into the skin, leaving it feeling lightweight and non-greasy. |
| Benefits | May provide additional moisture to dry or mature skin. | Can help to hydrate and soothe the skin, and may also offer additional benefits such as anti-ageing properties. |
| Drawbacks | Can clog pores and exacerbate existing acne. May cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. | May not provide as much moisture as comedogenic ingredients. May also cause skin irritation or allergic reactions for some individuals. |
Note: Everyone’s skin is unique and may react differently to different ingredients. It’s important to pay attention to how your skin responds to different products and ingredients and to choose products that work best for your skin type.
Comedogenic Ratings List
When it comes to skincare, it’s important to know what you’re putting on your face. While some ingredients can do wonders for your skin, others can cause havoc by clogging pores and causing breakouts. This is where comedogenic ratings come in. The rating scale ranges from 0 to 5, with 0 being unlikely to clog pores and 5 being the most likely.
To help you navigate through the world of skincare ingredients, we’ve put together a list of comedogenic ingredients and non-comedogenic ingredients along with their rating scale. This list will help you identify the ingredients that may be contributing to your breakouts and avoid them in the future. So, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients and ratings to make informed decisions.
| Rating Scale | Comedogenic | Ingredients/Products |
| 0 | Unlikely to clog pores | Acetone, Allantoin, Aloe Vera, Emu Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate |
| 1 | Low chance of clogging the pores | Calendula, Glyceryl Stearate NSE, Lanolin Oil, Magnesium Stearate, Squalene |
| 2 | Moderately low chance of clogging the pores | Safflower Oil, Palmitic Acid, Olive Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, Camphor |
| 3 | Fair chance of clogging the pores | Corn Oil, Dioctyl Succinate, Myristic Acid, Sulfated Castor Oil, Soybean Oil |
| 4 | High chance of clogging the pores | Stearyl Heptanoate, Octyl Palmitate, Lauric Acid, Cocoa Butter, Coconut Oil |
| 5 | Most likely to clog the pores | Algae Extract, Red Algae, Sodium Chloride, Isocetyl Stearate, Wheat Germ Oil |
Some of the best products for clogged pores are:
- BHA (beta-hydroxy acid) exfoliants
- Clay masks
- Retinoids
- Benzoyl peroxide
- Oil-free moisturisers
In a Nutshell
Even though we don’t give preference to our daily skin regime, it’s vivid that the health of the skin is essential for overall well-being. Whether it’s addressing a particular skin condition or simply maintaining healthy skin, a proper skin regime with appropriate consultation can make all the difference.
Don’t wait until you have a problem; finding a local dermatologist should be a priority for everyone. At Skin and Hair Academy, we believe in providing comprehensive education/treatment about skin and hair care, as well as connecting people with the best dermatologists in their area.
So, if you’re looking for a local dermatologist, head over to our Find Local Dermatologist webpage. Our directory makes it easy to find a qualified dermatologist near you, and our team is always available to answer any questions you may have. Take the first step towards healthy skin and hair today!
FAQs on Comedogenic Ingredients
1. What are comedogenic products?
Comedogenic products are products that contain ingredients that have a high likelihood of clogging pores, resulting in the development of blackheads, whiteheads, and acne. Comedogenic ingredients are typically substances that have a thick or oily consistency and do not allow the skin to breathe properly. They can also irritate the skin, leading to inflammation and further exacerbating acne.
2. How do I know if a product is comedogenic?
You can check the ingredient list of a product to see if it contains known comedogenic ingredients. Some products may also be labelled as “comedogenic”, “acnegenic”, or “pore-clogging”.
3. Which oil is comedogenic?
Some common comedogenic oils include coconut oil, cocoa butter, wheat germ oil, palm oil, flaxseed oil and algae extract.
4. Is aloe vera gel comedogenic?
Aloe vera gel is generally considered non-comedogenic and is suitable for most skin types, including sensitive or acne-prone skin. However, it’s always a good idea to patch-test new products and pay attention to how your skin responds.
5. Which oils don’t clog pores?
Some non-comedogenic oils include jojoba oil, squalane oil, argan oil, and sunflower oil.
6. How can you tell if oil is non-comedogenic?
To determine if an oil is non-comedogenic, you can check its comedogenic rating. Comedogenic ratings are based on a scale of 0 to 5, with 0 being non-comedogenic and 5 being highly comedogenic. The comedogenic rating of oil can usually be found by doing a quick online search or by checking the product label.
