Comedogenic Ingredients List: Complete Guide
Comprehensive list of comedogenic ingredients rated 0-5. Use this reference to check if your skincare products might clog your pores.
Finding products that will not clog your pores requires knowing which ingredients to watch for. This comprehensive guide lists common skincare ingredients and their comedogenic ratings.
Understanding Comedogenic Ratings
| Rating | Meaning | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Will not clog pores | No risk |
| 1 | Very low likelihood | Minimal risk |
| 2 | Moderately low | Low risk |
| 3 | Moderate likelihood | Moderate risk |
| 4 | Fairly high likelihood | High risk |
| 5 | High likelihood | Very high risk |
Important: Ratings are based on testing individual ingredients. In formulated products, concentrations and interactions matter.
High-Risk Ingredients (Rating 4-5)
Rating 5 (Highest Risk)
| Ingredient | Common In |
|---|---|
| Isopropyl Myristate | Lotions, cosmetics |
| Isopropyl Isostearate | Cosmetics |
| Myristyl Myristate | Creams |
| Wheat Germ Oil | Natural products |
Rating 4 (High Risk)
| Ingredient | Common In |
|---|---|
| Coconut Oil | Natural skincare |
| Cocoa Butter | Body products |
| Isopropyl Palmitate | Cosmetics |
| Cotton Seed Oil | Various |
| Soybean Oil | Natural products |
| Linseed Oil | Natural products |
Moderate-Risk Ingredients (Rating 3)
| Ingredient | Common In |
|---|---|
| Corn Oil | Various |
| Sesame Oil | Natural products |
| Mink Oil | Traditional cosmetics |
| Myristyl Lactate | Lotions |
| Decyl Oleate | Emollients |
| Octyl Palmitate | Sunscreens, makeup |
Low-Risk Ingredients (Rating 2)
| Ingredient | Common In |
|---|---|
| Cetearyl Alcohol | Moisturizers, conditioners |
| Cetyl Alcohol | Creams, lotions |
| Stearyl Alcohol | Various |
| Jojoba Oil | Facial oils |
| Lanolin | Traditional skincare |
| Olive Oil | Natural products |
| Stearic Acid | Cleansers, creams |
Very Low Risk (Rating 1)
| Ingredient | Common In |
|---|---|
| Dimethicone | Primers, moisturizers |
| Argan Oil | Facial oils |
| Grapeseed Oil | Light oils |
| Rosehip Oil | Anti-aging oils |
| Hemp Seed Oil | Facial oils |
| Sunflower Seed Oil | Various |
Non-Comedogenic (Rating 0)
| Ingredient | Type |
|---|---|
| Water/Aqua | Base |
| Glycerin | Humectant |
| Hyaluronic Acid | Humectant |
| Niacinamide | Active |
| Squalane | Emollient |
| Aloe Vera | Soothing |
| Cyclomethicone | Silicone |
| Propylene Glycol | Humectant |
Using This Information
For Acne-Prone Skin
- Avoid rating 4-5 ingredients
- Use rating 3 ingredients cautiously
- Rating 0-2 is generally safe
- Patch test new products
Limitations to Remember
- Ratings are from older rabbit ear studies
- Individual reactions vary
- Concentration matters
- Formula interactions affect behavior
- What breaks out one person may not affect another
The Bottom Line
This list is a starting point, not an absolute rule. Use it to identify potentially problematic ingredients, but remember that personal testing is the ultimate judge.
Want to instantly check all ingredients in a product? Use SCRNE to scan any ingredient list and get comedogenic ratings for every ingredient automatically.
Sources
-
Fulton, J. E., et al. "Comedogenicity of current therapeutic products, cosmetics, and ingredients in the rabbit ear." Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, vol. 10, no. 1, 1984, pp. 96-105. PubMed
-
DiNardo, J. C. "Is mineral oil comedogenic?" Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, vol. 4, no. 1, 2005, pp. 2-3. PubMed
-
Draelos, Z. D. "Cosmetics and Dermatologic Problems and Solutions." CRC Press, 3rd Edition, 2011.
-
Kligman, A. M. "Comedogenicity and acne." Archives of Dermatology, vol. 108, no. 4, 1973, pp. 518-525.
-
American Academy of Dermatology. "What can clear severe acne?" AAD.org