If you frequent skincare blogs, you may have heard of the term “comedogenic” or “non-comedogenic.” Oftentimes, experts recommend you look for skincare products that are non-comedogenic. But what exactly do these terms mean? We are here to break them down and provide a helpful guide to comedogenic ingredients.
What Does Comedogenic Mean?
Simply put, comedogenic ingredients are ones that often clog pores. When pores are clogged, sebum production is disrupted. As a result, you are more likely to experience acne and breakouts. This is why dermatologists steer you towards “non-comedogenic” products. These products are less likely to clog pores and lead to acne or inflammation.
Ingredients are rated on the Comedogenic Scale. Once tested, ingredients are given a score from 0 to 5. On this scale, 0 is non-comedogenic and 5 is severely comedogenic. Comedogenic testing was initially done on rabbit ears. This was how the scale came to be. Thankfully, animal testing is rarely, if ever, used anymore. Many places have even banned it.
What Ingredients are Non-Comedogenic?
Below, you will find a list of some items and their rating on the comedogenicity scale. You should to stick to ingredients that get a score of 0-2. Dermatologists say ingredients with a 3 are ok, as long as they are wash-off products. It is important to note that you may be able to use products with ingredients that score a 3-5. However, they should not be listed at the top of the ingredient list. Ingredient lists are required to list their ingredients in order from most to least present. Therefore, if a product has an ingredient that is rated 5 on the scale in the top 5 ingredients, there is a high concentration of it and should be avoided. Make sure to do a patch test first to test how it affects your skin.
Here Are Some Non-Comedogenic Ingredients to Look Out For:
Ingredients with A 0:
- Acetone
- Aloe Vera
- Ascorbic Acid
- Beeswax
- Carbomer
- Ethylparaben
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Propylparaben
- Sodium Hyaluronate
- Sunflower Oil
Ingredients with A 1:
- Beta Carotene
- Butylene Glycol
- Caprylic Acid
- Dimethicone
- Glyceryl Stearate NSE
- Lanolin Oil and Wax
- Lithiumm Stearate
- Magnesium Stearate
- PEG 100 Stearate
- Polyethylene Glycol (PEG 400)
- Simethicone
- Squalene
- Talc
- Zinc Oxide
Ingredients with A 2:
- Almond Oil
- Ascorbyl Palmitate
- Benzoic Acid
- Capric Acid
- Cetearyl Alcohol
- Cetyl Alcohol
- Jojoba Oil
- Lanolin Alcohol
- Oleth-10
- Palmitic Acid
- Stearic Acid
- Stearyl Alcohol
- Tocopherol (Vitamin E)
- Vitamin A Palmitate
No two people are exactly alike. Therefore, everyone’s skin is completely different. Someone may be able to use a product that is full of comedogenic ingredients and have no problems. Someone else using the same product could have severe breakouts. It is always important to test a product on a small area of skin before incorporating it into your skincare routine. While everyone should avoid comedogenic ingredients, you should especially stay away if you have oily, acne-prone skin.
Want some great non-comedogenic products but do not know where to start? We recommend these Uzza products!