Comedogenic Ratings - Acne Causing Ingredient List (2023)

FAQs

Are comedogenic ratings accurate? ›

From this article, we learn that comedogenic ratings are not the most accurate way to assess if a product will be “bad” for your skin. Products with several high comedogenic rating ingredients don't make them bad products, just like a few “bad” people in a country won't make the country a “bad” place to live in.

“It's basically a clogged pore.” So, if a cosmetic or ingredient is comedogenic, that means that it has a propensity to clog pores and potentially lead to acne. And, therefore, something noncomedogenic is a product or ingredient that is less likely to clog your pores.

Ingredients are generally ranked as follows: 0 – NON-COMEDOGENIC (do not clog pores) 1 – SLIGHTLY COMEDOGENIC (very low chance of clogging pores) 2 – MODERATELY COMEDOGENIC (may clog pores for some but be fine for most) 3 – COMEDOGENIC (will clog acne prone/oily skin type)

Avocado oil is considered to be mildly comedogenic which means that it can clog your pores. However, it is most likely to cause congestion in skin types that are prone to congestion, breakouts or blemishes.

Noncomedogenic is a term used to describe skincare and makeup products that are formulated in such a way that they are not likely to cause pore blockages (comedones) and breakouts. It's mainly used to describe skincare products and cosmetics.

Niacinamide helps build cells in the skin while also protecting them from environmental stresses, such as sunlight, pollution, and toxins. Treats acne. Niacinamide may be helpful for severe acne, especially inflammatory forms like papules and pustules. Over time, you may see fewer lesions and improved skin texture.

So, does hyaluronic acid cause acne? The short answer is no – hyaluronic acid is a non-comedogenic and non-exfoliating acid. If you're experiencing breakouts with a new hyaluronic skin care product, check the label to look for comedogenic ingredients.

So if a product is comedogenic, it contains an ingredient that contributes to the formation of comedones that lead to acne. If a product is non-comedogenic, in theory, it shouldn't clog your skin or lead to breakouts.

Is Cetaphil comedogenic? ›

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

It's a soap-free cleanser, which means that it isn't made with the fats that can strip or irritate sensitive skin, and cleans using other synthetic cleansers. It's also fragrance-free, hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, so it won't clog your pores.

If you have oily or acne-prone skin, you may be wondering, “Is aloe vera good for acne?” You'll be relieved to know that aloe vera gel ranks a 0 on the comedogenic scale, meaning it won't clog pores.

This vitamin E rich oil is non-comedogenic, antibacterial, and is also an antioxidant. With a comedogenic rating of 2, this non-comedogenic oil is often seen as the holy grail of acne-friendly facial oils. Jojoba oil is extremely similar to the sebum our face creates.

Rosehip oil has a comedogenic rating of 2, generally speaking. Just as there are varying varieties and grades of olive oil, the same goes for cosmetic oils. If rosehip oil is obtained only from the seeds of the fruit, then typically it will be higher in linoleic acid.

The qualities of lemon oil that make it lightly exfoliating can also reduce hyperpigmentation from acne. When using lemon oil for acne and acne scars, one approach is to use it at night: Mix 1 drop of lemon oil with a small amount of non-comedogenic oil.

Sunflower oil is just one of many non-comedogenic oils in this blend, one of our favorite facial oils. You'll also find rosehip seed oil, sweet almond oil, evening primrose oil, and safflower oil, all of which get the seal of approval from the experts.

What causes comedones? Comedones arise when cells lining the sebaceous duct proliferate (cornification), and there is increased sebum production. A comedo is formed by the debris blocking the sebaceous duct and hair follicle. It is now known that comedones also involve inflammation (see causes of acne).

Some examples of noncomedogenic ingredients include aloe vera, vitamin C, and glycerin. Some comedogenic ingredients found in cosmetics include cocoa butter, lanolin, coconut oil, and wheat germ oil.

Eating coconut oil isn't problematic for most people. However, some people apply it directly to the skin as a facial cleanser or moisturizer. This may be beneficial against acne, but it's not recommended for people who have very oily skin. Coconut oil is highly comedogenic, which means it can clog pores.

Is niacinamide or salicylic acid better for acne? ›

Salicylic acid is the better option for treating acne, while niacinamide is great for fading scarring and hyperpigmentation. They can both be used together and create a brightening, acne-fighting duo.

Retinol has similar benefits, but it's stronger than niacinamide. It's also known to cause irritation, redness, and dry skin. Pairing the two ingredients is safe and can make retinol easier to use. Niacinamide helps hydrate the skin, which reduces the risk of irritation caused by retinol.

Though some people do report experiencing irritation and breakouts after using the ingredient, niacinamide is unlikely to cause purging.

No, vitamin C serums cannot cause acne. One of the main arguments leveled against vitamin C is that it acts as a pro-oxidant. This means that instead of neutralizing free radicals, it will act as a free radical itself and begin to damage skin cells. This kind of free radical is called a reactive oxygen species (ROS).

Acne treatments — especially those that contain active ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid — are drying and a bit harsh on your skin. If you use too many treatments at the same time, your skin may become irritated, and you may actually suffer more breakouts as a result.

Applying retinol is a long-term treatment which promotes fresh skin, fewer blemishes and reduction in acne breakouts. Whereas in the short term, it can lead to acne breakouts, skin peeling, dryness, and a range of other frustrating temporary outcomes. The purge phase usually lasts for two to six weeks.

If you have blackheads and whiteheads, salicylic acid alone should work well to clear out your pores. If your acne tends to be inflammatory, such as papules and pustules, opt for benzoyl peroxide to stop outbreaks at the source. For sensitive skin, start with salicylic acid, since it's less likely to cause irritation.

Vitamin C contains anti-inflammatory properties and helps reduce the redness and swelling that comes with acne. The results are more pronounced when you use the vitamin topically. It, therefore, helps improve the appearance of acne wounds. It may help reduce hyperpigmentation.

salicylic acid, which reduces inflammation and unclogs pores. retinoids, which unclog pores and reduce oiliness. benzoyl peroxide, which kills bacteria that cause acne.

Feel the texture. Even if you're not looking into the specifics of comedogenic ratings, you can tell a lot by a product's texture. "Thick creams and heavy oils tend to clog pores," says Akram. "Water-based and gel products tend to be safer for skin that's prone to congestion." An easy thing to remember, according to Dr ...

Is non-comedogenic good for acne? ›

Noncomedogenic oils help keep dry skin supple and oily skin acne-free. That's because noncomedogenic oils don't clog pores. This allows skin to breathe, remain hydrated, and keeps it free from breakouts. Clogged pores (comedones) can lead to pimples.

"Simply put, a noncomedogenic product has been tested to not clog pores," explains board-certified dermatologist Ife Rodney, MD, FAAD, of Eternal Dermatology and Aesthetics. "That means it's less likely to cause acne. Though, this is not guaranteed. Dirt, dead skin cells, or sebum can clog the pores, causing acne.

Overall, there is no clear winner. It just depends on the needs of your own skin. If you experience dry skin, oily skin, acne-prone skin then CeraVe might be the clear choice. However, if you experience sensitive skin the Cetaphil is the better option.

Are CeraVe products non-comedogenic? The majority of CeraVe products are non-comedogenic, so they won't clog pores or cause acne.

Cerave Moisturizing Lotion

The combination of ingredients like polyglyceryl-3-diisostearate and cetyl alcohol both can contribute to some pretty serious breakouts.