Understanding Comedogenicity in Skincare: What You Need to Know

Over the years, comedogenicity has become a hot topic in matters of skincare. But what is the concept? How are non-comedogenic products different from their comedogenic counterparts? And most importantly, what’s right for you? We’ll be answering these questions and more in this blog.

What is Comedogenicity?

Simply put, comedogenicity is the likelihood of a skincare ingredient or product to clog pores and cause blackheads and whiteheads, also known as comedones. A solution is said to be comedogenic if it’s likely to block a pore by trapping sebum, dead skin cells, and bacteria inside. This can lead to or worsen acne, especially among people who are prone to breakouts and have oily skin.

While this may make it sound as if all comedogenic ingredients are inherently bad, that is not true. In reality, they might make poor choices for people with certain skin types, such as those mentioned in the above paragraph.

What Makes a Product Comedogenic?

Comedogenic products contain ingredients that are more likely to clog pores, trapping oil and dead skin cells, which can lead to acne. Common examples include thick oils like coconut or cocoa butter, waxes, and certain silicones, which are more inclined to cause blockages on skin. These ingredients are rated on a scale from 0 (non-clogging) to 5 (highly clogging). However, comedogenicity isn’t absolute, as some people tolerate pore-clogging ingredients better than others, depending on skin type.

For people who are acne prone, highly comedogenic products can worsen breakouts, while those with drier skin are likely to benefit from their moisturising effects. Always check ingredient lists and patch-test new products to see how your skin reacts. Lightweight, non-comedogenic alternatives, like squalane or hyaluronic acid, are safer choices for sensitive or oily skin.

How to Identify Comedogenic Products

Checking for comedogenicity in skincare products involves being mindful of a few factors. Here are some that you could bear in mind:

• Ingredients List

Look for ingredients known to clog pores. Some common comedogenic ingredients are coconut oil, lanolin, and sodium lauryl myristate. Ongoing research has even called into question petroleum-based products. As mentioned above, to make an informed choice, you can refer to a comedogenic rating scale (0–5), where 0 is non-comedogenic, and 5 is highly comedogenic.

• Non-Comedogenic Labels

Many skincare and cosmetic products are labeled non-comedogenic, meaning they are formulated not to clog pores. All of CodeSkin products have such a label as they are clinically proven not to cause blockages on the skin.

• Product Formulation

Even if a product contains a mildly comedogenic ingredient, the overall formulation matters.

• Water-based or gel formulas are less likely to clog pores.

• Heavy creams and oils (especially those high in oleic acid) may increase breakouts, particularly for acne-prone skin.

• Patch Test

Apply a small amount to an area prone to breakouts (like your jawline) and monitor for 24–48 hours. If you notice clogged pores, blackheads, or breakouts, the product may be comedogenic for you.

Common Comedogenic Ingredients to Avoid

To help you make an informed purchase decision, we’ve curated a list of common comedogenic skincare ingredients that you could avoid:

• Coconut Oil & Wheat Germ oil: Heavy oils that can clog pores.

• Lanolin: A moisturizer that may cause breakouts.

• Isopropyl Myristate & isopropyl palmitate: Improve texture but may trigger acne.

• Petrolatum & Silicones: Can trap impurities, leading to congestion.

• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate: Harsh and potentially irritating.

Effects of Comedogenic Products on Your Skin

The use of comedogenic products among those with sensitive, acne-prone, and/or oily skin can prove to be bothersome. Here are some common concerns:

• Clogged Pores: Comedogenic ingredients are known to trap dirt, oil, and bacteria, leading to congestion.

• Blackheads & Whiteheads: Some products can increase buildup in pores. The result? Comedones.

• Breakouts & Acne: Pore-clogging ingredients may also trigger inflammation, leading to pimples and worse issues like cystic acne.

• Excess Oil Production: They can disrupt the skin’s natural balance, giving the face a greasy appearance.

• Uneven Skin Texture: For some people, they can make skin feel rough and bumpy.

• Dull Complexion: Accumulated buildup from comedogenic products may reduce skin radiance.

FAQs about Comedogenicity

1. Do comedogenic ingredients affect everyone the same way?

No, the effect of comedogenic ingredients can vary depending on a person’s skin type. Typically, people with oily skin and acne-prone skin should avoid their use, while those who struggle with dryness should be able to apply them safely.

2. Do comedogenic ingredients affect body skin the same way as facial skin?

Technically, yes, but it should be noted that the skin on your body is likely to be thicker than your facial skin. This can make comedogenic products less prone to clogging for bodily use.