Have you ever experienced persistent breakouts or stubborn comedones even after religiously following your skincare routine? The cause could be lurking in your product’s ingredient list—comedogenic ingredients that clog pores and trigger acne.

This article combines scientific research, dermatological experience, and ingredient databases (PubMed, CosIng, and Dr. Baumann’s Skin Type Solution) to guide you through identifying and avoiding pore-clogging ingredients. At Dermatocare, we’ve also curated an ingredient-based tool to make this process simpler for you.

What Are Comedogenic Ingredients?

Comedogenic ingredients are substances that block your pores, leading to blackheads, whiteheads, and inflammatory acne lesions. They form comedones by trapping sebum and dead skin within the follicle.

These ingredients are often emollients, waxes, or fatty compounds added to provide smoothness, hydration, or shine to the skin—but not all skin types tolerate them.

Why Should You Avoid Comedogenic Ingredients?

These ingredients can lead to comedones or black/whiteheads in oily or acne-prone skin, as demonstrated in rabbit ear assays. You should especially avoid them if:

• You are above 25 and still get acne or comedones

• You have resistant acne that doesn’t respond well to treatment

• You have oily-sensitive or combination skin, as per Dr. Baumann’s classification (e.g., OSPW, OSNW)

Understanding the Comedogenicity Scale (1–5)

Comedogenic ingredients are graded based on their pore-clogging potential:

• 1: Very low

• 2: Low

• 3: Moderate

• 4: High

• 5: Very high

How to use this scale:

• Avoid ingredients with a grade of 3–5, even if they appear at the end of the ingredient list.

• Ingredients graded 1–2 should be avoided only if they are among the top 5–7 ingredients, which indicates high concentration.

• Note: Even if an ingredient is comedogenic in isolation, the final product may not be. Solvents and formulation factors can reduce pore-clogging potential. Hence, prefer products labeled “Non-Comedogenic.”

List of Comedogenic Ingredients

Spotting comedogenic ingredients in-store or online can be overwhelming. That’s why Dermatocare has developed a unique Regime Finder Tool that:

• Screens the ingredient list of 500+ global brands

• Flags comedogenic and irritant substances

• Tailors skincare recommendations based on your age, skin type, acne severity, and concerns

Conclusion

If you’re struggling with persistent acne, especially beyond adolescence, it’s time to check for comedogenic ingredients in your products. While these may not affect everyone, individuals with oily or acne-prone skin must be extra cautious.

✨ A good rule of thumb: Always go for products labeled “non-comedogenic” and verified by dermatological platforms like Dermatocare.

References

• Fulton JE. Comedogenicity and irritancy of commonly used ingredients in skin care products. J Soc Cosmet Chem. 1989;40(6):321–333.
• CosIng Database, European Commission.
• Dr. Leslie Baumann’s Skin Type Solution, www.lesliebaumannmd.com.