You’ve probably heard this word before, and if you’re acne-prone you might have even studied product labels hunting for the term. This shorthand for “won’t clog pores” seems like it offers easy answers but the truth is that you can’t really trust these claims. So what are “non-comedogenic” ingredients and why can they absolutely clog your pores? Let’s dig in.
First: what non-comedogenic means
A “comedo” is essentially another word for a blocked pore (you’d know open comedones as blackheads and closed comedones as those white bumps that aren’t sore or inflamed). So, comedogenic products are ones more likely to clog pores while non comedogenic products are less likely to do that.
The problem though is that there aren’t any approved or regulatory standards for this term. That means that any company can slap a “non-comedogenic” claim on any bottle regardless of how thick, greasy, and unkind to pores it really is.
So, how can those pores catch a break?
The comedogenic index scale
It’s been said that if you want something done right you have to do it yourself (of course, as your personal skincare matchmaker we only semi-agree, but anyway…).
Enter the comedogenic index scale. This index ranks substances on a scale from 0-5, and it gives you a pretty good idea of what’s going to be fine or troublesome for those pores. Here’s an overview of the scale:
0 – Won’t clog pores
1 – Low chance of clogging pores
2 – Moderately low chance of clogging pores
3 – Moderate chance of clogging pores
4 – Fairly high chance of clogging pores
5 – High chance of clogging pores
So basically, an non-comedogenic ingredient with a rating of 2 or less typically won’t clog pores. But a rating of 5 is likely to be trouble.
But…it’s complicated
The thing is, these ratings aren’t cut and dry. There are a few other factors to consider:
Ingredient concentration
For example, if an ingredient has a high comedogenic rating but is at a low concentration within the formulation it’s a lot less likely to clog pores.
Product type
Let’s talk coconut oil. It has a rating of 4 on the comedogenic index. For acne prone folks it’s a fine-but-not-great primary ingredient in your wash-off cleanser. But it could wreak havoc as a primary ingredient in your moisturizer.
Skin chemistry
As we all know, skincare’s not one-size-fits-all, and a lot of that has to do with our unique skin characteristics; what works for a friend with similar skin may not work for you.
How to save face
Easy answers are nice but rare in skincare. That’s why there are a few best practices to keep in mind when it comes to defending against clogged pores:
- Take a look at the ingredients label. Check to see if any ingredients with a high comedogenic rating are listed.
- See where any comedogenic ingredients sit on the ingredients list—the higher up on the ingredients list, the higher the concentration, the better the chance it can cause issues.
- Patch test new products before going full-faced.
We’ll do the sleuthing for you
If scanning product labels for non-comedogenic ingredients doesn’t sound like your thing we’re here to help. We started Kura to take the guesswork out of skincare. That means getting you the right products first and foremost, but it also means sharing 101 on everything from how to wash your face to intel on how your sheets could be causing breakouts. It’s all the skin care you need without all the friction.
To get started with routine built around you, create a skin profile at kuraskin.com and we’ll take care of the rest.
Comedogenic Ratings of Skincare Oils
The following ingredients are ranked on a scale from 0-5, where 0 is the least likely to clog pores
0 – Not Likely to Clog Pores
1 – Low
2 – Moderately Low
3 – Moderate
4 – Fairly High
5 – High
| Name | Comedogenic Rating |
| Abyssinian Seed Oil | 0 |
| Acai Berry Oil | 2 |
| Almond Oil, Sweet | 2 |
| Andiroba Seed Oil | 2 |
| Apricot Kernel Oil | 2 |
| Argan Oil | 0 |
| Avocado Oil | 3 |
| Babassu Oil | 1-2 |
| Baobob Seed Oil | 2 |
| Black Currant Seed Oil | 0-1 |
| Blackberry Seed Oil | 0-1 |
| Black Cumin Seed Oil | 2 |
| Black Raspberry Seed Oil | 1-2 |
| Blueberry Seed Oil | 0-1 |
| Borage Oil | 2 |
| Brazil Nut Oil | 2 |
| Broccoli Seed Oil | 1 |
| Buriti Oil | 2 |
| Camellia Seed Oil | 1 |
| Carrot Seed Oil | 3-4 |
| Castor Oil | 1 |
| Cherry Kernel Oil | 2 |
| Chia Seed Oil | 3 |
| Cloudberry Seed Oil | 1 |
| Cocoa Butter | 4 |
| Coconut Butter | 4 |
| Coconut Oil | 4 |
| Coconut Oil, Fractionated | 2-3 |
| Cottonseed Oil | 3 |
| Cranberry Seed Oil | 2 |
| Cucumber Seed Oil | 1 |
| Date Seed Oil | 3 |
| Elderberry Seed Oil | 1-2 |
| Emu Oil | 1 |
| Evening Primrose Oil | 2-3 |
| Flax Seed Oil (Linseed) | 4 |
| Guava Seed Oil | 1-2 |
| Goji Berry Seed Oil | 0-1 |
| Grapeseed Oil | 1 |
| Hazelnut Oil | 1 |
| Hemp Seed Oil | 0 |
| Jojoba Oil | 2 |
| Karanja Oil | 2 |
| Kiwi Seed Oil | 1 |
| Kukui Nut Oil | 2 |
| Lanolin Oil | 2 |
| Macadamia Nut Oil | 2-3 |
| Mango Butter | 2 |
| Mango Seed Oil | 2 |
| Marula Oil | 3-4 |
| Meadowfoam Seed Oil | 1 |
| Milk Thistle Seed Oil | 1 |
| Mineral Oil | 0 |
| Mink Oil | 3 |
| Moringa Oil | 3-4 |
| Mowrah Butter | na |
| Neem Oil | 1-2 |
| Olive Oil | 2 |
| Papaya Seed Oil | 2-3 |
| Palm Oil | 4 |
| Palm Oil, Red | 4 |
| Passionfruit (Maracuja) Seed Oil | 1-2 |
| Peach Kernel Oil | 2 |
| Peanut Oil | 2 |
| Pecan Oil | 2 |
| Perilla Oil | 1-2 |
| Pistachio Oil | na |
| Plum Kernel Oil | 1-2 |
| Pomegranate Seed Oil | 1 |
| Prickly Pear Seed Oil | 1-2 |
| Pumpkin Seed Oil | 2 |
| Red Raspberry Seed Oil | 0-1 |
| Rice Bran Oil | 2 |
| Rosehip Seed Oil | 1 |
| Safflower Oil (High Linoliec) | 0 |
| Sea Buckthorn Oil | 1 |
| Sesame Seed Oil | 3 |
| Shea Butter | 0-2 |
| Shea Oil | 0-2 |
| Soybean Oil | 4-5 |
| Squalane Oil | 0-1 |
| Strawberry Seed Oil | 1 |
| Sunflower Seed Oil | 0-2 |
| Tamanu Oil | 2 |
| Tomato Seed Oil | 0-2 |
| Walnut Seed Oil | 1-2 |
| Watermelon Seed Oil | 0-1 |
| Wheat Germ Oil | 5 |
