Believe it or not, that "oil-free" label on your moisturizer doesn't always mean you're in the clear from breakouts. Why? Well, two sneaky reasons. First, oils don’t have a monopoly on causing pimples; there's a whole rogue's gallery of ingredients that can clog your pores. The second reason is as individual as you are: we all have our own unique skin chemistry, which means what irritates one person's skin might be totally harmless to another. Maybe for you, algae extract, or coconut oil are the villains, or perhaps they're your skin's best friends. The trick to this skin conundrum? It’s simple: get to know your products better with our easy-to-use pore-clogging ingredient checker. Just scroll down and let the investigation begin!
What Are Pore Clogging Ingredients?
Comedogenic or pore-clogging ingredients are compounds that can provoke inflammation and cause breakouts. They usually include some fatty acids and fatty alcohols. These ingredients are not pure evil. Most can create a protective barrier, slowing down moisture evaporation – which is especially relevant during the wintertime and the heating season.
The issue arises when your skin produces too much of its own oil. It works as a perfect moisturizer and doesn’t need additional help. Those with oily, acne-prone, or even combination skin have to be very careful and always check the list of ingredients of any skincare formula.
Some might find that using a product with low concentrations of comedogenic agents is okay. Others will feel much more comfortable if they absolutely avoid pore-clogging ingredients. Experiment to learn what your skin really needs.
Pore Clogging Ingredient Checker
We prepare a list of the most popular comedogenic ingredients used in skin care products. We kept the original names to make it easy for you to check your skincare products. Well, what are you waiting for? Grab one of your favorite moisturizers and check if it has any of the ingredients mentioned below.
Highly Comedogenic
- Wheat Germ Oil
- Algae Extract
- Carrageenans Algin Sulfated
- Potassium Chloride
- Sodium Chloride
- Sorbitan Oleate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- Hexadecyl Alcohol
- Isocetyl Stearate
- Laureth 4
- Octyl Stearate
- Oleth-3
- Isopropyl Isostearate
- Isopropyl Myristate
- Sweet Almond Oil
- Cetyl Alcohol
Moderately Comedogenic
- Cocoa Butter
- Coconut Oil
- Algin
- Glyceryl-3-Diisostearate
- Polyglyceryl-3-Diisostearate
- Steareth-10
- Safflower Oil
- Ceteareth 20
- Lauric Acid
- Isopropyl Palmitate
- Myristyl Lactate
- Isodecyl Oleate
- PEG-16 Lanolin
- Cetearyl Alcohol
- Xylene
- Stearyl Heptanoate
Slightly Comedogenic
- Corn Oil
- Sulfated Jojoba Oil
- Red Algae
- Colloidal Sulfur
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Glyceryl Stearate SE
- Wheat Germ Glyceride
- Myristic Acid
- Butyl Stearate
- Decyl Oleate
- Isostearyl Neopentanoate
- PEG-75 Lanolin
- Dioctyl Succinate
- Cottonseed Oil
- Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil
Suppose you found one ingredient from the first group in your skin product. In this case, it doesn’t mean that the formula will certainly clog your pores. But if there are several ingredients from two or three groups, and some are at the top of the list, their concentration may be high enough to cause acne.
Important: Do not confuse comedogenicity with poor-quality cleansing. Before attributing all mortal sins to any skin care product, you must first ensure that you clean your skin well. Maybe it's time to turn on the hydrophilic oil?
Best Non-Comedogenic Moisturisers
With a formula rich in ceramides and niacinamide, this moisturizer does many amazing things. It increases the barrier function, improves water retention, and provides a glowing effect. Alcohol- and fragrance-free. This product won’t clog your pores but will keep your skin plump and hydrated all day long.
Honest Beauty Hydrogel cream is a superb moisturizer that makes your skin supple and smooth without being heavy or greasy. Vegan and cruelty-free. It is packed with non-comedogenic squalane, antioxidative vitamin E, and hydrating hyaluronic acid. The formula improves elasticity, protects against free radical damage, and keeps the skin plump.
Formulated by a Swiss dermatologist, this brand is focused on mixing botanical treatments with lab-made ingredients. Its moisturizer is like a lotion and can spread easily. The formula consists of rosemary, blueberry, and grape seed extract, along with Vitamin E and jojoba, to hydrate, smooth, and naturally mattify skin. Fragrance-free and hypoallergenic.
