{"id":71509,"date":"2026-01-06T13:42:41","date_gmt":"2026-01-06T12:42:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.beautydecoded.com\/?page_id=71509"},"modified":"2026-05-31T08:13:40","modified_gmt":"2026-05-31T06:13:40","slug":"comedogenic-ingredients","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.beautydecoded.com\/en\/ingredients-comedogenes\/","title":{"rendered":"Comedogenic ingredients"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"bd-brand\"><style>\n.bd-brand .bd-hub-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(auto-fill,minmax(260px,1fr));gap:16px;margin-top:8px}\n.bd-brand .bd-hub-card{display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:8px;padding:24px 26px;background:rgba(255,255,255,0.6);border:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.95);border-radius:22px;backdrop-filter:blur(20px);text-decoration:none;transition:transform 0.25s ease,box-shadow 0.25s ease;box-shadow:0 10px 40px rgba(42,36,56,0.04)}\n.bd-brand .bd-hub-card:hover{transform:translateY(-4px);box-shadow:0 22px 55px rgba(42,36,56,0.1)}\n.bd-brand .bd-hub-card-tag{font-family:var(--bd-sans);font-size:11px;font-weight:600;color:var(--bd-accent);letter-spacing:0.06em;text-transform:uppercase}\n.bd-brand .bd-hub-card h3{font-family:var(--bd-serif);font-weight:500;font-size:20px;line-height:1.2;color:var(--bd-ink);letter-spacing:-0.01em;margin:0}\n.bd-brand .bd-hub-card-arrow{font-family:var(--bd-serif);font-style:italic;font-size:14px;color:var(--bd-accent);margin-top:auto;padding-top:4px}\n.bd-brand .bd-prob-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(auto-fit,minmax(240px,1fr));gap:16px;margin-top:8px}\n.bd-brand .bd-prob-card{padding:26px 28px;background:rgba(255,255,255,0.6);border:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.95);border-radius:22px;backdrop-filter:blur(20px);box-shadow:0 10px 40px rgba(42,36,56,0.04)}\n.bd-brand .bd-prob-card .bd-prob-num{font-family:var(--bd-serif);font-style:italic;font-size:26px;color:var(--bd-accent);line-height:1}\n.bd-brand .bd-prob-card h4{font-family:var(--bd-serif);font-weight:500;font-size:20px;line-height:1.2;color:var(--bd-ink);letter-spacing:-0.01em;margin:10px 0 8px}\n.bd-brand .bd-prob-card p{font-family:var(--bd-sans);font-size:14.5px;line-height:1.6;color:var(--bd-ink-soft,#5a5560);margin:0}\n.bd-brand .bd-prob-card .bd-prob-inci{font-family:var(--bd-serif);font-style:italic;font-size:14px;color:var(--bd-accent);margin:0 0 6px}\n.bd-brand>p:empty{display:none!important}\n.bd-brand>p{margin:0!important}\nhtml body .bd-brand .bd-section{padding:48px 0 !important}\nhtml body .bd-brand .bd-hero{padding-bottom:8px !important}\nhtml body .bd-brand .bd-hero .bd-hero-meta{margin-bottom:0 !important}\nhtml body .bd-brand .bd-dark{margin-top:24px !important;margin-bottom:24px !important}\nhtml body .bd-brand .bd-final{padding-top:48px !important;padding-bottom:48px !important;margin-top:0 !important}\n@media (max-width:900px){html body .bd-brand .bd-section{padding:36px 0 !important}html body .bd-brand .bd-hero{padding-top:56px !important}html body .bd-brand .bd-eyebrow{margin-top:8px}}\n<\/style><section class=\"bd-hero\" style=\"padding-bottom:8px !important;padding-top:56px !important\"><div class=\"bd-wrap\"><span class=\"bd-eyebrow\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.beautydecoded.com\/en\/ingredient\/\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:none\">Guide skincare - Ingredients<\/a><\/span><h1>Comedogenic ingredients - <em>the truth (and conventional wisdom)<\/em> according to a doctor and analyses by BeautyDecoders.<\/h1><p class=\"bd-hero-sub\">A comedogenic ingredient clogs the pilosebaceous follicle and promotes blackheads and pimples. But comedogenicity is not absolute: it depends on the concentration, the overall formula and your skin type. Oils like coconut (index 4) clog pores, while jojoba or squalane (0-1) are safe. A well-balanced formula is more important than a single ingredient.<\/p><div class=\"bd-hero-meta\"><div class=\"bd-hero-meta-item\"><span>Notion<\/span><strong>Obstruction of the pilosebaceous follicle<\/strong><\/div><div class=\"bd-hero-meta-item\"><span>Scale<\/span><strong>Index from 0 to 5<\/strong><\/div><div class=\"bd-hero-meta-item\"><span>Golden rule<\/span><strong>Formula takes precedence over single ingredient<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"bd-section\"><div class=\"bd-wrap\"><span class=\"bd-section-label\">The facts<\/span><h2>When the culprit is <em>your cream<\/em><\/h2><p class=\"bd-lead\">A perfect anti-acne routine, but pimples that keep coming back? The culprit may be the cream, SPF or even serum: a comedogenic ingredient that silently clogs pores. What's worse, these products are often sold as \u00abfor oily skin\u00bb or \u00abnon-comedogenic\u00bb, even though they contain coconut oil (index 4\/5) or cocoa butter. A comedogenic ingredient is one capable of obstructing the pilosebaceous follicle, promoting microcomedones, blackheads or pimples.<\/p><div class=\"bd-prob-grid\"><div class=\"bd-prob-card\"><div class=\"bd-prob-num\">01<\/div><h4>Concentration<\/h4><p>The quantity of the ingredient in the product. At the bottom of the INCI list, it is often negligible.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"bd-prob-card\"><div class=\"bd-prob-num\">02<\/div><h4>The overall formula<\/h4><p>Emulsion, texture, water\/fat ratio and other formula ingredients.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"bd-prob-card\"><div class=\"bd-prob-num\">03<\/div><h4>Your skin type<\/h4><p>Tolerance is individual, and also depends on the area of application.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"bd-dark\"><div class=\"bd-wrap\"><span class=\"bd-section-label\">Why it's misunderstood<\/span><h2>Testing <em>on rabbit ears<\/em><\/h2><p>Historically, comedogenicity tests have been carried out under conditions that do not reflect actual use: on rabbit ears (far more sensitive than human skin), with ingredients applied pure (at 100 %), and without taking into account the final formulation.<\/p><div class=\"bd-dark-quote\"><strong>Fear marketing\u00ab<\/strong><p>As a result, many ingredients are unjustly demonized, driving consumers to eliminate products that are nevertheless excellent and safe. Comedogenicity is not an absolute, black-or-white property: it must always be read in the context of the formula and the skin.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"bd-section\"><div class=\"bd-wrap\"><span class=\"bd-section-label\">The 0 to 5 scale<\/span><h2>The <em>comedogenicity<\/em><\/h2><p class=\"bd-lead\">The researchers ranked hundreds of ingredients according to their comedogenic index, from 0 (no risk) to 5 (highly comedogenic).<\/p><div class=\"bd-prob-grid\"><div class=\"bd-prob-card\"><div class=\"bd-prob-num\">0<\/div><h4>No risk<\/h4><p>Compatible with all skin types.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"bd-prob-card\"><div class=\"bd-prob-num\">1-2<\/div><h4>Low risk<\/h4><p>Generally OK, except for very reactive skin.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"bd-prob-card\"><div class=\"bd-prob-num\">3<\/div><h4>Moderate risk<\/h4><p>Avoid for oily or acne-prone skin.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"bd-prob-card\"><div class=\"bd-prob-num\">4-5<\/div><h4>High risk<\/h4><p>Highly comedogenic, avoid for acne-prone skin.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"bd-alert bd-alert-info\"><span class=\"bd-alert-icon\">\ud83d\udd0d<\/span><div>In the BeautyDecoded application, ingredients ranked 3 to 5 automatically appear in the \u00abNotable ingredients\u00bb section, so you can spot them at a glance.<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"bd-section\"><div class=\"bd-wrap\"><span class=\"bd-section-label\">The culprits<\/span><h2>The ingredients <em>the most comedogenic<\/em><\/h2><div class=\"bd-phase-header\"><div class=\"bd-phase-num\">4-5<\/div><h3 class=\"bd-phase-title\">Scores <em>high<\/em><\/h3><\/div><p class=\"bd-phase-sub\">Isopropyl Myristate - Isopropyl Palmitate - Myristyl Myristate - Laureth-4 - Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (which irritates the skin and triggers inflammation that can lead to blackheads). These are the first to watch out for in the case of oily or acne-prone skin.<\/p><div class=\"bd-phase-header\"><div class=\"bd-phase-num\">2-3<\/div><h3 class=\"bd-phase-title\">Scores <em>moderate<\/em><\/h3><\/div><p class=\"bd-phase-sub\">Coconut Oil - Cocoa Butter - Wheat Germ Oil - Lanolin - Soybean Oil. To be considered according to skin profile and their place in the formula.<\/p><\/div><\/section><section class=\"bd-section\"><div class=\"bd-wrap\"><span class=\"bd-section-label\">Received ideas<\/span><h2>Vegetable oils : <em>\u00abOil = comedogenic\u00bb is false<\/em><\/h2><p class=\"bd-lead\">It all depends on the chemical structure of the oil, not on the fact that it's an oil.<\/p><div class=\"bd-prob-grid\"><div class=\"bd-prob-card\"><div class=\"bd-prob-inci\">Index 0-1<\/div><h4>Jojoba oil<\/h4><p>Composition close to human sebum, excellent tolerance.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"bd-prob-card\"><div class=\"bd-prob-inci\">Index 0<\/div><h4>Squalane<\/h4><p>Stable and non-occlusive.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"bd-prob-card\"><div class=\"bd-prob-inci\">Index 4<\/div><h4>Coconut oil<\/h4><p>Large molecule, remains on the surface and clogs pores.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"bd-alert bd-alert-info\"><span class=\"bd-alert-icon\">\u26a0<\/span><div><strong>The oxidation factor -<\/strong> a \u00absafe\u00bb oil (e.g. rosehip) can become comedogenic and irritating if oxidized (rancid) by heat or light. Preservation is therefore essential.<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"bd-section\"><div class=\"bd-wrap\"><span class=\"bd-section-label\">Profiles concerned<\/span><h2>Who is <em>really concerned?<\/em><\/h2><p class=\"bd-lead\">Tolerance to comedogenic ingredients is individual and depends on skin type.<\/p><div class=\"bd-prob-grid\"><div class=\"bd-prob-card\"><div class=\"bd-prob-inci\">Vigilance required<\/div><h4>At-risk skin<\/h4><p>Acne-prone, oily or combination skin, or skin prone to microcysts: these are the profiles where an index 3-5 can pose a problem.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"bd-prob-card\"><div class=\"bd-prob-inci\">Low risk<\/div><h4>Tolerant skin<\/h4><p>Very dry skin (lacking lipids) and mature skin: pores not too dilated, low sebum flow, a 3-4 index is fine.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"bd-prob-card\"><div class=\"bd-prob-inci\">Special cases<\/div><h4>Under drying treatment<\/h4><p>Skin on oral retinoids sometimes needs more occlusive ingredients to restore the skin barrier.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"bd-section\"><div class=\"bd-wrap\"><span class=\"bd-section-label\">The golden rule<\/span><h2>The overall formula <em>premium over isolated ingredients<\/em><\/h2><p class=\"bd-lead\">An ingredient classified as comedogenic can be perfectly harmless if it is present in low concentration (at the bottom of the INCI list, its quantity is negligible), if it is integrated into a well-formulated emulsion (light texture, balanced water\/fat ratio), or if it is combined with keratolytic active ingredients such as\u2019<a href=\"https:\/\/www.beautydecoded.com\/en\/bha-salicylic-acid\/\">salicylic acid<\/a> or the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.beautydecoded.com\/en\/niacinamide\/\">niacinamide<\/a>, to prevent obstruction.<\/p><div class=\"bd-alert bd-alert-info\"><span class=\"bd-alert-icon\">\u26a0<\/span><div>Conversely, a \u00abclean\u00bb formula that's too greasy and poorly balanced can become comedogenic, even without any officially comedogenic ingredients.<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"bd-dark\"><div class=\"bd-wrap\"><span class=\"bd-section-label\">Key points to remember<\/span><h2>No ingredients <em>universally comedogenic<\/em><\/h2><p>You can check your products manually: download a list of comedogenic ingredients, read the INCI of each product, check each ingredient, evaluate its position in the formula (hence its concentration) and analyze the water\/fat ratio. It's doable, but time-consuming and tedious for an entire bathroom. The BeautyDecoded application automates this work: identifying and indexing comedogenic ingredients, the formula's aqueous\/fat ratio, estimated concentration according to position in the INCI, compatibility with skin type, and opinions from people with similar skin.<\/p><div class=\"bd-dark-quote\"><p>There are no universally comedogenic ingredients. There are ingredients that are unsuitable for certain skin types, in certain contexts and in certain concentrations.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/section><!-- ===== CTA APP (bd-final standard) ===== --><section class=\"bd-final\" style=\"padding-top:48px !important;margin-top:0 !important\"><div class=\"bd-wrap\"><div class=\"bd-final-inner\"><div class=\"bd-section-label\">Further information<\/div><h2>Identify comedogenic ingredients in <em>your products<\/em>.<\/h2><p>The BeautyDecoded application lets you scan any cosmetic product to visualize its suitability for your skin type and needs, based on INCI analysis.<\/p><div class=\"bd-cta-wrap\" style=\"justify-content: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/beautydecoded.go.link\/88eZ2\" class=\"bd-cta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Discover BeautyDecoded<\/a><\/div><div class=\"bd-cta-meta\" style=\"margin-top: 16px;\">Application available on iOS and Android<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"bd-section\"><div class=\"bd-wrap\"><span class=\"bd-section-label\">Frequently asked questions<\/span><h2>Your questions about <em>comedogenic ingredients<\/em><\/h2><div class=\"bd-faq-list\"><details class=\"bd-faq-item\"><summary>Is coconut oil comedogenic?<\/summary><div class=\"bd-faq-answer\">Yes, coconut oil has a high comedogenic index (4\/5): its large molecule remains on the surface and can clog pores. To be avoided on the face in case of oily or acne-prone skin, despite its \u00abnatural\u00bb reputation. Jojoba or squalane (0-1) are much better alternatives.<\/div><\/details><details class=\"bd-faq-item\"><summary>\u00abIs \u00bbnon-comedogenic\" on the label reliable?<\/summary><div class=\"bd-faq-answer\">Not always. The term is not strictly regulated, and some products labelled \u00abnon-comedogenic\u00bb or \u00abfor oily skin\u00bb nevertheless contain comedogenic ingredients. It's better to check the INCI list than to rely on marketing.<\/div><\/details><details class=\"bd-faq-item\"><summary>Do all oils clog pores?<\/summary><div class=\"bd-faq-answer\">No, that's a common misconception. It all depends on the oil's structure: jojoba and squalane are non-comedogenic (0-1), while coconut is highly comedogenic (4). However, a safe oil can become so if it oxidizes, hence the importance of storing it properly.<\/div><\/details><details class=\"bd-faq-item\"><summary>Is a comedogenic ingredient necessarily to be avoided?<\/summary><div class=\"bd-faq-answer\">No. It all depends on its concentration, the overall formula and your skin. An ingredient rated 3-4 may be suitable for dry skin, or harmless in small quantities in a well-balanced emulsion. The formula is more important than the individual ingredient.<\/div><\/details><\/div><\/div><\/section><section class=\"bd-section\"><div class=\"bd-wrap\"><span class=\"bd-section-label\">Further information<\/span><h2>Others <em>associated guides<\/em><\/h2><div class=\"bd-hub-grid\"><a class=\"bd-hub-card\" href=\"https:\/\/www.beautydecoded.com\/en\/facial-care\/anti-acne-care\/\"><span class=\"bd-hub-card-tag\">Guide<\/span><h3>Anti-acne care<\/h3><span class=\"bd-hub-card-arrow\">Read the guide \u2192<\/span><\/a><a class=\"bd-hub-card\" href=\"https:\/\/www.beautydecoded.com\/en\/facial-care\/anti-blackhead-care\/\"><span class=\"bd-hub-card-tag\">Guide<\/span><h3>Anti-blackhead care<\/h3><span class=\"bd-hub-card-arrow\">Read the guide \u2192<\/span><\/a><a class=\"bd-hub-card\" href=\"https:\/\/www.beautydecoded.com\/en\/silicones\/\"><span class=\"bd-hub-card-tag\">Ingredient<\/span><h3>Silicones<\/h3><span class=\"bd-hub-card-arrow\">Read the guide \u2192<\/span><\/a><a class=\"bd-hub-card\" href=\"https:\/\/www.beautydecoded.com\/en\/bha-salicylic-acid\/\"><span class=\"bd-hub-card-tag\">Ingredient<\/span><h3>BHA (salicylic acid)<\/h3><span class=\"bd-hub-card-arrow\">Read the guide \u2192<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/section><div class=\"bd-sig\"><strong>Dr Sylvain David<\/strong><span>Plastic and aesthetic surgeon - Founder of BeautyDecoded<\/span><\/div><div class=\"bd-disclaimer\"><p>Information for educational purposes only. It does not replace a medical consultation and must be adapted to each individual. The comedogenic index is a relative indication, derived from old tests often carried out on pure ingredients: it does not prejudge the behavior of an ingredient in a finished formula or on a given skin. Tolerance depends on concentration, overall formula and skin type. The \u00abnon-comedogenic\u00bb claim is not strictly regulated. In the event of persistent acne or skin pathology, dermatological advice is recommended.<\/p><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Skincare Guide \u00b7 Ingredients: Comedogenic Ingredients\u2014The Truth (and Common Misconceptions) According to a Doctor and BeautyDecodeurs\u2019 Analysis. A comedogenic ingredient clogs the pilosebaceous follicle and promotes blackheads and pimples. But comedogenicity isn\u2019t set in stone: it depends on the concentration, the overall formula, and your skin type\u2026<\/p>","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_kad_post_transparent":"enable","_kad_post_title":"hide","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-71509","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"taxonomy_info":[],"featured_image_src_large":false,"author_info":{"display_name":"Beautydecoded","author_link":"https:\/\/www.beautydecoded.com\/en\/author\/sylvaindavid\/"},"comment_info":0,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.beautydecoded.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/71509","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.beautydecoded.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.beautydecoded.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.beautydecoded.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.beautydecoded.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=71509"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.beautydecoded.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/71509\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":74594,"href":"https:\/\/www.beautydecoded.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/71509\/revisions\/74594"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.beautydecoded.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=71509"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}