Noncomedogenic Products: Definition and Benefits

A noncomedogenic skincare product is topical and made with ingredients less likely to clog pores. By contrast, comedogenic skincare products contain ingredients—like olive oil, avocado oil, cocoa butter, or coconut oil—that are more likely to clog pores and cause breakouts, blemishes, and patchiness.

Noncomedogenic products are less likely to clog pores, which means that when used properly, they may offer several benefits:

• Less acne: One of the chief causes of acne cosmetica (or product acne like blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples) is clogged pores, which is when matter gets trapped underneath your skin and causes inflammation. When you use noncomedogenic products, you’re reducing the number of ingredients on your skin that can get trapped in your pores, reducing your chances of acne breakouts.
• Smoother skin: When your pores become clogged with dead skin cells, dirt, or sebum, small bumps called comedones form on your skin. These comedones are visible as uneven texture and make it harder to get a smooth makeup application. Unclogged pores give the appearance of a more uniform skin tone.
• Better penetration of skincare products: In addition to causing acne and uneven skin texture, clogged pores can block other skincare products from working. Clean, unclogged pores allow products to penetrate deeper into the skin since they don’t have to fight against pore-clogging dead skin cells or surface debris.

Unless your dermatologist has specifically recommended a noncomedogenic skincare routine, you may not need to avoid comedogenic products entirely. Here’s what to know before going fully noncomedogenic:

1. 1. Skin type: Noncomedogenic ingredients are best for oily or acne-prone skin—since they help unclog your pores and reduce oil buildup. But while noncomedogenic beauty products can be great for oily skin types, they aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution. If you have especially dry skin or don’t have a lot of acne, you may want to skip the oil-free products. Your dry skin may benefit from moisturizing comedogenic ingredients like argan oil, jojoba oil, and lanolin.
2. 2. Product ingredients: While the word “noncomedogenic” can be helpful when shopping for skincare products, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate the term, so it isn’t necessarily reliable. When browsing noncomedogenic moisturizers, creams, and makeup products, look at the skincare ingredients lists to better understand what will come into contact with your skin. For a hydrating noncomedogenic formulation, look for humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid. Alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids are noncomedogenic exfoliating ingredients.
3. 3. Coverage: Every single product you use doesn’t have to be noncomedogenic. Instead, aim to find noncomedogenic options for your full-coverage products, like full-face moisturizers, lotions, cleansers, sunscreens, and foundations. Feel free to keep using comedogenic products for more minor spot treatments.

Common skincare ingredients can receive a rating of zero to five on the comedogenic scale. Zero indicates that the ingredient is unlikely to clog pores, and five means the ingredient is likely to clog pores. Here are some common pore-clogging ingredients and their comedogenic ratings:

1. 1. Acetylated lanolin alcohol (4)
2. 2. Butyl stearate (3)
3. 3. Cetyl acetate (4)
4. 4. Cocoa butter (4)
5. 5. Coconut oil (4)
6. 6. Cottonseed oil (3)
7. 7. D & C red #3, #17, and #21 (3)
8. 8. Decyl oleate (3)
9. 9. Ethylhexyl palmitate (4)
10. 10. Glyceryl-3-diisostearate (4)
11. 11. Glyceryl stearate SE (3)
12. 12. Isopropyl isostearate (5)
13. 13. Isopropyl myristate (5)
14. 14. Isostearyl neopentanoate (3)
15. 15. Isopropyl palmitate (4)
16. 16. Isocetyl stearate (5)
17. 17. Jojoba oil (2)
18. 18. Laureth 4 (5)
19. 19. Lauric acid (4)
20. 20. Myristyl lactate (4)
21. 21. Mink oil (3)
22. 22. Myristyl myristate (5)
23. 23. Octyl palmitate (4)
24. 24. Octyl stearate (5)
25. 25. Propylene glycol monostearate (4)
26. 26. Sulfated castor oil (3)
27. 27. Sodium chloride (5)
28. 28. Sodium lauryl sulfate (5)
29. 29. Soybean oil (3)
30. 30. Wheat germ oil (5)

Individuals experience different levels of sensitivity to ingredients found in various skincare products. Consult a dermatologist before applying a new product to your skin to prevent adverse reactions. This article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

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