📖 Official Clinical Reference Guide
Comedogenic Ingredients List (0-5)
A comprehensive A-Z reference of cosmetic ingredients ranked by their pore-clogging tendency. Use the real-time filter below to audit your skincare bottles.
Complete A-Z Comedogenic Ingredients Directory
Official clinical 0-5 pore-clogging scale ratings, irritation indices, and fungal acne safety flags.
| Ingredient Name (INCI) | Comedogenic (0-5) | Irritation (0-5) | Fungal Acne Trigger | Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Isopropyl Myristate aka: IPM, Myristic Acid Isopropyl Ester | 5 / 5 | 3 / 5 | âš Trigger | Ester |
| Isopropyl Isostearate | 5 / 5 | 2 / 5 | âš Trigger | Ester |
| Myristyl Myristate | 5 / 5 | 2 / 5 | âš Trigger | Ester |
| Algae Extract aka: Seaweed Extract, Laminaria Extract | 5 / 5 | 4 / 5 | ✔ Safe | Active |
| Carrageenan aka: Chondrus Crispus Extract, Irish Moss Extract | 5 / 5 | 2 / 5 | ✔ Safe | Thickener |
| Wheat Germ Oil aka: Triticum Vulgare Germ Oil | 5 / 5 | 2 / 5 | âš Trigger | Oil |
| Laureth-4 aka: Laureth 4 | 5 / 5 | 4 / 5 | âš Trigger | Surfactant |
| Oleth-3 aka: Oleth 3 | 5 / 5 | 2 / 5 | âš Trigger | Surfactant |
| Isocetyl Stearate | 5 / 5 | 1 / 5 | âš Trigger | Ester |
| Octyl Stearate aka: Ethylhexyl Stearate | 5 / 5 | 0 / 5 | âš Trigger | Ester |
| Sodium Chloride aka: Salt, Sea Salt | 5 / 5 | 3 / 5 | ✔ Safe | Mineral |
| Potassium Chloride | 5 / 5 | 3 / 5 | ✔ Safe | Mineral |
| Acetylated Lanolin | 5 / 5 | 0 / 5 | âš Trigger | Emollient |
| Acetylated Lanolin Alcohol | 5 / 5 | 2 / 5 | âš Trigger | Emollient |
| Wheat Germ Glycerides | 5 / 5 | 2 / 5 | âš Trigger | Emollient |
| Laminaria Digitata aka: Kelp Extract, Brown Algae | 5 / 5 | 3 / 5 | ✔ Safe | Active |
| Laminaria Saccharina aka: Sea Kelp | 5 / 5 | 3 / 5 | ✔ Safe | Active |
| Plankton Extract | 5 / 5 | 2 / 5 | ✔ Safe | Active |
| Red Algae Extract aka: Rhodophyta Extract | 5 / 5 | 2 / 5 | ✔ Safe | Active |
| Myristyl Lactate | 5 / 5 | 2 / 5 | âš Trigger | Ester |
| Coconut Oil aka: Cocos Nucifera Oil, Virgin Coconut Oil | 4 / 5 | 1 / 5 | âš Trigger | Oil |
| Coconut Butter aka: Cocos Nucifera Butter | 4 / 5 | 1 / 5 | âš Trigger | Butter |
| Cocoa Butter aka: Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter | 4 / 5 | 0 / 5 | âš Trigger | Butter |
| Palm Oil aka: Elaeis Guineensis Oil | 4 / 5 | 1 / 5 | âš Trigger | Oil |
| Flaxseed Oil aka: Linum Usitatissimum Seed Oil, Linseed Oil | 4 / 5 | 1 / 5 | âš Trigger | Oil |
| Lauric Acid | 4 / 5 | 1 / 5 | âš Trigger | Fatty Acid |
| Isopropyl Palmitate aka: IPP | 4 / 5 | 1 / 5 | âš Trigger | Ester |
| Ethylhexyl Palmitate aka: Octyl Palmitate | 4 / 5 | 1 / 5 | âš Trigger | Ester |
| Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate aka: Polyglyceryl 3 Diisostearate | 4 / 5 | 0 / 5 | âš Trigger | Emulsifier |
| Steareth-10 aka: Steareth 10 | 4 / 5 | 2 / 5 | âš Trigger | Emulsifier |
| PEG 16 Soy Sterol | 4 / 5 | 2 / 5 | âš Trigger | Emulsifier |
| Isostearyl Neopentanoate | 4 / 5 | 1 / 5 | âš Trigger | Ester |
| Myristic Acid | 4 / 5 | 1 / 5 | âš Trigger | Fatty Acid |
| Ceteareth-20 aka: Ceteareth 20 | 4 / 5 | 1 / 5 | ✔ Safe | Emulsifier |
| Marula Oil aka: Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil | 4 / 5 | 0 / 5 | âš Trigger | Oil |
| Mink Oil | 4 / 5 | 1 / 5 | âš Trigger | Oil |
| Wheat Germ aka: Triticum Vulgare | 4 / 5 | 2 / 5 | âš Trigger | Botanical |
| Sulfated Castor Oil aka: Turkey Red Oil | 4 / 5 | 2 / 5 | âš Trigger | Surfactant |
| Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil | 4 / 5 | 0 / 5 | âš Trigger | Emollient |
| D&C Red 30 aka: CI 73360 | 4 / 5 | 0 / 5 | ✔ Safe | Colorant |
| Soybean Oil aka: Glycine Soja Oil | 3 / 5 | 0 / 5 | âš Trigger | Oil |
| Corn Oil aka: Zea Mays Oil | 3 / 5 | 0 / 5 | âš Trigger | Oil |
| Cottonseed Oil aka: Gossypium Herbaceum Seed Oil | 3 / 5 | 0 / 5 | âš Trigger | Oil |
| Avocado Oil aka: Persea Gratissima Oil | 3 / 5 | 0 / 5 | âš Trigger | Oil |
| Sesame Oil aka: Sesamum Indicum Seed Oil | 3 / 5 | 0 / 5 | âš Trigger | Oil |
| Evening Primrose Oil aka: Oenothera Biennis Oil | 3 / 5 | 0 / 5 | âš Trigger | Oil |
| Chia Seed Oil aka: Salvia Hispanica Seed Oil | 3 / 5 | 0 / 5 | âš Trigger | Oil |
| Shea Butter aka: Butyrospermum Parkii Butter | 3 / 5 | 0 / 5 | âš Trigger | Butter |
| Mango Butter aka: Mangifera Indica Seed Butter | 3 / 5 | 0 / 5 | âš Trigger | Butter |
| Steareth-20 aka: Steareth 20 | 3 / 5 | 1 / 5 | âš Trigger | Emulsifier |
| Laureth-23 aka: Laureth 23 | 3 / 5 | 2 / 5 | âš Trigger | Surfactant |
| Polysorbate 20 aka: Tween 20 | 2 / 5 | 0 / 5 | âš Trigger | Emulsifier |
| Polysorbate 60 aka: Tween 60 | 2 / 5 | 0 / 5 | âš Trigger | Emulsifier |
| Polysorbate 80 aka: Tween 80 | 2 / 5 | 0 / 5 | âš Trigger | Emulsifier |
| Glyceryl Stearate SE | 3 / 5 | 0 / 5 | âš Trigger | Emulsifier |
| Decyl Oleate | 3 / 5 | 0 / 5 | âš Trigger | Ester |
| Dioctyl Succinate | 3 / 5 | 0 / 5 | âš Trigger | Ester |
| Oleyl Alcohol | 3 / 5 | 2 / 5 | âš Trigger | Alcohol |
| Stearyl Heptanoate | 3 / 5 | 0 / 5 | âš Trigger | Ester |
| Jojoba Oil aka: Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil | 2 / 5 | 0 / 5 | âš Trigger | Wax Ester |
| Olive Oil aka: Olea Europaea Fruit Oil | 2 / 5 | 0 / 5 | âš Trigger | Oil |
| Almond Oil aka: Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Sweet Almond Oil | 2 / 5 | 0 / 5 | âš Trigger | Oil |
| Apricot Kernel Oil aka: Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil | 2 / 5 | 0 / 5 | âš Trigger | Oil |
| Beeswax aka: Cera Alba | 2 / 5 | 0 / 5 | âš Trigger | Wax |
| Candelilla Wax aka: Euphorbia Cerifera Cera | 2 / 5 | 0 / 5 | ✔ Safe | Wax |
| Carnauba Wax aka: Copernicia Cerifera Cera | 2 / 5 | 0 / 5 | ✔ Safe | Wax |
| Stearic Acid | 2 / 5 | 0 / 5 | âš Trigger | Fatty Acid |
| Cetearyl Alcohol | 2 / 5 | 1 / 5 | ✔ Safe | Fatty Alcohol |
| Cetyl Alcohol | 2 / 5 | 0 / 5 | ✔ Safe | Fatty Alcohol |
| Stearyl Alcohol | 2 / 5 | 0 / 5 | ✔ Safe | Fatty Alcohol |
| Palmitic Acid | 2 / 5 | 0 / 5 | âš Trigger | Fatty Acid |
| Glyceryl Stearate | 2 / 5 | 0 / 5 | âš Trigger | Emulsifier |
| PEG-100 Stearate aka: PEG 100 Stearate | 2 / 5 | 0 / 5 | âš Trigger | Emulsifier |
| Tamanu Oil aka: Calophyllum Inophyllum Seed Oil | 2 / 5 | 0 / 5 | âš Trigger | Oil |
| Camellia Oil aka: Camellia Japonica Seed Oil | 2 / 5 | 0 / 5 | âš Trigger | Oil |
| Babassu Oil aka: Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil | 2 / 5 | 0 / 5 | âš Trigger | Oil |
| Grapeseed Oil aka: Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil | 2 / 5 | 0 / 5 | âš Trigger | Oil |
| Castor Oil aka: Ricinus Communis Seed Oil | 1 / 5 | 0 / 5 | âš Trigger | Oil |
| Rosehip Oil aka: Rosa Canina Seed Oil, Rosa Rubiginosa Seed Oil | 1 / 5 | 0 / 5 | âš Trigger | Oil |
| Pomegranate Seed Oil aka: Punica Granatum Seed Oil | 1 / 5 | 0 / 5 | âš Trigger | Oil |
| Sea Buckthorn Oil aka: Hippophae Rhamnoides Oil | 1 / 5 | 0 / 5 | âš Trigger | Oil |
| Dimethicone aka: Polydimethylsiloxane | 1 / 5 | 0 / 5 | ✔ Safe | Silicone |
| Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride aka: MCT Oil, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride | 1 / 5 | 0 / 5 | ✔ Safe | Emollient |
| Butylene Glycol | 1 / 5 | 0 / 5 | ✔ Safe | Humectant |
| Propylene Glycol | 1 / 5 | 0 / 5 | ✔ Safe | Humectant |
| Tocopherol aka: Vitamin E, Tocopheryl Acetate | 1 / 5 | 0 / 5 | ✔ Safe | Antioxidant |
| Argan Oil aka: Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil | 0 / 5 | 0 / 5 | âš Trigger | Oil |
| Water aka: Aqua, Eau, Purified Water | 0 / 5 | 0 / 5 | ✔ Safe | Solvent |
| Glycerin aka: Glycerol | 0 / 5 | 0 / 5 | ✔ Safe | Humectant |
| Squalane aka: Plant Squalane, Olive Squalane, Sugar Squalane | 0 / 5 | 0 / 5 | ✔ Safe | Emollient |
| Mineral Oil aka: Paraffinum Liquidum, Liquid Paraffin | 0 / 5 | 0 / 5 | ✔ Safe | Emollient |
| Petrolatum aka: Petroleum Jelly, Vaseline | 0 / 5 | 0 / 5 | ✔ Safe | Occlusive |
| Hyaluronic Acid aka: Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid | 0 / 5 | 0 / 5 | ✔ Safe | Humectant |
| Niacinamide aka: Vitamin B3, Nicotinamide | 0 / 5 | 0 / 5 | ✔ Safe | Active |
| Salicylic Acid aka: BHA, Beta Hydroxy Acid | 0 / 5 | 1 / 5 | ✔ Safe | Active |
| Panthenol aka: Pro-Vitamin B5, D-Panthenol | 0 / 5 | 0 / 5 | ✔ Safe | Humectant |
| Allantoin | 0 / 5 | 0 / 5 | ✔ Safe | Active |
| Centella Asiatica Extract aka: Cica, Madecassoside, Asiaticoside | 0 / 5 | 0 / 5 | ✔ Safe | Active |
| Ceramide NP aka: Ceramide 3 | 0 / 5 | 0 / 5 | ✔ Safe | Barrier Lipid |
| Ceramide AP aka: Ceramide 6 II | 0 / 5 | 0 / 5 | ✔ Safe | Barrier Lipid |
| Ceramide EOP aka: Ceramide 1 | 0 / 5 | 0 / 5 | ✔ Safe | Barrier Lipid |
| Phytosphingosine | 0 / 5 | 0 / 5 | ✔ Safe | Barrier Lipid |
| Cholesterol | 0 / 5 | 0 / 5 | ✔ Safe | Barrier Lipid |
| Zinc Oxide aka: CI 77947 | 0 / 5 | 0 / 5 | ✔ Safe | Sunscreen/Mineral |
| Titanium Dioxide aka: CI 77891 | 0 / 5 | 0 / 5 | ✔ Safe | Sunscreen/Mineral |
| Xanthan Gum | 0 / 5 | 0 / 5 | ✔ Safe | Thickener |
| Carbomer | 0 / 5 | 0 / 5 | ✔ Safe | Thickener |
| Phenoxyethanol | 0 / 5 | 1 / 5 | ✔ Safe | Preservative |
| Ethylhexylglycerin | 0 / 5 | 1 / 5 | ✔ Safe | Preservative |
| Disodium EDTA | 0 / 5 | 0 / 5 | ✔ Safe | Chelating Agent |
| Sodium Hydroxide | 0 / 5 | 0 / 5 | ✔ Safe | pH Adjuster |
| Citric Acid aka: AHA | 0 / 5 | 1 / 5 | ✔ Safe | pH Adjuster |
| Cyclopentasiloxane aka: D5 | 0 / 5 | 0 / 5 | ✔ Safe | Silicone |
| Sunflower Seed Oil aka: Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil | 0 / 5 | 0 / 5 | âš Trigger | Oil |
| Hemp Seed Oil aka: Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil | 0 / 5 | 0 / 5 | âš Trigger | Oil |
| Aloe Vera aka: Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Aloe Extract | 0 / 5 | 0 / 5 | ✔ Safe | Botanical |
| Green Tea Extract aka: Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract | 0 / 5 | 0 / 5 | ✔ Safe | Antioxidant |
| Azelaic Acid aka: Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate | 0 / 5 | 1 / 5 | ✔ Safe | Active |
| Urea aka: Hydroxyethyl Urea | 0 / 5 | 0 / 5 | ✔ Safe | Humectant |
| Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate | 0 / 5 | 0 / 5 | âš Trigger | Ferment |
| Bifida Ferment Lysate | 0 / 5 | 0 / 5 | âš Trigger | Ferment |
| Butyl Stearate | 3 / 5 | 0 / 5 | âš Trigger | Ester |
| Glyceryl Isostearate | 3 / 5 | 0 / 5 | âš Trigger | Ester |
| Oleic Acid | 2 / 5 | 1 / 5 | âš Trigger | Fatty Acid |
| Linoleic Acid | 1 / 5 | 0 / 5 | âš Trigger | Fatty Acid |
| PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil aka: PEG 40 Castor Oil | 2 / 5 | 0 / 5 | âš Trigger | Surfactant |
| PEG-20 Stearate | 2 / 5 | 0 / 5 | âš Trigger | Surfactant |
| Sorbitan Stearate | 2 / 5 | 0 / 5 | âš Trigger | Emulsifier |
| Sorbitan Oleate | 3 / 5 | 0 / 5 | âš Trigger | Emulsifier |
| Hexylene Glycol | 2 / 5 | 1 / 5 | ✔ Safe | Humectant |
| Isostearyl Isostearate | 4 / 5 | 0 / 5 | âš Trigger | Ester |
| Isostearyl Alcohol | 4 / 5 | 0 / 5 | âš Trigger | Alcohol |
| Laureth-2 | 4 / 5 | 3 / 5 | âš Trigger | Surfactant |
| Myreth-3 Myristate | 4 / 5 | 0 / 5 | âš Trigger | Ester |
| Oleth-10 | 2 / 5 | 1 / 5 | âš Trigger | Surfactant |
| Triethanolamine aka: TEA | 2 / 5 | 0 / 5 | ✔ Safe | pH Adjuster |
| Sodium Lauryl Sulfate aka: SLS | 5 / 5 | 5 / 5 | ✔ Safe | Surfactant |
| Sodium Laureth Sulfate aka: SLES | 3 / 5 | 2 / 5 | ✔ Safe | Surfactant |
| Cetyl Acetate | 4 / 5 | 0 / 5 | âš Trigger | Ester |
| Glyceryl Oleate | 3 / 5 | 0 / 5 | âš Trigger | Emulsifier |
| Ascorbyl Palmitate aka: Vitamin C Ester | 2 / 5 | 1 / 5 | âš Trigger | Active |
| Ascorbic Acid aka: L-Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin C | 0 / 5 | 2 / 5 | ✔ Safe | Active |
| Glycolic Acid aka: AHA | 0 / 5 | 2 / 5 | ✔ Safe | Active |
| Lactic Acid | 0 / 5 | 1 / 5 | ✔ Safe | Active |
| Retinol aka: Vitamin A | 0 / 5 | 3 / 5 | ✔ Safe | Active |
| Bakuchiol | 0 / 5 | 0 / 5 | ✔ Safe | Active |
| Resveratrol | 0 / 5 | 0 / 5 | ✔ Safe | Antioxidant |
| Tranexamic Acid | 0 / 5 | 0 / 5 | ✔ Safe | Active |
| Kojic Acid | 0 / 5 | 1 / 5 | ✔ Safe | Active |
| Alpha Arbutin aka: Arbutin | 0 / 5 | 0 / 5 | ✔ Safe | Active |
| Licorice Root Extract aka: Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate | 0 / 5 | 0 / 5 | ✔ Safe | Active |
| Mugwort Extract aka: Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract | 0 / 5 | 0 / 5 | ✔ Safe | Active |
| Propolis Extract aka: Bee Propolis | 0 / 5 | 0 / 5 | ✔ Safe | Active |
| Snail Secretion Filtrate aka: Snail Mucin | 0 / 5 | 0 / 5 | ✔ Safe | Active |
| Silica | 0 / 5 | 0 / 5 | ✔ Safe | Mineral |
| Talc aka: CI 77718 | 1 / 5 | 0 / 5 | ✔ Safe | Mineral |
| Mica aka: CI 77019 | 0 / 5 | 0 / 5 | ✔ Safe | Mineral |
| Iron Oxides aka: CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499 | 0 / 5 | 0 / 5 | ✔ Safe | Colorant |
| Kaolin aka: White Clay | 0 / 5 | 0 / 5 | ✔ Safe | Clay |
| Bentonite aka: Bentonite Clay | 0 / 5 | 0 / 5 | ✔ Safe | Clay |
| Colloidal Oatmeal aka: Avena Sativa Kernel Flour | 0 / 5 | 0 / 5 | ✔ Safe | Active |
| Tea Tree Leaf Oil aka: Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Tea Tree Oil | 1 / 5 | 2 / 5 | âš Trigger | Essential Oil |
| Lavender Oil aka: Lavandula Angustifolia Oil | 1 / 5 | 3 / 5 | âš Trigger | Essential Oil |
| Peppermint Oil aka: Mentha Piperita Oil | 1 / 5 | 4 / 5 | âš Trigger | Essential Oil |
| Fragrance aka: Parfum | 0 / 5 | 4 / 5 | ✔ Safe | Fragrance |
✨ Acne-Safe Alternatives
Need a 100% Non-Comedogenic Replacement?
If your current product contains pore-clogging ingredients, try these vetted, dermatologist-standard alternatives.
Moisturizer • Vanicream
Daily Facial Moisturizer with Ceramides & Hyaluronic Acid
✔ Zero pore-clogging oils, zero heavy esters, 100% fungal acne safe. Dermatologist standard for cystic acne.
Rating 0/5
Check on Amazon →
Moisturizer • Sebamed
Clear Face Care Gel
✔ Water-based oil-free gel. pH 5.5 acidic mantle support, zero lipids or fatty acids.
Rating 0/5
Check on Amazon →
Cleanser • Vanicream
Gentle Facial Cleanser
✔ Soap-free, oil-free, non-comedogenic, sulfate-free gentle surfactant system.
Rating 0/5
Check on Amazon →
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about pore-clogging ingredients, comedogenic scales, and fungal acne.
What does comedogenic mean in skincare?
A comedogenic ingredient is a substance with a physical or chemical tendency to clog hair follicles and pores, leading to the formation of microcomedones, blackheads, whiteheads, and inflammatory acne papules. The comedogenicity scale ranges from 0 (completely non-pore-clogging) to 5 (severely pore-clogging).
What is the difference between regular acne and fungal acne?
Regular acne (Acne Vulgaris) is caused by Cutibacterium acnes bacteria trapped in dead skin cells and sebum. Fungal acne (Malassezia Folliculitis) is caused by an overgrowth of yeast naturally present on skin. Unlike bacterial acne, Malassezia feeds specifically on fatty acids with carbon chain lengths between 11 and 24, as well as esters and polysorbates. Standard antibacterial acne treatments often fail to clear fungal acne.
Is Coconut Oil really bad for acne-prone skin?
Yes, pure Coconut Oil has an official comedogenic rating of 4 out of 5. It is exceptionally rich in Lauric Acid (C12) and Myristic Acid (C14), which form a dense occlusive film that frequently traps sebum and debris in facial pores. While excellent for body dry skin and hair shafts, it should generally be avoided on facial acne-prone areas.
If a product has an ingredient rated 2, will it definitely break me out?
Not necessarily. A rating of 2 represents a low-to-moderate risk. In finished skincare formulas, ingredient concentration and formulation chemistry matter greatly. An ingredient with a rating of 2 listed at the very bottom of an INCI list (less than 1%) in a lightweight gel is much less likely to clog pores than a heavy cream where it is the second ingredient.
How is the comedogenic rating scale determined?
The 0-5 scale was originally established through dermatological rabbit ear and human patch testing by Dr. Albert Kligman and Dr. James Fulton. Today, it serves as the universal baseline for cosmetic chemists and estheticians to identify high-risk pore cloggers like Isopropyl Myristate (5), Wheat Germ Oil (5), and Coconut Oil (4).