Ingredient index
136 ingredients with 0–5 ratings from published comedogenicity literature.
A
- 4/5Acetylated LanolinModified lanolin, strongly comedogenic.
- 4/5Acetylated Lanolin AlcoholStrongly comedogenic.
- 5/5Algae ExtractRated highly comedogenic in classic lists; species vary.
- 0/5AllantoinNon-comedogenic soother.
- 2/5Almond OilLow-moderate.
- 0/5Aloe VeraNon-comedogenic.
- 2/5Apricot Kernel OilLow-moderate.
- 0/5Argan OilNon-comedogenic.
- 2/5Ascorbyl PalmitateLow-moderate.
- 2/5Avocado OilLow-moderate; richer skin types fine.
B
C
- 1/5Candelilla WaxLow.
- 1/5Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCoconut-derived but light; low rating (distinct from whole coconut oil).
- 0/5CarbomerThickener, non-comedogenic.
- 1/5Carnauba WaxLow.
- 5/5CarrageenanRed-algae thickener, high classic rating.
- 1/5Castor OilLow.
- 0/5Centella Asiatica ExtractNon-comedogenic.
- 0/5Ceramide NPNon-comedogenic barrier lipid.
- 2/5Cetearyl AlcoholFatty alcohol, low-moderate alone (see combo with ceteareth-20).
- 4/5Cetearyl Alcohol + Ceteareth-20The combo rates higher than either alone.
- 4/5Cetyl AcetateOften paired with acetylated lanolin alcohol.
- 2/5Cetyl AlcoholFatty alcohol, low-moderate.
- 0/5CholesterolBarrier lipid, non-comedogenic in formulas.
- 0/5Cocamidopropyl BetaineMild surfactant, non-comedogenic.
- 4/5Cocoa ButterRich butter, strongly comedogenic.
- 4/5Coconut ButterAs comedogenic as the oil.
- 4/5Coconut OilBeloved, but strongly comedogenic on facial skin.
- 0/5Colloidal OatmealNon-comedogenic soother.
- 3/5Corn OilModerate.
- 3/5Cottonseed OilModerate.
- 0/5CyclomethiconeVolatile silicone, non-comedogenic.
D
E
F
G
- 0/5GlycerinHumectant, non-comedogenic.
- 2/5Glyceryl StearateCommon emulsifier, low-moderate.
- 3/5Glyceryl Stearate SESelf-emulsifying grade rates higher than plain glyceryl stearate.
- 0/5Glycolic AcidNon-comedogenic exfoliant.
- 0/5Grape Seed ExtractExtract (not the oil), non-comedogenic.
- 1/5Grapeseed OilLight, low rating.
- 0/5Green Tea ExtractNon-comedogenic.
H
I
- 0/5Iron OxidesNon-comedogenic pigments.
- 5/5Isocetyl StearateEster, highly comedogenic.
- 5/5Isopropyl IsostearateEster, highly comedogenic.
- 5/5Isopropyl MyristateClassic clogger; penetration enhancer.
- 4/5Isopropyl PalmitateCommon ester, strongly comedogenic.
- 4/5Isostearyl IsostearateEster, strongly comedogenic.
J
K
L
M
- 2/5Macadamia Nut OilLow-moderate.
- 3/5Marula OilModerate; oleic-rich.
- 0/5MicaNon-comedogenic.
- 0/5Mineral OilCosmetic-grade is non-comedogenic despite its reputation.
- 3/5Mink OilModerate.
- 3/5Moringa OilModerate.
- 3/5Myristic AcidModerate.
- 4/5Myristyl LactateEster, strongly comedogenic.
- 5/5Myristyl MyristateTexture ester, highly comedogenic.
N
O
- 4/5Octyl PalmitateWidely used ester; caution rating.
- 5/5Octyl StearateEster, highly comedogenic.
- 2/5Oleic AcidLow-moderate; oleic-rich oils suit dry skin better than acne-prone.
- 5/5Oleth-3Emulsifier, highly comedogenic.
- 4/5Oleyl AlcoholFatty alcohol, strongly comedogenic.
- 2/5Olive OilLow-moderate; oleic-rich.
P
- 4/5Palm Kernel OilStrongly comedogenic.
- 4/5Palm OilStrongly comedogenic.
- 2/5Palmitic AcidLow-moderate.
- 0/5PanthenolNon-comedogenic.
- 2/5Peanut OilLow-moderate.
- 4/5PEG 16 LanolinSolulan 16; strongly comedogenic.
- 1/5PEG-100 StearateLow.
- 0/5Pentylene GlycolNon-comedogenic.
- 0/5PetrolatumOcclusive but non-comedogenic.
- 0/5PhenoxyethanolPreservative, non-comedogenic.
- 0/5Polysorbate 20Non-comedogenic.
- 0/5Polysorbate 80Non-comedogenic.
- 1/5Pomegranate Seed OilLow.
- 5/5Potassium ChlorideHigh assay rating.
- 4/5PPG-2 Myristyl PropionateEster, strongly comedogenic.
- 1/5Prickly Pear Seed OilLow.
- 0/5Propylene GlycolHumectant, non-comedogenic.
- 2/5Pumpkin Seed OilLow-moderate.
R
S
- 0/5Safflower Seed OilLinoleic-rich, non-comedogenic.
- 0/5Salicylic AcidAnti-comedogenic active.
- 1/5Sea Buckthorn OilLow.
- 2/5Sesame OilLow-moderate.
- 3/5Shark Liver OilModerate; squalene source.
- 0/5Shea ButterDespite richness, classic lists rate it 0 — low clogging.
- 0/5SilicaNon-comedogenic.
- 5/5Sodium ChlorideHigh assay rating; mostly relevant in leave-on products.
- 3/5Sodium Laureth SulfateModerate; rinse-off context softens it.
- 5/5Sodium Lauryl SulfateRinse-off surfactant; high assay rating and an irritant — matters most in leave-ons.
- 3/5Sorbitan OleateEmulsifier, moderate.
- 3/5Soybean OilModerate.
- 0/5SqualaneNon-comedogenic; excellent lightweight emollient.
- 2/5SqualeneThe unsaturated form rates low-moderate (oxidizes).
- 2/5Stearic AcidFatty acid, low-moderate.
- 2/5Stearyl AlcoholLow-moderate.
- 4/5Stearyl HeptanoateEster, strongly comedogenic.
- 0/5Sunflower Seed OilLinoleic-rich, non-comedogenic.