Comedogenic Ingredients

Emollient wax ester with a high comedogenic potential. Used as a thickener and opacifier.

Emollient and penetration enhancer that is highly comedogenic. Commonly used to improve product spreadability.

Marine-derived extract rich in minerals and antioxidants but rated highly comedogenic.

Harsh surfactant that effectively cleanses but strips natural oils and disrupts the skin barrier.

Nutrient-rich oil high in vitamin E but extremely comedogenic. One of the highest-rated pore-clogging oils.

Emulsifier that helps blend oil and water phases. Moderately comedogenic.

Emollient ester used as a skin-conditioning agent. Moderately to highly comedogenic.

Saturated fatty acid with antibacterial properties but feeds malassezia yeast. Found abundantly in coconut oil.

Rich tropical oil high in lauric acid. Highly comedogenic despite antibacterial properties.

Rich, heavy butter that deeply moisturizes but is highly comedogenic. Best reserved for body care.

Emollient and thickener that is highly comedogenic and a known fungal acne trigger.

Modified lanolin that is a potent emollient but very comedogenic. Commonly found in hair products.

Emollient ester that is comedogenic. Used in cosmetics for skin-conditioning.

A lightweight emollient ester that provides a non-greasy feel and helps improve product spreadability.

An emulsifier and surfactant derived from oleyl alcohol that helps stabilise oil-in-water formulations.

A lightweight emollient ester that provides moisturisation without a heavy or greasy feel.

Unsaturated fatty acid that is a penetration enhancer. Can disrupt skin barrier in acne-prone individuals.

Saturated fatty acid commonly used in cleansers as a surfactant. Comedogenic and feeds malassezia.

Emulsifier derived from oleic acid. Fungal acne trigger due to its fatty acid content.

Emollient ester used in cosmetics for its skin-conditioning properties. Comedogenic.

An emulsifier and emollient derived from glycerin and oleic acid that helps stabilise formulations while conditioning skin.

A fatty acid ester that acts as an emollient and thickening agent, providing a smooth, velvety skin feel.

Milder cousin of SLS but still a potentially irritating surfactant. Common in shampoos and cleansers.

A surfactant and emulsifier that helps blend oil and water while providing cleansing properties.

Fatty alcohol blend of cetyl and stearyl alcohol. Emollient and emulsion stabilizer, not a drying alcohol.

Common fatty acid used as an emulsifier and thickener. Moderately comedogenic and a fungal acne concern.

Saturated fatty acid used as an emollient and emulsifier. Common in palm oil and animal fats.

Emulsifier and surfactant commonly used in creams and lotions. Known fungal acne trigger.

Emulsifier containing oleic acid moiety. Known fungal acne trigger and moderately comedogenic.

Emulsifier derived from stearic acid. Used to stabilize emulsions in skincare products.

Fat-soluble antioxidant that protects cell membranes from oxidative damage and moisturizes skin.

Fatty alcohol used as an emollient, emulsifier, and thickener. Not a drying alcohol.

Classic oil high in oleic acid. Moisturizing but can worsen acne by disrupting the skin barrier.

Nutrient-rich oil with vitamins A, D, and E. Moderately comedogenic with fatty acids that may feed malassezia.

Gentle emollient oil rich in vitamin E and fatty acids. Moderately comedogenic.

Rich emollient butter similar to shea butter. Contains stearic and oleic acids.

Fatty alcohol used as an emollient, emulsifier, and thickener. Not a drying alcohol.

Stable form of vitamin E used as an antioxidant and skin-conditioning agent.

Lightweight emollient ester that gives a dry, non-greasy skin feel.

Natural wax with emollient and occlusive properties. Used to thicken and stabilize formulations.