When shopping for the best clean beauty and skincare products, familiarizing yourself with certain labeling terms is important.
For example, many product labels list the word “non-comedogenic,” especially those targeting oily, combination, or blemish-prone skin.
So, what does non-comedogenic mean, and how does it relate to selecting the best skincare products?
This article explains what non-comedogenic products are, who should use such products, and specifically how they relate to clean, natural, and low-tox skincare.
What Does Non-Comedogenic Mean?
Clean skincare products tend to use a lot of “non,” “free from,” and “no” language on labels, such as:
- Free from synthetic fragrance,
- Non-GMO,
- No artificial preservatives,
- Not tested on animals,
- And free from synthetic chemicals.
Although these terms are generally familiar to health and toxin-conscious consumers, others, like non-comedogenic, are less so.
So, what does non-comedogenic mean?
Put simply, it means the ingredients in a product are unlikely to clog or block your pores, which can lead to blackheads and breakouts.
Comedone is another word for a clogged pore, hence the name non-comedogenic.
For this reason, the term non-comedogenic is commonly used on products designed for oily, combination, or blemish-prone skin.
However, as with most skincare claims, the term non-comedogenic is not regulated.
Therefore, savvy shoppers should know which ingredients are most likely to clog pores.
Non-Comedogenic Skincare: How Can You Tell If a Product Will Clog Pores?
Skincare products will typically advertise non-comedogenic on labels. However, since this term is unregulated, it’s beneficial to learn a little more about comedogenic and non-comedogenic ingredients.
Skincare companies use a comedogenic rating scale with ingredients rated from 1 to 5, and those rated 1 to 2 are considered non-comedogenic.
This scale is based mainly on a 1989 research study in which ingredients were tested on rabbit ears, as well as other research conducted before 2013.
Comedogenic and non-comedogenic ingredients can be synthetic or natural, and they may not cause problems for everyone (like your BFF, who always seems to use anything on her skin and still look flawless!).
It’s also important to note that some comedogenic ingredients may become less or even non-comedogenic when combined with other ingredients in a specific formula. So, there are nuances in determining this status.
Reputable skincare companies will use the term honestly, but knowing what red flags to look for is still helpful.
Next, we’ll focus on natural or low-tox ingredients in clean skincare products that are comedogenic and non-comedogenic.
Who Should Use Non-Comedogenic Skincare?
It depends on who you ask!
Some dermatologists and skincare experts recommend that everyone avoid comedogenic ingredients, as they can create problems even in skin that isn’t blemish-prone.
However, it is generally recommended people with oily, congested, combination, or blemish-prone skin use only non-comedogenic skincare products.
Will using non-comedogenic products stop blemishes or clogged pores?
If only it were that simple.
Unfortunately, these skincare issues can stem from various causes, including hormonal fluctuations, diet and lifestyle, nutrient deficiencies or insufficiencies, season of life, microbiome disruption, and using the wrong skincare products.
Plus, some people have great results clearing up blemishes using skincare products with moderately comedogenic ingredients because they also have antibacterial properties, so there’s no one-size-fits-all.
Therefore, while choosing non-comedogenic products can improve blemishes and help keep pores clear, it’s not the only factor in addressing blemishes, congestion, or clogged pores.
Comedogenic Ingredients In Skincare Products: What To Watch Out For
If you like to do your own research or have had trouble finding skincare products that won’t clog pores, this section is for you.
Here’s a list of comedogenic ingredients found in natural and synthetic chemical-based skincare products.
Comedogenic Ingredients in Natural Skincare Products
Using clean skincare products, like Desert Essence, provides a wealth of benefits for your skin, the environment, and your overall health.
However, even clean and natural ingredients can clog pores and lead to breakouts and blemishes.
Therefore, it is generally recommended you avoid the following comedogenic ingredients (rated 4-5) if you’re prone to clogged pores and blemishes:
- Cocoa butter
- Coconut butter
- Coconut oil
- Wheat germ oil
- Mineral oil (note: this is a petroleum product, but it sounds natural, so we’re listing it here)
- Sesame oil
- Corn oil
- Avocado oil
- Soybean oil
- Cottonseed oil
The following natural ingredients are considered moderately comedogenic (rated 2-3) and may or may not negatively affect blemish-prone skin types:
- Algae extracts
- Almond oil
- Apricot kernel oil
- Beeswax
- Castor oil (sulfated)
- Colloidal sulfur
- Hydrogenated vegetable oil
- Irish moss
- Macadamia nut oil
- Mango butter
- Olive oil
- Peanut oil
- Sandalwood seed oil
- Sea kelp extract
- Shea butter
- Peanut oil
- Sodium chloride (table salt)
- Stearic acid tea
- Vitamin A palmitate
- Water soluble sulfur
Again, not all these ingredients may cause problems for everyone, and their pore-clogging potential may change if combined with other ingredients.
The best way to know is to test them yourself and see how your skin responds, or check with your dermatologist or skincare expert.
Comedogenic Ingredients in Synthetic or Hybrid Skincare Products
If you use synthetic chemical skincare products, hybrids (a combination of synthetic and natural ingredients), or a combination, beware of these comedogenic ingredients (rated 3-5):
- Propylene glycol-2 (PPG-2) myristyl propionate
- Polyglycery3l-d iisostear
- Lauric acid
- Cetyl alcohol
- Isostearyl Neopentanoate
- Oleth-3
- PPG 5 Ceteth 10 phosphate
- Isopropyl myristate and derivatives, such as:
- Isopropyl palmitate
- Isopropyl isostearate
- Butyl stearate
- Isostearyl neopentanoate
- Myristyl myristate
- Decyl oleate
- Octyl stearate
- Octyl palmitate
- Isocetyl stearate
- Fragrance
- Acetylated or ethoxylated lanolins
- D&C red dyes
- Mineral oil
- Petroleum products
- Potassium chloride
- Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)
- Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES)
- Stearyl Heptanoate
- Xylene
- Titanium dioxide
The Best Non-Comedogenic Product Ingredients for Blemishes, Oily, or Combination Skin
Now that you know what to look for, let’s examine the best non-comedogenic ingredients in clean beauty products for blemish-prone and oily skin.
The great news is that many natural ingredients, including plant-based and essential oils, are low on the comedogenic scale (woo hoo!).
This means you can use clean, natural skincare products with great success on oily/combination skin.
The following is a list of the best non-comedogenic ingredients for oily, combination, or blemish-prone skin types:
- Aloe vera juice: Soothing, hydrating, and healing
- Apricot kernel oil: Contains natural antioxidants, antibacterial properties, and vitamin C to help soothe breakouts
- Argan oil: Ultra-hydrating and nourishing for all skin types, including blemish-prone skin. It may also help reduce scarring.
- Calendula oil: A popular natural solution for blemishes and inflammatory skin issues
- Chamomile: Naturally antibacterial, balancing, and very soothing for inflamed or blemish-prone skin
- Cranberry seed oil: High concentrations of vitamin A make this popular for blemishes
- Decyl glucoside: A coconut- or corn-based foaming and stabilizing agent that’s ultra gentle and non-irritating for oily skin
- Grapeseed oil: High in vitamin E, calming, and nourishing for oily skin
- Hemp seed oil: Loaded with anti-inflammatory essential fatty acids, vitamin E, and antioxidants, this oil helps balance oily skin, calm sensitive skin, and reduce blemishes.
- Hyaluronic acid: Helps skin maintain moisture and barrier function, which is vital for balancing oily skin
- Jojoba oil: This oil is very similar to the natural oil produced by the skin (sebum) and has a balancing effect on oily skin after a few weeks’ use
- Lavender: Contains natural antibacterial properties and is soothing and hydrating to skin
- Manuka oil: Derived from an Indigenous Australian plant, this precious oil is non-comedogenic and has natural hydrating, antibacterial, and soothing properties
- Neem oil: An Ayurvedic treasure sourced from “the tree of life”, Neem oil has various antibacterial properties and is highly recommended for oily skin, blemishes, and clogged pores
- Rosehip oil: Naturally rich in skin regenerative vitamin A, this is a wonderful oil for reducing breakouts and balanced hydration
- Pumpkin seed oil: Naturally high in zinc and selenium, both of which fight blemishes
- Tea tree oil: Excellent natural antimicrobial for blemishes
- Safflower oil: Rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids, safflower oil, is wonderful for soothing inflamed skin and reducing breakouts
- Vitamin C: This natural antioxidants helps support collagen production and soothe inflammation
- Walnut oil: Contains natural antibacterial properties that may help fight blemishes
- Witch hazel: This natural astringent helps dry up blemishes while protecting skin barrier function
As usual, nature can provide the best ingredients for clear and healthy skin.
Looking for Clean Non-Comedogenic Products?
Desert Essence is committed to creating clean, natural, and non-comedogenic products for all skin types.
Our blemish-specific products are infused with natural antibacterial and skin barrier-supportive ingredients, like tea tree oil, jojoba oil, witch hazel, and neem.
But we don’t stop at non-comedogenic!
All our ingredients are sustainably sourced, never tested on animals (Leaping Bunny Certified), and organic and non-GMO wherever possible.
Some of our top-rated non-comedogenic products for blemish-prone, oily, and combination skin include:
- Thoroughly Clean Deep Pore Cleanser with Manuka Oil, Australian Tea Tree Oil, and Bentonite Clay
- Blemish Touch Stick contains pure Australian Tea Tree Oil, Chamomile, and Lavender to help diminish blemishes and other skin imperfections
- Tea Tree Oil Facial Cleansing Pads combine blemish-fighting Tea Tree Oil with calming Organic Lavender, Chamomile, and Calendula Essential Oils in a convenient pad.
- Balancing Face Oil a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer with Organic Jojoba, Pomegranate and Lavender Oils perfect for oil-prone or combination skin
- Cucumber Charcoal Facial Mask: This detoxifying facial mask is formulated with activated coconut shell charcoal, Bentonite clay, and pure Australian tea tree oil to remove excess oil and everyday pollutants
Sources Mentioned In This Article:
- “Comedogenicity of current therapeutic products, cosmetics, and ingredients in the rabbit ea.”. J Am Acad Dermatol.
- “Comedogenicity and irritancy of commonly used ingredients in skin care product.”. Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists. (December 1989).
- “Development of a QSAR model to predict comedogenic potential of some cosmetic ingredients”. Computational Toxicology.
- “Moisturizers for acne: What are their Constituents?” The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology
- “Mānuka Oil—A Review of Antimicrobial and Other Medicinal Properties”. Pharmaceuticals.
- “Neem in Dermatology: Shedding Light on the Traditional Panacea”. Indian Journal of Dermatology