TL;DR: Key Takeaways
- Comedogenic ratings (0–5) indicate pore-clogging likelihood — but they're based on rabbit ear tests, not human skin
- Coconut oil (4), isopropyl myristate (5), and wheat germ oil (5) are the highest-risk ingredients
- Mineral oil (0), hemp seed oil (0), and hyaluronic acid (0) are generally safe even for acne-prone skin
- Individual reactions vary — concentration, formulation, and skin type all determine real-world risk
Looking up a specific ingredient? Browse our new Cosmetic Ingredients A-Z database — 50+ ingredients with comedogenic ratings, irritancy scores, skin-type guidance and dedicated detail pages.
Quick Answer
The most comedogenic ingredients to avoid are isopropyl myristate (5), wheat germ oil (5), algae extract (5), coconut oil (4), cocoa butter (4), and isopropyl palmitate (4). The safest alternatives include mineral oil (0), glycerin (0), hyaluronic acid (0), and hemp seed oil (0). Ratings are a guide — not a guarantee — since individual reactions vary significantly.
Comedogenic Ingredient Checker
Paste your product's ingredient list below to instantly check for pore-clogging ingredients.
If you're prone to acne or clogged pores, understanding comedogenic ingredients can help you make smarter product choices. However, comedogenic ratings aren't absolute — individual reactions vary based on skin type, product formulation, and ingredient concentration.
For detailed safety profiles, comedogenic ratings, and skin type suitability, visit our full Cosmetic Ingredients A-Z database.
Ingredients by Comedogenic Rating
Use the groupings below to scan ingredients at a glance. Each name links to its dedicated detail page with the full safety profile, irritancy score, pregnancy and vegan status, and skin-type guidance.
Rating 0 — Non-comedogenic
Safe for all skin types, including acne-prone.
- • Hyaluronic Acid
- • Sodium Hyaluronate
- • Niacinamide
- • Glycerin
- • Zinc Oxide
- • Panthenol (Vitamin B5)
- • Allantoin
- • Ceramides
- • Aloe Vera
- • Azelaic Acid
- • Salicylic Acid
- • Glycolic Acid
- • Lactic Acid
- • Mandelic Acid
- • Kojic Acid
- • Adapalene
- • Benzoyl Peroxide
- • Sulfur
- • Urea
- • Witch Hazel
- • Petrolatum
- • Argan Oil
- • Kaolin
- • Bentonite
- • Phenoxyethanol
- • Cocamidopropyl Betaine
- • Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (irritating)
- • Sodium Laureth Sulfate (mild irritant)
Rating 1 — Very Low
Negligible risk for most skin types.
Rating 2 — Moderately Low
Use with caution if you're acne-prone.
Rating 4 — Fairly High
Best avoided in leave-on facial products if breakout-prone.
Check your product instantly
Paste your full ingredient list into our free INCI Analyser to flag pore-clogging ingredients in seconds.
Quick Ingredient Check
Paste your product's ingredient list into our Cosmetic Ingredient Checker to instantly flag potentially comedogenic ingredients.
Understanding the Comedogenic Scale
The comedogenic scale (0–5) was originally developed by dermatologist Dr. Albert Kligman using a rabbit ear assay model. Ingredients were applied to the inner ear canal of rabbits — an unusually sensitive comedogenic tissue — making these ratings likely higher than what you'd see on human facial skin.
Rating 0
Won't clog pores — safe for all skin types
Rating 1
Very low likelihood — generally safe
Rating 2–3
Low to moderate risk — use with caution
Rating 4–5
High likelihood — avoid if acne-prone
Important Caveats About Comedogenic Ratings
- • Based on rabbit ear tests: The inner ear canal is far more sensitive than human facial skin
- • Pure ingredient tested: In real formulas, concentration and other ingredients change the outcome
- • Individual variation: What clogs one person may be totally fine for another
- • Position in formula matters: An ingredient listed last is in tiny concentration and unlikely to cause issues
- • Skin type dependency: Oily and acne-prone skin is more susceptible than dry or normal skin
High vs. Low Risk Ingredients at a Glance
High Risk (4–5)
- 5Isopropyl myristate
- 5Wheat germ oil
- 5Algae extract
- 4Coconut oil
- 4Cocoa butter
- 4Isopropyl palmitate
Generally Safe (0–2)
- 0Mineral oil
- 0Hemp seed oil
- 0Hyaluronic acid
- 0Glycerin
- 0Niacinamide
- 2Jojoba oil
Comedogenic Ratings of Popular Ingredients (Quick Answers)
Is Stearic Acid Comedogenic?
2–3Generally safe but may clog pores in acne-prone skin depending on concentration.
Is Cocoa Butter Comedogenic?
4Very occlusive, can trap oil and bacteria, leading to breakouts.
Is Wheat Germ Oil Comedogenic?
5One of the most pore-clogging ingredients, best avoided if acne-prone.
Is Algae Extract Comedogenic?
4–5Can clog pores in some people, especially in leave-on products.
Is Myristyl Myristate Comedogenic?
5Highly comedogenic and strongly linked to acne flare-ups.
👉 You can also use our AI skin analysis to detect acne triggers and understand your skin in seconds.
High Comedogenic Risk Ingredients (Rating 4–5)
Oils and Butters
- • Coconut oil (4) — high lauric acid content
- • Cocoa butter (4) — common in body products
- • Wheat germ oil (5) — avoid even in small amounts
- • Linseed / Flaxseed oil (4)
- • Soybean oil (3–4)
- • Palm oil (4)
Fatty Acids & Esters
- • Isopropyl myristate (5) — in many sunscreens
- • Isopropyl palmitate (4) — common emollient
- • Ethylhexyl palmitate (4) — silky ester, similar risk profile
- • Myristyl myristate (5)
- • Oleic acid (4) — in many "natural" oils
- • Lauric acid (4) — in coconut-derived products
- • Butyl stearate (3)
Other High-Risk Ingredients
- • Algae / Seaweed extract (4–5)
- • Lanolin (1–4) — varies by form, common in lip products
- • Acetylated lanolin (4)
- • Mink oil (3)
- • Sodium lauryl sulfate (0/5) — non-comedogenic but a strong irritant
Moderate Risk (Rating 3)
- • Squalane from shark liver (3) — plant squalane is safer
- • Stearic acid (2–3) — less of a concern at low %
- • Tocopherol (Vitamin E) (2–3)
- • Capric acid (3)
- • Evening primrose oil (2–3)
- • Avocado oil (2–3)
Learn more: Is Isopropyl Myristate Causing Your Acne?
Generally Safe Ingredients (Rating 0–2)
Safe Oils (0–1)
- • Mineral oil (0–2) — often misunderstood, very safe
- • Petrolatum (0) — pure occlusive, won't clog pores
- • Safflower oil (0) — high-linoleic variety
- • Hemp seed oil (0) — excellent for acne-prone skin
- • Sunflower oil (0) — high-linoleic variety
- • Argan oil (0)
- • Rosehip oil (1)
- • Squalane (0–1) — plant-derived
- • Marula oil (3–4) — higher risk, use cautiously
Safe Humectants & Actives
- • Hyaluronic acid (0)
- • Niacinamide (0) — also reduces sebum
- • Glycerin (0)
- • Aloe vera (0)
- • Centella asiatica (1)
- • Dimethicone (1) — silicone, non-comedogenic
- • Cetyl alcohol (2) — fatty alcohol, not drying
Check Ingredient Position
Ingredients listed last are in tiny concentrations — far less likely to cause issues
Formulation Matters
A gel with 1% coconut oil is very different from a thick balm with 30% coconut oil
Patch Test First
Apply new products to a small area (inner arm or jaw) for 1–2 weeks before full use
Use Our Checker
Paste your ingredient list into our tool to flag comedogenic ingredients instantly
How to Choose Products if You're Acne-Prone
Practical Shopping Tips
- Look for 'non-comedogenic' on the label — it's not regulated, but brands that use it usually have lower-risk formulations
- Check where the high-risk ingredient appears in the list — if it's in the last 20%, the concentration is likely too low to cause issues
- Prioritize water-based or gel formulas — these typically use lower concentrations of oils and emollients
- Patch test new products on your jaw or inner arm for 1–2 weeks before applying to your full face
- Track breakouts with a skincare diary — note when you introduced a new product and where new spots appear
- Use our ingredient checker to analyze any product before buying
Frequently Asked Questions
The most comedogenic ingredients (rating 5) include isopropyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate, and wheat germ oil. Rating 4 ingredients include coconut oil, cocoa butter, and acetylated lanolin. If you have acne-prone skin, check all product ingredients against a comedogenic rating database before use.
Comedogenic ratings range from 0 (non-comedogenic) to 5 (highly comedogenic). Ingredients rated 2 or above may clog pores in acne-prone skin. You can paste any product's full ingredient list into ScanSkinAI's free ingredient checker for an instant comedogenic scan.
Yes. Coconut oil has a comedogenic rating of 4 out of 5, meaning it is highly likely to clog pores. While it has moisturising benefits, it is not recommended for use on the face if you have acne-prone or oily skin. Non-comedogenic alternatives include squalane, argan oil (rating 0), and hemp seed oil (rating 0).
'Comedogenic' describes an ingredient's likelihood of clogging pores and forming comedones — the microscopic blockages that develop into blackheads, whiteheads and inflammatory acne. The term comes from dermatology research and is rated on a 0–5 scale, where 0 means no risk of clogging and 5 means very high risk.
The comedogenic scale was developed by dermatologists Dr. Albert Kligman and Dr. James Fulton. It rates ingredients from 0 (won't clog pores) to 5 (highly likely to clog pores). 0–1 is considered safe for all skin types, 2–3 carries moderate risk and should be used with caution on acne-prone skin, and 4–5 is high risk and best avoided if you're prone to breakouts.
Oils rated 0–1 on the comedogenic scale include argan oil, hemp seed oil, high-linoleic safflower oil, high-linoleic sunflower oil, squalane (plant-derived) and rosehip oil. These are generally safe for acne-prone skin. Linoleic-acid-rich oils tend to be less pore-clogging than oleic-acid-rich oils.
No. The comedogenic scale was established using rabbit ear tissue, which is far more sensitive than human facial skin. Real-world reactions depend on the ingredient's concentration in the formula, its position in the INCI list, your skin type, climate and what other ingredients are present. A high rating signals risk, not certainty.
The fastest way is to paste your full ingredient list (INCI) into our free Cosmetic Ingredient Checker, which flags any pore-clogging ingredients instantly. You can also browse our Cosmetic Ingredients A-Z database for individual ratings, or look up the position of high-risk ingredients in your product — anything in the bottom third of the list is likely a low concentration.
Breaking Out From a Product?
If you're experiencing sudden acne, clogged pores, or skin texture changes — your skincare might be the cause.
👉 Scan your skin for breakouts using our AI skin analysis tool to identify what's happening and what to do next.
Final Thoughts
Comedogenic ingredients matter, but they're only part of the picture. The key to clear skin is understanding your triggers, choosing the right formulations, and monitoring how your skin responds.
👉 Start by checking your products and analysing your skin with AI skin analysis, so you can make smarter, data-driven skincare decisions.
Medical Review & Evidence
This guide is based on dermatological research by Dr. Albert Kligman and Dr. Fulton, pioneers in acne and comedogenicity research. Our content is reviewed using:
- Clinical dermatology studies
- Acne treatment guidelines
- Cosmetic formulation science
⚠ Note: Comedogenic ratings are not absolute predictors. Always consider your individual skin response.
Not sure if your breakouts are from products?
Get a free AI skin analysis to identify whether your acne is product-related, hormonal, or something else entirely.
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Browse our full Cosmetic Ingredients A-Z database
50+ ingredients with detailed safety profiles, comedogenic and irritancy ratings, pregnancy guidance, and skin-type suitability — all linked from one searchable index.
Written by ScanSkinAI Team · Last updated April 2026