So, you've been hearing the word "comedogenic" and "non-comedogenic", especially in the advertising of skincare products, but you're not quite sure what it means, and is it really is something you should be paying attention to? No worries, Dollhouse Botanicals is here to help you understand!
Comedogenic Rating: a rating of a product ingredient from 0-5 (0 being non-comedogenic to 5-highly comedogenic). This 0-5 scale measures how likely a skincare ingredient is to clog pores and cause acne breakouts.
Comedogenic: Likely to clog pores and cause acne breakouts.
Non-comedogenic: Not likely to clog pores or cause breakouts.
Finding out the comedogenic rating of ingredients you use on your skin is important because it can help you determine whether or not you are putting your skin at risk for clogging and breakouts or not. It isn't foolproof, as different skin types react to ingredients differently, but it gives you a place to start before using or purchasing a product.
What are the comedogenic rankings and what do they mean?
0- non-comedogenic, not likely to clog pores or cause breakouts. Keep in mind that ingredients rarely score a solid zero. This is because everyone has different skin types, and though an ingredient might not cause clogging or breakouts for most, some people still might experience issues, such as those with sensitive/reactive skin, acne-prone skin, or those who have underlying conditions or severe allergies.
1- Very low probability of clogging pores and causing breakouts. In most cases, a ranking of 1, is still considered non-comedogenic.
2- Moderately low chance of clogging pores and causing breakouts. In most cases, a ranking of 2 can be considered non-comedogenic.
3- Moderate probability of clogging pores or causing breakouts. Again, this scoring can primarily apply to oily or acne-prone skin types, as most people may not experience a reaction.
4-Fairly High chance of clogging pores and/or causing breakouts in most people
5- High chance of clogging pores for most people (coconut oil falls between 4-5).
Now... here is an easier breakdown for a better, more realistic understanding:
0-2- typically considered non-comedogenic for most people
3- clogging and breakouts are a possibility in those with more sensitive skin
4-5- highly likely to cause clogging and acne breakouts in most people However, this still depends on skin types. For instance, coconut oil is known to clog pores and cause breakouts and ranks 4-5 on the comedogenic scale, and people with skin already sensitive or breakout prone may not do well with this ingredient, however, some people may frequently use coconut oil on their face and never experience a breakout or clogged pores.
While the comedogenic scale is a helpful reference when you are unsure about what will and will not clog your skin or cause breakouts, especially if you have sensitive skin, experiences with ingredients can differ among skin types. Always do a patch test prior to using.
Not all products or ingredients have a comedogenic rating:
- Most natural ingredients, such as natural oils, will have a comedogenic rating.
- Natural ingredients used in creams and lotions have a comedogenic rating, however, other ingredients such as certain binders, additives, chemicals, synthetics, etc., may not have a comedogenic ranking.
All of Dollhouse Botanical formulations have a rating of 0-3 and are not likely to cause clogging or acne and we never use coconut in our facial hydrators unless it is the customer's personal request, however, people with skin sensitive to natural botanical oils may want to proceed with caution. Again, always do a patch test!
Visit Flora Face Hydrators – Dollhouse Botanicals to learn about our non-comedogenic face hydrators and ingredients.
For more information, check out these blogs:
What Is Cell Regeneration? How Botanical Oils Support Skin Renewal – Dollhouse Botanicals
What Are Your Skincare Ingredients Telling You? A Guide to Labels – Dollhouse Botanicals
What Is Cold Pressed Oil and Why Your Skin Loves It – Dollhouse Botanicals
What Are Antioxidants? Benefits for Skin & Why Botanical Oils Win – Dollhouse Botanicals
Your Skin-Not Hers – Dollhouse Botanicals