Are you suffering from never ending whiteheads, blackheads, and acne no matter what you do? The answer might lie in the ingredient lists of your favourite skincare and cosmetic products. Comedogenic ingredients (pore clogging ingredients) can lead to blackheads, whiteheads, and acne, disrupting your skincare journey.
Knowing what to avoid can help you maintain clear, and healthy skin. Here is a guide to common pore clogging ingredients to avoid, so you make informed choices for your skincare routine.
What is Comedogenicity?
Comedogenicity is the potential of a substance to cause comedones. Comedones are clogged hair follicles that result in blackheads and whiteheads. The comedogenicity of an ingredient is rated on a scale from 0 to 5, 0 being non-comedogenic and 5 being highly comedogenic.
While everyone’s skin reacts differently, avoiding highly comedogenic ingredients can reduce the likelihood of clogged pores and breakouts.
Common Pore Clogging Ingredients
Mineral oil
Mineral oil used in moisturisers, lotions, and makeup products. For its ability to lock in moisture. However, its occlusive nature means it can also trap dirt, bacteria, and dead skin cells in your pores leading to congestion and breakouts.
What to look out for: check ingredient lists for terms like “mineral oil”, “paraffinum liquidum” or “petrolatum”. Opt for lightweight, non-comedogenic alternatives like squalene or Jojoba oil.
Lanolin
Lanolin from sheep’s wool, commonly used in moisturisers for its emollient properties. However, it can be too heavy for some skin types. Leading to blocked pores and acne.
What to look out for: lanolin or acetylated lanolin on ingredient lists. Consider products with Shea butter or non-comedogenic plant oils as safer alternatives.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil praised for its natural hydrating properties, but it can be highly comedogenic meaning it has a high likelihood of clogging pores. This is particularly true for those with oily or acne prone skin.
What to look out for: avoid pure coconut oil in your skincare products if you have oily or acne-prone skin. Instead, look for non-comedogenic oils like argan oil or grapeseed oil.
Isopropyl Myristate and Isopropyl Palmitate
These ingredients commonly used in skincare products to enhance spreadability and absorption. Unfortunately, they are highly comedogenic and can quickly clog pores leading to acne.
Algae Extract
Algae extracts marketed for their hydrating and anti-aging properties, can be highly comedogenic, leading to blocked pores and breakouts.
What to look out for: algae extracts or “alginate” in ingredient lists can be problematic. Try other hydrating ingredients instead like aloe vera or hyaluronic acid.
Cocoa Butter
Cocoa butter used in moisturising products for its rich, emollient properties. However, it is moderately comedogenic and can easily clog pores leading to acne.
What to look out for: avoid using products containing cocoa butter especially on your face and neck, unless you have very dry, non-acne-prone skin.
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Ethylhexyl palmitate used as an emollient and thickener in skincare products. It can contribute to pore congestion, especially in those with acne-prone skin.
What to look out for: avoid products containing ethylhexyl palmitate and seek out lighter formulations that use non-pore clogging ingredients like glycerin or ceramides.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
SLS and SLES are detergents and surfactants found in many cleansers, shampoos, and body washes. They help create a foamy lather and can be irritating, drying, and also comedogenic.
What to look out for: look out for sodium lauryl sulphate or sodium laureth sulfate in ingredient lists and opt for sulfate-free formulas.
Talc
Talc used in powders and makeup products to absorb moisture and provide a matte finish. Unfortunately, it can also be too heavy and occlusive, making it comedogenic.
What to look out for: safer alternatives to talc are mica, rice powder, and corn starch, so look out for these on ingredient list instead.
Wheat Germ Oil
Rich in vitamins and fatty acids, wheat germ oil is often included in skincare products for its nourishing properties. Unfortunately, it has a high comedogenic rating and can be too heavy for acne-prone skin.
Synthetic Fragrances and Dyes
Fragrances and dyes added to skincare products for aesthetic appeal. They can irritate the skin and worsen acne. They don’t necessarily clog pores directly, but they can cause inflammation, leading to increased oil production and clogged pores.
What to look out for: opt for fragrance-free, dye-free, hypoallergenic products to minimise the risk of irritation and clogged pores.
Silicones
Silicones, like dimethicone and cyclopentasiloxane, used in skincare and makeup products to create a smooth, silky texture. While they are not comedogenic, they can create a barrier on the skin the traps impurities, potentially leading to clogged pores over time.
What to look out for: scan labels for ingredients ending in “-cone” or “-siloxane” and consider switching to water-based or silicone-free products, if you suspect silicones are causing issues.
Tips for Avoiding Pore Clogging Ingredients
- Read labels carefully: always check the ingredient list on skincare and cosmetic products. Familiarize yourself with common pore clogging ingredients and steer clear of them.
- Patch test new products: before applying a new product, test it on a small discrete area of your skin first to see how it reacts.
- Opt for oil-free products: choose oil-free formulations, especially if you have oily or acne-prone skin to minimize the risk of clogged pores.
- Consult a skincare professional: if you are unsure about which ingredients to avoid, consulting a dermatologist or aesthetician can provide personalised advice tailored to your skin type and skin concerns.
The Bottom Line on Pore Clogging Ingredients
Maintaining clear and healthy skin requires diligence in choosing the right skincare products. By being mindful of these common pore clogging ingredients, you can better tailor your skincare routine to suit your skin type and concerns.
Always check product labels, and when in doubt consult with a dermatologist or skincare professional to ensure your skincare choices are aligned with your skin’s unique needs.
Clear, radiant skin is within reach with the right knowledge and carefully selected products.
