Posted on March 8, 2024<\/em> Written by: 100% PURE\u00ae<\/em><\/p>\n You\u2019ve likely come across the term \u2018non-comedogenic\u2019 on labels of skincare products. Out of the thick and heavy marketing terms in the beauty realm, non-comedogenic is one of the least understood \u2013 unless you have acne<\/a> or oily skin<\/a>, where the term is your skin\u2019s alliance against breakouts. <\/p>\n But for the rest of us, what does this ambiguous term really mean and what\u2019s the comedogenic scale? Let\u2019s dig deeper into the terms \u2018comedogenic\u2019 and \u2018non-comedogenic\u2019, and what you should look for as a sure-fire way to avoid a breakout.<\/p>\n Unless you\u2019ve hit the genetic lottery or banned magnifying mirrors from your life, you\u2019ve likely been stuck in a pore dilemma having noticed visible topical changes to the surface of your skin. We\u2019re talking about enlarged pores which, if they become clogged<\/a>, can be a precursor to a pimple! This is where the importance of non-comedogenic ingredients comes into play \u2013 and why you should avoid comedogenic ones at all costs.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s start with a \u2018comedo\u2019 or \u2018comedone\u2019, which is the earliest form of acne. It\u2019s basically a clogged pore. So, if a skincare ingredient is comedogenic, that means that it has a high possibility to clog pores and potentially lead to breakouts. No, thanks!<\/p>\n One way to combat any pore-rrific skin issue is to make sure you\u2019re using products with non-comedogenic ingredients, which are less likely to clog your pores. In fact, knowing which ingredients in skincare that tends to clog our pores is how the comedogenic rating was created. This scale helps us make better skincare decisions so we can share some of that genetic lottery, too.<\/p>\n One way to navigate the spectrum of ingredients in skincare products is by the comedogenic scale, which ranks an individual ingredient\u2019s propensity to clog pores. The scale uses a numbering system of 0 to 5 with 2 or less being non-comedogenic or won\u2019t clog pores, and 5 being pore-clogging. Here\u2019s how the numbers rank on the scale:<\/p>\n 0 – won\u2019t clog pores Anyone who is susceptible to acne breakouts should avoid highly comedogenic (3-5) ingredients, which we\u2019ll get to below. People with less fussy skin might not have any issues with ingredients with a ranking of 3. But we\u2019d still suggest avoiding the numbers 4 and 5. But remember, the comedogenic scale is not 100% accurate. One individual\u2019s unique skin might not react adversely to a certain ingredient with a propensity to clog pores, whereas another person\u2019s skin does react with the same ingredient. There is no perfect science and since everyone\u2019s skin is different, skincare ingredients will impact different people in different ways.<\/p>\n Most of us have all kinds of ideas about what causes our breakouts (for example, stress, poor diet, bacteria, and hormones). And while there is truth to that, there\u2019s also a high probability blemishes are caused by one thing, and one thing alone: a plug of oil.<\/p>\n What happens is your skin cells normally shed at the surface, allowing new skin cells to form. Sometimes, dead skin cells and excess oil can get trapped within the hair follicles. When combined with the natural oils in your pores (sebum), a plug can form.<\/p>\n This buildup traps oil underneath it, while the skin above sends the message, \u2018hey, I need moisture up here!\u2019 As a result, more and more sebum (oil) builds up, but the plug keeps it trapped. This causes the affected pores to bulge outward, creating comedones or bumps.<\/p>\n This comedonal acne causes bumpy skin and non-inflamed blemishes, as well as whiteheads or blackheads. The names come from how the blemishes look on your skin. They are small bumps that are either flesh-colored or grow into a blackhead, once the head of it has oxidized to a dark brown or black color.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n for more blog updates and exclusive discounts<\/p>\n<\/div>\n As we mentioned above, knowing which skincare ingredients that have a high probability \u2013 or not \u2013 to clog your pores and considering the comedogenic scale puts you on a better path to clear, smooth skin. That\u2019s where we\u2019re here to help \u2013 and to help you become an ingredient detective!<\/p>\n When checking product labels, avoid toxic ingredients<\/a>, like synthetic chemicals, artificial colorants, perfumes, chemical preservatives, BPA, coal tar, phthalates, parabens, formaldehyde, heavy metals, sulfates, talc, and so on. These are comedogenic ingredients and don\u2019t play well on the comedogenic scale.<\/p>\n Generally, clean and pure skincare brands will use skin-friendly ingredients that have a low if any likelihood of clogging pores. Look for ingredients or formulas composed of plant, mineral, and\/or marine vegetation that undergoes chemical changes due to biological processes such as fermentation, distillation, and cold processing.<\/p>\n Anyone who hesitates to use facial oils or those with acne and oily skin can use non-comedogenic oils if you\u2019re using one suited to your<\/em> skin type<\/a>. But it\u2019s important to check that these oils are leaving out the bad stuff. This includes silicones, diluted oils, waxes, dyes, and fragrance. Facial oils can be applied to the skin or used as carriers for things like essential oils. Some of these oils include marula, sunflower, neem, argan, rosehip, and grapeseed oils.<\/p>\n Speaking of the powers of grapes for skin, we like to think of our Intensive Nourishing Facial Oil<\/a> as a superhero for oily skin. Featuring a beautiful blend of lightweight grapeseed oil<\/a> and calming florals and herbs, this ultra-lightweight facial oil truly feeds the skin. What\u2019s great about this oil for oily skin is its grapeseed oil base. Similar in texture and weight to skin\u2019s sebum, this oil sinks in easily and hydrates the skin quickly without clogging pores.<\/p>\n If you have acne-prone and oily skin and you\u2019re still a little on the fence about oils in skincare formulas, the truth is you still need to use moisturizer! Our Tea Tree Balancing Moisturizer<\/a> is the best face moisturizer for acne-prone skin. It\u2019s designed to properly balance and nourish, without clogging pores or leaving skin feeling greasy. Plus, the tea tree<\/a> in it is beneficial for acne.<\/p>\n While you can\u2019t always predict how your skin is going to react to certain ingredients, you can take steps to better prevent comedones and blemishes by sticking to non-comedogenic ingredients. Hopefully, with this collection of tips and ingredient ratings, we set you on the path towards a healthier, clearer complexion.<\/p>\n How Is the Comedogenic Scale Used to Rate Skincare Products?<\/p>\n The comedogenic scale is a rating system that measures how likely an ingredient or product is to cause comedomes or clog pores and cause acne. It ranges from 0 to 5, with 0 being non-comedogenic – least likely to cause breakouts, and 5 being highly comedogenic – most likely to clog your pores and cause breakouts.<\/p>\n Can Non-Comedogenic Products Guarantee No Breakouts?<\/p>\n Just because a product is labeled noncomedogenic does not mean it won’t cause comedones, it just means it’s less likely. One individual\u2019s unique skin might not react adversely to a certain ingredient with a propensity to clog pores, whereas another person\u2019s skin does react with the same ingredient. There is no perfect science and since everyone\u2019s skin is different, skincare ingredients will impact different people in different ways.<\/p>\n Are Non-Comedogenic Products Suitable for All Skin Types?<\/p>\n Non-comedogenic refers to a skincare product that doesn’t contain ingredients that will block or clog pores. While this is a positive for all people and all skin types, it’s particularly important for those with oily and acne-prone skin, as well as combination skin, as these are all prone to clogged pores.<\/p>\n What Ingredients Are Commonly Found in Non-Comedogenic Products?<\/p>\n Clean and pure skincare brands will use skin-friendly ingredients that have a low if any likelihood of clogging pores. Look for water-based ingredients, like hyaluronic acid and soothing agents like aloe vera, or formulas composed of plant, mineral, and\/or marine vegetation that undergoes chemical changes due to biological processes such as fermentation, distillation, and cold processing. <\/p>\n Non-comedogenic ingredients also include lighter oils like marula, sweet almond, sunflower, neem, argan, rosehip, and grapeseed oils.<\/p>\n How Important Is It to Choose Non-Comedogenic Products for Acne-Prone Skin?<\/p>\n It\u2019s absolutely important! The buildup of dirt, oil, and dead skin cells can lead to clogged pores in the skin. People with oily and acne-prone skin are more likely to have clogged pores. Using non-comedogenic skincare products can help to prevent clogged pores and reduce or eliminate acne breakouts.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Exploring the Comedogenic Scale and What \u201cNon-Comedogenic\u201d Actually Means Posted on March 8, 2024 Written…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1687,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[23],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1686","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-skin-and-hair-care"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthyretirementnews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1686","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthyretirementnews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthyretirementnews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthyretirementnews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthyretirementnews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1686"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/healthyretirementnews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1686\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthyretirementnews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1687"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthyretirementnews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1686"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthyretirementnews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1686"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthyretirementnews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1686"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
1 – very low likelihood they will clog pores
2 – moderately low likelihood
3 – moderate likelihood
4 – fairly high likelihood
5 – high likelihood of clogging pores<\/p>\nNewsletter Subscribe<\/span>
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