Why Noncomedogenic Skincare Matters

Have you ever dealt with breakouts despite having a consistent skincare routine? The culprit might be the ingredients in your products. Some formulas contain comedogenic, or pore-clogging ingredients that can trigger acne. How do you know if something is comedogenic vs. noncomedogenic? Let’s get into it. 

Noncomedogenic - what does it mean?

Noncomedogenic products are carefully developed to be gentle on your skin and prevent buildup that can lead to breakouts. While it’s important to remember that everyone’s skin is different, and not all skin reacts the same way to certain ingredients, it’s generally safer to stick to noncomedogenic products especially if you are acne-prone. 

Common Comedogenic Ingredients 

Comedones are clogged hair follicles, or pores, of dead skin skills held together by bacteria and other oils like the sebum your skin produces. Triggering ingredients can contribute to the congestion on your skin leading to whiteheads, blackheads, and acne breakouts. Comedogenic ingredients include heavier oils like coconut oil, shea butter, cocoa butter, wheat germ oil, marula oil, and flaxseed oil — all of which can clog pores for acne-prone skin. Other comedogenic ingredients are Isopropyl Myristate, lanolin, algae extract, and certain dyes like D & C Red Dyes (often found in makeup), which can cause breakouts as well. 

How to Know If a Skincare Product Is Noncomedogenic

With a lengthy ingredient list, it can be tough to decipher what is comedogenic vs. noncomedogenic. One way to start is by looking out for noncomedogenic labels when shopping for skincare and makeup products. 

We also developed a pore clogging ingredient checker to make it easy for our clients to take the guesswork out of choosing skin-friendly products. Simply type the ingredient name into our checker and it will scan and indicate its comedogenicity. 

A key tip to remember is that skin care is not a one-size fits all. While one ingredient might be triggering for you, it doesn’t mean it will be for someone else. Creating a personalized plan with an esthetician is a great way to determine a skincare routine that best supports you and your goals. 

Book a consultation with us to get started on your journey to clear and radiant skin. 

Check out the Elevated Aesthetics Ingredient Checker 

Ready to find out if an ingredient in your skincare products or makeup is comedogenic? Try it out here!