Noncomedogenic products are those that are unlikely to cause pore blockages (comedones) and breakouts.
The term “noncomedogenic” is mainly used to describe skincare products and cosmetics.
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What Are Noncomedogenic Ingredients?
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Noncomedogenic ingredients are ingredients in skincare products that have a lower risk of clogging your pores.
These products don’t treat acne, but they are unlikely to cause it or make it worse.
This includes things like:
People with acne-prone skin should avoid most toners or moisturizers designed for dry skin.
They often contain oils to help moisturize dry skin, and excess oil exposure could promote acne formation.
But other products may also contain ingredients that have the potential to worsen your acne.
Foundation makeup is one of the more common causes of clogged pores.
Even a noncomedogenic foundation can clog pores if you overuse it.
Check sunscreens for those that are noncomedogenic.
Keep in mind that noncomedogenic is a term used by manufacturers of skincare products.
This means the benefits of these ingredients are unproven.
If you’re not sure which noncomedogenic product you should try, ask your dermatologist.
They may have a few products they recommend for people with your skin key in.
Then, it’s a waiting game to see if comedones develop.
The ingredients are rated on acomedogenicity scalefrom zero to five.
A score of zero means no comedones developed so it won’t clog pores.
A score of five means there’s a high likelihood it will cause comedones.
A rabbit’s ear is not human skin.
The ingredients can have a different result on people.
Check the labelit will say noncomedogenic (or non-acnegenic) right on the product.
The feel of a product isn’t a good indication of whether it is noncomedogenic or not.
Any ingredient with a score of 2 or less is considered noncomedogenic.
Don’t drive yourself too crazy, though.
Are They Guaranteed to Not Clog Pores?
Everyone’s skin is different and reacts differently to every product.
Even noncomedogenic products can clog pores in certain people.
Will They Clear Acne?
Noncomedogenic has become a big buzzword in the skincare industry.
But, really, there is nothing magical about those products.
Using noncomedogenic products alone won’t clear up a case of acne.
For that, you’ll need proven acne treatment, whetherover-the-counter acne productsor strongerprescription acne medications.
If you need help getting your acne under control, a visit to the dermatologist is always in order.
Skincare Tips
Good skincare practice can help you keep your acne under control.
Your dermatologist can recommend products or prescribe medications that will help reduce your acne.
Summary
Noncomedogenic products are those that contain ingredients that won’t clog your pores.
Keep in mind that noncomedogenic is a marketing term, not a medical term.
Look for products that contain noncomedogenic ingredients like aloe vera or sweet almond oil.
And remember that even products labeled noncomedogenic may clog your pores, especially if you overuse them.
Remember that noncomedogenic products don’t treat acne.
It’s possible that switching to a noncomedogenic product won’t have any noticeable impact on your acne.
If that’s the case, it’s a good idea to make an appointment with your dermatologist.
Prescription medication or other dermatologist-recommended products may be the key to treating your acne.
Frequently Asked Questions
No.
These include oils such as sunflower oil, grapeseed oil, and sweet almond oil.
If you aren’t sure, ask your dermatologist.
If you don’t break out, the product may be a good choice for you.
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Baek JH, Ahn SM, Choi KM, et.
“Analysis of comedone, sebum and porphyrin on the face and body for comedogenicity assay.”
