What are pore-clogging ingredients?

Pore-clogging ingredients, also called comedogenic ingredients, are substances found in skincare and makeup products that can block hair follicles and sebaceous glands. Common examples include coconut oil, isopropyl myristate, cocoa butter, shea butter, and certain silicones. These ingredients trap sebum and dead skin cells inside pores, leading to blackheads, whiteheads, and acne breakouts.

Which ingredients in skincare products cause acne?

The most common acne-causing ingredients include: coconut oil, isopropyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate, cocoa butter, algae extract, sodium lauryl sulfate, lanolin, wheat germ oil, and certain waxes and butters. Our free checker database contains 549+ comedogenic ingredients so you can scan any product instantly.

How do I check if my moisturizer clogs pores?

Copy the full ingredient list from your moisturizer label and paste it into our free Pore-Clogging Ingredient Checker. The tool instantly scans all ingredients against our 549+ comedogenic ingredient database and highlights any pore-cloggers in red, so you can decide if the product is safe for acne-prone skin.

Are comedogenic ingredient ratings reliable?

Comedogenic ratings provide useful guidance but are not absolute. Pore-clogging potential depends on the ingredient concentration, the overall product formulation, and individual skin sensitivity. Use this checker as a helpful guide, and consult an acne specialist if you continue to break out despite avoiding comedogenic ingredients.

Can hair care products cause acne on the face?

Yes, hair care products such as conditioners, styling creams, and hair oils often contain highly comedogenic ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and mineral oil. When these contact your hairline or forehead, they can cause breakouts known as pomade acne or hair care-induced acne. Always check hair care ingredients using a pore-clogging ingredient checker.

What is the difference between non-comedogenic and acne-safe?

Non-comedogenic means a product does not contain ingredients known to clog pores based on comedogenicity scales. Acne-safe is a more comprehensive term used by acne specialists that considers not just pore-clogging potential but also ingredients that may trigger hormonal acne, inflammatory acne, or fungal acne. A non-comedogenic label does not guarantee a product will not cause breakouts in all individuals.

Pore-Clogging Ingredient Checker

Free Tool

Pore-Clogging Ingredient Checker

Paste your product’s ingredient list below to instantly find out if it contains any pore-clogging or acnegenic ingredients that could be triggering your breakouts.

Check Your Ingredients

Separate ingredients with commas or paste directly from a product label

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Why This Tool Matters

Hidden pore-clogging ingredients in everyday products — moisturizers, sunscreens, makeup, and even hair care — can silently fuel your breakouts. Common comedogenic ingredients like coconut oil, isopropyl myristate, shea butter, and algae extract are found in many popular skincare products. Use this free checker to make confident, acne-safe choices and take control of your skin’s health.

About Our Ingredients List

Our comedogenic ingredient database contains 549+ substances known to clog pores, curated from comedogenicity research and clinical experience treating acne clients. This is the same ingredient-checking methodology we use in our acne consultations and holistic acne programs.

Note: Comedogenicity is nuanced and can vary by formulation, concentration, and individual skin type. This list reflects ingredients commonly associated with pore-clogging based on established research.

Pore-Clogging Ingredient Checker

Pore-Clogging Ingredient Checker

Pore-Clogging Ingredient Checker

Check Your Ingredients

Why This Tool Matters

About Our Ingredients List

Pore-Clogging Ingredient List A – D

Pore-Clogging Ingredient List E – O

Pore-Clogging Ingredient List P – Z

Pore-Clogging Ingredient Checker

Pore-Clogging Ingredient Checker

Pore-Clogging Ingredient Checker

Pore-Clogging Ingredient Checker

Check Your Ingredients

Why This Tool Matters

About Our Ingredients List

Pore-Clogging Ingredient List A – D

Pore-Clogging Ingredient List E – O

Pore-Clogging Ingredient List P – Z

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