Glossary
A scale from 0 to 5 that estimates how likely a skincare ingredient or product is to clog pores and cause comedones (blackheads and whiteheads). A rating of 0 means the ingredient is non-comedogenic; 5 means it is highly likely to cause pore blockage.
The comedogenic scale assigns a number from 0 to 5 to skincare ingredients based on their likelihood of clogging pores. 0: Non-comedogenic, will not clog pores. 1: Very low probability. 2: Low probability. 3: Moderate probability. 4: Fairly high probability. 5: High probability of causing comedones.
As a general guideline, ingredients rated 0 to 2 are considered safe for acne-prone skin. Ingredients rated 3 or higher may cause problems for people susceptible to clogged pores, though individual reactions vary significantly.
The original comedogenic testing was conducted in the 1970s and 1980s using rabbit ear assays, applying concentrated ingredients to rabbit ears and measuring follicular response. This method has significant limitations: rabbit skin is more reactive than human skin, the ingredients were tested at 100% concentration (far higher than typical formulation levels), and the testing does not account for how ingredients interact in a finished product.
A single ingredient's comedogenic rating does not necessarily predict how it behaves in a formulation. An ingredient rated 3 on its own might be perfectly fine at 5% concentration in a well-formulated product. The rating is a starting point for evaluation, not a definitive verdict.
Some notable ratings: argan oil (0), hemp seed oil (0), jojoba oil (2), shea butter (0-2), coconut oil (4), cocoa butter (4), beeswax (0-2), mineral oil (0), wheat germ oil (5). These numbers guide our formulation decisions, ensuring our products balance efficacy with pore-safety.
No. The comedogenic scale is a guideline based on ingredient testing, not a guarantee. Individual skin chemistry, application amount, overall product formulation, and personal sensitivity all influence whether a specific ingredient causes breakouts for a specific person. Patch testing remains the most reliable personal assessment.
Coconut oil rates 4 on the comedogenic scale, meaning it has a fairly high probability of clogging pores on facial skin in susceptible individuals. It works well on body skin, which has larger pores and is less acne-prone. For facial use, lower-rated oils like argan, jojoba, or squalane are safer choices.
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