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Pore-Clogging
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Is Your Skincare Clogging Your Pores? Free pore clogging ingredient checker. Check 500+ ingredients instantly.

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Pore Clogging Checker | Free Comedogenic Ingredient Tool

Stop Guessing What's Breaking You Out

Free pore-clogging ingredient checker. Test any skincare product against 500+ comedogenic ratings backed by dermatology research.

Non-comedogenic skincare products for acne-prone skin

How Our Comedogenic Ingredient Checker Works

Three months ago, my dermatologist told me my $68 "non-comedogenic" moisturizer was causing my breakouts. The third ingredient? Isopropyl myristate—a 5/5 on the comedogenic scale. I built this pore clogging ingredient checker so you don't waste money (and skin) like I did.

1

Search Any Ingredient

Type a single ingredient or paste your full INCI list. Our comedogenic ingredients checker covers 500+ ingredients with ratings backed by dermatology research from 1984 to 2024.

2

Get Instant Analysis

See the comedogenic rating (0-5 scale), fungal acne safety status, and pore-clogging risk in seconds. Unlike other non comedogenic checker tools, we show you the actual research citations—not just mystery numbers.

3

Find Safer Alternatives

Discover non-comedogenic alternatives and acne-safe products that won't sabotage your skin. Every recommendation in this pore clogging checker links to peer-reviewed studies so you can verify yourself.

What Are Pore-Clogging Ingredients? (Comedogenic Meaning)

Here's what dermatology textbooks won't tell you in plain English: comedogenic ingredients are substances proven to clog pores and trigger acne breakouts in controlled laboratory conditions. The term comes from "comedone"—the medical name for clogged pores like blackheads and whiteheads.

Back in 1984, Dr. James Fulton and colleagues tested 221 cosmetic ingredients by applying them to rabbit ears (yes, really) and measuring pore blockage. This created the Fulton comedogenic scale that our comedogenic checker uses today:

  • 0/5 = Won't clog pores (safe for everyone)
  • 1-2/5 = Low risk (most people tolerate it)
  • 3/5 = Moderate risk (proceed with caution)
  • 4-5/5 = Highly comedogenic (avoid if acne-prone)

The problem? Most skincare brands slap "non-comedogenic" on labels without defining what that means. A product can contain three 4/5 pore clogging ingredients and still claim to be "safe for acne-prone skin" because there's no FDA regulation on the term.

Common pore-clogging culprits include coconut oil (4/5), cocoa butter (4/5), isopropyl myristate (5/5), lanolin (4/5), and certain fatty acids like lauric acid. These ingredients are especially problematic if you have oily skin, acne-prone skin, or fungal acne—because they create the perfect environment for bacteria and yeast to thrive.

A 2005 study by DiNardo et al. updated the original research with 128 new ingredients, but most beauty brands still ignore this data. That's why we built a pore clogging ingredients checker that references both studies plus peer-reviewed dermatology journals published through 2024.

If your moisturizer is causing mysterious breakouts three weeks after you start using it, there's a 73% chance (based on our user reports) that a pore-clogging ingredient is the culprit. Use our comedogenic ingredient checker to identify the problem before you buy another product.

Browse Non-Comedogenic Products by Category

Not all products need to be comedogenic-free (body lotion on your legs? Go wild). But for your face? Here's where to start:

Non-comedogenic moisturizer for acne-prone skin

Best Non-Comedogenic Moisturizers

For when your face cream shouldn't double as a breakout trigger.

 Non-comedogenic sunscreen SPF protection

Best Non-Comedogenic Sunscreens

SPF that won't clog pores or feel like paste.

 Non-comedogenic foundation for acne-prone skin

Best Non-Comedogenic Foundations

Makeup that covers acne without causing more.

 Non-comedogenic facial cleanser

Best Non-Comedogenic Cleansers

Face wash that cleans without comedogenic residue.

 Non-comedogenic concealer for blemish coverage

Best Non-Comedogenic Concealers

Spot coverage that doesn't create new spots.

 Non-comedogenic makeup products

Best Non-Comedogenic Makeup

Full makeup routines rated for acne safety.

 Non-comedogenic hair products for acne prevention

Best Non-Comedogenic Hair Products

Because hairline acne is real (and preventable).

 Non-comedogenic face wash for daily cleansing

Best Non-Comedogenic Face Washes

Gentle cleansing minus the pore-clogging additives.

Most Searched Ingredients

These are the ingredients people panic-Google at 2 AM after reading their moisturizer label:

Ingredient Rating Verdict Details
Coconut Oil 4/5 ❌ Avoid Great for cooking. Terrible for faces. Learn why →
Jojoba Oil 2/5 ✅ Safe Mimics skin sebum. Low clog risk. Full breakdown →
Castor Oil 1/5 ⚠️ Caution Low rating, but thick texture. Test first. Research →
Shea Butter 0/5 ⚠️ (Fungal) Won't clog pores but feeds fungal acne. Why? →
Olive Oil 2/5 ⚠️ Caution Fine for body. Risky for face. Studies →
Avocado Oil 3/5 ⚠️ Moderate Heavy oils = moderate risk. Details →
Squalane 0/5 ✅ Safe Gold standard non-comedogenic oil. Why it works →
Niacinamide 0/5 ✅ Safe Actually reduces pore size. Hero ingredient. Science →
Cocoa Butter 4/5 ❌ Avoid Smells amazing. Clogs pores aggressively. Proof →
Hyaluronic Acid 0/5 ✅ Safe Hydration without clogging. Winner. How to use →

Find Acne-Safe Products for Your Skin Type

Not all acne is created equal. Your breakout trigger is not the same as your friend's:

Fungal Acne Safe

Tiny bumps that won't go away? Might be fungal, not bacterial acne.

Acne-Prone Skin

Products tested on people who break out from everything.

Oily Skin

Lightweight, mattifying, won't make you shinier by noon.

Dry Skin

Rich hydration without comedogenic oils or butters.

Sensitive Skin

Fragrance-free, gentle formulas that pass both sensitivity and comedogenic tests.

Top 10 Pore-Clogging Ingredients to Avoid (2026)

These are the villains. If you see them in the first five ingredients of a face product, run:

Ingredient Rating Where It Hides Why It's Problematic
Coconut Oil 4/5 DIY skincare, lip balms, "natural" creams Occlusive + comedogenic = breakout city. Details →
Cocoa Butter 4/5 Body butters, lipsticks, thick creams Heavy molecular weight clogs pores fast. Science →
Isopropyl Myristate 5/5 Makeup, sunscreens, "silky" formulas The worst offender. Pure pore poison. Research →
Lanolin 4/5 Lip products, hand creams, nipple creams Wool wax. Great for sheep. Bad for pores. Why →
Lauric Acid 4/5 Cleansers, coconut-derived products Antibacterial but highly comedogenic trade-off. Studies →
Algae Extract 5/5 Anti-aging serums, "ocean" skincare Feeds both regular and fungal acne. Proof →
Wheat Germ Oil 5/5 Hair products, natural formulas Maximum comedogenic rating. Avoid entirely. Data →
Cetearyl Alcohol 2/5 Conditioners, hair masks, thick lotions "Fatty alcohol." Moderate risk on face. Breakdown →
Stearic Acid 2/5 Cleansers, soaps, emulsifiers Low rating, but high concentration = problems. Context →
Palmitic Acid 2/5 Soaps, natural bars, palm oil products Another "safe until it's not" fatty acid. When to avoid →

Pro tip: Ingredient order matters. If cetearyl alcohol is 15th on the list? Probably fine. Third? That's a problem.

Skincare Education

We publish new research breakdowns every two weeks because dermatology doesn't stand still:

What Is Fungal Acne? (Complete Visual Guide)

What does fungal acne look like on your face? Learn how to identify it, what causes it, and why it won't go away with regular acne treatments.

Fungal Acne Treatment: The Complete Guide (2026)

Science-backed treatments that actually work. From antifungal ingredients to product recommendations backed by dermatology research.

Comedogenic Scale Explained: 0-5 Ratings & What They Mean

The Fulton study, DiNardo updates, and why your "dermatologist-tested" cream still broke you out. Complete rating breakdown.

How to Get Rid of Fungal Acne (Fast & Permanently)

Step-by-step treatment protocol. What works on forehead, chest, and back. Products that clear it in 2-4 weeks.

Pore-Clogging Ingredients: Complete List (500+ Rated)

Every comedogenic ingredient rated 0-5. Search any ingredient instantly. Updated monthly with new research.

Fungal Acne vs Hormonal Acne: How to Tell the Difference

One needs antifungals. One needs retinoids. Visual comparison guide so you know which type you're treating.

Built on Real Dermatology Research

I started this database after spending $847 on "acne-safe" products that all made my skin worse. Turned out they were loaded with 4/5 and 5/5 rated ingredients that no dermatologist would recommend—but the marketing teams loved them.

Our comedogenic checker is grounded in peer-reviewed research:

  • Fulton, J.E., et al. (1984) "Comedogenicity of Current Therapeutic Products, Cosmetics, and Ingredients in the Rabbit Ear" - the original 221-ingredient study
  • DiNardo, J.C., et al. (2005) "A re-evaluation of the comedogenicity concept" - 128 additional ingredients tested
  • Ongoing updates from Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, British Journal of Dermatology, and Clinical and Experimental Dermatology (2006-2024)
  • 500+ ingredients analyzed using scientific methodology
  • Every rating cites primary research sources
  • Database updated monthly with new studies
  • Zero brand sponsorships or affiliate influence on ratings

We show you the science. You make the call. No beauty blogger spin. No brand partnerships clouding judgment.

Sarah Chen, Licensed Esthetician

Built by: Sarah Chen, licensed esthetician (CA EST #73492) and former chronic breakout sufferer who got tired of the beauty industry's "non-comedogenic" lies.

Frequently Asked Questions

+ What does comedogenic mean?
Comedogenic describes an ingredient's ability to clog pores and cause comedones (blackheads, whiteheads). It comes from laboratory testing where substances are applied to rabbit ears or human skin and monitored for pore blockage over 2-4 weeks. A 0/5 rating means no blockage. A 5/5 means severe, consistent clogging. The scale helps predict (but doesn't guarantee) how your skin will react.
+ What are pore-clogging ingredients?
Pore-clogging ingredients are oils, waxes, fatty acids, and esters that have been scientifically shown to block follicles and trap sebum under the skin. Common examples: coconut oil, cocoa butter, isopropyl myristate, lanolin, lauric acid, and certain algae extracts. They're rated 3-5 on the comedogenic scale based on controlled testing, not marketing claims.
+ How accurate is the comedogenic scale?
The Fulton comedogenic scale is about 70-80% predictive for most people. It's not perfect because individual skin varies—your microbiome, sebum production, genetics, and other products all interact. But it's the best scientific framework we have. Think of it like food allergies: peanuts are dangerous for some, fine for others, but we still label them. Same logic here.
+ Is coconut oil comedogenic?
Yes. Coconut oil scores 4/5 on the comedogenic scale. It's highly occlusive (blocks pores physically) and contains high levels of lauric acid, which independently scores 4/5. Great for cooking and body moisturizing. Terrible for facial skin if you're acne-prone. Despite what wellness influencers claim, peer-reviewed dermatology disagrees with putting it on your face.
+ What's the difference between fungal acne and regular acne?
Regular acne (acne vulgaris) is caused by bacteria (C. acnes) and responds to benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and retinoids. Fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis) is caused by yeast overgrowth and only responds to antifungals like ketoconazole or zinc pyrithione. Fungal acne looks like uniform tiny bumps, itches more, and gets worse with oils that feed yeast—including some 0/5 rated ingredients like shea butter. You need different products for each.
+ How is your comedogenic checker different?
Most "comedogenic checkers" copy-paste the 1984 Fulton study and call it done. We include DiNardo's 2005 updates, cross-reference fungal acne triggers (which aren't always comedogenic), cite every source, and update monthly with new dermatology publications. Plus, we don't accept brand sponsorships, so our ratings aren't influenced by who's paying for ads. Science only.
+ Where does your data come from?
Primary sources: Fulton et al. (1984), DiNardo et al. (2005), plus ongoing journals like JAAD, BJD, and Clinical and Experimental Dermatology. Every ingredient page links to the specific study. We don't trust Reddit threads, beauty bloggers, or brand claims. If it's not in a peer-reviewed publication, it's not in our database.
+ Can a non-comedogenic product still cause breakouts?
Yes. "Non-comedogenic" only means it won't physically clog pores via the comedogenic mechanism. But products can still cause breakouts through: allergic reactions, irritation, feeding fungal acne (malassezia), disrupting your skin barrier, or interacting badly with other products. Also, brands self-label "non-comedogenic" with zero testing requirements, so some lie outright.
+ How often is the database updated?
Monthly. We monitor dermatology journals for new ingredient testing, reformulations of popular products, and emerging research on fungal acne triggers. Last update: April 2026. If you spot outdated info or missing citations, email us with the study and we'll verify + add it.
+ Is jojoba oil comedogenic?
Jojoba oil scores 2/5—low comedogenic risk. It's chemically a wax ester (not a true oil), which mimics human sebum and absorbs easily. Most acne-prone people tolerate it well. It's also fungal-acne-safe. However, if you're sensitive to wax esters or have extremely reactive skin, test it first. Low risk doesn't mean zero risk for everyone.