Ingredient Lists

This page includes several lists. The pore clogger list includes ingredients that score a 2-5 on the comedogenic scale (some may score 1-2). The Comedogenic Scale is not always black and white either. A lot of oils for example may have a score of 2-3 but due to their fatty acid breakdown, they are fine. For example, evening primrose oil can have a comedogenic score of 3, but the skin can be totally fine based on its high linoleic acid content (confusing right). There is also an acnegenic list for ingredients that may trigger acne and common irritants as well further down the page.

Additional Notes:

• The amount of a pore clogger in a formulation, how it is buffered or how long it sits on the skin can all make a difference, meaning you may do totally fine with a product that has some ingredients with the potential to clog pores depending on amount in formulation, the location on the label, its concentration, if it is a rinse of product or how it could be buffered; each person is bio-individual, but the the beauty of this page is the ability to see what could be causing an issue for you

  • Ascorbyl Palmitate (2) for example, listed at the very end of a label may not cause an issue versus if it were at the top of the label

  • The other ingredients in a formulation can buffer or balance a pore clogger (such as an exfoliant based acid or bamboo)

  • If it is a rinse off product such as an exfoliant, mask, or cleaner, it is less likely to clog the pores; for example— an exfoliant mask with an algae extract at very bottom probably will not cause an issue for most people

  • Certain ingredients may have a score of 2-3, but the fatty acid breakdown of it can balance the skin depending on the skin type, such as evening primrose oil

  • In short, there is no perfect system when it comes to skincare; everyone is so so so different

• Always patch test new products first !!!

• Skin needs can change based on hormone levels, climate, medications, etc.

• Make sure to really clean your face each night to get the oils, products and makeup off (a common reason people break out is by not properly removing their makeup)

• Wash pillowcases (use an acne safe detergent) and your makeup brushes (use an acne safe facial cleanser)

• Even if a product does not contain any of the ingredients on this page, it could still trigger a breakout if the acne is fungal based or you are sensitive to an ingredient

• Silicones in skincare and makeup can be an issue for *some* but I find that once people start double cleansing and washing face well, it is no longer is an issue

• Being “acne prone” can be a result of an underlying root cause at play triggering excess oil or bacteria; stubborn acne is also internally rooted

• Also assess haircare and body care products as these are common culprits of neck, chest, back, hairline and cheek acne

• And as always, if you love what you are using even if there are several pore cloggers, but it works for you, no need to change it !!!!

acne safe shop - skincare, haircare and makeup at ulta, sephora, credo, custom brands and more

Brand Reviews (to check if a product is acne safe)

Pore Clogger List

Acnegenic Ingredients

These can be a major source of skin irritation/allergies and can irritate the pores, which increases likelihood an acne breakout.
Most do fine with these and if they are in a small amount but they do still cause issues for some people.

Linalool

Limonene or d-Limonene

Benzaldehyde

Citronellol

Citral

Amyl cinnamal

Eugenol

Irritants

Products aimed at acne prone or oily skin often use alcohol to reduce oil and dry out breakouts, making it feel tight and refreshed. However, there is a difference between reducing oil and drying out a breakout versus completely dehydrating the skin and ruining the barrier. Yes, alcohol can remove the oil from the skin and make it look less shiny. However, over time, it can make the skin dry and flaky. Your skin can then try to compensate by producing more oil, which defeats the entire purpose of using alcohol to begin with. Alcohol is also too harsh for sensitive skin and overtime may even damage the skin's protective barrier, increasing the chances of breakouts, inflammation and redness. Continued use could cause premature aging due to the skin’s damaged cells.

Alcohol in skincare labeled as Alcohol, Alcohol Denat, Denatured Alcohol, Ethanol, Methyl Alcohol, SD Alcohol (e.g., 3-A, 30, 39-B, 39-C, 40-B, and 40-C) can be an issue for the skin barrier. This does not include fatty alcohols like Cetyl, Stearyl, Cetearyl or Lanolin Alcohol that do not irritate skin in the same way. However, if you see both Ceterayl Alchol and Ceteareth 20 in a formulation, this may clog pores. Fatty alcohols are usually safe for your skin, unless there is an allergy or sensitivity. Tiny amounts of basic alcohol ingredients are not a big issue and can help treat acne in specific areas. However, using it all over your face will likely result in dryness, redness, and a weaker skin barrier.

Alcohol denat goes against everything healthy skin wants and needs. Our skin needs a healthy acid mantle, hydration and oils for moisture and protection, and overall balance. Denatured alcohol sucks the hydration right out of our skin and leaves it vulnerable, lending way to visible skin irritation, enhanced signs of aging, and increased likelihood of a breakout. - Source

Alcohol denat is a penetration enhancer, meaning it enables active ingredients to penetrate deeper into the skin. It does so by altering the lipid composition of the skin, damaging its protective barrier. Over time, the skin will be less effective at retaining moisture especially if alcohol denat is continuously applied in high concentrations. While it may seem these effects might benefit oily skin — excess dryness might make the skin respond by increasing its oil production in order to help keep itself moisturized, which can even lead to additional breakouts. - Source

What about Fungal Acne?

Fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis) is often mistaken for regular acne. It’s caused by yeast (fungal) overgrowth in our hair follicles, leading to inflammation and resulting in small, itchy bumps. Unlike regular acne, fungal acne can be stubborn and in these situations, it is important to explore the root cause for what is triggering it. The skin is often a picture of what is going on internally as well. In this case, even products that are unlikely to clog pores can cause issues. It is best to work with a practitioner in this case scenario.