Comedogenic: What Does This Term Mean on Cosmetics?

Whether on body lotions, foundations, or day creams: the term “comedogenic” can be found on the labels of numerous cosmetic products. But what exactly does the name mean? We’ll tell you everything you need to know!

Comedogenic: the definition

85 percent of all people are annoyed by comedos from time to time. You are not familiar with the term? In fact, the expression simply means blackheads.

And a product labeled “comedogenic” can trigger those pesky blemishes. Blackheads occur when the pores of the skin become clogged. Comedogenic agents are suspected of promoting or accelerating this process.

In order to reduce the formation of annoying beauty blemishes, it is best to avoid these active ingredients in your daily skin care.

Comedogenic and non-comedogenic substances: an overview

The comedogenicity of each cosmetic ingredient ranges from 0-5. The following applies here: the lower, the less comedogenic.

But here it is good to know: Comedogenic active ingredients do not automatically cause breakouts in every user. General recommendations are actually only possible to a limited extent in this area. The reason: The personal skin type also plays a role in the development of blemishes. Oily and impure skin often reacts to slightly comedogenic active ingredients with blackheads. Mature or dry skin, on the other hand, tolerates even strongly comedogenic active ingredients without any problems. The rule here is: try it out! You can find more information on the care of mature skin in our article Beauty in old age.

The strongly comedogenic ingredients include, for example, silicones, paraffins, palm oil, algae extracts, vaseline, cocoa butter, as well as coconut, olive, and evening primrose oil.

On the other hand, non-comedogenic or only weakly comedogenic active ingredients include squalane, marula, and argan oil, tea tree oil, grape seed oil, and jojoba oil, as well as extracts from almonds and calendula.

Tip: Make facial care products, such as face masks, yourself more often in the future. After all, you can only use non-comedogenic active ingredients with cosmetics you mix yourself – and thus minimize the risk of blackheads.