Emily Burg
02-04-25
Comedogenic Confusion: What You Need to Know About Pore-Clogging Ingredient Lists
Episode 59
"Unless you’re fluent in cosmetic chemistry, it’s way too easy to miss."
Have you ever gone down the rabbit hole of searching for a pore-clogging ingredient list, only to find a dozen different ones that don’t match up? So frustrating, right? You’re not alone—navigating conflicting advice about what’s “safe” for acne-prone skin can feel like an impossible task.
In this episode of Skin Theory, we’re tackling the chaos head-on. I’ll break down why these discrepancies exist, what you really need to know about comedogenicity, and—most importantly—how to confidently decode ingredient labels without losing your mind (or clogging your pores). Trust me, this is the clarity you’ve been waiting for!
Episode Highlights
- What does “comedogenic” actually mean? Breaking down the science of pore-clogging ingredients and the comedogenicity scale.
- Why ingredient lists don’t agree: The lack of regulation and inconsistencies that make navigating skincare so frustrating.
- Ingredient aliases and sneaky labeling tricks: How brands use alternative names to hide pore-clogging ingredients.
- Practical tools and tips: How to find trusted resources and use tools like online ingredient checkers effectively.
Links Mentioned
- Pore-Clogging Ingredient Checker & List
- Acne-Safe Makeup List
- Build Your Perfect Skincare Routine
- WE Morris and SC Kwan, Use of the rabbit ear model in evaluating the comedogenic potential of cosmetic ingredients, J Soc Cosmet Chem 1983, 34, 215-225.
- American Academy of Dermatology. (2005). Limitations of comedogenicity testing methods. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
- JAMA Dermatology. (2018). Lack of standardization in comedogenicity testing: Implications for product labeling. JAMA Dermatology.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (n.d.). Summary of cosmetics labeling requirements. FDA.gov.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (n.d.). Cosmetics labeling guide. FDA.gov.
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