Where do the comedogenic ratings come from?

From published comedogenicity research and dermatology references, primarily Fulton et al. 1984 and Draelos & DiNardo 2006, plus widely-used esthetician reference lists. They are estimates, not lab results for every formula.

Acne Safe Ingredient Checker

Q: Is this the same as a comedogenic or pore-clogging ingredient checker?

Yes. Acne safe checker, comedogenic ingredient checker and pore-clogging ingredient checker all describe this one tool: it rates every recognised ingredient 0-5 on the comedogenicity scale and flags fungal-acne (Malassezia) triggers in the same scan.

Paste any ingredient list — or scan a photo of the label — and instantly see which ingredients are pore-clogging, which trigger fungal acne, and which are acne safe. Free, no signup.

Paste ingredients (INCI list)

Try a sample list

🔴 Pore-clogging (3–5) 🟡 Low risk (1–2) 🟢 Acne safe (0) 🍄 Fungal-acne trigger

Get the free Acne-Safe Cheat Sheet (PDF)

All red-flag ingredients rated 4–5, safe swaps per category and the fungal-acne quick list — generated from the same 550+ ingredient database as this checker. Plus occasional new ingredient guides by email. No spam.

Note: Comedogenicity ratings are general guidance based on widely-used reference lists, not a medical assessment. An ingredient's real effect depends on its concentration, the full formula, and your individual skin. This tool is informational and is not medical advice — for persistent acne, consult a dermatologist.

How the acne safe ingredient checker works

This is one combined comedogenic ingredient checker and pore-clogging ingredient checker: it scans your ingredient list against a database of 550+ ingredients known to be comedogenic or pore-clogging, each scored 0–5 on the standard comedogenicity scale. Higher means a greater chance of clogging pores and triggering breakouts. Ingredients that commonly feed fungal acne (Malassezia) get a 🍄 flag too. Ingredients not in the database are shown separately as "not rated" — they are not necessarily safe or unsafe, just not on common pore-clogging lists.

What is the comedogenic scale?

The comedogenic scale rates how likely an ingredient is to clog pores, from 0 (non-comedogenic) to 5 (highly comedogenic). It originated from dermatology research that applied ingredients to skin and observed comedone (clogged-pore) formation (Fulton et al., 1984). A higher number means a greater chance of blackheads, whiteheads and breakouts for acne-prone skin — read more on what comedogenic means.

How to read your results

Ingredients near the top of an INCI list are present in the highest concentration, so a comedogenic ingredient listed first matters more than one near the end. And a single ingredient's score doesn't guarantee how a finished formula behaves (Draelos & DiNardo, 2006) — use ratings as a risk signal, and patch test anything new.

Common high-comedogenic ingredients

Frequent offenders include isopropyl myristate, coconut oil, cocoa butter, algae extract, lauric acid and wheat germ oil. Browse the full comedogenic ingredients list for all 550+ ratings.

Explore more

List of comedogenic ingredientsSearchable database of 550+ pore-clogging and acne-safe ingredients with ratings. All ingredients A–ZBrowse the full 550+ ingredient index alphabetically, each with its 0–5 rating. What is the comedogenic scale?Understand what "comedogenic" means and how to use the 0–5 ratings. Fungal acne safe checkerFlag Malassezia triggers — the ingredients that feed fungal acne. Search a productLook up a product by name and check it instantly — no typing. Ingredient comparisonsCoconut oil vs jojoba, shea vs cocoa butter — which clogs pores? Side-by-side verdicts. Open datasetDownload all ratings as CSV/JSON — free under CC BY 4.0 with attribution.

Best non-comedogenic products

MoisturizersLightweight, acne-safe hydration that won't clog pores. SunscreensOil-free SPF that won't trigger breakouts. Cleansers & face washesGentle, non-clogging cleansers for acne-prone skin. FoundationsOil-free makeup that won't cause breakouts. ConcealersSpot-friendly, non-comedogenic coverage. Face oilsWhich oils are actually safe for acne-prone skin. PrimersMattifying, non-clogging primers for oily, acne-prone skin. Hair productsStop hairline and back acne from shampoo and conditioner residue.

Frequently asked questions

What does "comedogenic" mean?

Comedogenic ingredients tend to block pores, which can lead to comedones (blackheads and whiteheads) and breakouts. Ratings run from 0 (won't clog pores) to 5 (very likely to clog pores).

Is a high-rated ingredient always bad for me?

No. Many people use coconut oil or cocoa butter with no problems. Ratings are a starting point — concentration and your own skin matter a lot.

Where do the ratings come from?

From published comedogenicity research and dermatology references — primarily Fulton et al. (1984) and the re-evaluation by Draelos & DiNardo (2006), plus widely-used esthetician reference lists. We're transparent that these are estimates, not lab results for every formula — full methodology on the about page.

Is this the same as a comedogenic or pore-clogging checker?

Yes — "acne safe checker", "comedogenic ingredient checker" and "pore-clogging ingredient checker" all describe this one tool. It rates every recognised ingredient 0–5 on the comedogenicity scale and flags fungal-acne triggers in the same scan.