If you want to check if a product has pore-clogging ingredients, you can use a pore-clogging ingredient checker. Some websites offer this service, and you can copy and paste the ingredients list of your product to see if it contains any pore-clogging ingredients. Here are some websites that provide this service:
- AcneClinicNYC
- Face Reality Skincare
- Biba Los Angeles
- Acne Treatment Center
- GoodGlow
It is important to note that even if a product claims to be "non-comedogenic," "oil-free," or "wont clog your pores," it may still contain pore-clogging ingredients. The concept of pore-clogging is not regulated, so skincare companies can claim their products promote clear skin and still have pore-cloggers in their products. Some natural oils, such as cocoa butter and coconut oil, can be some of the worst offenders and are found in many "organic" skin care lines. Other oils, such as jojoba, olive, and lanolin, are mildly comedogenic and can be a problem if formulated with other comedogenic ingredients. Some prescription products like the cream form of Retin A have pore-clogging ingredients, and many over-the-counter acne medications contain them as well. Below are some pore-clogging ingredients to avoid:
- Acetylated Lanolin
- Acetylated Lanolin Alcohol
- Algae Extract
- Algin
- Butyl Stearate
- Carrageenan
- Cetyl Acetate
- Cetearyl Alcohol + Ceteareth 20
- Chondrus Crispus (aka Irish Moss or Carageenan Moss)
- Coal Tar
- Cocoa Butter
- Coconut Alkanes
- Coconut Butter
- Coconut Extract
- Coconut Nucifera extract
- Coconut Oil
- Ethylhexyl Palmitate
- Glyceryl Stearate SE
- Isopropyl Myristate
- Jojoba Oil
- Lanolin
- Laureth-4
- Laureth-23
- Mink Oil
- Myristyl Lactate
- Octyl Palmitate
- Octyl Stearate
- Oleth-3
- Olive Oil
- PPG-2 Myristyl Propionate
- Sodium Chloride
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sorbitan Oleate
- Soybean Oil
- Stearyl Heptanoate
- Wheat Germ Oil
Always check the products ingredient list before using any products on your face or in your hair to minimize the chances of a breakout.
