Wellness
The Comedogenic Scale Explained
Learn about the comedogenic rating scale, a 0-5 system that helps you choose skincare ingredients less likely to clog pores and cause acne.
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What is it?
The comedogenic rating scale is a system used in skincare to measure the likelihood of an ingredient clogging pores. This tendency is known as comedogenicity. Ingredients are ranked on a scale from 0 to 5. A rating of 0 means an ingredient is "non-comedogenic" and will not clog pores, while a rating of 5 indicates a high likelihood of causing pore blockages (comedones), which can lead to blackheads and acne. For instance, shea butter is often rated 0, whereas coconut oil typically scores a 4. This tool helps consumers, especially those with acne-prone skin, to evaluate individual ingredients in cosmetics and skincare products.
Why is it trending?
The scale is trending as consumers become more educated about skincare ingredients and seek personalized routines. With a growing demand for transparency in beauty products, shoppers are actively researching what they put on their skin. The comedogenic scale offers a quick, science-based reference to help avoid products that might cause "acne cosmetica"—breakouts caused by cosmetics. This is particularly relevant for the rising popularity of facial oils and natural butters in beauty routines, empowering users to select options best suited for their specific skin type and concerns, such as oily or sensitive skin.
How does it affect people?
People with oily and acne-prone skin use the scale as a guide to choose makeup and skincare less likely to cause breakouts. By checking the ratings of oils, butters, and other ingredients on a product's list, they can better predict how their skin might react. However, the scale is not an absolute rule; it's a guideline. An individual's reaction can depend on their skin type, the concentration of the ingredient in the final product, and the overall formulation. What clogs one person's pores may not affect another, so personal testing is still important.