I get asked for skin care product recommendations a lot, and in the past I’ve been recommending what I’ve used and what was has worked best for me. However, I thought it was about time that I compiled a proper list of skin care ingredients that not only will not clog your pores, but are also safe to use on acne prone skin.
What does comedogenic mean and why it’s SO important
If you have acne prone skin then you will need to know what comedogenic means. In fact, you should become an expert in comedogenic and irritating ingredients in skin care.
How Comedogenic an ingredient is basically means how likely it is to clog your pores. So usually a rating is on a scale of 0-5, with 0 meaning it will definitely not clog your pores, and 5 meaning stay away from that ingredient because it’s a pore clogging nightmare!!
So how did scientists figure this score out? Well unfortunately they used the inside of rabbits ears which is really quite sad so I’m going to say a little prayer for the rabbits that sacrificed their well being for us and hope that scientists are now using different methods.
There is a similar scale for people with sensitive skin, so a score of 0 means the ingredient will not irritate the skin, while a score of 5 has the possibility of high irritation.
So if you’re got acne prone skin, you really should be looking for products that have low scores for both comedogenic and irritation. It’s just about impossible to find a ‘perfect’ product, so look for something that has scores less than 3 in the first eight listed ingredients.
There are a few websites that list both the comedogeniality and irritation grades of skin care ingredients. I’m going to list those websites so you can check the ingredients for yourself. BUT, I’d like you to keep a couple of things in mind first -
- If you’re already using a product that you love and it’s working for you, and it just happens to have some bad ingredients on the list, then so be it. Sometimes things just work when they’re not supposed to. So if it’s working, ignore this list and stick to it.
- This list does not contain a lot of natural ingredients, and I do believe that the natural way is always the better way to go …HOWEVER, if your pores are all clogged up, and you have a lot of comedonal acne, then you may need to take a little break from natural products and go for something commercial that will let your skin purge for a while. Once your skin is healthier you can always slowly start introducing the natural products back in. My skin is so clogged up so that’s what I’m doing, and it’s been working really well for me so far.
Here is the list of sites where you can check ingredients. I did want to compile my own list before I posted this article, but I’ve been a bit rushed for time and I thought this information was way too important for you to wait for. So I’ll do an update soon and post my own list.
- Become an Acne Detective
- Savvy Skin
- Comedogenic Effects of Cosmetic Raw Materials
- Dermadoctor, Comedogenicity
- Skin Care Ingredients To Avoid
Enjoy!
Fran
Fran Kerr is the founding editor of High on Health. To cure your acne, sign up to Fran's FREE acne cure mini-course or download her latest how to guide, Eat Away Your Acne.
54 responses ↓
Do you have any tips or suggestions for large pores and black heads thats what I suffer the most with??
Thank you
Hi Nicole, the best thing to get rid of comedonal acne (blackheads, whiteheads and clogged pores) is a deep pore exfoliant such as a salicylic acid product or BHA. These products should also help refine the size of your pores, however often large pores are just a result of oily skin and/or getting older, so sometimes there’s not a lot we can do about it.
The only salicylic acid or BHA product I’ve used is Paula’s Choice 2% BHA. It’s worked well for me, and I particularly like it because it does not dry out my skin. You can read my article about it here:
http://www.highonhealth.org/product-review-paulas-choice-2-beta-hydroxy-acid-gel/
If you don’t have any inflammations you can also surface exfoliate with your favorite exfoliator or just do what I do - add baking-soda into your cleanser. Honestly, it’s the best surface exfoliant I’ve found!
And for prevention of future blackheads - make sure you balance the oil in your skin (oily skin typically produces blackheads), keep up the regular exfoliation, and eat well! Food plays a huge role in how our skin looks and acts ..so eating the right foods will stop those pores from getting clogged and balance out the oils in your skin.
Check out the food and acne section in the site:
http://www.highonhealth.org/acne-and-diet/
Hi Fran,
In the last couple years my skin has been breaking out like crazy! I have very oily skin and would like to know what I should wash my face, and what moisturizer I should use. Are there any sort of remedies I should know about for healing my acne and scars?
Also, should I be taking vitamin supplements?
Are there any vitamins that are crucial for skin?
I’ve always looked after my body and health, but my skin has always been a challenge for me.
I’m so depressed.
Wow Maria, that’s a lot of big questions
You’ll find all the answers in my mini-course. You can join by putting your details into the box on the right hand side of the page.
Otherwise post this message in the forums, because it gives us a lot more room for a discussion in there, and it will reach more people (who could also benefit from our conversation). Here is the forum link -
http://www.highonhealth.org/forums/
Just got a sulfur, sodium sulfacetamide wash from my derm. Not sure yet if its good or not. Used it 2 days so far. Definitely drying.
Hi,
On the “Become an Acne Detective” Page how come mineral oil and petroleum gets a score of 0 for comedogenity and irritability??? I thought it clogs your pores?
Alice- yeah, everyone is always amazed by that. Problem with petroleum especially is it kind of sits like a barrier on the skin, so stops any oils from getting in or out. It’s a bit like wrapping your skin is cling film. Not good.
HI Fran!, First of all I just wanted to tell you that you are awesome, I’ve been following your “7 steps to ance free skin”. And let me tell you it’s been great! Thank you so much. I started a couple of weeks ago with the steps. My skin was breaking out mildy and I used to touch of face a lot. I got tired of looking bad, since I’m 16 and go to high school I just wanted to get rid of all the acne. I have a couple of questions, I started washing my face with just water and clean&clear sensitive skin deep cleaning astringent which I use for my blackheads and pimples, it’s working OK and I just wash my face at night. I went to the website you recommned of what the ingredients really mean, and everythings great, but still I want to get rid of my Blackheads on my nose, how do I fix this. Also I have scars from acne that i never picked, but my acne lasts awhile and it stays there how can I fix this problem? Also I’ve been drinking green tea without sugar and It’s made a diference for me. Thanks to you.How many times should I drink the green tea and when? Is it ok to add sugar? What type’s of fruit should I eat to help me keep my skin clear? I wasnt sure if I should use the oil method?… And 2 more things, so sorry for all this stuff for you to cram, but wher can I get cacao beans? I don’t know where to get them we have farmers market here in Nevada but I’m not sure if its still open where else can I buy them In my state and city which is Sparks NV.
And lastly(so sorry) I also use BareMInerals for my face makeup, but I’m not sure if I its helping me? Please help. Once again thank you soooo much, you are such a wonderful person to spend time to answer these questions and help us. Your skin my the way is wonderful,and you are an inspiration. and I would love to not use chemicals, but natural things for me. Thank you soooo much again for taking time off to read this. It would mean a lot for you to answer this for me. Thanks A LOT…
Jackie
Hi Jackie-
All of your questions are answered in my free acne cure mini-course and in the acne blog archives (http://www.highonhealth.org/acne/).
Or you can join my coaching program for personal support:
http://www.highonhealth.org/coaching/
Hi there Fran,
Just checking out my favourite moisturiser which is Pevonia Botanica Mattifying Oily Skin Mask (whew!) which is great for my very oily skin….
Listen on their incrediants they have Glyceryl Stearate but on the Acne Detect site they have two listed:
Glyceryl Stearate NSE - 1 COM & 0 IRR
Glyceryl Stearate SE - 3 COM & 2 IRR
How can you tell what one the product has???
And also in the incredients (which isn’t on Acne Detect) are: Citris Nobilis (Manderine Orange) Peel Oil, Hops Extract, Equisetum Arvense (Horsetail) Leaf Extract, Corylus Avcellan (Hazel Nut) Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Methylisothiazolinone
Any idea how bad these are?
Other than that the rest are perfect! 0 or 1’s
Hi Tania- Yeah I often can’t find all the ingredients on the lists either. Then it just comes down to trialling the product. If it doesn’t make your skin breakout within the first 5 days then it’s usually fine
You could try doing a Google search for those other ingredients.
Hi Fran!I just found CANDIDA as one of the ingredients used in my toner!!!should i continue using it?the toner is supposed to help regulate sebum production.i’m confused now. coz i remembered that u said something about candida regrowth that causes acne.pls help!thank you so much!
Hi JO, don’t worry ..that’s not the same Candida as the fungas in your body.
Thanks so much Fran,
You are such a huge help!
I’m telling anyone who will listen about you
Hi Fran,
I just discovered that Sodium Chloride (Salt) gets a score of 5 for comedogenity. Isn’t it suppose to be a good sterilizer ? When I go swimming into the sea, it usually clears out my skin ! I’ve started a week ago to put salted water on my face before bed and I am seeing improvements. Should I stop doing this ?
Marie- If it’s working for you, stick to it. There are also many different types of salts ..sea salt in particular contains far more minerals that table salt. In fact, Celtic sea salt and/or Himalayan rock salt are highly beneficial and important salts to include in our diet, while table salt is bad for us.
So I’m guessing it goes the same for our skin
HEY FRAN!!!! u rock my socks. anyway, i wanna ask you something. im just 13 (OMG!) and uh i looked up your acne thing right? and sometimes my face gets really dry and sometimes random red blotches of dry skin appear on my face. it seems so irritating and its so annoying, it just keeps randomly appearing throughout the day…. these red blotches are REALLY red and REALLY ITCHY!!!! they itch so badly. anyway, thanks for doing what you do.
usually, before these things appear, my face itches really badly, then i dab my hands on my face and then it explodes. it also appears sometimes after i eat something. is it a food allergy? dry skin? itchiness? sorry for all the questions. the redness and itchiness usually goes away after an hour or 2. then new ones appear. (i also do hav mild acne, but with these blotches it looks lik severe acne.)
How do i get rid of these…. THINGS?!?! thanks.
Anthony- Did you join the mini-course? It has heaps of stuff in there that should help. Also visit the acne archives - http://www.highonhealth.org/acne/
Hi Frann
iv just been thinking about what could cuase quite bad acne on my forhead and i was thinking of the shampoo that i was usng? do you think it could be? iv checked it and a bad ingredent in it is sodium cloride.
im also comming off the acne.org regimin im slowly declininig in the ammount og BP i am useing are the outbreaks really as bad as people say they are comming off BP? and how is your face at the minute? do you still get outbreaks? im going to decrese the ammout of BP i am using from 2 pumps to 0.25 of a pump in 2 weeks do you think this is ok?
sorry about all the questions lol im just curious.
Thanks in advance kyle
Peace
Hi Kyle, BP never worked for me so I have no experience with coming off it. Ask your question in the high on health forums, you’ll get a better response in there - http://www.highonhealth.org/forums/
Your forehead acne could be caused by a range of different things including hormones and oily skin.
Hey Fran
You’re probably heard this before, but I’ve tried sooooo many different things to make my acne better and nothing seems to help.. I only wear mineral make-up with no bismuth, I drink a LOT of water, I eat healthy, I change my pillow case every week, I wash my hair every 2 days, I avoid touching my face and I’ve spent SOOOO much money on acne products and I’m almost giving up.. my skin is all I can think about. I hate going outside in daylight because then everyone will see how much make-up I have to use to cover up my ugly skin.
Anyway, I was wondering if you could please give me some opinions on these cleansers?
Cetaphil - I’ve been using it for six months, don’t know what I think of it, but I’m afraid to change it because I don’t want to make my skin worse than it already is
Mario Badescu - I’ve already ordered it, and it’s supposed to be a safe brand.. what do you think?
Which product do you think is safer? I’ve done a product scan on both of them, and they both have SOME ingredients that aren’t good.
Oh,and if it’s any help: My skin is dry (maybe because I usually use drying lotions on my spots at night…?!), but gets oily during the day. The worst area is around my mouth, and when I break out I get huge, red pimples on my chin that never goes away and lots of small bumps on my forehead. Lately I’ve had a bad break-out on my cheek too, which has never happened before. I’ve had zits there before, but not many at once. I hardly ever get zits on my nose, but I do have a lot of blackheads. And I’m 15.
Also, do you believe that “acne pills” can work? I bought some from ebay and I’ve been taking them for a week… I desperately want them to work.
I’d really appreciate it if you would take the time to reply
thanks for motivating me and sorry I wrote so much!!
Hi Fran,
I’m 14 and I have very oily skin with lots of whiteheads, blackheads and enlarged pores. The trouble is that I also have very sensitive skin, and it’s not easy finding products that are good for acne-prone and sensitive skin. Would you be able to recommend a cleanser, toner and moisturiser to me that would be good for my skin type please? Thank you xxx
Hi Fran,
i have developed breakout on my forehead. I’m running out of my acne product, so i have been using very little. Could that be the cause? Or could it be stress? I’m not sure if i should buy the same product or use a different one i have, but by the same company. I am using neturgina. I wanted to know what you think of that product. I am reading your 7 steps minicourse and it helps a little bit, which it good!
thanks!!!
Thanks Fran for this wonderful article (:
I was just wondering if Spectro Jel is a good cleanser for the face. But I realized that on the label it dosen’t say that it’s non-comedogenic. It only says that it’s non-irritating. And does the aspirin mask really work ? Help ?
Hi Fran.
I recently started shaving and soon after became a vegetarian. My acne wasn’t that bad before. But it has become a lot worse.
Do you think these changes are the cause of this?
Please HELP!
well i have two question how do i get rid of large pores i=on my nose because its really oily? and how to get rid of acne scars fast any remedies i should know?
thanks fran
kevin
Hey kevin, they’re two very big questions, try asking in the forums or do a search in there, heaps of people to help out - http://www.highonhealth.org/forums/
Erica- Just because something says it’s non-comedogenic doesn’t really mean anything. Companies can write whatever they like. It’s best to do your own research by using the links above.
Oscar- I can’t say without getting a proper history from you and having a proper chat. Becoming vegetarian won’t make your acne worse unless you’re eating a lot more dairy and gluten. Shaving can irritate the skin but you’ll know because it’ll happen only in the areas that you’re shaving.
Hi Everyone! I just discovered a really neat website for those of you wondering about the specifics of ingredients in your beauty products that aren’t in the links that Fran has so graciously posted: http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/index.php?nothanks=1. This is a database put together by researchers of the environmental working group that lists the potential safety issues/links to current research on some of those seemingly unpronounceable words on the back of the bottle. While this doesn’t necessarily have anything to do with comedogenics, it’s definitely a health concern which (as I am discovering) should definitely factor into your decision when buying new beauty products, especially considering the frighteningly lax requirements for what is allowed to go into beauty products these days.
hi,
i always have breakouts and when the previous ones almost fade away, i grow out new ones. now, i just wanna know if this product is bad, and my skin care routine is bad as well.
i use this herbal soap for my body to clear out my itch rashes, but im not sure if it works for my face cuz im afraid it might dry my face. most of its ingredients were not on the list but i highlighted 3 which are vitamin e, glycerin, and salicylic acid, the rest are herbal extracts and stuff. so do you think its good for the face too?
for my skin care routine, (i do this at night before i sleep) i use that herbal soap i mentioned(sometimes when i feel too oily but i dont really include this to my normal routine) then a cleansing foam with mild beads, exfoliate (once a week), a toner, and a spot treatment thing. do you think thats over washing?
thanks:)
hey Fran,
My spots are getting better after following your tips, but my face is still red. How do i reduce redness and can you recommend any over the counter treatment?
janine- Check the product out on http://www.makeupalley.com for reviews, and if it’s not there do a Google search. I haven’t personally trialled it so I can’t say! As with the over washing, listen to your intuition because it knows best
If you feel like you’re overdoing it then you probably are.
Tom- If it’s red it’s likely dry. Make sure your skin is hydrated enough. Also look into using fresh aloe vera and manuka honey on your face every day as a mask. Aloe vera in particular is very good at reducing redness, and manuka is good at hydrating.
Hi, Fran! My name is Sierra, I’m 14 years old and I have just now subscribed for your acne guide. I have suffered from acne for about 3 years and have tried EVERY topical acne treatment known to man. Nothing has worked, so I have decided to try and clear my acne naturally. I’m about to start high school this fall, and I really do not want to have zits all over my face when I go.
For the past 6 months I have been using OXY acne products and have seen Okay results, but I still break out. I mostly have acne on my forehead, my chest, shoulders, and upper back. Nothing has worked. I even went to see my dermatologist, who prescribed me a $120 topical cream, which only made my acne worse! Am I just doomed to acne? Or will changing my diet really work?
Thanks so much, Fran!!
Sierra- This is a difficult time for you and the time when most people your age will break out. I’m not what the stats are with teenagers but I’m sure they’re quite high.
You are not doomed to acne. You may need to help clear it until you naturally grow out of it, but nobody is doomed to acne forever.
At your age I’m a little worried about you focusing on the diet aspect because you should be eating loads of food and enjoying life. So the best things for you to start with are good skin care products and topicals. If you are focusing on diet, get your parents to help you with a low glycemic index diet. There are lots of resources on the Internet which teach about low GI diets.
I hope this helps
And remind yourself every day how lovely and beautiful you are!
hi i heard that the only thing that helped your whiteheads and blackheads were Paula’s Choice 2% BHA gel i was about to buy it but then i looked for something cheaper in the drugstore that PAULA rated a happy face and check mark was neutrogena oil free acne stress control 3 in 1 hydrating acne treatment (contains 2% BHA, but i’m not sure if it’s effective as an exfoliant do you know the ph level? i’ve veen using it for a week it has redused some whiteheads but not all and sure has not taken blackheads away.How long did the Paula’s Choice 2% BHA gel took to get rid of them? thanks, hope you reply back
Hi Wemdy, it really depends on what your holistic routine is, and how healthy your body currently is.
I’ve used Paula’s Choice in the past and it’s gotten rid of all my whiteheads in just a few days. But other times it seems to do nothing. It also doesn’t do a GREAT job at getting rid of the smaller blackheads, although these can often just be clogged up oil in the skin.
Hi all,
Great and very useful thread!
Just read somewhere that someone is using BP… Please don’t!! I was an acne sufferer for years and understand the desperation to find something that works.
BP will in the short term, but it actually produces free radicals, which means your skin will age badly later in life. Surely the only advantage of having oily, acne-prone skin when you’re younger is that you look young on it later on??
I recommend niaciamide at 4% (there have been studies on this) and an AHA like mandelic acid or BHA like salicylic acid - the combination sorted my skin right out!
hey there Fran.. I have xactly the same prob that you used to have…your enitre blog and evrything is really iformative but guess its not properly directing us to what exactly we should do although i really really appreciate ur effort!
I have just visited a dermatologist and he gave me two creams..one for night and one for day..and one of the reaction tablets to cure the cosmetic ance i had gotten from one of the products i used earlier..please telll me is it healthy to use these products altogether at the same time! plzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Tell me!
Hey Fran, I have been looking at the ingredients and all, but it seems like MANY of the ingredients I have in my skin-cleanser is not on the list. How can I know if they are bad for my acne ? Please I need help.
Hi Tracy, yes this can be a problem. You’ll probably find the more natural a product the less ingredients it contains and the easier to research!
Okay thanks a lot =) .. and by natural products, do you mean like home recipes ? I am so very sorry to ask these questions but I am very desperate to get rid of my acne. Thank you in advance =)
Hello Fran,
Is it a good choice to use Benzoyl Peroxide?.. i’ve been using this for months… yeah, it makes my skin dry but it cleared some of my acne,..well, a little… should I continue this product?
Hi Gen, I’ve written a few articles on Benzoyl Peroxide. Do a search using the search bar on the right hand side of this page, or check the acne archives - http://www.highonhealth.org/acne/
Hello Fran,
Your blog is really2x great!!!…Thank you for making this blog!..hehehe
I have another question..hehe.. Do you know of a good solution to handle acne scars? I’m a male, I don’t use make-up to hide my acne scars,..hehe please advice me on this.. Thank you Fran..you’re great..you rock!!!…
Hey Gen, there’s a great thread in the forum on this topic. Check it out - http://www.highonhealth.org/forums/showthread.php?t=2
i use clean and clear sensitive skin deep cleansing lotion on my spots but at time it burns me should i still you it? and i also use bio-oil it makes my skin greasy but goes afta a little while should i still use it? and after washing my face i wipe my face with cotton wool should i carry on with doing that or is it a bad idea? thnx
Hey, I have a big question about the picking… process… I’m 16 years old and I’ve had bad acne for about a year… but i was told that if you don’t pick at white heads that they can make your pores bigger making it easier for dirt and other things to get inside… 16 is the worst age cuzz other kids that don’t have acne don’t understand so they tend to stare or ask question weather i was my face… which i do… right now im not using any acne medacine because im alergic to BENZYL PROXIDE and thats like the main ingrediant for a lot of stuff.
So if you could help a bit that would be nice :] ty ty
Joseph!!
Hell, Fran. I’m Claudia. Fifteen. Female. Okay, so I have completely clear skin on my forehead, cheeks, and nose. But my chin and under and under my jaw a bit, I have these tiny purple, slightly brown, and some red spots. That don’t even have a pimplish texture or bumpy, just discoloration. I’m not sure if this is scarring in the process, or what. Just this moderate discoloration.
I’m rarely in the sun, I don’t ever sweat, I clean my skin with a simple acne kit twice a day (as instructed) sometimes only once a day if my chin and jaw line are dryed up, and sometimes I will use natural remedies I’ve read about to help reduce redness.
I’ve tried soooo much and it seems nothing is clearing it up. I mean, it’s not as bad as it was, but it is mild, which doesn’t seem to be able to be covered with Bare Minerals (the cover up product bought off tv.)
I just want to know from you what I’m doing wrong, right, or too much of, or even to little of. You seem extremely knowledgeable about acne related stuff, so I’m really hoping you can help me out. It just seems like since it’s only discoloration it can be fixed easily, but it seems it’s something more :\ It would mean so much to me! Thank you.
-Claudia
Hi Fran im only 13 :O but i have looooaaaaads of blackheads that ive had for ages and can’t get rid of them! i use Clean and clear Blackhead cleanser at the moment but only got it yesterday but should it work? it’s got salcilic(sp?) acid in it? is there any other way to get rid of my blackheads!
I am 25, i had been good skin and den i experimenting with lot of different kind of products .. it lead to the worset break ..Its not stopping ..i am reading ur 7 day .. trying to do as much as i can I live in India .. I would like to get hand on paula’s choice 2% .. I have huge clogged pores … is dere ay other product which would be easily accesible for me …. Love ur mails …
Hi Fran!
I am using La Roche Posay’s Gel and lotion Effaclar K, for my acne prone skin. I have used these to product for more than 5 months. But these to products doesnt seem to give solid results. Sometimes my skin looks quite good, but sometimes a lot pimples shows up in my face. Do you recomend me to continiue using these products? Are they safe to use on acne prone skin? beacuse i cant really find any other products to use, due to mye sensetive skin.
I have heard alot about a lotion called Bee Yummy Skinfood. This cream is supposed to prevent acne. I have actually read alot about this lotion on your blogg. Do you think I should change my lotion?
Thanks a lot!
Hi Fran, for the past five months i’ve had bad breakouts on my cheeks, and only on my cheeks.
I never had acne before and I didn’t change my makeup or skin care routine. I went did your 7 day mini-course and that didn’t seem to help, I’ve been to the Docter and i’ve gotten minocycline. I’ve been on Minocycline for about three months and my breakouts still haven’t gotten any better, I’m also very active everyday, I have a well-balanced diet and I take vitamins.
Please, if you have any suggestions on what might be wrong please help!
Hi Fran, just joined your mini-course and noticed that the Bad Ingredients page has moved - here is the link for you: http://www.altmednetwork.net/bad_ingredients.html
Thanks for all the great info on your site and in the mini-course - I am loving it!
How long does your course take?
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