Pore-Clogging & Skincare Ingredient Checker
Paste any cosmetic, serum, or sunscreen ingredient list to instantly uncover pore-clogging comedogenicity ratings (0-5), fungal acne triggers, and star dermatological actives.
Understanding Comedogenicity & Pore Health
What Does a Comedogenic Rating (0 to 5) Actually Mean?
In cosmetic dermatology, comedogenicity describes the biological tendency of a topical substance to foster microcomedones—the tiny microscopic blockages within the follicular infundibulum that blossom into blackheads, whiteheads, and inflamed cystic acne.
The standardized 0-to-5 scale works as follows:
- Rating 0 (Will Not Clog Pores): Zero microcomedone formation observed in testing. Examples: Squalane, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid.
- Rating 1 (Very Low Risk): Negligible chance of clogging pores. Suitable for nearly all sensitive and acne-prone skin types. Examples: Grapeseed Oil, Rosehip Seed Oil, Dimethicone.
- Rating 2 (Low-to-Moderate): Tolerated by normal or dry complexions, but should be monitored by highly reactive or congestion-prone individuals. Examples: Jojoba Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid.
- Rating 3 (Moderate Comedogenicity): Noticeable tendency to clog pores over prolonged daily use. Examples: Avocado Oil, Sesame Oil, Myristic Acid.
- Rating 4 & 5 (Severe Comedogenic Risk): Highly prone to blocking pores. Individuals struggling with persistent breakouts should actively avoid facial products containing these ingredients near the top of the label. Examples: Isopropyl Myristate, Coconut Oil, Wheat Germ Oil.
Why Does Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Require Different Rules?
True acne vulgaris is primarily caused by Cutibacterium acnes bacteria feeding in blocked pores. In contrast, Fungal Acne (Malassezia folliculitis) is an opportunistic infection caused by a microscopic yeast naturally present on human skin.
Unlike normal bacteria, Malassezia thrives on fatty acids and lipid chains with carbon numbers between 12 and 24. This means that otherwise "healthy" natural oils (such as olive oil, rosehip oil, and argan oil) along with polysorbates and fatty acid esters can fuel severe fungal breakouts. Our checker scans for these specific ester bonds so you can preserve clear skin.
Common Questions on Cosmetic Chemistry
Not necessarily. Formulation science depends heavily on concentration and vehicle. An ingredient rated 2 or 3 that appears at the very bottom of the label (below preservatives like Phenoxyethanol, usually present at under 1%) is unlikely to cause issues. However, if a comedogenic ingredient is in the first 5 ingredients, its concentration is significantly higher.
Contrary to popular internet myths, cosmetic-grade silicones like Dimethicone and Cyclopentasiloxane have large molecular structures with wide spacing between molecules. They create a breathable, permeable matrix over the skin and hold a very low comedogenic rating of 0 to 1.
By law, all cosmetics list their complete INCI on the back of the bottle, jar, or outer carton packaging. You can also copy the ingredients directly from the brand’s official website or major retailers like Nykaa, Amazon, Sephora, or Ulta.