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 the ingredient list from any skincare or makeup product — or scan a photo of the label — and instantly see which ingredients are pore-clogging (comedogenic), which may trigger fungal acne, and which are acne safe. Every recognised ingredient is rated 0–5 on the comedogenic scale. Free, no signup, 550+ ingredients.

Paste ingredients (INCI list)

Try a sample list

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

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

Comedogenic ingredients listSearchable 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.

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.