About & methodology
AcneSafeCheck is a free, independent tool that flags pore-clogging (comedogenic) ingredients in skincare and makeup. Here's who's behind it, where our ratings come from, and how to reach us.
Who is behind AcneSafeCheck
AcneSafeCheck is built and maintained by Mitchell Zandwijken, an independent developer, as a free resource for people with acne-prone and breakout-prone skin. We are not affiliated with any skincare brand, and the checker's ratings are not influenced by advertisers or product sponsorships.
How we rate ingredients
Each ingredient in our database of 560+ entries is scored 0–5 on the comedogenicity scale, where 0 is non-comedogenic (won't clog pores) and 5 is highly comedogenic. Our ratings are compiled and cross-checked from widely-used published references, including:
- Classic comedogenicity research using the rabbit-ear assay (e.g. the work of Fulton and colleagues), the original basis of the 0–5 scale.
- Dermatology and esthetician reference lists of pore-clogging ingredients used across the acne-care community.
- INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) naming, so we can match an ingredient even when a label uses its Latin or technical name.
Where sources disagree, we lean toward the more cautious (higher) rating and note the ingredient as a "low risk" rather than "safe" when the evidence is mixed.
Limitations — please read
Comedogenicity ratings are general guidance, not a lab result for any specific formula. An ingredient's real effect on your skin depends on its concentration, where it sits in the formula, how the product is used, and your individual skin. A high-rated ingredient low on an ingredient list may cause no problems at all. This tool is informational and is not medical advice. For persistent or severe acne, please consult a dermatologist.
Editorial & medical review
Ratings and explanations are reviewed for accuracy against the references above before publication. We are actively seeking a licensed dermatologist or esthetician to provide ongoing medical review; this page will name that reviewer once in place. Until then, treat all content as educational rather than clinical.
Contact
Questions, corrections to a rating, or partnership enquiries: hello@acnesafecheck.com. If you believe an ingredient is rated incorrectly, email us the ingredient name and your source and we'll review it.
Corrections policy
We update ratings when new evidence or a credible correction is brought to our attention. Material changes are reflected in the page's last-updated date.