Pore-Clogging Ingredient Checker

A pore-clogging ingredient, scientifically known as a comedogenic substance, is any cosmetic component that promotes the retention of dead keratinocytes and sebum within the hair follicle. When applied to the skin, these ingredients alter normal cellular desquamation along the follicular infundibulum. Instead of shedding freely onto the skin surface, dead epidermal cells adhere to the viscous lipid mixture, forming an invisible microscopic impaction termed a microcomedone. Over days to weeks, continuous sebum production expands this plug into visible closed comedones (whiteheads) or open comedones (blackheads). If Propionibacterium acnes proliferates within the trapped environment, inflammatory papules and pustules erupt. Common culprits include heavy saturated vegetable oils, synthetic fatty esters like isopropyl myristate, and dense emulsifying waxes.

Using this tool takes only a few seconds before purchasing a new cosmetic. Locate the full International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) text on the product packaging, brand website, or retailer page. Copy the entire ingredient paragraph and paste it into the input box above. If you deal with tiny itchy bumps on your forehead, temples, or chest that resemble fungal acne, make sure to check the box for Malassezia yeast triggers. Click the primary button to initiate the local evaluation. The algorithm separates each substance, accounts for common parenthetical botanical names, handles spelling variations, and matches against peer-reviewed comedogenicity tables. Expand any flagged ingredient to read why it poses a risk, inspect its scientific references, and review safer alternatives.

• extract Rating 5/5

  Algae Extract

  A broad category of seaweed and algae extracts used in marine-themed skincare. Its rating is high across lists, so it is treated as a clear pore-clogging risk.

  Read full ingredient profile
• extract Rating 5/5

  Chondrus Crispus Extract

  An extract of red seaweed that yields carrageenan, used as a thickener. It is rated at the top of the scale on the lists that cover it.

  Read full ingredient profile
• ester Rating 5/5

  Isocetyl Stearate

  A branched fatty ester found in lipsticks, foundations and moisturizers for a smooth, cushiony feel. Its heavy, long-chain structure makes it a frequent pore-clogging flag on comedogenicity lists.

  Read full ingredient profile
• ester Rating 5/5

  Isopropyl Linoleate

  The isopropyl ester of linoleic acid, used as a spreading agent in lotions and foundations. It is an unsaturated ester that readily lands in follicles, so several lists rate it at the top of the scale.

  Read full ingredient profile
• ester Rating 5/5

  Isopropyl Myristate

  A light fatty-acid ester used to make creams feel dry and fast-absorbing. Its small, oily molecules spread into the follicle opening, and it is one of the most consistently flagged ingredients on pore-clogging lists.

  Read full ingredient profile
• extract Rating 5/5

  Laminaria Digitata Extract

  An extract of brown kelp often marketed for minerals in face masks and serums. It is rated at the top of the scale on the checkers that list it.

  Read full ingredient profile
• surfactant Rating 5/5

  Laureth-4

  A polyethylene-glycol ether of lauryl alcohol that acts as an emulsifier and wetting agent. It is rated at the top of most lists, and the ethoxylated lauryl chain is why it is often flagged.

  Read full ingredient profile
• ester Rating 5/5

  Myristyl Myristate

  A waxy ester of myristyl alcohol and myristic acid, used as a thickener and emollient. Its long, saturated chains pack into the pore and are a common reason a product gets flagged for acne-prone skin.

  Read full ingredient profile
• ester Rating 5/5

  Octyl Stearate

  A stearate ester used as a slip agent and emollient in creams and makeup. Its long fatty chains form a film that can hold sebum and dead cells inside the follicle.

  Read full ingredient profile
• surfactant Rating 5/5

  Oleth-3

  A small ethoxylated oleyl alcohol emulsifier used in creams. Ratings vary from 3 to 5, and the highest value is used here because it is a conservative choice for acne-prone skin.

  Read full ingredient profile
• surfactant Rating 5/5

  Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

  A strong foaming surfactant used in many cleansers and shampoos. It is rated high on comedogenicity lists, though its main drawback for acne-prone skin is irritation from residue left on the face.

  Read full ingredient profile
• oil Rating 5/5

  Wheat Germ Oil

  A nutrient-rich oil pressed from the germ of wheat grains, often used in body oils and cold cream blends. It is rated at the top of most comedogenicity lists and is also a source of fatty acids for Malassezia.

  Read full ingredient profile

"Non-comedogenic" is a phrase many brands print on the front of the box, but it does not come with a shared, enforced test. A company may run its own patch study, cite an older animal test, or simply use the phrase as a marketing claim. Two products with the same label can have very different formulas, and the label does not tell you which ingredients are inside.

A better habit is to read the full list. The first few ingredients usually make up most of the product. Look for the specific names you already know about, and keep in mind that an ingredient near the bottom of the list is often present at a small amount. If a product you like works well for your skin, there is no need to switch just because the label lacks the phrase. The ingredient list is more informative than the front of the box.

This checker is a reading aid, not a diagnosis. It compares names with a list, so it cannot tell whether a product will work for your skin. Acne has many causes, including hormones, genetics, stress, sweat, friction, and medicines. A product with no flagged ingredients can still cause breakouts, and a product with a flagged ingredient can be fine for some people, especially at low concentrations or when combined with other ingredients.

Patch testing is the most reliable way to check how your own skin reacts. Apply a small amount to a discreet area each day for one to two weeks before using a product on your whole face. If you have persistent, painful, or scarring acne, please see a licensed dermatologist. This is informational, not medical advice.

• Comedogenic Ingredients List Complete reference table of pore-blocking ratings.
• Fungal Acne Safe Checker Screen formulations for Malassezia yeast triggers.
• How Ratings Work The science behind rabbit ear and patch testing.
• Is Coconut Oil Comedogenic? Why coconut oil causes closed comedones on faces.
• Is Shea Butter Comedogenic? Analyzing lipid composition and breakout safety.
• Is Isopropyl Myristate Comedogenic? The severe pore-clogging rating 5 ester explained.
• Non-Comedogenic Moisturizers Hydrating lotions verified free of heavy pore cloggers.
• Non-Comedogenic Sunscreens Daily SPF formulas that do not trap sebum or trigger acne.
• Skincare FAQ Answers to common questions about ratings, labels and fungal acne.