What does comedogenic mean?
Short answer
Comedogenic describes an ingredient's tendency to clog pores and cause blackheads and pimples (comedones). It usually refers to certain oils and oil-like substances. It matters especially for oily and acne-prone skin, not everyone; dry skin is less affected by comedogenic ingredients.
What is a comedone?
A comedone is a blackhead or whitehead formed when a pore is clogged with dead cells and oil; it is the first stage of a pimple. Ingredients with a high tendency to clog pores are 'comedogenic', those with a low tendency are 'non-comedogenic'.
Who should care?
Comedogenicity matters most for oily, combination and acne-prone skin. These skin types may prefer 'non-comedogenic' labeled products. Dry and normal skin usually use comedogenic ingredients without problems. Comedogenicity also depends on amount and formula; an oil that clogs when pure may cause no issue at a low level in a product.
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Which ingredients are comedogenic?
Some plant oils (e.g. coconut oil), cocoa butter and certain fatty-acid derivatives are considered more comedogenic; but the effect varies by person and amount.
Is a 'non-comedogenic' label a guarantee?
It has no standard definition, so it is not a legal guarantee; still, it signals the maker aimed for a pore-friendly formula. How your skin reacts is the definitive test.
Should dry skin avoid comedogenic ingredients?
Usually not. Comedogenicity is mainly a concern for oily and acne-prone skin; dry skin may even benefit from these oils for moisture.
This page is for general information; it is not a substitute for medical/dietary advice. Personal suitability varies by skin type, allergies and health status.