Which Skin Care Oils Are Non-Comedogenic? A guide for face oils in your skincare routine
- thatsglow
- Aug 29, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 20, 2024
Oils have left their traditional use character behind and become an important part of modern skin care routines. However, many don`t dare to use oils or have had bad experiences. The risk of pimples is just too big. But it all depends on which oil we use. So here`s a quick guide for your next purchase of skin care products.
What is comedogenicity?
Comedogenicity is the potential of an ingredient, typically an oil, to cause comedones, which are essentially non-inflammatory precursor lesions to acne. Often called blackheads or whiteheads, these comedones occur when pores become clogged with excess sebum, dead skin cells and other impurities. The severity of acne or blemished skin can vary greatly from person to person. Therefore, it is important to understand the comedogenicity of oils in order to put together a skincare routine that suits individual needs.
The Comedogenicity Scale
To help consumers make informed choices, researchers have developed a comedogenicity scale that ranks oils according to their likelihood of causing comedones. The scale ranges from 0 to 5:
0 - Non-Comedogenic: These oils clog pores the least and are generally safe for acne-prone individuals.
1 - Low: Oils in this category have low potential to cause clogged pores and are generally considered safe for most skin types.
2 – Moderately Low: These oils can cause pore clogging in some people, but are still relatively safe for most people.
3 – Moderate: Oils with a moderate comedogenic potential can cause pore clogging in a significant proportion of users, especially those with sensitive or acne-prone skin.
4 - Fairly High: Oils that fall in this range are more likely to clog pores and may not be suitable for those prone to breakouts.
5 – High: Oils with a high comedogenic potential are most likely to clog pores and should be avoided.
Non-Comedogenic Oils: A treat for your skin
Non-comedogenic oils are skincare heroes for anyone who wants the nourishing benefits of oils without the fear of acne or clogged pores. These oils have a comedogenicity rating of 0 to 1, may help balance skin and additionally provide essential fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamins.
Scale 0 - Non-comedogenic
Argan Oil: This oil is known for its light texture and high vitamin E content. It is suitable for all skin types, including acne-prone skin.
Jojoba Oil: With a structure similar to the skin's natural sebum, jojoba oil moisturizes without clogging pores.
Hemp seed oil: Rich in omega fatty acids, this oil helps maintain the skin's barrier function.
Scale 1 – Low (to non-comedogenic)
Safflower Oil: Due to its light texture, safflower oil is commonly used as a carrier oil in skin care products and is generally considered safe for most skin types.
Squalane: Derived from plants or olives, squalane is an excellent emollient that effectively moisturizes.
Grape seed oil: Light and non-greasy grape seed oil is also suitable for sensitive skin types.
Scale 2 - Moderately low
Sunflower Oil: This oil is rich in linoleic acid, which can help maintain the skin's barrier function. It is suitable for many skin types including mixed skin types.
Scale 3 - Moderate
Olive oil: Rich, moisturizing and can prevent premature skin aging. However, it is not tolerated by all skin types. For skin prone to pimples, it should be used more as an oil cleanser and removed with a second cleansing step.
Scale 4 – Fairly high
Wheat Germ Oil: This oil is relatively heavy and is more likely to clog pores, making it less suitable for acne-prone skin.
Coconut Oil: While popular, coconut oil falls into the comedogenic range due to its potential to clog pores. It may work for some people, but those with acne-prone skin should be careful.
Scale 5 - High
Cocoa Butter: While not an oil, cocoa butter is commonly used in skin care products. It has high comedogenic potential and may not be the best option for people with acne-prone skin.
Other oils with high comedogenic potential: mineral oil, linseed oil, palm oil.
However, as always, every skin is different and we cannot avoid testing! The complexities and mixtures of ingredients in skincare are highly individual and tolerance can vary based on factors such as genetics, climate, and overall skincare routine.
