COMEDOGENIC is essentially word for pore-clogging, there are several factors certainly won't help the situation. "Pore-clogging ingredients make it much more likely that pimples will form," says Jae Barnes aesthetician skincare specialist
These types of ingredients aren't the sole cause of acne and breakouts
Petroleum Jelly
Commonly known as Vaseline and used in the viral TikTok slugging trend, petroleum- jelly is one ingredient you'll definitely want to skip if you're always battling breakouts. It's very thick, sitting on the surface of the skin and can cause a "traffic jam" in the pore, leading to oil and dead cell buildup that can ultimately turn into a pimple, Yadav cautions.
Cocoa Butter
As a general rule of thumb, ingredients with high concentrations of oleic acid, a fatty acid, tend to be more comedogenic, Yadav tells us. This is why cocoa butter can cause issues, as it's very high in oleic acid, she explains. Top tip: If you're looking for an alternative that's just as moisturizing but won't clog pores, Jae Barnes recommends using cream or lotion base products non-comedogenic.
Silicone
More often found in makeup than skincare—specifically in primers as well as haircare like conditioners and masks, silicone is highly comedogenic, according to Palm. In checking for it on the ingredient label, make sure you're also looking for and steering clear of its derivatives, including cyclomethicone and dimethicone.
Lanolin
"This is yet another occlusive ingredient that creates a film over the dermal layer, trapping dead skin cells, bacteria, and oil within the pores, which can worsen acne and breakouts," Jae Barnes explains. Nazarian also cites it as one of the more common pore-clogging ingredients out there.
Flaxseed Oil
A high concentration of oleic acid is also to blame for this oil's comedogenicity. Jae says grapessed oil is a good alternative, equally nourishing for the skin but without the potential pore-clogging pitfall.
Marula Oil
"This ranks about a three or four on the comedogenicity scale, meaning it's not suitable for those with acne-prone skin," Jae Barnes explains. "Typically derived from olives, it's intensely nourishing to the skin and is biomimetic, meaning it behaves similarly to your skin's natural oils and won't congest the pore," Jae, says, adding that it's also a good substitute for coconut oil.