October 14, 2024, 1:06 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
Whether we’re buying skincare, sun cream, or make-up, we come across the words “comedogenic” or “non-comedogenic” time and time again. But what do they actually mean? And are comedogenic products really as bad as their reputation suggests?
Anyone who deals with skincare will inevitably come across the terms “comedogenic” and “non-comedogenic.” But what is actually behind these terms, and why is it so important to pay attention to them? Let’s take a look at the differences and find out which products you should avoid.
Overview
What does “comedogenic” and “non-comedogenic” actually mean?
The word “comedogenic” comes from the Latin “comedere,” which means “to eat,” “to consume,” or “to eat with.” Doctors used the word “comedo” to describe a clogged pore in early medical terminology because it was thought to “consume” or “eat up” the skin’s natural oils and debris, leading to the formation of a blackhead. A comedo is, therefore, a blackhead. Comedogenic products are often the reason for this. This is because they contain ingredients that can clog the pores and, therefore, promote blackheads, spots, and acne.
Non-comedogenic products, on the other hand, are formulated in such a way that they do not clog pores. They allow the skin to breathe and minimize the risk of blemishes. These products are particularly ideal for people with sensitive, oily, or acne-prone skin.
These ingredients are comedogenic and non-comedogenic
Comedogenic products are particularly problematic for people with oily or blemish-prone skin. Ingredients such as coconut oil, lanolin, isopropyl palmitate, and some silicones are classic examples of pore-clogging substances. They often form a thick film on the skin, which disrupts sebum production and causes blackheads.
Non-comedogenic products are ideal for people with sensitive, oily, or acne-prone skin. Typical ingredients include jojoba oil, shea butter, squalane, hyaluronic acid, hemp seed, prickly pear seed or rosehip seed oil, and aloe vera. Even products with lightweight moisturizers and water as a base are often non-comedogenic.
Comedogenicity also depends on the individual
It is important to know that the comedogenicity of ingredients also depends on your individual skin condition. What causes blemishes for one person may be perfectly tolerable for another. For example, coconut oil can be a nourishing blessing for dry skin types, while it can quickly cause problems for oily skin.
Incorrect application or inadequate cleansing can also be a burden on the skin. A good skincare routine that is tailored to the individual needs of your skin remains the be-all and end-all for healthy skin. By the way, not only skincare products but also make-up products, sun creams, and even hair care products can contain comedogenic ingredients. These can also lead to clogged pores through contact with the skin. Therefore, look for the appropriate labeling on all products you apply to your skin or research the ingredients.
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What you should look out for when buying skincare
When buying skincare products, you should always take a look at the ingredients. If your skin is prone to blemishes, you should choose products that are explicitly labeled as “non-comedogenic.” However, not all brands provide this information on the packaging. In such cases, it is worth doing a quick search on the internet.
However, comedogenic products are not bad per se. The choice, however, should always be in line with your skin type and personal needs. To be on the safe side, you can still test new products on a small area of skin first to see how your skin reacts. This is particularly useful if you have sensitive skin or are prone to allergies.