Acne-Safe Ingredient Checker
Paste your product's ingredient list below to find out if it contains pore-clogging or comedogenic ingredients that could be contributing to breakouts.
Understanding Comedogenic Ratings
What does "comedogenic" mean?
Comedogenic ingredients have a tendency to clog pores (comedones), which can lead to blackheads, whiteheads, and acne breakouts. The comedogenicity scale rates ingredients from 0 (won't clog pores) to 5 (highly likely to clog pores), based on dermatological studies first developed by researchers like Dr. James Fulton and Dr. Albert Kligman.
Should I avoid all flagged ingredients?
Not necessarily. Ingredients rated 1–2 are considered low risk and may be fine for most skin types. Concentration matters too — an ingredient listed near the end of a product's ingredient list is present in very small amounts. However, if you're acne-prone, paying attention to ingredients rated 3 and above is a good practice.
My product has a flagged ingredient — what should I do?
If you're experiencing breakouts and your products contain high-rated comedogenic ingredients, try switching to non-comedogenic alternatives for 4–6 weeks. For persistent or severe acne, professional treatments like AviClear, chemical peels, or HydraFacial can treat acne at its source.
Disclaimer: This tool is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional dermatological advice. Comedogenicity ratings come from published research, but individual responses can vary based on skin type, product formulation, and concentration. For personalized skincare recommendations, please schedule a consultation with our team.