Comedogenic ingredients in facial care
Comedogenic: What does this mean for your skin?
Blemishes, blackheads, and pimples can have many causes. One of them is the use of comedogenic ingredients in cosmetic products. These substances can clog your pores and promote the development of blemishes. So, if you tend to have blemish-prone, oily, or sensitive skin, you should specifically look for non-comedogenic cosmetics .
What does “comedogenic” mean?
The term "comedogenic" comes from the medical term comedo , which means blackhead. Comedogenic substances promote the formation of blackheads by clogging pores. These blackheads are often the precursor to pimples, pustules, or inflammatory skin lesions. Especially with excessive keratinization, sebum can build up, leading to skin blemishes.
Why is non-comedogenic cosmetics important?
If you have combination, oily, or acne-prone skin, non-comedogenic skincare is essential. It helps prevent breakouts and promotes a clearer complexion. Unfortunately, there are no legal regulations regarding what is considered "non-comedogenic," so it's worth taking a closer look at the ingredients in your cosmetic products.
Which ingredients are comedogenic?
The following substances are considered particularly comedogenic:
- Mineral oil-based ingredients: paraffins, petrolatum, silicones, PEG emulsifiers and surfactants such as SLS or SLES.
- Animal fats: Lanolin (wool fat) and Lanolin Alcohol.
- Certain vegetable oils: cocoa butter, peanut oil, coconut oil, olive oil, corn and wheat germ oil can clog pores – especially on blemished skin.
- Palm oil-based ingredients: Many emulsifiers used in natural cosmetics such as glyceryl stearate, cetyl alcohol or cetearyl alcohol come from palm oil and have a comedogenic effect.
A practical tool for checking your products: Codecheck . There you can analyze the INCI list of your cosmetics and compare it with known lists of comedogenic ingredients.
Which ingredients are non-comedogenic?
Fortunately, there are many non-comedogenic ingredients that care for your skin without stressing it:
1. Non-comedogenic oils:
- Jojoba oil: Regulates sebum production and has an antibacterial effect.
- Argan oil: Moisturizing and anti-inflammatory.
- Grape seed oil: Particularly light, gentle on pores and ideal for combination skin.
2. Herbal active ingredients against impurities:
Active ingredients such as magnolia bark extract , green tea , beta-glucan , aloe vera , and sage are excellent for blemished skin. They have antimicrobial, soothing, and redness-reducing effects—all without clogging pores.
myrto: Non-comedogenic cosmetics without palm oil
Our myrto Organic Grape Seed Face Cream is specially formulated for sensitive, combination skin with impurities. It contains no comedogenic palm oil derivatives or synthetic additives, but relies solely on shea butter as its consistency factor—it's particularly kind to the skin and naturally non-comedogenic.
Conclusion: Avoid comedogenic ingredients – improve skin appearance
If you're prone to blemishes, pimples, or blackheads, it's worth switching to non-comedogenic skincare . Pay careful attention to the INCI list of your products, use tools like Codecheck, and rely on certified natural cosmetics without comedogenic substances – such as those from myrto. This will keep your skin balanced – without clogged pores.
