Ingredient decoder

Alpha-isomethyl ionone: is it comedogenic? What it does in skincare

INCI name: Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone

Acne verdict Watch

Worth watching on acne-prone skin

  • ComedogenicNo published rating
  • IrritancyNo published rating

What it does

Scent ingredient that can cause allergic reactions in some people.

  • Perfuming
  • Skin conditioning

Alpha-isomethyl ionone in plain English

Alpha-isomethyl ionone is a synthetic violet and orris-like scent compound used in fragrances. It is one of the scent components that must be named on EU labels above set levels because it can trigger allergic reactions in some people. For acne-prone skin it does not clog pores, but irritation and redness can make breakouts look and feel worse, so sensitive skin may do better without it.

Is alpha-isomethyl ionone bad for acne?

Not usually, but it is worth watching. Alpha-isomethyl ionone is not a proven pore-clogger, but scent ingredients like this can irritate sensitive skin, and irritated skin can make breakouts look and feel worse. Notice how your skin reacts when a product lists it near the top.

Clean routine and still breaking out? The cause may be internal. See what is driving it

Also called

  • Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone
  • Methyl ionone
  • Isomethyl-alpha-ionone

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Frequently asked questions

Is alpha-isomethyl ionone comedogenic?

Alpha-isomethyl ionone has no published comedogenic rating in Fulton's 1989 table. It is not a proven pore-clogger, but it is worth watching on acne-prone skin.

What does alpha-isomethyl ionone do in skincare?

In short: scent ingredient that can cause allergic reactions in some people. In formulas it is used for perfuming and skin conditioning.

What else is alpha-isomethyl ionone called on ingredient labels?

On ingredient lists, alpha-isomethyl ionone can also appear as Methyl ionone or Isomethyl-alpha-ionone.

Sources