Ingredient decoder

Cedarwood oil: is it comedogenic? What it does in skincare

INCI name: Cedrus Atlantica Bark Oil

Acne verdict Watch

Worth watching on acne-prone skin

  • ComedogenicNo published rating
  • IrritancyNo published rating

What it does

Essential oil added for scent, can irritate sensitive skin.

  • Masking
  • Perfuming
  • Skin conditioning

Cedarwood oil in plain English

Cedarwood oil is an essential oil from Atlas cedar wood with a dry, woody scent, often used in men's grooming products. Like most essential oils it contains natural fragrance allergens, which can irritate or sensitize skin over time. If your acne-prone skin is easily irritated, unscented products are the safer pick.

Is cedarwood oil bad for acne?

Not usually, but it is worth watching. Cedarwood oil 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

  • Cedrus Atlantica Bark Oil
  • Atlas cedarwood oil
  • Cedar oil
  • Cedarwood essential oil
  • Cedrus atlantica wood oil
  • Cedrus atlantica (cedarwood) bark oil

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Frequently asked questions

Is cedarwood oil comedogenic?

Cedarwood oil 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 cedarwood oil do in skincare?

In short: essential oil added for scent, can irritate sensitive skin. In formulas it is used for masking, perfuming and skin conditioning.

What else is cedarwood oil called on ingredient labels?

On ingredient lists, cedarwood oil can also appear as Cedrus Atlantica Bark Oil, Atlas cedarwood oil, Cedar oil, Cedarwood essential oil or Cedrus atlantica wood oil.

Sources