Ingredient decoder

Clary sage oil: is it comedogenic? What it does in skincare

INCI name: Salvia Sclarea (Clary) 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
  • Tonic

Clary sage oil in plain English

Clary sage oil is an essential oil from clary sage flowers and leaves with a herbal, slightly sweet scent. It is rich in linalool and linalyl acetate, which can irritate once oxidized. 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 clary sage oil bad for acne?

Not usually, but it is worth watching. Clary sage 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

  • Salvia Sclarea (Clary) Oil
  • Clary oil
  • Clary sage essential oil
  • Salvia sclarea oil
  • Salvia sclarea (clary sage) oil

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Frequently asked questions

Is clary sage oil comedogenic?

Clary sage 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 clary sage oil do in skincare?

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

What else is clary sage oil called on ingredient labels?

On ingredient lists, clary sage oil can also appear as Salvia Sclarea (Clary) Oil, Clary oil, Clary sage essential oil, Salvia sclarea oil or Salvia sclarea (clary sage) oil.

Sources