Ingredient decoder

Isoeugenol: is it comedogenic? What it does in skincare

INCI name: Isoeugenol

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.

  • Flavouring
  • Perfuming

Isoeugenol in plain English

Isoeugenol is a spicy, clove-like scent compound used in fragrances. It is one of the stronger fragrance sensitizers, which is why the EU limits how much can be used. 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 isoeugenol bad for acne?

Not usually, but it is worth watching. Isoeugenol 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

  • Isoeugenol
  • Iso-eugenol

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Frequently asked questions

Is isoeugenol comedogenic?

Isoeugenol 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 isoeugenol do in skincare?

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

What else is isoeugenol called on ingredient labels?

On ingredient lists, isoeugenol can also appear as Iso-eugenol.

Sources