Ingredient decoder

Linalool: is it comedogenic? What it does in skincare

INCI name: Linalool

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.

  • Deodorant
  • Perfuming

Linalool in plain English

Linalool is a floral, lavender-like scent compound found naturally in lavender, coriander and many other plants, and added to products for fragrance. On its own it is mild, but it breaks down in air into compounds that are more likely to cause allergy. 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 linalool bad for acne?

Not usually, but it is worth watching. Linalool 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

  • Linalool
  • Linalol
  • Linalyl alcohol

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Frequently asked questions

Is linalool comedogenic?

Linalool 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 linalool do in skincare?

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

What else is linalool called on ingredient labels?

On ingredient lists, linalool can also appear as Linalol or Linalyl alcohol.

Sources