Ingredient decoder

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

INCI name: Pogostemon Cablin 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

Patchouli oil in plain English

Patchouli oil is an essential oil from patchouli leaves with a heavy, earthy scent, often used as a base note in fragrances. 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 patchouli oil bad for acne?

Not usually, but it is worth watching. Patchouli 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

  • Pogostemon Cablin Oil
  • Patchouli essential oil
  • Pogostemon cablin leaf oil
  • Pogostemon cablin (patchouli) oil

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Frequently asked questions

Is patchouli oil comedogenic?

Patchouli 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 patchouli oil do in skincare?

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

What else is patchouli oil called on ingredient labels?

On ingredient lists, patchouli oil can also appear as Pogostemon Cablin Oil, Patchouli essential oil, Pogostemon cablin leaf oil or Pogostemon cablin (patchouli) oil.

Sources