Ingredient decoder
Skincare ingredients A to Z: what clogs pores and what helps acne
Look up any ingredient to see if it is comedogenic, what it does in skincare, and what else it is called on labels.
A
- Acetylated lanolinModified lanolin that softens skin and resists waterWatch
- Acetylated lanolin alcoholLight lanolin-based emollient that softens skinHigh clog risk
- AdapaleneRetinoid acne treatment that keeps pores from cloggingAcne helper
- Alcohol (ethanol)Fast-drying solvent that can dry skin in high amountsWatch
- Algae extractSeaweed extract that hydrates but rates high for clogging poresHigh clog risk
- Alpha-isomethyl iononeScent ingredient that can cause allergic reactions in some peopleWatch
- Ammonium lauryl sulfateStrong foaming cleanser, a close relative of SLSModerate clog risk
- Amyl cinnamalScent ingredient that can cause allergic reactions in some peopleWatch
- Amylcinnamyl alcoholScent ingredient that can cause allergic reactions in some peopleWatch
- Anise alcoholScent ingredient that can cause allergic reactions in some peopleWatch
- Avocado oilVery rich, occlusive oil that may clog poresModerate clog risk
- Azelaic acidCalms bumps, fights acne bacteria and fades post-acne marksAcne helper
B
- BakuchiolPlant-derived retinol alternative with early acne evidenceAcne helper
- BenzisothiazolinonePreservative in the same family as common contact allergensWatch
- Benzoyl peroxideKills acne bacteria and helps clear inflamed pimplesAcne helper
- Benzyl benzoateScent ingredient that can cause allergic reactions in some peopleWatch
- Benzyl cinnamateScent ingredient that can cause allergic reactions in some peopleWatch
- Benzyl salicylateScent ingredient that can cause allergic reactions in some peopleWatch
- Bergamot oilCitrus oil for scent, can cause sun-triggered dark patchesWatch
- Betaine salicylateGentler salicylic acid relative that exfoliates poresAcne helper
- Bismuth oxychlorideShimmery mineral powder that can itch or irritateWatch
- Bladderwrack extractBrown seaweed extract that hydrates and may clog poresModerate clog risk
- Brown algae extractBrown seaweed extract that may clog poresModerate clog risk
- Butyl myristateSoftening ester in the myristate family, may clog poresModerate clog risk
- Butyl stearateEmollient ester that softens skin and adds slipHigh clog risk
- Butylphenyl methylpropionalFloral scent ingredient, no longer allowed in EU cosmeticsWatch
C
- CamphorCooling, strong-smelling compound that can irritateWatch
- Capryloyl salicylic acidSlow-releasing salicylic acid derivative for poresAcne helper
- CarrageenanRed seaweed thickener that rates high for clogging poresHigh clog risk
- Carrot seed oilEssential oil that adds scent; can irritate sensitive skinWatch
- Cedarwood oilEssential oil added for scent, can irritate sensitive skinWatch
- Cetyl acetateEmollient ester that softens skinModerate clog risk
- Chlorella extractGreen microalgae extract that hydrates and may clog poresModerate clog risk
- CinnamalScent ingredient that can cause allergic reactions in some peopleWatch
- Cinnamon bark oilHot, spicy essential oil that can sting and sensitizeWatch
- Cinnamyl alcoholScent ingredient that can cause allergic reactions in some peopleWatch
- CitralScent ingredient that can cause allergic reactions in some peopleWatch
- CitronellolScent ingredient that can cause allergic reactions in some peopleWatch
- Clary sage oilEssential oil added for scent, can irritate sensitive skinWatch
- Clove oilSpicy essential oil that is quite irritating on skinWatch
- Cocoa butterRich butter that softens skin but can clog poresHigh clog risk
- Coconut oilRich plant oil that softens skin but rates high for clogging poresHigh clog risk
- Corn oilPlant oil that softens skin and may clog poresModerate clog risk
- Cottonseed oilPlant oil that softens skin and may clog poresModerate clog risk
- CoumarinScent ingredient that can cause allergic reactions in some peopleWatch
D
- D&C Red 17Red colorant used in makeup, flagged for clogging poresHigh clog risk
- D&C Red 21 / Red 22Red colorant used in makeup, flagged for clogging poresHigh clog risk
- D&C Red 27 / Red 28Red colorant used in makeup, flagged for clogging poresHigh clog risk
- D&C Red 30Red colorant used in makeup, flagged for clogging poresHigh clog risk
- D&C Red 33Red colorant used in makeup, flagged for clogging poresWatch
- D&C Red 34Red colorant used in makeup, flagged for clogging poresHigh clog risk
- D&C Red 36Red colorant used in makeup, flagged for clogging poresHigh clog risk
- D&C Red 4Red colorant, part of the dye group flagged for clogging poresModerate clog risk
- D&C Red 6 / Red 7Red colorant used in makeup, flagged for clogging poresWatch
- Decyl oleateEmollient ester that softens skin and helps spreadingHigh clog risk
- Denatured alcoholFast-drying alcohol that can dry skin when used in high amountsWatch
- Diazolidinyl ureaPreservative that slowly releases formaldehydeWatch
- Diethylhexyl malateLight emollient that softens skinWatch
- DMDM hydantoinPreservative that slowly releases formaldehydeWatch
- Dunaliella extractMicroalgae extract that hydrates and may clog poresModerate clog risk
E
- Ethylhexyl myristateSoftening ester in the myristate family, may clog poresModerate clog risk
- Ethylhexyl palmitateLight, dry-feeling emollient common in makeup and sunscreenHigh clog risk
- Ethylhexyl stearateLight emollient ester that softens skinHigh clog risk
- EucalyptolFresh, camphor-like scent compound that can irritateWatch
- Eucalyptus oilSharp-smelling essential oil that can irritate sensitive skinWatch
- EugenolScent ingredient that can cause allergic reactions in some peopleWatch
- Evening primrose oilPlant oil rich in gamma-linolenic acidWatch
F
G
- Gelidiella acerosa extractRed seaweed extract that hydrates and may clog poresModerate clog risk
- GeraniolScent ingredient that can cause allergic reactions in some peopleWatch
- Geranium oilEssential oil added for scent, can irritate sensitive skinWatch
- German chamomile oilBlue chamomile essential oil, soothing compounds but allergy riskWatch
- Giant kelp extractBrown seaweed extract that hydrates and may clog poresModerate clog risk
- GluconolactoneGentle PHA exfoliant that also hydratesAcne helper
- Glyceryl stearate SESelf-emulsifying thickener that holds creams togetherModerate clog risk
- Glyceryl-3 diisostearateEmulsifier and softener for creamsModerate clog risk
- Glycolic acidSmall-molecule AHA that exfoliates and smooths textureAcne helper
- Grapefruit oilEssential oil added for scent, can irritate sensitive skinWatch
- Green tea extractCalming antioxidant with some evidence for oil and acneAcne helper
H
- Hexyl cinnamalScent ingredient that can cause allergic reactions in some peopleWatch
- Hydrogenated coconut oilFirmed-up coconut oil used to add richness to balmsWatch
- Hydrogenated vegetable oilHardened plant oil that adds thickness and softnessWatch
- HydroxycitronellalScent ingredient that can cause allergic reactions in some peopleWatch
- Hydroxyisohexyl 3-cyclohexene carboxaldehydeFloral scent ingredient, no longer allowed in EU cosmeticsWatch
- Hydroxypinacolone retinoateRetinoid ester that works without conversion, often gentlerAcne helper
- Hypnea musciformis extractRed seaweed extract that hydrates and may clog poresModerate clog risk
I
- Imidazolidinyl ureaPreservative that slowly releases formaldehydeWatch
- Isocetyl alcoholBranched fatty alcohol that softens skinModerate clog risk
- Isocetyl isostearateSoftening ester related to a high-rated ester, may clog poresModerate clog risk
- Isocetyl stearateEmollient ester that softens skinHigh clog risk
- Isodecyl oleateEmollient ester that softens skinModerate clog risk
- IsoeugenolScent ingredient that can cause allergic reactions in some peopleWatch
- Isopropyl alcoholRubbing alcohol solvent that can dry skin in high amountsWatch
- Isopropyl isostearateSilky emollient ester that softens skinHigh clog risk
- Isopropyl lanolateRich lanolin-based emollient that softens and protectsModerate clog risk
- Isopropyl linoleateEmollient ester that softens and conditions skinHigh clog risk
- Isopropyl myristateLight, fast-absorbing oil that helps spread a formulaHigh clog risk
- Isopropyl palmitateLight emollient oil that softens skin and thins out formulasHigh clog risk
- Isopropyl stearateEmollient ester that softens skin and adds slipModerate clog risk
- Isostearyl isostearateHeavy, cushiony emollient that softens dry skinHigh clog risk
- Isostearyl lactateSoftening ester related to a high-rated ester, may clog poresModerate clog risk
- Isostearyl neopentanoateSilky emollient ester common in makeup and lip productsHigh clog risk
J
K
L
- Lactic acidGentle AHA that exfoliates and hydratesAcne helper
- Laneth-10 acetateModified lanolin that softens and emulsifies, may clog poresModerate clog risk
- Lanolic acidLanolin fatty acid used in cleansers and emulsionsModerate clog risk
- Lanolin alcoholLanolin-derived softener that helps hold creams togetherModerate clog risk
- Lanolin waxWaxy lanolin fraction that softens skin and may clog poresWatch
- Laureth-23Emulsifier and mild cleansing agentModerate clog risk
- Laureth-4Emulsifier that helps oil and water blendHigh clog risk
- Lauric acidFatty acid used to make soaps and foaming cleansersModerate clog risk
- Lavender flower extractFragrant extract that can sensitize some skinWatch
- Lavender oilEssential oil added for scent, can irritate sensitive skinWatch
- Lemon oilCitrus peel oil for scent, can irritate and raise sun sensitivityWatch
- Lemongrass oilEssential oil added for scent, can irritate sensitive skinWatch
- Lime oilCitrus oil for scent, can raise sun sensitivityWatch
- LimoneneScent ingredient that can cause allergic reactions in some peopleWatch
- LinaloolScent ingredient that can cause allergic reactions in some peopleWatch
- Linseed oilFlaxseed oil that softens skin but can clog poresHigh clog risk
M
- Mandelic acidLarge, gentle AHA often chosen for acne-prone skinAcne helper
- MentholCooling mint compound that can sting sensitive skinWatch
- Methyl 2-octynoateScent ingredient that can cause allergic reactions in some peopleWatch
- MethylchloroisothiazolinoneStrong preservative and a common contact allergenWatch
- MethylisothiazolinoneStrong preservative and a common contact allergenWatch
- Mink oilAnimal oil used as an emollient, may clog poresModerate clog risk
- Myristic acidFatty acid that helps foaming cleansers latherModerate clog risk
- Myristyl lactateRich emollient ester that softens and smooths skinHigh clog risk
- Myristyl myristateWaxy emollient that thickens creams and softens skinHigh clog risk
- Myristyl propionateLight emollient ester that softens skinModerate clog risk
N
O
- Oakmoss extractLichen scent extract that is a strong allergen for someWatch
- Oleic acidFatty acid that softens skin and helps form emulsionsModerate clog risk
- Oleth-3Emulsifier that helps oil and water blendHigh clog risk
- Oleth-5Emulsifier that helps oils rinse away or blend inWatch
- Oleyl alcoholLiquid fatty alcohol that softens skin and helps absorptionModerate clog risk
- Orange oilEssential oil added for scent, can irritate sensitive skinWatch
P
- Palm oilHeavy plant oil that softens skin and may clog poresModerate clog risk
- Patchouli oilEssential oil added for scent, can irritate sensitive skinWatch
- Peanut oilPlant oil that softens skin and may clog poresModerate clog risk
- PEG-16 lanolinWater-friendly lanolin that softens skin and helps mix oil and waterHigh clog risk
- PEG-200 dilaurateEmulsifier that helps oil and water blendModerate clog risk
- PEG-8 stearateEmulsifier that helps oil and water blendModerate clog risk
- Peppermint leaf extractCooling extract that can irritate sensitive skinWatch
- Peppermint oilCooling mint oil that can sting or irritate sensitive skinWatch
- Polyglyceryl-3 diisostearateEmulsifier that helps hold water-in-oil creams togetherModerate clog risk
- Porphyridium extractRed microalgae extract that hydrates and may clog poresModerate clog risk
- Potassium azeloyl diglycinateWater-soluble azelaic acid relative that calms and balances oilAcne helper
- PPG-2 myristyl ether propionateLight emollient that helps formulas spread and absorbHigh clog risk
- Propolis extractBee resin with antioxidants, a known contact allergenWatch
- Propylene glycol stearateEmulsifier and softener that thickens creamsModerate clog risk
Q
R
- Red algae extractRed seaweed extract that rates high for clogging poresHigh clog risk
- ResorcinolPeeling acne active used together with sulfurAcne helper
- RetinalFast-acting vitamin A one step from retinoic acidAcne helper
- RetinolVitamin A that speeds cell turnover and helps prevent clogsAcne helper
- Retinyl retinoateHybrid retinoid built from retinol and retinoic acidAcne helper
- Rose oilEssential oil added for scent, can irritate sensitive skinWatch
- Rosemary oilEssential oil added for scent, can irritate sensitive skinWatch
S
- Salicylic acidOil-soluble acid that exfoliates inside the poreAcne helper
- Sandalwood oilEssential oil added for scent, can irritate sensitive skinWatch
- SD alcohol 40Denatured alcohol that can dry skin when used in high amountsWatch
- Sea lettuce extractGreen seaweed extract that hydrates and may clog poresModerate clog risk
- Sesame oilSoftening plant oil with mixed clogging dataWatch
- Shark liver oilAnimal oil used as an emollient, may clog poresModerate clog risk
- Sodium bicarbonateBaking soda, alkaline and can disrupt the skin barrierWatch
- Sodium hydroxymethylglycinatePreservative that slowly releases formaldehydeWatch
- Sodium laureth sulfateFoaming cleanser, milder than SLS but can still irritateModerate clog risk
- Sodium lauryl sulfateStrong foaming cleanser that can irritate and dry skinHigh clog risk
- Sodium sulfacetamidePrescription antibacterial often paired with sulfurAcne helper
- Sorbitan oleateEmulsifier that helps oil and water blendModerate clog risk
- Soybean oilPlant oil that softens skin and may clog poresModerate clog risk
- Spearmint oilMinty essential oil that can irritate sensitive skinWatch
- Spirulina extractBlue-green microalgae extract that hydrates and may clog poresModerate clog risk
- Steareth-10Emulsifier that helps oil and water blendModerate clog risk
- Steareth-2Emulsifier that helps hold creams togetherModerate clog risk
- Stearyl heptanoateEmollient ester that softens skinModerate clog risk
- SulfurOld-school acne active that dries pimples and unclogs poresAcne helper
T
- Tangerine oilEssential oil added for scent, can irritate sensitive skinWatch
- Tea tree oilEssential oil with small acne trials, can irritateAcne helper
- ThymolThyme compound with antimicrobial action, can irritateWatch
- Treemoss extractLichen scent extract that is a strong allergen for someWatch
- TretinoinPrescription retinoid that unclogs pores and speeds turnoverAcne helper
W
- Wakame extractBrown seaweed extract that hydrates and may clog poresModerate clog risk
- Walnut shell powderRough natural scrub that can irritate inflamed acneWatch
- Wheat germ glyceridesWheat germ oil derivative that softens skin and may clog poresModerate clog risk
- Wheat germ oilRich vitamin E oil that rates high for clogging poresHigh clog risk
- Willow bark extractPlant extract with salicin, a weak natural salicylateAcne helper
- Witch hazel leaf extractTannin-rich astringent that tightens but can dry skinWatch
Y
Z
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