What is the Comedogenic Rating?
Hello everyone, when I started the adventure of making natural cosmetics, I did not know that there are so many different types of plant butter that can have completely different effects on the user’s skin and lead to skin problems. Experimenting with different plant butters, I saw that they have different textures and give different impressions on the skin, that some clog pores and some don’t. And that led me to the concept of comedogenicity and comedogenic rating scale.
The comedogenic rating scale is a useful tool for assessing the potential of specific ingredients to block pores, which can result in acne and breakouts. This scale ranges from 0 to 5, with lower numbers signifying a lower likelihood of causing clogged pores and higher numbers indicating a greater potential for comedogenicity (pore-clogging).
Comedogenic Rating Scale Explained
0: Non-comedogenic
Ingredients with this rating are extremely unlikely to clog pores and are suitable for all skin types, including acne-prone skin. Examples include argan oil and shea butter, which have low ratings.
1: Very Low
These ingredients have a minimal chance of clogging pores and are generally safe for most skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin. Hemp seed oil and castor oil are examples of such ingredients.
2: Low
Ingredients with this rating have a low chance of causing breakouts and are suitable for most individuals. However, people with extremely sensitive or acne-prone skin might want to perform a patch test before using them. Almond oil and mango butter fall into this category.
3: Moderate
Ingredients with this rating have a moderate chance of clogging pores and may be more suitable for individuals with normal or dry skin rather than oily or acne-prone skin. Examples include avocado oil and sesame oil.
4: Fairly High
Ingredients in this category are likely to clog pores, particularly in individuals with oily or acne-prone skin. Caution should be exercised when using them, and those prone to breakouts might want to avoid these ingredients. Coconut oil and cocoa butter belong to this group.
5: High
Ingredients with this rating are highly likely to clog pores and should be avoided by individuals with acne-prone or oily skin. They are best suited for people with very dry skin who do not experience breakouts. Certain types of algae extracts fall into this category.
The Significance of Comedogenic Ratings in Skincare
Considering Skin Type: Individuals with oily or acne-prone skin should pay special attention to the comedogenic ratings of the products they use. Ingredients with high ratings may worsen acne or lead to breakouts.
Product Formulation: When formulating skincare products, knowledge of comedogenic ratings is crucial in selecting ingredients that are less likely to clog pores, especially in products designed for sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Individual Variation: It’s important to recognize that comedogenic ratings are not absolute. What may clog pores for one person may not affect another in the same way due to differences in skin type, genetics, and other factors. Hence, patch testing new products is always advisable.
Example of Comedogenic Ratings for BOTANICAL Butters
Shea Butter: Typically rated 0-2, indicating that it is unlikely to clog pores for most people and is considered safe for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
Cocoa Butter: Generally rated 4, suggesting a higher likelihood of clogging pores, making it more suitable for dry skin types.
Mango Butter: Rated around 2, making it a low-risk option for most skin types, although it might not be ideal for extremely acne-prone individuals.
You can read more about botanical butters and their properties here.
Conclusion
Understanding the comedogenic rating is essential for making informed choices regarding skincare products. By familiarizing yourself with these ratings, you can effectively tailor your skincare routine to meet your unique skin needs. This targeted approach not only helps in avoiding products that may clog pores but also promotes the maintenance of clear and healthy skin. Empowered with this knowledge, you can navigate the vast array of skincare options confidently, ensuring that your skincare regimen supports your overall skin health.
Now you know more, so you can more freely embark on the adventure of creating your beauty products.
Happy formulating!
Kristina
