Comedogenic vs. Non-Comedogenic: Derms Clarify the Distinction

Staying on high of all of the skincare lingo will be difficult—and “comedogenic” and “non-comedogenic” may simply be two of the most well-liked but complicated phrases. You’ve got seemingly seen the phrases on the packaging of many skincare merchandise, however what do they imply?

We’re right here to assist fill you in with intel shared by main board-certified dermatologists. Preserve studying for his or her useful insights on comedogenic vs. non-comedogenic substances, together with what they’re, how they have an effect on your pores and skin, and who ought to use them.

Meet the Skilled

  • Vivian Chin, MD, MPH, is a board-certified dermatologist and founding father of Koru Wellness & Aesthetics.
  • Melanie Palm, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and beauty surgeon at Artwork of Pores and skin MD in Solana Seashore, California.

What Does Comedogenic Imply?

In case you see the time period “comedogenic” on a product label, this implies the product could cause comedones. “Comedones are pores or hair follicles that usually have a buildup of micro organism, oil, and lifeless pores and skin cells and is usually a contributing issue to zits,” based on Dr. Chin.

Blackheads and whiteheads aren’t the one potential downsides to comedogenic merchandise. “These substances also can doubtlessly weaken the pores and skin barrier in some pores and skin sorts, leading to irritation and the worsening of present pores and skin circumstances,” Dr. Palm provides.

It is essential to notice that many comedogenic skincare merchandise will not function the phrase “comedogenic” on the label as a result of that tells folks sure substances may clog their pores and result in zits, and most manufacturers do not wish to promote that.

Based on Dr. Palm, sure comedogenic substances could profit folks with dehydrated pores and skin by providing the next moisture stage. Nevertheless, comedogenic merchandise usually are not the most suitable choice for folks with acne-prone pores and skin.

What Does Non-Comedogenic Imply?

Many merchandise are labeled “non-comedogenic.” Based on Dr. Palm, “This tells shoppers that each ingredient in a skincare product is non-comedogenic, which means they’re much less more likely to clog pores. Non-comedogenic substances in skincare merchandise are designed to keep away from blocking pores and embrace most soaps or detergents, hyaluronic acid, peptides, antioxidants, and different water-based substances.”

She explains that whereas non-comedogenic merchandise are sometimes higher, it is nonetheless greatest to train warning when introducing new merchandise into your routine. “It is essential to notice that even when a product incorporates non-comedogenic substances, it will possibly nonetheless trigger zits or irritation relying on the pores and skin sort or present pores and skin circumstances,” Palm provides.

What Are Comedogenic Substances?

Many alternative skincare substances could contribute to clogged pores. Chin tells us that comedogenic skincare substances have a tendency to incorporate extra oil-based chemical compounds or parts. Based on Palm, among the most typical comedogenic substances embrace beeswax, coconut oil, cocoa butter, palm oil, petroleum, algae extracts labeled as alginate, seaweed polysaccharide acids, and dimethicone, a silicone-based polymer usually utilized in sunscreen.

When buying skincare merchandise, do not forget that not all comedogenic substances are the identical, and a few is perhaps extra more likely to contribute to clogged pores than others. “The comedogenicity of those substances can differ considerably relying on their formulation and refinement,” Palm says. “Seek the advice of together with your dermatologist to find out one of the best routine to your skincare wants.”

Who Ought to Keep away from Comedogenic Substances?

“Individuals with zits or vulnerable to clogged pores ought to keep away from comedogenic skincare substances,” Chin says, including that they might not be an excellent possibility for folks with delicate or oily pores and skin.

“These with mixture pores and skin must also tread rigorously with comedogenic substances as a result of they’ve various pore sizes in oily and dry areas,” Palm says. “Bigger pores within the oily areas are extra vulnerable to clogging, making comedogenic substances extra more likely to trigger breakouts in these areas.”

What Are Non-Comedogenic Substances?

In case you have acne-prone pores and skin, Palm suggests searching for merchandise with non-comedogenic substances like beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), bakuchiol, and adapalene. In case you have dry pores and skin, Chin suggests searching for a moisturizer or serum with a excessive oil-to-water ratio.

“Individuals with oily pores and skin and zits ought to usually select merchandise with a beta-hydroxy acid, which may lower extra oil or substances like benzoyl peroxide,” Chin provides. “Benzoyl peroxide is usually a little drying, so if you happen to’re solely reasonably oily, you can begin with extra light formulations.”

The Last Takeaway

Comedogenic skincare substances could trigger comedones, clogged pores or hair follicles that may contribute to zits. Non-comedogenic substances, alternatively, are much less more likely to contribute to clogged pores, although they nonetheless can in some eventualities. “By avoiding comedogenic merchandise, folks with zits can assist lower the chance of an zits breakout,” Chin says.

In case you have any questions or considerations about whether or not the substances you are utilizing in your skincare routine are comedogenic or non-comedogenic, it is a good suggestion to talk with a board-certified dermatologist.