Comedogenic ratings by ingredient family
The same 285 ingredients as the A to Z, sorted into what they actually are. 31 families with 3 or more members are set out below, covering 268 of the ingredients; 39 families have fewer and are folded into their entries rather than given a table of one.
Short answer: This page sorts the same 285 rated ingredients into 31 families with three or more members, such as oils, butters and esters, and shows the span of ratings each family carries. A rating belongs to an ingredient and a product is a formula, so the page draws no conclusion about a family as a whole.
Each family shows the published range across its members, which is a span of numbers other people measured. It is not an average, and it is not a verdict on the family: a rating belongs to an ingredient, and a product is a formula rather than a list. Where the list gives an ingredient a range, its own entry shows it.
Families come from the composition each ingredient is published under, so they overlap. An ingredient whose composition names two will appear under both, and several pairs share most of their members. That is what the source says, and collapsing them here would be inventing a tidier taxonomy than the literature has.
- rated 0, non-comedogenic
- rated 1 to 2, low
- rated 3, moderate
- rated 4 to 5, high
Read what we know about these numbers, including what the sourcing does not cover.
Four sources also have a table of their own, with the plain entry beside its processed forms: castor oil, lanolin, jojoba and almond.
Oils
| Ingredient | Rating | Published as |
|---|---|---|
| Acai Berry Oil | 4–5 High unconfirmed | Oils (High in oleic acid) |
| Apricot Kernel Oil | 2–5 High | Natural Oil / Oils (High in oleic acid) |
| Argan Oil | 3–5 High unconfirmed | Oils (High in oleic & linoleic acid) |
| Avocado Oil | 3–5 High | Natural Oil / Oils (High in oleic acid) |
| Baobab Oil | 4–5 High unconfirmed | Oils (High in oleic acid) |
| Camellia Oil | 4–5 High unconfirmed | Oils (High in oleic acid) |
| Coconut Oil | 4–5 High unconfirmed | Natural Oil / Oils (High in lauric acid) |
| Soybean Oil | 3–5 High | Natural Oil / Oils (High in linoleic acid) |
| Groundnut Oil | 5 High | Oils |
| Hazelnut Seed Oil | 4–5 High unconfirmed | Oils (High in oleic acid) |
| Kapok Oil | 2–5 High unconfirmed | Natural Oil / Oils |
| Macadamia Oil | 2–5 High unconfirmed | Natural Oil / Oils (High in oleic acid) |
| Mahua Seed Oil | 5 High unconfirmed | Oils |
| Neem Oil | 5 High unconfirmed | Oils (High in oleic acid) |
| Palm Kernel Oil | 4–5 High unconfirmed | Natural Oil / Oils |
| Palm Oil | 4–5 High unconfirmed | Natural Oil / Oils (High in lauric acid) |
| Rice Bran Oil | 5 High unconfirmed | Oils (High in oleic & linoleic acid) |
| Rosehip Seed Oil | 1–5 High unconfirmed | Natural Oil / Oils / Butters (High in linoleic acid) |
| Sunflower Oil | 1–5 High | Oils / Butters (High in linoleic acid) |
| Sweet Almond Oil | 3–5 High | Oils / Butters (High in oleic acid) |
| Tamanu Oil | 2–5 High unconfirmed | Natural Oil / Oils / Butters (High in oleic & linoleic) |
| Wheat Germ Oil | 5 High unconfirmed | Natural Oil / Oils (High in linolenic acid) |
| Black Cumin Seed Oil | 4 High unconfirmed | Oils (High in linoleic acid) |
| Carrot Seed Oil | 3–4 High unconfirmed | Carrier / Essential Oil / Oils (High in oleic acid) |
| Coconut Alkanes | 4 High unconfirmed | Hydrocarbon / Emollient / Oils / Fatty Acids |
| Flaxseed Oil | 4 High unconfirmed | Natural Oil / Oils (High in alpha linolenic acid) |
| Lanolin Oil | 2–4 High | Animal Sebum / Lanolins / Oils |
| Marula Oil | 3–4 High unconfirmed | Natural Oil / Oils (High in oleic acid) |
| Moringa Oil | 3–4 High unconfirmed | Natural Oil / Oils (High in oleic acid) |
| Amaranth Oil | 3 Moderate unconfirmed | Oils |
| Borage Oil | 2–3 Moderate unconfirmed | Natural Oil / Oils (High in linoleic acid) |
| Brazil Nut Oil | 2–3 Moderate unconfirmed | Natural Oil / Oils (High in oleic acid) |
| Cotton Seed Oil | 3 Moderate | Natural Oil / Oils (High in linoleic acid) |
| Date Seed Oil | 3 Moderate unconfirmed | Oils (High in oleic acid) |
| Emu Oil | 3 Moderate unconfirmed | Oils (High in oleic acid) |
| Evening Primrose Oil | 2–3 Moderate | Natural Oil / Oils (High in linoleic acid) |
| Kukui Nut Oil | 2–3 Moderate unconfirmed | Natural Oil / Oils (High in linoleic acid) |
| Mink Oil | 3 Moderate | Animal Oil / Oils (High in oleic acid) |
| Papaya Seed Oil | 2–3 Moderate unconfirmed | Natural Oil / Oils (High in oleic acid) |
| Peanut Oil | 2–3 Moderate | Natural Oil / Oils (High in oleic & palmitic acid) |
| Pumpkin Seed Oil | 2–3 Moderate unconfirmed | Natural Oil / Oils (High in linoleic acid) |
| Shark Liver Oil | 3 Moderate | Animal Oil / Oils |
| Squalene | 3 Moderate unconfirmed | Animal Oil / Hydrocarbon / Oils |
| Sulfated Jojoba Oil | 3 Moderate | Surfactant / Emulsifier / Oils (High in eicosenoic acid) |
| Andiroba Seed Oil | 2 Low unconfirmed | Natural Oil / Oils (High in oleic acid) |
| Babassu Oil | 2 Low | Natural Oil / Oils (High in lauric acid) |
| Buriti Oil | 2 Low unconfirmed | Oils (High in oleic acid) |
| Camphor Oil | 2 Low unconfirmed | Terpene / Fragrance / Oils |
| Castor Oil | 1–2 Low | Natural Oil / Oils (High in ricinoleic acid) |
| Guava Seed Oil | 2 Low unconfirmed | Oils (High in linoleic acid) |
| Hydrogenated Castor Oil | 2 Low | Hydrogenated Natural Oil / Oils |
| Karanja Oil | 2 Low unconfirmed | Oils (High in oleic acid) |
| Mango Seed Butter | 2 Low unconfirmed | Butters / Oils (High in oleic acid) |
| Maracuja Seed Oil | 2 Low unconfirmed | Oils (High in linoleic acid) |
| Pecan Oil | 2 Low unconfirmed | Oils (High in oleic acid) |
| PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil | 2 Low unconfirmed | Oils |
| Perilla Oil | 2 Low unconfirmed | Oils (High in ALA) |
| Plum Seed Oil | 2 Low unconfirmed | Oils (High in oleic acid) |
| Prickly Pear Seed Oil | 1–2 Low unconfirmed | Oils (High in linoleic acid) |
| Sandalwood Seed Oil | 2 Low | Natural Oil / Oils |
| Tomato Seed Oil | 2 Low unconfirmed | Oils (High in linoleic acid) |
| Walnut Seed Oil | 2 Low unconfirmed | Oils (High in linoleic acid) |
Natural Oil
| Ingredient | Rating | Published as |
|---|---|---|
| Apricot Kernel Oil | 2–5 High | Natural Oil / Oils (High in oleic acid) |
| Avocado Oil | 3–5 High | Natural Oil / Oils (High in oleic acid) |
| Coconut Oil | 4–5 High unconfirmed | Natural Oil / Oils (High in lauric acid) |
| Soybean Oil | 3–5 High | Natural Oil / Oils (High in linoleic acid) |
| Kapok Oil | 2–5 High unconfirmed | Natural Oil / Oils |
| Macadamia Oil | 2–5 High unconfirmed | Natural Oil / Oils (High in oleic acid) |
| Olive Oil | 3–5 High | Natural Oil / Vegetable Oils (High in oleic acid) |
| Palm Kernel Oil | 4–5 High unconfirmed | Natural Oil / Oils |
| Palm Oil | 4–5 High unconfirmed | Natural Oil / Oils (High in lauric acid) |
| Rosehip Seed Oil | 1–5 High unconfirmed | Natural Oil / Oils / Butters (High in linoleic acid) |
| Sesame Oil | 3–5 High | Natural Oil / Vegetable Oils (High in linoleic/oleic) |
| Tamanu Oil | 2–5 High unconfirmed | Natural Oil / Oils / Butters (High in oleic & linoleic) |
| Wheat Germ Oil | 5 High unconfirmed | Natural Oil / Oils (High in linolenic acid) |
| Canola Oil | 3–4 High unconfirmed | Natural Oil / Vegetable Oils |
| Flaxseed Oil | 4 High unconfirmed | Natural Oil / Oils (High in alpha linolenic acid) |
| Grapeseed Oil | 1–4 High | Natural Oil / Vegetable Oils (High in linoleic acid) |
| Linseed Oil | 4 High unconfirmed | Natural Oil |
| Marula Oil | 3–4 High unconfirmed | Natural Oil / Oils (High in oleic acid) |
| Moringa Oil | 3–4 High unconfirmed | Natural Oil / Oils (High in oleic acid) |
| Peach Kernel Oil | 2–4 High | Natural Oil / Vegetable Oils (High in oleic acid) |
| Rapeseed Oil | 4 High unconfirmed | Natural Oil |
| Borage Oil | 2–3 Moderate unconfirmed | Natural Oil / Oils (High in linoleic acid) |
| Brazil Nut Oil | 2–3 Moderate unconfirmed | Natural Oil / Oils (High in oleic acid) |
| Corn Oil | 3 Moderate | Natural Oil / Vegetable Oils |
| Cotton Seed Oil | 3 Moderate | Natural Oil / Oils (High in linoleic acid) |
| Evening Primrose Oil | 2–3 Moderate | Natural Oil / Oils (High in linoleic acid) |
| Kukui Nut Oil | 2–3 Moderate unconfirmed | Natural Oil / Oils (High in linoleic acid) |
| Papaya Seed Oil | 2–3 Moderate unconfirmed | Natural Oil / Oils (High in oleic acid) |
| Peanut Oil | 2–3 Moderate | Natural Oil / Oils (High in oleic & palmitic acid) |
| Pumpkin Seed Oil | 2–3 Moderate unconfirmed | Natural Oil / Oils (High in linoleic acid) |
| Almond Oil | 2 Low | Natural Oil |
| Andiroba Seed Oil | 2 Low unconfirmed | Natural Oil / Oils (High in oleic acid) |
| Babassu Oil | 2 Low | Natural Oil / Oils (High in lauric acid) |
| Castor Oil | 1–2 Low | Natural Oil / Oils (High in ricinoleic acid) |
| Chaulmoogra Oil | 2 Low | Natural Oil |
| Cherry Seed Oil | 2 Low unconfirmed | Natural Oil |
| Cranberry Seed Oil | 2 Low unconfirmed | Natural Oil |
| Sandalwood Seed Oil | 2 Low | Natural Oil / Oils |
| Hemp Seed Oil | 0 Non-comedogenic unconfirmed | Natural Oil |
Seaweed
| Ingredient | Rating | Published as |
|---|---|---|
| Algae Extract | 3–5 High unconfirmed | Seaweed / Marine Botanicals |
| Black Kelp | 3–5 High unconfirmed | Seaweed / Marine Algae |
| Bladderwrack | 3–5 High unconfirmed | Seaweed / Marine Algae |
| Blue Green Algae | 3–5 High unconfirmed | Botanical Extract / Seaweed / Marine Algae |
| Carrageenan | 3–5 High unconfirmed | Polysaccharide / Thickener / Seaweed / Marine Algae |
| Fucus Vesiculosus | 3–5 High unconfirmed | Seaweed / Marine Algae |
| Kelp (Macrocystis Pyrifera) | 3–5 High unconfirmed | Seaweed / Marine Algae |
| Laminaria | 3–5 High unconfirmed | Seaweed / Marine Algae |
| Norwegian Kelp | 3–5 High unconfirmed | Seaweed / Marine Algae |
| Red Algae | 5 High unconfirmed | Marine Extract / Seaweed / Marine Algae |
| Seaweed / Sea Grass / Sea Whip | 3–5 High unconfirmed | Seaweed / Marine Botanicals |
| Ahnfeltia Concinna | 3–4 High unconfirmed | Seaweed / Marine Algae |
| Alaria Esculenta | 3–4 High unconfirmed | Seaweed / Marine Algae |
| Chlorella Vulgaris Extract | 3–4 High unconfirmed | Seaweed / Marine Algae |
| Corallina Officinalis Extract | 3–4 High unconfirmed | Seaweed / Marine Algae |
| Dulse | 3–4 High unconfirmed | Seaweed / Marine Algae |
| Ecklonia Cava Extract | 3–4 High unconfirmed | Seaweed / Marine Algae |
| Enteromorpha Compressa | 3–4 High unconfirmed | Seaweed / Marine Algae |
| Haslea Ostrearia Extract | 3–4 High unconfirmed | Seaweed / Marine Algae |
| Himanthalia Elongata Extract | 3–4 High unconfirmed | Seaweed / Marine Algae |
| Hydrolyzed Rhodophyceae Extract | 3–4 High unconfirmed | Seaweed / Marine Algae |
| Hypnea Musciformis Extract | 3–4 High unconfirmed | Seaweed / Marine Algae |
| Mastocarpus Stellatus | 3–4 High unconfirmed | Seaweed / Marine Algae |
| Padina Pavonica | 3–4 High unconfirmed | Seaweed / Marine Algae |
| Plankton Extract | 3–4 High unconfirmed | Seaweed / Marine Botanicals / Marine Extract |
| Porphyra | 3–4 High unconfirmed | Seaweed / Marine Algae |
| Rockweed | 3–4 High unconfirmed | Marine Extract / Seaweed / Marine Algae |
| Sargassum Extract | 3–4 High unconfirmed | Seaweed / Marine Algae |
| Spirulina | 3–4 High unconfirmed | Seaweed / Marine Algae / Marine Botanicals |
| Ulva Lactuca | 3–4 High unconfirmed | Seaweed / Marine Algae |
| Undaria | 2–4 High unconfirmed | Seaweed / Marine Algae |
| Wakame | 3–4 High unconfirmed | Seaweed / Marine Algae |
| Brown Algae | 3 Moderate unconfirmed | Seaweed / Marine Algae |
| Gelidium Cartilagineum | 3 Moderate unconfirmed | Seaweed / Marine Algae |
| Marine Algae | 3 Moderate unconfirmed | Seaweed / Marine Algae |
| Nori | 3 Moderate unconfirmed | Seaweed / Marine Algae |
| Palmaria Palmata | 3 Moderate unconfirmed | Seaweed / Marine Algae |
| Phytessence Wakame | 3 Moderate unconfirmed | Seaweed / Marine Algae |
Marine Algae
| Ingredient | Rating | Published as |
|---|---|---|
| Black Kelp | 3–5 High unconfirmed | Seaweed / Marine Algae |
| Bladderwrack | 3–5 High unconfirmed | Seaweed / Marine Algae |
| Blue Green Algae | 3–5 High unconfirmed | Botanical Extract / Seaweed / Marine Algae |
| Carrageenan | 3–5 High unconfirmed | Polysaccharide / Thickener / Seaweed / Marine Algae |
| Fucus Vesiculosus | 3–5 High unconfirmed | Seaweed / Marine Algae |
| Kelp (Macrocystis Pyrifera) | 3–5 High unconfirmed | Seaweed / Marine Algae |
| Laminaria | 3–5 High unconfirmed | Seaweed / Marine Algae |
| Norwegian Kelp | 3–5 High unconfirmed | Seaweed / Marine Algae |
| Red Algae | 5 High unconfirmed | Marine Extract / Seaweed / Marine Algae |
| Ahnfeltia Concinna | 3–4 High unconfirmed | Seaweed / Marine Algae |
| Alaria Esculenta | 3–4 High unconfirmed | Seaweed / Marine Algae |
| Chlorella Vulgaris Extract | 3–4 High unconfirmed | Seaweed / Marine Algae |
| Corallina Officinalis Extract | 3–4 High unconfirmed | Seaweed / Marine Algae |
| Dulse | 3–4 High unconfirmed | Seaweed / Marine Algae |
| Ecklonia Cava Extract | 3–4 High unconfirmed | Seaweed / Marine Algae |
| Enteromorpha Compressa | 3–4 High unconfirmed | Seaweed / Marine Algae |
| Haslea Ostrearia Extract | 3–4 High unconfirmed | Seaweed / Marine Algae |
| Himanthalia Elongata Extract | 3–4 High unconfirmed | Seaweed / Marine Algae |
| Hydrolyzed Rhodophyceae Extract | 3–4 High unconfirmed | Seaweed / Marine Algae |
| Hypnea Musciformis Extract | 3–4 High unconfirmed | Seaweed / Marine Algae |
| Mastocarpus Stellatus | 3–4 High unconfirmed | Seaweed / Marine Algae |
| Padina Pavonica | 3–4 High unconfirmed | Seaweed / Marine Algae |
| Porphyra | 3–4 High unconfirmed | Seaweed / Marine Algae |
| Rockweed | 3–4 High unconfirmed | Marine Extract / Seaweed / Marine Algae |
| Sargassum Extract | 3–4 High unconfirmed | Seaweed / Marine Algae |
| Spirulina | 3–4 High unconfirmed | Seaweed / Marine Algae / Marine Botanicals |
| Ulva Lactuca | 3–4 High unconfirmed | Seaweed / Marine Algae |
| Undaria | 2–4 High unconfirmed | Seaweed / Marine Algae |
| Wakame | 3–4 High unconfirmed | Seaweed / Marine Algae |
| Brown Algae | 3 Moderate unconfirmed | Seaweed / Marine Algae |
| Gelidium Cartilagineum | 3 Moderate unconfirmed | Seaweed / Marine Algae |
| Marine Algae | 3 Moderate unconfirmed | Seaweed / Marine Algae |
| Nori | 3 Moderate unconfirmed | Seaweed / Marine Algae |
| Palmaria Palmata | 3 Moderate unconfirmed | Seaweed / Marine Algae |
| Phytessence Wakame | 3 Moderate unconfirmed | Seaweed / Marine Algae |
Alcohols & Derivatives
| Ingredient | Rating | Published as |
|---|---|---|
| Glyceryl Oleate | 5 High unconfirmed | Alcohols & Derivatives |
| Hexadecyl Alcohol | 5 High | Alcohols & Derivatives |
| Isocetyl Stearate | 5 High | Ester / Alcohols & Derivatives |
| Laureth-4 | 5 High | Surfactant / Emulsifier / Alcohols & Derivatives |
| Myreth-3 Myristate | 5 High unconfirmed | Ester / Alcohols & Derivatives |
| Oleth-3 | 2–5 High | Surfactant / Emulsifier / Alcohols & Derivatives |
| PG Caprylate | 3–5 High | Emulsifier / Alcohols & Derivatives |
| Ceteareth-20 | 2–4 High | Emulsifier / Surfactant / Alcohols & Derivatives |
| Glyceryl-3-Diisostearate | 4 High | Emulsifier / Alcohols & Derivatives |
| Isocetyl Alcohol | 4 High | Fatty Alcohol / Alcohols & Derivatives |
| Oleth-10 | 2–4 High | Surfactant / Emulsifier / Alcohols & Derivatives |
| Oleyl Alcohol | 4 High | Fatty Alcohol / Alcohols & Derivatives |
| PG Dipelargonate | 2–4 High | Emulsifier / Alcohols & Derivatives |
| Polyglyceryl-3-Diisostearate | 4 High | Emulsifier / Alcohols & Derivatives |
| PPG 10 Cetyl Ether | 3–4 High | Emulsifier / Alcohols & Derivatives |
| PPG 2 Myristyl Propionate | 3–4 High | Ester / Alcohols & Derivatives |
| PPG 5 Ceteth 10 Phosphate | 4 High | Surfactant / Emulsifier / Alcohols & Derivatives |
| Steareth-10 | 4 High | Surfactant / Emulsifier / Alcohols & Derivatives |
| Glyceryl Stearate SE | 3 Moderate | Emulsifier / Alcohols & Derivatives |
| Laureth-23 | 3 Moderate | Surfactant / Emulsifier / Alcohols & Derivatives |
| Oleth-5 | 3 Moderate | Surfactant / Emulsifier / Alcohols & Derivatives |
| PEG 200 Dilaurate | 3 Moderate | Emulsifier / Alcohols & Derivatives |
| PEG 8 Stearate | 3 Moderate | Emulsifier / Alcohols & Derivatives |
| PG Monostearate | 3 Moderate | Emulsifier / Alcohols & Derivatives |
| Sorbitan Isostearate | 2–3 Moderate | Emulsifier / Alcohols & Derivatives |
| Sorbitan Oleate | 3 Moderate | Emulsifier / Alcohols & Derivatives |
| Wheat Germ Glyceride | 3 Moderate | Emulsifier / Alcohols & Derivatives |
| Cetearyl Alcohol | 2 Low | Fatty Alcohol / Alcohols & Derivatives |
| Cetyl Alcohol | 2 Low | Fatty Alcohol / Alcohols & Derivatives |
| Myristyl Alcohol | 2 Low | Fatty Alcohol / Alcohols & Derivatives |
| PEG 100 | 2 Low | Emulsifier / Alcohols & Derivatives |
| PEG 8 Castor Oil | 2 Low | Alcohols & Derivatives |
| Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate | 2 Low | Ester / Alcohols & Derivatives |
| Steareth-2 | 2 Low | Surfactant / Emulsifier / Alcohols & Derivatives |
| Stearyl Alcohol | 2 Low | Fatty Alcohol / Alcohols & Derivatives |
Ester
| Ingredient | Rating | Published as |
|---|---|---|
| Isocetyl Stearate | 5 High | Ester / Alcohols & Derivatives |
| Isopropyl Isostearate | 5 High | Ester / Fatty Acids & Derivatives |
| Isopropyl Linolate | 4–5 High | Ester / Fatty Acids & Derivatives |
| Isopropyl Myristate | 5 High | Ester / Emollient / Fatty Acids & Derivatives |
| Myreth-3 Myristate | 5 High unconfirmed | Ester / Alcohols & Derivatives |
| Myristyl Myristate | 5 High | Ester / Fatty Acids & Derivatives |
| Octyl Stearate | 5 High unconfirmed | Ester / Fatty Acids & Derivatives |
| Butyl Stearate | 3–4 High | Ester / Fatty Acids & Derivatives |
| Cetyl Acetate | 4 High | Ester / Fatty Acids & Derivatives |
| Ethylhexyl Palmitate | 4 High | Ester / Emollient / Fatty Acids & Derivatives |
| Ethylhexyl Stearate | 4 High unconfirmed | Ester |
| Isodecyl Oleate | 3–4 High | Ester / Fatty Acids & Derivatives |
| Isopropyl Neopentanoate | 4 High unconfirmed | Ester |
| Isopropyl Palmitate | 4 High | Ester / Emollient / Fatty Acids & Derivatives |
| Isostearyl Isostearate | 4 High | Ester / Fatty Acids & Derivatives |
| Myristyl Lactate | 4 High | Ester / Fatty Acids & Derivatives |
| Myristyl Propionate | 4 High unconfirmed | Ester |
| Octyl Palmitate | 4 High | Ester / Fatty Acids & Derivatives |
| PPG 2 Myristyl Propionate | 3–4 High | Ester / Alcohols & Derivatives |
| Stearyl Heptanoate | 4 High | Ester / Fatty Acids & Derivatives |
| 1-Acetoxyhexadecane | 3 Moderate | Ester |
| 1-Hexadecanol Acetate | 3 Moderate | Ester |
| Decyl Oleate | 3 Moderate | Ester / Emollient / Fatty Acids & Derivatives |
| Di (2-ethylhexyl) Succinate | 2–3 Moderate | Ester / Fatty Acids & Derivatives |
| Dioctyl Malate | 3 Moderate | Ester / Fatty Acids & Derivatives |
| Dioctyl Succinate | 3 Moderate | Ester / Fatty Acids & Derivatives |
| Ethylhexyl Pelargonate | 2–3 Moderate | Ester / Fatty Acids & Derivatives |
| Hexadecanol Acetate | 3 Moderate | Ester |
| Isostearyl Neopentanoate | 3 Moderate | Ester / Fatty Acids & Derivatives |
| Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate | 2 Low | Ester / Alcohols & Derivatives |
Emulsifier
| Ingredient | Rating | Published as |
|---|---|---|
| Laureth-4 | 5 High | Surfactant / Emulsifier / Alcohols & Derivatives |
| Oleth-3 | 2–5 High | Surfactant / Emulsifier / Alcohols & Derivatives |
| PG Caprylate | 3–5 High | Emulsifier / Alcohols & Derivatives |
| Ceteareth-20 | 2–4 High | Emulsifier / Surfactant / Alcohols & Derivatives |
| Glyceryl-3-Diisostearate | 4 High | Emulsifier / Alcohols & Derivatives |
| Oleth-10 | 2–4 High | Surfactant / Emulsifier / Alcohols & Derivatives |
| PG Dipelargonate | 2–4 High | Emulsifier / Alcohols & Derivatives |
| Polyglyceryl-3-Diisostearate | 4 High | Emulsifier / Alcohols & Derivatives |
| PPG 10 Cetyl Ether | 3–4 High | Emulsifier / Alcohols & Derivatives |
| PPG 5 Ceteth 10 Phosphate | 4 High | Surfactant / Emulsifier / Alcohols & Derivatives |
| Propylene Glycol Monostearate | 4 High | Emulsifier |
| Steareth-10 | 4 High | Surfactant / Emulsifier / Alcohols & Derivatives |
| Glyceryl Stearate SE | 3 Moderate | Emulsifier / Alcohols & Derivatives |
| Laureth-23 | 3 Moderate | Surfactant / Emulsifier / Alcohols & Derivatives |
| Oleth-5 | 3 Moderate | Surfactant / Emulsifier / Alcohols & Derivatives |
| PEG 200 Dilaurate | 3 Moderate | Emulsifier / Alcohols & Derivatives |
| PEG 8 Stearate | 3 Moderate | Emulsifier / Alcohols & Derivatives |
| PG Monostearate | 3 Moderate | Emulsifier / Alcohols & Derivatives |
| Sorbitan Isostearate | 2–3 Moderate | Emulsifier / Alcohols & Derivatives |
| Sorbitan Oleate | 3 Moderate | Emulsifier / Alcohols & Derivatives |
| Stearic Acid TEA | 3 Moderate | Soap / Emulsifier |
| Sulfated Castor Oil | 3 Moderate unconfirmed | Surfactant / Emulsifier / Miscellaneous |
| Sulfated Jojoba Oil | 3 Moderate | Surfactant / Emulsifier / Oils (High in eicosenoic acid) |
| Wheat Germ Glyceride | 3 Moderate | Emulsifier / Alcohols & Derivatives |
| Emulsifying Wax NF | 2 Low | Emulsifier / Waxes |
| PEG 100 | 2 Low | Emulsifier / Alcohols & Derivatives |
| Sorbitan Laurate | 2 Low | Emulsifier |
| Steareth-2 | 2 Low | Surfactant / Emulsifier / Alcohols & Derivatives |
Butters
| Ingredient | Rating | Published as |
|---|---|---|
| Aloe Butter | 5 High unconfirmed | Butters |
| Avocado Butter | 3–5 High unconfirmed | Natural Plant Butter / Butters |
| Babassu Butter | 5 High unconfirmed | Butters |
| Broccoli Butter | 5 High unconfirmed | Butters |
| Carrot Butter | 5 High unconfirmed | Butters |
| Coffee Butter | 5 High unconfirmed | Butters |
| Cranberry Butter | 5 High unconfirmed | Butters |
| Grapeseed Butter | 5 High unconfirmed | Butters |
| Illipe Butter | 4–5 High unconfirmed | Butters (High in oleic acid) |
| Jojoba Butter | 5 High unconfirmed | Butters |
| Kukui Nut Butter | 5 High unconfirmed | Butters |
| Macadamia Nut Butter | 5 High unconfirmed | Butters |
| Neem Butter | 5 High unconfirmed | Butters |
| Olive Butter | 5 High unconfirmed | Butters |
| Rosehip Seed Oil | 1–5 High unconfirmed | Natural Oil / Oils / Butters (High in linoleic acid) |
| Sunflower Oil | 1–5 High | Oils / Butters (High in linoleic acid) |
| Sweet Almond Oil | 3–5 High | Oils / Butters (High in oleic acid) |
| Tamanu Oil | 2–5 High unconfirmed | Natural Oil / Oils / Butters (High in oleic & linoleic) |
| Cocoa Butter | 4 High | Natural Plant Butter / Butters (High in oleic/stearic acid) |
| Coconut Butter | 4 High | Natural Plant Butter / Butters (High in oleic/stearic acid) |
| Mowrah Butter | 3–4 High unconfirmed | Butters (High in oleic/palmitic acid) |
| Sal Seed Butter | 3–4 High unconfirmed | Butters (High in stearic acid) |
| Mango Seed Butter | 2 Low unconfirmed | Butters / Oils (High in oleic acid) |
Fatty Acids & Derivatives
| Ingredient | Rating | Published as |
|---|---|---|
| Ascorbyl Palmitate | 2–5 High | Vitamin C Derivative / Fatty Acids & Derivatives |
| Isopropyl Isostearate | 5 High | Ester / Fatty Acids & Derivatives |
| Isopropyl Linolate | 4–5 High | Ester / Fatty Acids & Derivatives |
| Isopropyl Myristate | 5 High | Ester / Emollient / Fatty Acids & Derivatives |
| Myristyl Myristate | 5 High | Ester / Fatty Acids & Derivatives |
| Octyl Stearate | 5 High unconfirmed | Ester / Fatty Acids & Derivatives |
| Butyl Stearate | 3–4 High | Ester / Fatty Acids & Derivatives |
| Cetyl Acetate | 4 High | Ester / Fatty Acids & Derivatives |
| Ethylhexyl Palmitate | 4 High | Ester / Emollient / Fatty Acids & Derivatives |
| Isodecyl Oleate | 3–4 High | Ester / Fatty Acids & Derivatives |
| Isopropyl Palmitate | 4 High | Ester / Emollient / Fatty Acids & Derivatives |
| Isostearyl Isostearate | 4 High | Ester / Fatty Acids & Derivatives |
| Myristyl Lactate | 4 High | Ester / Fatty Acids & Derivatives |
| Octyl Palmitate | 4 High | Ester / Fatty Acids & Derivatives |
| Stearyl Heptanoate | 4 High | Ester / Fatty Acids & Derivatives |
| Decyl Oleate | 3 Moderate | Ester / Emollient / Fatty Acids & Derivatives |
| Di (2-ethylhexyl) Succinate | 2–3 Moderate | Ester / Fatty Acids & Derivatives |
| Dioctyl Malate | 3 Moderate | Ester / Fatty Acids & Derivatives |
| Dioctyl Succinate | 3 Moderate | Ester / Fatty Acids & Derivatives |
| Ethylhexyl Pelargonate | 2–3 Moderate | Ester / Fatty Acids & Derivatives |
| Isostearyl Neopentanoate | 3 Moderate | Ester / Fatty Acids & Derivatives |
Marine Extract
| Ingredient | Rating | Published as |
|---|---|---|
| Irish Moss | 5 High unconfirmed | Marine Extract / Algae |
| Macrocystis Pyrifera Extract | 5 High unconfirmed | Marine Extract / Algae |
| Red Algae | 5 High unconfirmed | Marine Extract / Seaweed / Marine Algae |
| Ascophyllum Nodosum | 4 High unconfirmed | Marine Extract / Algae |
| Caulerpa Lentillifera Extract | 4 High unconfirmed | Marine Extract / Algae |
| Chaetomorpha Linum | 4 High unconfirmed | Marine Extract / Algae |
| Cladosiphon Okamuranus Extract | 4 High unconfirmed | Marine Extract / Algae |
| Dictyopteris Membranacea | 4 High unconfirmed | Marine Extract / Algae |
| Dunaliella Salina Extract | 4 High unconfirmed | Marine Extract / Algae |
| Gelidiella Acerosa Extract | 4 High unconfirmed | Marine Extract / Algae |
| Gigartina Stellata Extract | 4 High unconfirmed | Marine Extract / Algae |
| Haematococcus Pluvialis Extract | 4 High unconfirmed | Marine Extract / Algae |
| Hizikia Fusiforme Extract | 4 High unconfirmed | Marine Extract / Algae |
| Jania Rubens Extract | 4 High unconfirmed | Marine Extract / Algae |
| Kappaphycus Alvarezii Extract | 4 High unconfirmed | Marine Extract / Algae |
| Lithothamnium Calcareum | 4 High unconfirmed | Marine Extract / Algae |
| Pelvetia Canaliculata Extract | 4 High unconfirmed | Marine Extract / Algae |
| Plankton Extract | 3–4 High unconfirmed | Seaweed / Marine Botanicals / Marine Extract |
| Porphyridium Cruentum | 4 High unconfirmed | Marine Extract / Algae |
| Rockweed | 3–4 High unconfirmed | Marine Extract / Seaweed / Marine Algae |
Algae
| Ingredient | Rating | Published as |
|---|---|---|
| Irish Moss | 5 High unconfirmed | Marine Extract / Algae |
| Macrocystis Pyrifera Extract | 5 High unconfirmed | Marine Extract / Algae |
| Ascophyllum Nodosum | 4 High unconfirmed | Marine Extract / Algae |
| Caulerpa Lentillifera Extract | 4 High unconfirmed | Marine Extract / Algae |
| Chaetomorpha Linum | 4 High unconfirmed | Marine Extract / Algae |
| Cladosiphon Okamuranus Extract | 4 High unconfirmed | Marine Extract / Algae |
| Dictyopteris Membranacea | 4 High unconfirmed | Marine Extract / Algae |
| Dunaliella Salina Extract | 4 High unconfirmed | Marine Extract / Algae |
| Gelidiella Acerosa Extract | 4 High unconfirmed | Marine Extract / Algae |
| Gigartina Stellata Extract | 4 High unconfirmed | Marine Extract / Algae |
| Haematococcus Pluvialis Extract | 4 High unconfirmed | Marine Extract / Algae |
| Hizikia Fusiforme Extract | 4 High unconfirmed | Marine Extract / Algae |
| Jania Rubens Extract | 4 High unconfirmed | Marine Extract / Algae |
| Kappaphycus Alvarezii Extract | 4 High unconfirmed | Marine Extract / Algae |
| Lithothamnium Calcareum | 4 High unconfirmed | Marine Extract / Algae |
| Pelvetia Canaliculata Extract | 4 High unconfirmed | Marine Extract / Algae |
| Porphyridium Cruentum | 4 High unconfirmed | Marine Extract / Algae |
Surfactant
| Ingredient | Rating | Published as |
|---|---|---|
| Laureth-4 | 5 High | Surfactant / Emulsifier / Alcohols & Derivatives |
| Oleth-3 | 2–5 High | Surfactant / Emulsifier / Alcohols & Derivatives |
| Sodium Lauryl Sulfate | 5 High | Surfactant / Cleanser / Detergents |
| Ceteareth-20 | 2–4 High | Emulsifier / Surfactant / Alcohols & Derivatives |
| Oleth-10 | 2–4 High | Surfactant / Emulsifier / Alcohols & Derivatives |
| PPG 5 Ceteth 10 Phosphate | 4 High | Surfactant / Emulsifier / Alcohols & Derivatives |
| Steareth-10 | 4 High | Surfactant / Emulsifier / Alcohols & Derivatives |
| Laureth-23 | 3 Moderate | Surfactant / Emulsifier / Alcohols & Derivatives |
| Oleth-5 | 3 Moderate | Surfactant / Emulsifier / Alcohols & Derivatives |
| Sodium Laureth Sulfate | 3 Moderate unconfirmed | Surfactant / Cleanser / Detergents |
| Sulfated Castor Oil | 3 Moderate unconfirmed | Surfactant / Emulsifier / Miscellaneous |
| Sulfated Jojoba Oil | 3 Moderate | Surfactant / Emulsifier / Oils (High in eicosenoic acid) |
| Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate | 2 Low unconfirmed | Surfactant |
| Steareth-2 | 2 Low | Surfactant / Emulsifier / Alcohols & Derivatives |
Lanolins
| Ingredient | Rating | Published as |
|---|---|---|
| Acetulan | 4–5 High | Lanolins |
| Anhydrous Lanolin | 5 High | Lanolins |
| Lanolic Acid | 4–5 High | Lanolin Derivative / Lanolins |
| PEG 16 Lanolin | 4–5 High | Lanolin Derivative / Lanolins |
| Acetylated Lanolin | 4 High | Lanolin Derivative / Lanolins |
| Acetylated Lanolin Alcohol | 4 High | Lanolin Derivative / Lanolins |
| Laneth-10 | 2–4 High | Lanolin Derivative / Lanolins |
| Lanolin Oil | 2–4 High | Animal Sebum / Lanolins / Oils |
| Lanolin Alcohol | 2–4 High | Lanolin Derivative / Lanolins |
| PPG 12 PEG 65 Lanolin Oil | 2–4 High | Lanolin Derivative / Lanolins |
| Ethoxylated Lanolin | 3 Moderate unconfirmed | Lanolin Derivative / Lanolins |
Lanolin Derivative
| Ingredient | Rating | Published as |
|---|---|---|
| Lanolic Acid | 4–5 High | Lanolin Derivative / Lanolins |
| PEG 16 Lanolin | 4–5 High | Lanolin Derivative / Lanolins |
| Acetylated Lanolin | 4 High | Lanolin Derivative / Lanolins |
| Acetylated Lanolin Alcohol | 4 High | Lanolin Derivative / Lanolins |
| Isopropyl Lanolate | 4 High | Lanolin Derivative |
| Laneth-10 | 2–4 High | Lanolin Derivative / Lanolins |
| Lanolin Alcohol | 2–4 High | Lanolin Derivative / Lanolins |
| PPG 12 PEG 65 Lanolin Oil | 2–4 High | Lanolin Derivative / Lanolins |
| Solulan 16 | 4 High | Lanolin Derivative |
| Ethoxylated Lanolin | 3 Moderate unconfirmed | Lanolin Derivative / Lanolins |
Vegetable Oils
| Ingredient | Rating | Published as |
|---|---|---|
| Olive Oil | 3–5 High | Natural Oil / Vegetable Oils (High in oleic acid) |
| Sesame Oil | 3–5 High | Natural Oil / Vegetable Oils (High in linoleic/oleic) |
| Canola Oil | 3–4 High unconfirmed | Natural Oil / Vegetable Oils |
| Grapeseed Oil | 1–4 High | Natural Oil / Vegetable Oils (High in linoleic acid) |
| Peach Kernel Oil | 2–4 High | Natural Oil / Vegetable Oils (High in oleic acid) |
| Safflower Oil | 4 High unconfirmed | Vegetable Oils (High in oleic acid) |
| Corn Oil | 3 Moderate | Natural Oil / Vegetable Oils |
| Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil | 3 Moderate | Hydrogenated Oil / Vegetable Oils |
Fatty Alcohol
| Ingredient | Rating | Published as |
|---|---|---|
| Isocetyl Alcohol | 4 High | Fatty Alcohol / Alcohols & Derivatives |
| Oleyl Alcohol | 4 High | Fatty Alcohol / Alcohols & Derivatives |
| Cetearyl Alcohol | 2 Low | Fatty Alcohol / Alcohols & Derivatives |
| Cetyl Alcohol | 2 Low | Fatty Alcohol / Alcohols & Derivatives |
| Isostearyl Alcohol | 2 Low unconfirmed | Fatty Alcohol |
| Myristyl Alcohol | 2 Low | Fatty Alcohol / Alcohols & Derivatives |
| Octyldodecanol | 2 Low unconfirmed | Fatty Alcohol |
| Stearyl Alcohol | 2 Low | Fatty Alcohol / Alcohols & Derivatives |
Natural Plant Butter
| Ingredient | Rating | Published as |
|---|---|---|
| Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter | 3–5 High unconfirmed | Natural Plant Butter / Fatty Acids |
| Avocado Butter | 3–5 High unconfirmed | Natural Plant Butter / Butters |
| Shea Butter | 0–5 High unconfirmed | Natural Plant Butter (High in oleic/stearic acid) |
| Cacao Seed Butter | 4 High | Natural Plant Butter |
| Cocoa Butter | 4 High | Natural Plant Butter / Butters (High in oleic/stearic acid) |
| Coconut Butter | 4 High | Natural Plant Butter / Butters (High in oleic/stearic acid) |
Fatty Acid & Derivatives
| Ingredient | Rating | Published as |
|---|---|---|
| Lauric Acid | 4 High | Fatty Acid(s) & Derivatives |
| Myristic Acid | 3 Moderate | Fatty Acid(s) & Derivatives |
| Palmitic Acid | 2–3 Moderate | Fatty Acid(s) & Derivatives |
| Stearic Acid | 2–3 Moderate | Fatty Acid(s) & Derivatives |
| Capric Acid | 2 Low | Fatty Acid(s) & Derivatives |
| Eicosanoic Acid | 2 Low | Fatty Acid(s) & Derivatives |
Waxes
| Ingredient | Rating | Published as |
|---|---|---|
| Tribehenin | 5 High unconfirmed | Waxes |
| Lanolin Wax | 3 Moderate | Animal Wax / Waxes |
| Beeswax | 2 Low | Animal Wax / Waxes |
| Emulsifying Wax NF | 2 Low | Emulsifier / Waxes |
| Jojoba Wax | 2 Low unconfirmed | Waxes |
Emollient
| Ingredient | Rating | Published as |
|---|---|---|
| Isopropyl Myristate | 5 High | Ester / Emollient / Fatty Acids & Derivatives |
| Coconut Alkanes | 4 High unconfirmed | Hydrocarbon / Emollient / Oils / Fatty Acids |
| Ethylhexyl Palmitate | 4 High | Ester / Emollient / Fatty Acids & Derivatives |
| Isopropyl Palmitate | 4 High | Ester / Emollient / Fatty Acids & Derivatives |
| Decyl Oleate | 3 Moderate | Ester / Emollient / Fatty Acids & Derivatives |
Vitamins & Herbs
| Ingredient | Rating | Published as |
|---|---|---|
| Colloidal Sulfur | 3 Moderate unconfirmed | Mineral(s) / Vitamins & Herbs |
| Vitamin E | 0–3 Moderate | Vitamin / Antioxidant / Vitamins & Herbs |
| Vitamin A Palmitate | 2–3 Moderate | Vitamin Derivative / Vitamins & Herbs |
| A & D Additive | 2 Low | Vitamins & Herbs |
Polysaccharide
| Ingredient | Rating | Published as |
|---|---|---|
| Carrageenan | 3–5 High unconfirmed | Polysaccharide / Thickener / Seaweed / Marine Algae |
| Algin | 4 High unconfirmed | Seaweed Derivative / Polysaccharide / Thickener |
| Sodium Alginate | 4 High unconfirmed | Polysaccharide |
| Agar | 3 Moderate unconfirmed | Polysaccharide / Thickener |
Marine Botanicals
| Ingredient | Rating | Published as |
|---|---|---|
| Algae Extract | 3–5 High unconfirmed | Seaweed / Marine Botanicals |
| Seaweed / Sea Grass / Sea Whip | 3–5 High unconfirmed | Seaweed / Marine Botanicals |
| Plankton Extract | 3–4 High unconfirmed | Seaweed / Marine Botanicals / Marine Extract |
| Spirulina | 3–4 High unconfirmed | Seaweed / Marine Algae / Marine Botanicals |
Fatty Acid
| Ingredient | Rating | Published as |
|---|---|---|
| Isostearic Acid | 4–5 High unconfirmed | Fatty Acid(s) |
| Oleic Acid | 3–5 High unconfirmed | Fatty Acid(s) |
| Lauric Acid | 4 High | Fatty Acid |
| Arachidic Acid | 2 Low | Fatty Acid(s) |
Hydrocarbon
| Ingredient | Rating | Published as |
|---|---|---|
| Coal Tar | 5 High unconfirmed | Hydrocarbon / Miscellaneous |
| Coconut Alkanes | 4 High unconfirmed | Hydrocarbon / Emollient / Oils / Fatty Acids |
| Mineral Oil | 1–3 Moderate | Hydrocarbon |
| Squalene | 3 Moderate unconfirmed | Animal Oil / Hydrocarbon / Oils |
Minerals
| Ingredient | Rating | Published as |
|---|---|---|
| Potassium Chloride | 5 High unconfirmed | Mineral Salt / Viscosity Modifier / Minerals |
| Active Soil Complex | 4 High unconfirmed | Minerals |
| Bismuth | 3 Moderate unconfirmed | Mineral Colorant / Minerals |
Thickener
| Ingredient | Rating | Published as |
|---|---|---|
| Carrageenan | 3–5 High unconfirmed | Polysaccharide / Thickener / Seaweed / Marine Algae |
| Algin | 4 High unconfirmed | Seaweed Derivative / Polysaccharide / Thickener |
| Agar | 3 Moderate unconfirmed | Polysaccharide / Thickener |
Fatty Acids
| Ingredient | Rating | Published as |
|---|---|---|
| Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter | 3–5 High unconfirmed | Natural Plant Butter / Fatty Acids |
| Coconut Alkanes | 4 High unconfirmed | Hydrocarbon / Emollient / Oils / Fatty Acids |
| Behenic Acid | 2 Low | Fatty Acids |
Solvent
| Ingredient | Rating | Published as |
|---|---|---|
| Xylene | 4 High | Solvent / Miscellaneous Solvents |
| Benzaldehyde | 2 Low unconfirmed | Fragrance / Solvent |
| Hexylene Glycol | 2 Low | Solvent / Humectant |
Miscellaneous
| Ingredient | Rating | Published as |
|---|---|---|
| Coal Tar | 5 High unconfirmed | Hydrocarbon / Miscellaneous |
| Corn Starch | 4 High unconfirmed | Miscellaneous |
| Sulfated Castor Oil | 3 Moderate unconfirmed | Surfactant / Emulsifier / Miscellaneous |
Animal Oil
| Ingredient | Rating | Published as |
|---|---|---|
| Mink Oil | 3 Moderate | Animal Oil / Oils (High in oleic acid) |
| Shark Liver Oil | 3 Moderate | Animal Oil / Oils |
| Squalene | 3 Moderate unconfirmed | Animal Oil / Hydrocarbon / Oils |
Castor oil, lanolin, jojoba and almond, by source
Each of these sources is on the list once as a plain entry and again as processed forms, and every form has its own rating. The plain entry's number does not carry over to them, so check the exact name on the label.
Castor oil
| Ingredient | Rating | Entry |
|---|---|---|
| Castor Oil | 1–2 Low | Plain castor oil |
| Hydrogenated Castor Oil | 2 Low | Castor oil derivative |
| PEG 8 Castor Oil | 2 Low | Castor oil derivative |
| PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil | 2 Low unconfirmed | Castor oil derivative |
| Sulfated Castor Oil | 3 Moderate unconfirmed | Castor oil derivative |
Lanolin
| Ingredient | Rating | Entry |
|---|---|---|
| Lanolin Oil | 2–4 High | Plain lanolin |
| Anhydrous Lanolin | 5 High | A form of lanolin |
| Acetulan | 4–5 High | Lanolin derivative |
| Acetylated Lanolin | 4 High | Lanolin derivative |
| Acetylated Lanolin Alcohol | 4 High | Lanolin derivative |
| Ethoxylated Lanolin | 3 Moderate unconfirmed | Lanolin derivative |
| Isopropyl Lanolate | 4 High | Lanolin derivative |
| Laneth-10 | 2–4 High | Lanolin derivative |
| Lanolic Acid | 4–5 High | Lanolin derivative |
| Lanolin Alcohol | 2–4 High | Lanolin derivative |
| Lanolin Wax | 3 Moderate | Lanolin derivative |
| PEG 16 Lanolin | 4–5 High | Lanolin derivative |
| Solulan 16 | 4 High | Lanolin derivative |
| PPG 12 PEG 65 Lanolin Oil | 2–4 High | Lanolin derivative |
Jojoba
| Ingredient | Rating | Entry |
|---|---|---|
| Jojoba Oil | 2 Low | Plain jojoba |
| Jojoba Butter | 5 High unconfirmed | Jojoba derivative |
| Jojoba Wax | 2 Low unconfirmed | Jojoba derivative |
| Sulfated Jojoba Oil | 3 Moderate | Jojoba derivative |
Almond
Both entries are sweet almond oil, pressed from Prunus amygdalus dulcis; the second also covers the butter made from it. Each has its own number on the list, and each page says what the papers we read graded it.
| Ingredient | Rating | Entry |
|---|---|---|
| Almond Oil | 2 Low | Plain almond |
| Sweet Almond Oil | 3–5 High | Plain almond |
The research on the method
- Kligman AM, Kwong T. “An improved rabbit ear model for assessing comedogenic substances.” British Journal of Dermatology, June 1979;100(6):699–702. (opens in a new tab) The rabbit-ear assay behind published 0 to 5 comedogenicity grades.
- Fulton JE Jr, Pay SR, Fulton JE 3rd. “Comedogenicity of current therapeutic products, cosmetics, and ingredients in the rabbit ear.” Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, January 1984;10(1):96–105. (opens in a new tab) Rabbit-ear ratings of ingredients one by one, from the group whose 1989 tables this site cites. The grades shown on this site come from those 1989 tables and from Morris and Kwan 1983.
- Draelos ZD, DiNardo JC. “A re-evaluation of the comedogenicity concept.” Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, March 2006;54(3):507–512. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2005.11.1058 (opens in a new tab) Tested finished products on the backs of six people and concluded that “Finished products using comedogenic ingredients are not necessarily comedogenic.”
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration, “Cosmetics Labeling Claims”. (opens in a new tab) States that the FDA does not keep a list of approved or accepted cosmetic claims; a label must simply be truthful and not misleading. The page does not mention “non-comedogenic”, and a full-text search of the federal regulations on 31 October 2026 found no section using the word.