What Does Comedogenic Mean and Why Should I Care? Simply put, because the Comedogenic Scale ranks the likelihood that an ingredient will block your pores.
We live in a world of influencers, video shorts, and trends. It’s difficult to understand what might work for you or your family. Has this ever happened to you? You see a video and go to the store. You read the labels. The dopamine hits when you see that amazing oil online. Bam! The decision is made, and you buy it. You get home, try it for a week, and it ends up in the bin under the bathroom sink. Your skin dried, or acne flared, now you’re frustrated, wondering how they got this glowing skin and you an outbreak.
Not only is this process frustrating, but it’s also a huge waste of money. That’s because knowing the names of the ingredients isn’t enough. Understanding what an ingredient does and its composition is essential for both consumers and makers.
What Does ‘Comedogenic’ Mean? (And Why You Should Care)
An important term that many people don’t know is comedogenic. It sounds complicated, but it is really simple: How likely is this ingredient to clog my pores?
Wait, hold on—are you telling me there is a scale to determine if this butter might cause a breakout? Yes, on a very basic level, it is. I say basic because, of course, factors like usage amounts and the type of product also come into play. But it is a great place to start!
The Comedogenic Scale: How to Read the Numbers (0 to 5)
The Comedogenic Scale assigns a number from 0 (non-comedogenic) to 5 (highly likely to clog pores). This scale applies to butters and oils used for skincare essentials.
How does this help you?
It provides you with a structure. From this structure, you can decide the main ingredients your face and body might need. You can also determine what ingredients to stay away from. This scale also helps with understanding absorption rates.
- A high rating (4-5) means the ingredient is typically thick, heavy, and will sit on your skin longer.
- A low rating (0-1) means the ingredient is light, quick-absorbing, and considered non-comedogenic.
For example, A teen with acne-prone skin should probably stay away from ingredients with a high comedogenic number. If you are creating a face oil for your business, focus on quick-absorbing oils. Ensure they have a low comedogenicity rating.
Our Commitment to Non-Comedogenic Skincare at Hazel’s Soapery
At Hazel’s Soapery, we are conscious of these numbers. We pay special attention when creating products. This is particularly true for those intended for face or beard care.
Understanding this term and these numbers isn’t a complicated process. However, doing so will make you a more informed customer. If you are a creator, your clientele is trusting you to know things that they might not. We are all inundated with information. When we see a popular ingredient flooding the internet, we imagine ourselves or our clientele having the same results.
However, depending on skin types, what’s good for the goose isn’t always good for the gander. So we have a responsibility to not just go with popular trends, but to stop and ask:
~Who will this help?
~Am I choosing it for its benefit or just label appeal?
~Does it fit the needs of my customer base and align with our mission?
~What is the end goal of the product?
Asking yourself these questions, along with research and understanding, is important. They will help you disconnect from the noise and stay true to your purpose.
To help you along this journey, here is a chart we’ve created at Hazel’s Soapery to help get you started.
(If there is an oil or butter that is not listed, there are more detailed charts available.)
That’s it. I hope you found this helpful in your journey to better skincare.
If there was a part that resonated with you, please feel free to talk to me in the comments. Or if you have any questions, just ask. Before you go, be sure to hit the like button, share, and subscribe. When you subscribe to our website, you will also receive an email that gifts you 15% off your first order.
All the best,
Camille
