Comedogenic Scale: What is it?

Hi All!

When using products that contain any type of oil or butter, I always check its comedogenic scale rating!

A comedogenic scale measures how likely skincare ingredients such as oils and butters will clog pores. Since most skincare products contain oils or plant butters in their formulations, it is important to know their comedogenic scale to know what it may do to your skin. 

The comedogenic scale ranges from 0-5. 

0-  Does not clog pores

1- Low

2- Moderately Low

3- Moderate

4- Fairly High

5- High

For the most part, anything rated 2 and below will not clog the majority of people's skin. So you might be thinking, why would anyone want to use anything rated above a 3 if it can potentially clog pores? 

Since everyone's skin is different and everyone's needs are different, just because something is rated higher on the comedogenic scale doesn't necessarily mean that it will 100% clog YOUR pores. Oils and butter compose of nourishing ingredients such as antioxidants, fatty acids such as omega 3 and omega 6, anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties. Some even provide protection from UV radiation. Each oil and butter contain different nourishing factors to it. Depending on your skin type, you might benefit from oils that are within the mid-range of the comedogenic scale since it might be more moisturizing than oils and butter rated low on the comedogenic scale. 

Here are a few oils and butters and their comedogenic rating from 0-5.

Rating 0

Argan Oil

Hemp Oil

Shea Butter

Camelia Oil

Sunflower Oil

Safflower Oil

Rating 1

Grapeseed Oil

Calendula Oil

Rosehip Seed Oil

Sea Buckthorn Oil

Babbasu Oil

Emu Oil

Rating 2

Almond Oil

Apricot Kernal Oil

Evening Primrose Oil

Olive Oil

Jojoba Oil

Sesame Oil 

Rating 3

Avocado Oil

Soybean Oil

Carrot Seed Oil 

Cotton Seed Oil

Date Seed Oil

Rating 4-5 

Marula Oil 

Cocoa Butter

Coconut Butter

Coconut Oil 

Cupuacu Butter

Palm Kernal Oil

Wheat Germ Oil

Knowing the comedogenic scale rating of a particular oil or butter is a great tool to help you figure out which products to avoid using! It can also help you determine which products you are currently using that could be contain the ingredient that is the culprit to clogging up your pores. Generally, I like to google the comedogenic scale rating of oil or butter before applying it onto my skin! 

All the best,

Sara