Will it clog your pores?
Paste an ingredient list, or pick one ingredient. See each one’s published lab grade, 0 to 5.
- 1Label
- 2Lab sheet
- 3Meaning
Grades from the 1989 and 1984 rabbit-ear papers, never estimated.
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Everything in this tool, in full
Paste an ingredient list. Each ingredient is checked against 228 published lab ratings (Fulton’s 1989 and 1984 tables), with the rating, the source and its limits.
Want more than pores? The skincare ingredient checker runs these same lab grades plus actives, fragrance allergens, pregnancy and rosacea flags on one ingredient list.
What the ratings can't tell you
Where the numbers come from
Researchers put each ingredient on rabbit ears every weekday for 2 weeks, usually diluted to 10%, then graded the plugs in the pores from 0 (none) to 5 (severe). The author read 0–1 as not significant, 2–3 as borderline and 4–5 as positive.
Rabbit ears are not faces
A study on human backs found the rabbit ear more sensitive than human skin. Another found that finished products containing a “comedogenic” ingredient were not necessarily comedogenic. Concentration and the rest of the formula matter.
What dermatologists suggest
The American Academy of Dermatology tells people with acne-prone skin to look for products labeled “non-comedogenic” or “won’t clog pores.” That label is not defined by the FDA, so brands test it in their own ways.
Rated 4 or 5 in the lab
These 26 ingredients got the highest grades in the rabbit-ear tests. In a finished product, the amount and the rest of the formula still matter.
Full table: 228 ingredients
228 ingredients shown
| Ingredient | Pores | Irritation |
|---|---|---|
| A & D Additive | 2 | 0 |
| Acetone | 0 | 0 |
| Acetylated Lanolin | 0 | 0 |
| Acetylated Lanolin Alcohol | 4 | 2 |
| Alcohol Denat.SD alcohol 40 | 0 | 0 |
| Allantoin | 0 | 0 |
| Almond OilSweet almond oil, Prunus amygdalus dulcis (sweet almond) oil | 2 (refined: 1) | 0 |
| Amoniomethylpropinate | 0 | 0 |
| Apricot Kernel OilPrunus armeniaca (apricot) kernel oil | 2 (refined: 1) | 0 |
| Arachidic AcidEicosanoic acid | 2 | 0 |
| Ascorbyl Palmitate | 2 | 0 |
| Avocado OilPersea gratissima (avocado) oil | 3 (refined: 2) | 0 |
| Babassu OilOrbignya oleifera (babassu) seed oil | 1 | 0 |
| BeeswaxCera alba, White beeswax | 0–2* | 0 |
| Behenic AcidDocosanoic acid | 0 | 0 |
| Behenyl Erucate | 0 | 0 |
| Behenyl Triglyceride | 0 | 0 |
| Bentonite | 0 | 0 |
| Benzophenone-3Oxybenzone | 0 | 0 |
| Black Walnut Extract | 0 | 0 |
| Butyl Stearate | 3 | 0 |
| Butylene Glycol | 1 | 0 |
| Candelilla WaxEuphorbia cerifera (candelilla) wax | 1 | 0 |
| Capric AcidDecanoic acid | 2 | 2 |
| Caprylic AcidOctanoic acid | 1 | 3 |
| Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideGlyceryl tricapylo/caprate, Glyceryl tricaprylate/caprate | 1 | 1 |
| Carbomer 940Carbomer | 1 | 0 |
| CarboxymethylcelluloseCellulose gum, CMC | 0 | 0 |
| Carboxypropylcellulose | 1 | 0 |
| CarmineCI 75470, Cochineal | 0 | 0 |
| Carnauba WaxCarnuba wax, Copernicia cerifera (carnauba) wax | 1 | 0 |
| Castor OilRicinus communis (castor) seed oil | 1 | 0 |
| CeresinCeresin wax | 0 | 0 |
| Ceteareth-20Ceteareth 20 | 2 | 3 |
| Cetearyl AlcoholCetostearyl alcohol | 2 | 1 |
| Cetearyl Alcohol + Ceteareth-20 (blend)Cetearyl alcohol + ceteareth 20 | 4 | 1 |
| Cetyl Acetate | 4 | 2 |
| Cetyl Alcohol | 2 | 2 |
| Cetyl EstersCetyl ester NF | 1 | 1 |
| Cetyl Palmitate | 0 | 0 |
| Chamomile Extract | 0 | 0 |
| Chaulmoogra Oil | 1 | 0 |
| Cholesterol | 0 | 0 |
| Choleth-24Choleth 24 | 0 | 0 |
| Chondroitin Sulfate | 0 | 0 |
| Chromium Hydroxide GreenChromium hydroxide, Chrominum hydroxide, CI 77289 | 0–1 | — |
| Cocoa ButterTheobroma cacao (cocoa) seed butter, Theobroma cacao seed butter | 4 | 0 |
| Coconut Butter | 4 | 0 |
| Colloidal Sulfur | 3 | — |
| Corn OilZea mays (corn) oil | 3 | 0 |
| Cottonseed OilCotton seed oil, Gossypium herbaceum (cotton) seed oil | 3 | 2 |
| Cyclomethicone | 0 | 0 |
| D&C Red No. 17D&C Red 17, Red 17 | 3 | 0 |
| D&C Red No. 19D&C Red 19, Red 19 | 2 | 0 |
| D&C Red No. 2D&C Red 2 | 3 | — |
| D&C Red No. 21D&C Red 21, Red 21 | 2 | 0 |
| D&C Red No. 27D&C Red 27, Red 27 | 2 | 0 |
| D&C Red No. 3D&C Red 3, Red 3 | 3 | 0 |
| D&C Red No. 30D&C Red 30, Red 30 | 3 | 0 |
| D&C Red No. 33D&C Red 33, Red 33 | 1 | 2 |
| D&C Red No. 36D&C Red 36, Red 36 | 3 | 0 |
| D&C Red No. 4D&C Red 4, Red 4 | 2 | 1 |
| D&C Red No. 40D&C Red 40 | 2 | 2 |
| D&C Red No. 6D&C Red 6, Red 6 | 1 | 0 |
| D&C Red No. 7D&C Red 7, Red 7 | 1 | 0 |
| D&C Red No. 9D&C Red 9, Red 9 | 1 | 0 |
| Decyl Oleate | 3 | 0 |
| Diethylhexyl SuccinateDi (2 ethylhexyl) succinate, Di(2-ethylhexyl) succinate | 2 | 0 |
| Diisopropyl Adipate | 0 | 0 |
| Diisopropyl Dimerate | 0 | 0 |
| Dimethicone | 1 | 0 |
| Dioctyl MalateDiethylhexyl malate | 3 | 1 |
| Dioctyl Succinate | 3 | 2 |
| Emulsifying Wax NFEmulsifying wax | 0 | 0–2* |
| EthoxydiglycolDiethylene glycol monoethyl ether | 0 | 0 |
| Ethoxylated Lanolin | 3 | — |
| Ethyl EtherDiethyl ether | 0 | 0 |
| Ethylene Glycol Monomethyl EtherEGME, 2-Methoxyethanol | 0 | 0 |
| Ethylhexyl Dimethyl PABAOctyl dimethyl PABA, Padimate O | 0 | 0 |
| Ethylhexyl MethoxycinnamateOctyl methoxycinnamate, Octinoxate | 0 | 0 |
| Ethylhexyl PalmitateOctyl palmitate, 2-Ethylhexyl palmitate | 4 | 0 |
| Ethylhexyl PelargonateOctyl pelargonate | 2 | 3 |
| Ethylhexyl SalicylateOctyl salicylate, Octisalate | 0 | 0 |
| Evening Primrose OilOenothera biennis (evening primrose) oil | 3 | 2 |
| Glucose Glutamate | 0 | 0 |
| Glycereth-26 | 0 | 0 |
| GlycerinGlycerol, Glycerine | 0 | 0 |
| Glyceryl Stearate (non-self-emulsifying)Glyceryl Stearate, Glyceryl stearate NSE, Glyceryl monostearate | 1 | 0 |
| Glyceryl Stearate SEGlyceryl stearate self-emulsifying | 3 | 2 |
| Glyceryl-3-DiisostearateGlyceryl-3-diisostearate | 4 | 0 |
| Glycol StearateEthylene glycol monostearate | 0 | 0 |
| Hectorite | 1 | — |
| Hexylene Glycol | 0–2* | 0–1 |
| Hydrogenated Castor OilCastor wax | 1 | 0 |
| Hydrogenated PolyisobuteneHydrogenated polyisobutane | 1 | 2 |
| Hydrogenated Vegetable OilCrisco | 3 | 0 |
| Hydrolyzed Animal Protein | 0 | 0 |
| HydroxypropylcelluloseHydroxypropyl cellulose | 1 | 0 |
| Iron OxidesCI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499 | 0 | 0 |
| Isocetyl Alcohol | 4 | 4 |
| Isodecyl Oleate | 2–3* | 1–2 |
| Isopropyl AlcoholIsopropanol | 0 | 0 |
| Isopropyl Isostearate | 5 | 0 |
| Isopropyl LinoleateIsopropyl linolate | 4 | 2 |
| Isopropyl MyristateIPM | 5 | 3 |
| Isopropyl PalmitateIPP | 4 | 1 |
| Isostearyl Isostearate | 4 | 1 |
| Isostearyl Neopentanoate | 3 | 3 |
| Jojoba OilSimmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil, Jojoba seed oil | 0–2* | 0 |
| KaolinChina clay | 0 | 0 |
| Laneth-10Laneth 10 | 2 | 1 |
| LanolinAnhydrous lanolin, Wool fat, Wool wax | 0–1* | 0 |
| Lanolin AlcoholWool wax alcohol | 0–2* | 0 |
| Lanolin Oil | 0–1* | 0 |
| Lanolin Wax | 1 | 0 |
| Laureth-23Laureth 23 | 3 | 0 |
| Laureth-4Laureth 4 | 5 | 4 |
| Lauric AcidDodecanoic acid | 4 | 1 |
| Lithium Stearate | 1 | 0 |
| Magnesium Aluminum Silicate | 0 | 0 |
| Magnesium Stearate | 1 | 0 |
| Maleated Soybean Oil | 0 | 0 |
| MethylparabenMethyl paraben | 0 | 0 |
| Mineral OilParaffinum liquidum, Liquid paraffin | 0–2 | 0 |
| Mink Oil | 3 (refined: 2) | 1 |
| Myristic AcidTetradecanoic acid | 3 | 0 |
| Myristyl Alcohol | 2 | 4 |
| Myristyl Lactate | 4 | 2 |
| Myristyl Myristate | 5 | 2 |
| Octyldodecyl Stearate | 0 | 0 |
| Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate | 0 | 0 |
| Oleth-10Oleth 10 | 2 | 1 |
| Oleth-20Oleth 20 | 1 | 0 |
| Oleth-3Oleth 3 | 5 | 2 |
| Oleth-3 PhosphateOleth 3 phosphate | 2 | 2 |
| Oleth-5Oleth 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Oleyl Alcohol | 4 | 2 |
| Olive OilOlea europaea (olive) fruit oil | 2 (refined: 1) | 0 |
| Palmitic AcidHexadecanoic acid | 2 | 0 |
| PanthenolProvitamin B5, D-panthenol | 0 | 0 |
| Papain | 0 | 0 |
| Peanut OilArachis hypogaea (peanut) oil, Groundnut oil | 2 | 0 |
| PEG-10 Soya SterolPeg 10 soya sterol, PEG-10 soy sterol | 0 | 1 |
| PEG-100 DistearatePEG 100 distearate | 2 | 0 |
| PEG-100 StearatePEG 100 stearate | 0 | 0 |
| PEG-120 Methyl Glucose DioleatePEG 120 methyl glucose dioleate | 0 | 0 |
| PEG-150 DistearatePEG 150 distearate | 2 | 0 |
| PEG-16 LanolinPEG 16 lanolin, Solulan 16 | 4 | 3 |
| PEG-20 StearatePEG 20 stearate | 1 | 0 |
| PEG-200 DilauratePEG 200 dilaurate | 3 | 2 |
| PEG-40 Castor OilPEG 40 castor oil | 0 | 0 |
| PEG-40 Sorbitan LauratePEG 40 sorbitan laurate | 0 | 0 |
| PEG-5 Soya SterolPeg 5 soya sterol, PEG-5 soy sterol | 0 | 0 |
| PEG-6Polyethylene glycol 300, PEG 300, Polythylene glycol 300 | 1 | — |
| PEG-75 LanolinPEG 75 lanolin | 0 | 0 |
| PEG-78 Glyceryl CocoatePEG 78 glyceryl monococoate | 0 | 1 |
| PEG-8Polyethylene glycol 400, PEG 400 | 1 | 0 |
| PEG-8 Castor OilPEG 8 castor oil | 1 | 1 |
| PEG-8 StearatePEG 8 stearate | 3 | 1 |
| Pentaerythrityl Tetracaprylate/TetracapratePentaerythrital tetra capra/caprylate | 0 | 0 |
| Pentaerythrityl TetraisostearatePentaerythrital tetra isostearate | 2 | 0 |
| PetrolatumPetroleum jelly, White petrolatum, Vaseline | 0 | — |
| PG Caprylate/CapratePropylene glycol caprylate/caprate | 2 | 2 |
| PhenoxyethylparabenPhenoxyethyl paraben | 0 | 0 |
| Phytantriol | 2 | 2 |
| Polyglyceryl-3 DiisostearatePolyglyceryl-3-diisostearate | 4 | 0 |
| Polypentaerythrital Tetralaurate | 0 | 0 |
| Polysorbate 20 | 0 | 0 |
| Polysorbate 80 | 0 | 0 |
| PPG 30 Cetyl Ester | 0 | 0 |
| PPG 50 Cetyl Ester | 0 | 0 |
| PPG-10 Cetyl EtherPPG 10 cetyl ether | 3 | 1 |
| PPG-12-PEG-65 Lanolin OilPPG 12 PEG 65 lanolin oil | 2 | 0 |
| PPG-2 Myristyl Ether PropionatePPG 2 myristyl propionate, PPG-2 myristyl propionate | 3 | 2 |
| PPG-5-Ceteth-10 PhosphatePPG 5 ceteth 10 phosphate | 4 | 2 |
| Propylene GlycolPG | 0 | 0 |
| Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/DicapratePG dicaprylate/caprate | 1 | 0 |
| Propylene Glycol DipelargonatePG dipelargonate | 2 | 2 |
| Propylene Glycol LauratePG laurate | 0 | 3 |
| Propylene Glycol StearatePG monostearate, Propylene glycol monostearate | 0–3 | 0–1 |
| PropylparabenPropyl paraben | 0 | 0 |
| PVPPolyvinylpyrrolidone | 0 | 0 |
| Retinyl PalmitateVitamin A palmitate | 1–3* | 1–3* |
| Safflower OilCarthamus tinctorius (safflower) seed oil | 0 | 0 |
| Sandalwood Seed Oil | 2 | 0 |
| Sesame OilSesamum indicum (sesame) seed oil | 3 (refined: 1) | 0 |
| Shark Liver Oil | 3 | 2 |
| Simethicone | 1 | 0 |
| Sodium Hyaluronate | 0 | 0 |
| Sodium Lauryl SulfateSLS | 5 | — |
| Sodium PCA | 0 | 0 |
| Sorbitan Isostearate | 1–2* | 0 |
| Sorbitan Laurate | 1–2* | 1–2 |
| Sorbitan Oleate | 3 | 0 |
| Sorbitan SesquioleateSorbitan sesquinoleate | 0–1* | 0 |
| Sorbitan Stearate | 0 | 1 |
| Sorbitol | 0 | 0 |
| Soya SterolSoy sterol | 0 | 0 |
| Soybean OilGlycine soja (soybean) oil, Soy oil | 3 | 0 |
| Squalane | 1 | 0 |
| Steareth-10Steareth 10 | 4 | 3 |
| Steareth-100Steareth 100 | 0 | 0 |
| Steareth-2Steareth 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Steareth-20Steareth 20 | 2 | 1 |
| Stearic AcidOctadecanoic acid | 2–3* | 0 |
| Stearic Acid:TEAStearic acid: TEA, TEA-stearate, Triethanolamine stearate | 3 | 2 |
| Stearyl Alcohol | 2 | 2 |
| Stearyl Heptanoate | 4 | 0 |
| Sterol Esters | 0 | 0 |
| Sucrose Distearate | 0 | 2 |
| Sucrose Stearate | 0 | 0 |
| Sulfated Castor OilTurkey red oil | 3 | — |
| Sulfated Jojoba Oil | 3 | 2 |
| Sulfur (precipitated)Precipitated sulfur | 0 | 0 |
| Sunflower OilHelianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, Sunflower seed oil | 0 | 0 |
| Talc | 1 | 0 |
| Titanium DioxideCI 77891 | 0 | 0 |
| TocopherolVitamin E | 0–3* | 0–3* |
| Tocopheryl AcetateVitamin E acetate | 0 | 0 |
| Triacetin | 0 | 0 |
| Tridecyl NeopentanoateTridectyl neopentanoate | 0 | 3 |
| TriethanolamineTEA | 2 | 0 |
| Ultramarine VioletCI 77007 | 0 | 0 |
| Water-Soluble Sulfur | 3 | 0 |
| Wheat Germ GlyceridesWheat germ glyceride | 3 | 2 |
| Xylene | 4 | 3 |
| Zinc Oxide | 1 | 0 |
| Zinc Stearate | 0 | 0 |
* The researcher noted the result depends on the raw material’s source. “Refined” = the refined oil scored lower. Grades are from Fulton 1989, except petrolatum, sodium lauryl sulfate and 7 others, which come from Fulton 1984.
Quick answers
Is petrolatum (Vaseline) comedogenic?
Usually not. Petrolatum scored 0 out of 5 in a rabbit-ear test, and in a small study 10 people with acne used it twice a day for 8 weeks with no pore clogging. Still, the American Academy of Dermatology advises people with acne-prone skin to keep it off the face, because it may cause breakouts in some people.
- Fulton et al., J Am Acad Dermatol, 1984Petrolatum graded 0 of 5.
- Kligman, J Soc Cosmet Chem, 1996No pore clogging in acne patients over 8 weeks.
- American Academy of Dermatology: Petroleum jelly“May cause breakouts in some people” if acne-prone.
Is coconut oil comedogenic?
It can be. In the classic 1989 rabbit-ear table, coconut (listed as “coconut butter”) scored 4 out of 5, among the highest of the oils tested. A Cleveland Clinic dermatologist advises against using coconut oil on the face, especially for oily or acne-prone skin.
- Fulton, J Soc Cosmet Chem, 1989 (Table I)“Coconut butter” graded 4 for pore clogging.
- Cleveland Clinic: Should you use coconut oil on your skin?Not recommended on the face, worse for oily skin.
Is glycerin comedogenic?
No. Glycerin scored 0 out of 5 in two rabbit-ear studies. It is a common moisturizing ingredient, and the American Academy of Dermatology lists it among ingredients to look for in creams for dry skin.
- Fulton, J Soc Cosmet Chem, 1989Glycerin graded 0.
- American Academy of Dermatology: Tips for relieving dry skinGlycerin is an ingredient to look for.
Is squalane comedogenic?
Unlikely. Squalane scored 1 out of 5 in the 1989 rabbit-ear table. It is not the same as squalene: squalene is an oil your skin makes, and squalane is squalene with hydrogen added, which makes it much more stable. Squalene that has been oxidized clogged pores strongly in lab tests.
- Fulton, J Soc Cosmet Chem, 1989Squalane graded 1.
- Zhang et al., Cosmetics, 2025Squalane is hydrogenated squalene and resists oxidation.
- Motoyoshi, Br J Dermatol, 1983Squalene peroxides were highly comedogenic.
Is beeswax comedogenic?
Usually low risk. Beeswax scored 0 to 2 out of 5 in the 1989 rabbit-ear table. The researcher noted that some commercial batches clogged pores more than others, so it depends on where the wax comes from.
- Fulton, J Soc Cosmet Chem, 1989 (Table I and p. 327)Beeswax 0–2; results depend on the raw material.
Is mineral oil comedogenic?
Results are mixed. Mineral oil scored 0 to 2 out of 5 in the 1989 rabbit-ear table, between what the researcher read as not significant and borderline, and he wrote that some sources of mineral oil were acceptable and others were not. The American Academy of Dermatology lists it among ingredients to look for in a cream for dry skin.
- Fulton, J Soc Cosmet Chem, 1989 (Table I, p. 326; p. 328)Mineral oil graded 0–2; “some sources are acceptable others are not.”
- Fulton, J Soc Cosmet Chem, 1989 (Methods, p. 322)Grades 0–1 read as not significant, 2–3 as borderline.
- American Academy of Dermatology: Tips for relieving dry skinMineral oil is an ingredient to look for in a cream or ointment.
Is lanolin comedogenic?
It depends on the type. Plain lanolin and lanolin alcohol scored 0 to 2 out of 5 in rabbit-ear tests, but acetylated lanolin alcohol scored 4. Lanolin can also cause skin allergies in some people.
- Fulton, J Soc Cosmet Chem, 1989Lanolin 0–1, lanolin alcohol 0–2, acetylated lanolin alcohol 4.
- DermNet: Contact reactions to lanolinLanolin can cause allergic skin reactions.
Is Aquaphor comedogenic?
Its brand says it is clinically proven non-comedogenic. Petrolatum, its main ingredient, didn’t clog pores in rabbit-ear tests; mineral oil and lanolin alcohol ranged from 0 to 2, depending on the source. See the full breakdown →
One face scan. Your whole routine, sorted.
This page answered your question. MySkincare starts from your own skin, and the products you already use.
- 1Scan your face3 photos: front, left profile, right profile.
- 2See your skin scoreFree6 zones scored separately: forehead, eye area, T-zone, both cheeks, chin.
- 3Scan your productsIt reads each ingredient list and says: keep it, watch it or replace it.
- 4Follow your routineMorning and night, checked so your products work together. With reminders.
Questions people ask
What does comedogenic mean?
It means likely to clog pores and cause comedones (blackheads and whiteheads). The ratings on this page come from lab tests on rabbit ears, scored from 0 (no change) to 5 (severe).
Is “non-comedogenic” a regulated claim?
No. The FDA has no legal definition for it, so each brand decides how to test it. A 2025 review in JAAD Reviews points this out.
Can a product with a high-rated ingredient still be fine?
Yes. A study that tested finished products on people found that products containing “comedogenic” ingredients were not necessarily comedogenic. How much is used and the rest of the formula matter.
What should I look for if my skin is acne-prone?
The American Academy of Dermatology suggests products labeled “non-comedogenic” or “won’t clog pores”, especially sunscreen and makeup.
American Academy of Dermatologyaad.org
- Acne tips for managing
Look for “non-comedogenic” or “won’t clog pores.”
DailyMed, US National Library of Medicinedailymed.nlm.nih.gov
- FDA label (DailyMed): Aquaphor Healing Ointment, petrolatum 41%
Full ingredient list: petrolatum 41% plus six inactive ingredients.
Studies and other sources
- Fulton JE Jr. Comedogenicity and irritancy of commonly used ingredients in skin care products. J Soc Cosmet Chem. 1989;40(6):321-333.library.scconline.org
- Fulton JE Jr, Pay SR, Fulton JE 3rd. Comedogenicity of current therapeutic products, cosmetics, and ingredients in the rabbit ear. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1984;10(1):96-105.pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Mills & Kligman, Arch Dermatol, 1982jamanetwork.com
Human back model: the rabbit ear is more sensitive.
- Draelos & DiNardo, J Am Acad Dermatol, 2006pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Finished products with comedogenic ingredients not necessarily comedogenic.
- Starzyk et al., JAAD Reviews, 2025jaadreviews.org
“Non-comedogenic” has no FDA legal definition.
- Aquaphor (Beiersdorf): How it worksaquaphorus.com
The brand’s own claim: clinically proven non-comedogenic.
- Kligman, J Soc Cosmet Chem, 1996 (p. 45)library.scconline.org
Rabbit ear: none of five petrolatum samples from different producers was comedogenic.
- Fulton, J Soc Cosmet Chem, 1989 (Table I, pp. 324–326)library.scconline.org
Lanolin alcohol 0–2* and mineral oil 0–2; * means results depend on the source of the raw material.
- Fulton, J Soc Cosmet Chem, 1989 (p. 328)library.scconline.org
Mineral oil: “some sources are acceptable others are not.”