Is sunflower oil comedogenic?

In Fulton’s rabbit-ear test, sunflower oil scored 0 out of 5 for comedogenicity, and 0 out of 5 for irritation. On Fulton’s own scale, 0–1 is not significant, 2–3 borderline, and 4–5 positive.

These grades come from rabbit ears: the ingredient applied daily, five days a week for two weeks, usually diluted to 10% in propylene glycol. The grade also shifts with the vehicle and the raw-material source, so one number isn’t the whole story.

SourceFulton JE Jr. Comedogenicity and irritancy of commonly used ingredients in skin care products. J Soc Cosmet Chem. 1989;40(6):321-333.

In a 2013 forearm study of 19 adults, sunflower seed oil applied twice a day for four weeks kept the skin’s outer layer intact, caused no redness and improved hydration, while olive oil on the other arm damaged that layer.

A 2018 review links the difference to fatty acids: sunflower seed oil has more linoleic acid than olive oil, and linoleic acid helps maintain the skin’s water barrier, while oleic acid, olive oil’s main fat, can disrupt it.

SourcesDanby SG, et al. Effect of olive and sunflower seed oil on the adult skin barrier: implications for neonatal skin care. Pediatr Dermatol. 2013;30(1):42-50.Lin TK, Zhong L, Santiago JL. Anti-inflammatory and skin barrier repair effects of topical application of some plant oils. Int J Mol Sci. 2018;19(1):70 (review).

Because it’s gentle on the barrier, sunflower seed oil has been studied in babies. In 90 premature babies, skin hydration was better with oil than without, and sunflower and almond oil did equally well (2020). A pilot study comparing sunflower and olive oil on newborn skin found no differences between them, and the 2018 review notes it was only a pilot.

SourcesLin TK, Zhong L, Santiago JL. Anti-inflammatory and skin barrier repair effects of topical application of some plant oils. Int J Mol Sci. 2018;19(1):70 (review).Baumann LS. Almonds and almond oil. MDedge Dermatology, September 2023 (review column).

A human-skin model found the rabbit ear more sensitive than human skin: weak rabbit comedogens were judged probably safe, except perhaps for acne-prone people. When finished products were patch-tested on acne-prone backs, products containing comedogenic ingredients were not necessarily comedogenic.

Comedogenic risk also depends on concentration. Ingredients that clog pores when applied neat showed no effect at the under-15% levels typical of face products, and you cannot tell from an ingredient list whether a product will cause acne — only testing the finished product can.

SourcesMills OH Jr, Kligman AM. A human model for assessing comedogenic substances. Arch Dermatol. 1982;118(11):903-905 (abstract).Draelos ZD, DiNardo JC. A re-evaluation of the comedogenicity concept. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2006;54(3):507-512 (abstract).Kligman AM. Petrolatum is not comedogenic in rabbits or humans: a critical reappraisal of the rabbit ear assay and the concept of 'acne cosmetica'. J Soc Cosmet Chem. 1996;47(1):41-48.

The AAD tells acne-prone people to look for products labeled “non-comedogenic” or “won’t clog pores.” But “non-comedogenic” has no FDA definition, so a brand can use the label without any standard test behind it. The honest takeaway: a single comedogenicity number — high or low — is a weak guide. If a product breaks you out, that is the real test.

SourcesAmerican Academy of Dermatology: Acne: Tips for managing.Starzyk T, Aust N, Schur N, Miller R. Comedogenicity in cosmeceuticals: a review of clinical relevance, regulatory gaps, and future directions. JAAD Reviews. 2025;6:78-83 (open access).U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Cosmetics Labeling Claims.