Comedogenic Ratings List
All 313 ingredients in our database with their 0–5 comedogenic rating, the publication it comes from, and how far the number can be trusted. Sort, filter, or download the JSON (CC BY 4.0).
313 of 313
| 0/5 | Abyssinian Seed OilLight wax-ester-like oil, rated 0. | Single-source | compilation |
| 2/5 | Acai Berry OilFruit oil, low-moderate. | Single-source | compilation |
| 0/5 | AcetoneSolvent; rated 0 in the classic table. | Single-source | compilation |
| 4/5 | Acetylated LanolinModified lanolin, strongly comedogenic. | Single-source | compilation |
| 4/5 | Acetylated Lanolin AlcoholGraded 4–5 in the original Fulton 1989 paper, attributed to its cetyl acetate content. | Contested | Fulton 1989 |
| 5/5 | Algae ExtractRated highly comedogenic in classic lists; species vary. | Single-source | compilation |
| 4/5 | AlginAlgae-derived thickener, rated high in classic lists. | Single-source | compilation |
| 0/5 | AllantoinNon-comedogenic soother. | Single-source | compilation |
| 2/5 | Almond ButterLow-moderate, like the oil. | Single-source | compilation |
| 2/5 | Almond OilGraded 2 crude / 1 refined in Fulton 1989. | Contested | Fulton 1989 |
| 1/5 | Aloe ButterAloe extract in a coconut-derived base, cited 0–1; higher kept. | Contested | compilation |
| 0/5 | Aloe VeraNon-comedogenic. | Single-source | compilation |
| 0/5 | Aminomethyl PropanolGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 0. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 2/5 | Andiroba Seed OilAmazonian seed oil, low-moderate. | Single-source | compilation |
| 2/5 | Apricot Kernel OilGraded 2 crude / 1 refined in Fulton 1989. | Contested | Fulton 1989 |
| 0/5 | Argan OilNon-comedogenic. | Single-source | compilation |
| 0/5 | Ascorbic AcidVitamin C active, rated 0. | Single-source | compilation |
| 2/5 | Ascorbyl PalmitateLow-moderate. | Single-source | compilation |
| 3/5 | Avocado ButterRicher processed form; cited higher than avocado oil. | Single-source | compilation |
| 2/5 | Avocado OilGraded 3 crude / 2 refined in Fulton 1989; compilations cite 2, which we keep for cosmetic grades. | Contested | Fulton 1989 |
| 0/5 | Azelaic AcidRated 0 in published lists. | Single-source | compilation |
| 1/5 | Babassu OilGraded 1 in the original Fulton 1989 table (some later unattributed lists cite 2). | Contested | Fulton 1989 |
| 4/5 | Bacuri ButterCited high in butter compilations. | Single-source | compilation |
| 2/5 | Baobab Seed OilCited 2 in oils compilations. | Single-source | compilation |
| 2/5 | BeeswaxLow-moderate. | Single-source | compilation |
| 0/5 | Behenic AcidGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 0 — long chains rate low. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 0/5 | Behenyl ErucateLong-chain ester rated 0 in the original Fulton testing. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 0/5 | BentoniteNon-comedogenic clay. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 2/5 | Benzoic AcidPreservative, low-moderate in classic lists. | Single-source | compilation |
| 0/5 | Benzoyl PeroxideRated non-comedogenic (0) in published lists. | Single-source | compilation |
| 1/5 | Beta CaroteneColorant/antioxidant, rated low. | Single-source | compilation |
| 0/5 | BisabololNon-comedogenic soother. | Single-source | compilation |
| 2/5 | Black Cumin Seed OilCited 0–2 across lists; higher kept. | Contested | compilation |
| 1/5 | Black Currant Seed OilLinoleic-rich, cited 0–1; higher kept. | Contested | compilation |
| 0/5 | Black Walnut ExtractGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 0. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 2/5 | Blackberry Seed OilCited 1–2; higher kept. | Contested | compilation |
| 1/5 | Blueberry Seed OilCited 0–1; higher kept. | Contested | compilation |
| 2/5 | Borage OilGLA-rich seed oil, low-moderate. | Single-source | compilation |
| 2/5 | Brazil Nut OilNut oil, low-moderate. | Single-source | compilation |
| 1/5 | Broccoli Seed OilRated low. | Single-source | compilation |
| 2/5 | Buriti OilCarotenoid-rich fruit oil, low-moderate. | Single-source | compilation |
| 3/5 | Butyl StearateEster, moderate. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 1/5 | Butylene GlycolSolvent/humectant, very low. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 1/5 | Calendula ExtractBotanical extract, rated low. | Single-source | compilation |
| 1/5 | Camellia Seed OilOleic tea-seed oil, rated low. | Single-source | compilation |
| 2/5 | CamphorLow-moderate in classic lists. | Single-source | compilation |
| 1/5 | Candelilla WaxLow. | Single-source | compilation |
| 1/5 | Canola OilCited 0–1; higher kept. | Contested | compilation |
| 2/5 | Capric AcidFatty acid, low-moderate. | Single-source | compilation |
| 2/5 | Caproic AcidFulton 1989 Table III graded it 0 in a volatile solvent and 2 in an oil vehicle; higher-caution 2 kept. | Contested | Fulton 1989 |
| 1/5 | Caprylic AcidFatty acid, rated low. | Single-source | compilation |
| 1/5 | Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideFractionated coconut oil; lightweight ester rated low — the lauric and myristic acids of whole coconut oil are removed. | Single-source | compilation |
| 1/5 | CarbomerFulton 1989 graded Carbomer 940 at 1; modern lists cite 0. | Contested | Fulton 1989 |
| 0/5 | CarboxymethylcelluloseGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 0. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 0/5 | CarmineGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 0. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 1/5 | Carnauba WaxLow. | Single-source | compilation |
| 5/5 | CarrageenanRed-algae thickener, high classic rating. | Single-source | compilation |
| 4/5 | Carrot Seed OilCited 3–4; higher kept. | Contested | compilation |
| 1/5 | Castor OilLow. | Single-source | compilation |
| 0/5 | Centella Asiatica ExtractNon-comedogenic. | Single-source | compilation |
| 0/5 | Ceramide NPNon-comedogenic barrier lipid. | Single-source | compilation |
| 0/5 | CeresinGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 0. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 2/5 | Ceteareth-20Graded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 2 alone; the cetearyl-alcohol combo grades 4. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 2/5 | Cetearyl AlcoholFatty alcohol, low-moderate alone (see combo with ceteareth-20). | Single-source | compilation |
| 4/5 | Cetearyl Alcohol + Ceteareth-20The combo rates higher than either alone. | Single-source | compilation |
| 4/5 | Cetyl AcetateOften paired with acetylated lanolin alcohol. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 2/5 | Cetyl AlcoholFatty alcohol, low-moderate. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 1/5 | Cetyl EstersGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 1. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 0/5 | Cetyl PalmitateEster rated 0 in the original Fulton testing. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 0/5 | Chamomile ExtractGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 0. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 1/5 | Chaulmoogra OilGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 1. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 2/5 | Cherry Kernel OilKernel oil, low-moderate. | Single-source | compilation |
| 3/5 | Chia Seed OilConflicting citations (1–3); higher-caution 3 kept. | Contested | compilation |
| 0/5 | CholesterolBarrier lipid, non-comedogenic in formulas. | Single-source | compilation |
| 0/5 | Choleth-24Graded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 0. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 1/5 | Cloudberry Seed OilNordic berry oil, rated low. | Single-source | compilation |
| 0/5 | Cocamidopropyl BetaineMild surfactant, non-comedogenic. | Single-source | compilation |
| 4/5 | Cocoa ButterRich butter, strongly comedogenic. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 4/5 | Coconut ButterAs comedogenic as the oil. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 4/5 | Coconut OilBeloved, but strongly comedogenic on facial skin. | Single-source | compilation |
| 2/5 | Coffee ButterCited 1–2; higher kept. | Contested | compilation |
| 0/5 | Colloidal OatmealNon-comedogenic soother. | Single-source | compilation |
| 3/5 | Colloidal SulfurRated moderate in classic lists. | Single-source | compilation |
| 3/5 | Corn OilModerate. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 3/5 | Cottonseed OilModerate. | Single-source | compilation |
| 2/5 | Cranberry Seed OilLow-moderate. | Single-source | compilation |
| 1/5 | Cucumber Seed OilRated low. | Single-source | compilation |
| 4/5 | Cupuacu ButterConflicting citations (1–4); higher-caution 4 kept. | Contested | compilation |
| 0/5 | CyclomethiconeVolatile silicone, non-comedogenic. | Single-source | compilation |
| 3/5 | D & C Red Dyes (xanthene/monoazo types)Several D&C red pigments rate moderate in classic lists; common in blushes. Fulton Table II showed the vehicle matters — red #36 graded 3 in mineral oil but 0 in PEG-400. | Contested | Fulton 1989 |
| 3/5 | D&C Red 17Azo dye, rated moderate in classic lists. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 2/5 | D&C Red 19Dye, low-moderate in classic lists. | Single-source | compilation |
| 1/5 | D&C Red 33Graded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 1. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 2/5 | D&C Red 4Graded 2 in the original Fulton 1989 table. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 2/5 | D&C Red 40Graded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 2. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 1/5 | D&C Red 6Dye, rated low. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 1/5 | D&C Red 7Dye, rated low. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 1/5 | D&C Red 9Dye, rated low. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 3/5 | Decyl OleateEster, moderate. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 3/5 | Diethylhexyl MalateGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 3. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 2/5 | Diethylhexyl SuccinateGraded 2 in the original Fulton 1989 table, where it appears as dioctyl succinate (some later unattributed lists cite 3). | Contested | Fulton 1989 |
| 0/5 | Diisopropyl AdipateGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 0. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 0/5 | Diisopropyl Dimer DilinoleateGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 0. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 1/5 | Diisostearyl MalateLip-gloss ester, rated low (some compilations say up to 2). | Contested | compilation |
| 1/5 | DimethiconeSilicone, very low. | Single-source | compilation |
| 2/5 | Eicosanoic AcidGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 2; long-chain fatty acid. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 1/5 | Emu OilLow. | Single-source | compilation |
| 0/5 | Emulsifying Wax NFGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 0 for comedogenicity. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 0/5 | EthoxydiglycolGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 0. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 4/5 | Ethylhexyl PalmitateWidely used ester; caution rating. | Single-source | compilation |
| 2/5 | Ethylhexyl PelargonateGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 2. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 0/5 | EthylhexylglycerinPreservative booster, non-comedogenic. | Single-source | compilation |
| 0/5 | EthylparabenPreservative, rated 0. | Single-source | compilation |
| 3/5 | Evening Primrose OilGraded 3 in the original Fulton 1989 table; some compilations cite 2. | Contested | Fulton 1989 |
| 4/5 | Flaxseed OilStrongly comedogenic in classic lists. | Single-source | compilation |
| 0/5 | Glycereth-26Graded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 0. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 0/5 | GlycerinHumectant, non-comedogenic. | Single-source | compilation |
| 2/5 | Glyceryl StearateCommon emulsifier, low-moderate. | Single-source | compilation |
| 3/5 | Glyceryl Stearate SESelf-emulsifying grade rates higher than plain glyceryl stearate. | Single-source | compilation |
| 0/5 | Glycol StearateGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 0. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 0/5 | Glycolic AcidNon-comedogenic exfoliant. | Single-source | compilation |
| 0/5 | Grape Seed ExtractExtract (not the oil), non-comedogenic. | Single-source | compilation |
| 1/5 | Grapeseed OilLight, low rating. | Single-source | compilation |
| 0/5 | Green Tea ExtractNon-comedogenic. | Single-source | compilation |
| 2/5 | Guava Seed OilCited 1–2; higher kept. | Contested | compilation |
| 1/5 | Hazelnut OilRated low. | Single-source | compilation |
| 0/5 | Hemp Seed OilNon-comedogenic. | Single-source | compilation |
| 5/5 | Hexadecyl AlcoholHigh classic rating. | Single-source | compilation |
| 2/5 | Hexylene GlycolSolvent, low-moderate. | Single-source | compilation |
| 0/5 | Hyaluronic AcidHumectant, non-comedogenic. | Single-source | compilation |
| 1/5 | Hydrogenated Castor OilGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 1, same as plain castor oil. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 1/5 | Hydrogenated PolyisobuteneGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 1 — common mineral-oil alternative emollient. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 0/5 | Hydrolyzed CollagenGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 0 (tested as hydrolyzed animal protein). | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 1/5 | HydroxypropylcelluloseGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 1. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 2/5 | Illipe ButterCited 1–2; higher kept. | Contested | compilation |
| 0/5 | Iron OxidesNon-comedogenic pigments. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 4/5 | Isocetyl AlcoholBranched fatty alcohol, strongly comedogenic in the original testing. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 5/5 | Isocetyl StearateEster, highly comedogenic. | Single-source | compilation |
| 3/5 | Isodecyl OleateGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 2–3 depending on source; higher kept. | Contested | Fulton 1989 |
| 0/5 | Isopropyl AlcoholSolvent, rated 0. | Single-source | compilation |
| 5/5 | Isopropyl IsostearateEster, highly comedogenic. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 4/5 | Isopropyl LanolateLanolin-derived ester, strongly comedogenic. | Single-source | compilation |
| 4/5 | Isopropyl LinoleateEster, strongly comedogenic in the original testing. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 5/5 | Isopropyl MyristateClassic clogger; penetration enhancer. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 4/5 | Isopropyl PalmitateCommon ester, strongly comedogenic. | Single-source | compilation |
| 4/5 | Isostearyl IsostearateEster, strongly comedogenic. | Single-source | compilation |
| 3/5 | Isostearyl NeopentanoateEster, rated moderate. | Single-source | compilation |
| 2/5 | Jojoba OilWax ester; usually fine, low-moderate rating. | Single-source | compilation |
| 1/5 | Kalahari Melon OilCited 0–1; higher kept. | Contested | compilation |
| 0/5 | KaolinNon-comedogenic clay. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 2/5 | Karanja OilNeem relative, low-moderate. | Single-source | compilation |
| 1/5 | Kiwi Seed OilLinolenic-rich, rated low. | Single-source | compilation |
| 2/5 | Kokum ButterCited 0–2 across lists; higher kept. | Contested | compilation |
| 3/5 | Kombo ButterCited 2–3; higher kept. | Contested | compilation |
| 2/5 | Kukui Nut OilLow-moderate. | Single-source | compilation |
| 0/5 | Lactic AcidNon-comedogenic exfoliant. | Single-source | compilation |
| 2/5 | Laneth-10Graded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 2 — moderately ethoxylated lanolin. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 0/5 | LanolinAnhydrous lanolin is graded 0 in the original Fulton 1989 paper; some later unattributed lists cite 1–2. The acetylated forms are the problem. | Contested | Fulton 1989 |
| 5/5 | Lanolin AcidRated 5 in reproductions of Fulton's early rabbit-ear surveys (the isolated lanolin fatty-acid fraction, far above whole lanolin); not verified against an original paper. | Single-source | compilation |
| 2/5 | Lanolin AlcoholLow-moderate. | Single-source | compilation |
| 1/5 | Lanolin OilLiquid lanolin fraction, rated low. | Single-source | compilation |
| 1/5 | Lanolin WaxWax lanolin fraction, rated low. | Single-source | compilation |
| 3/5 | Laureth-23Emulsifier, rated moderate. | Single-source | compilation |
| 5/5 | Laureth-4Emulsifier, highly comedogenic. | Single-source | compilation |
| 4/5 | Lauric AcidFatty acid abundant in coconut oil. | Single-source | compilation |
| 2/5 | Lauryl AlcoholLow-moderate. | Single-source | compilation |
| 1/5 | Lithium StearateStearate salt, rated low. | Single-source | compilation |
| 3/5 | Macadamia ButterCited 2–3; higher kept. | Contested | compilation |
| 2/5 | Macadamia Nut OilLow-moderate. | Single-source | compilation |
| 3/5 | Mafura ButterCited 2–3; higher kept. | Contested | compilation |
| 0/5 | Magnesium Aluminum SilicateMineral thickener, rated 0. | Single-source | compilation |
| 1/5 | Magnesium StearatePowder binder, rated low. | Single-source | compilation |
| 0/5 | Maleated Soybean OilGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 0 — modification drops soybean oil's grade. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 3/5 | Mango ButterCited 2–3; higher kept. | Contested | compilation |
| 3/5 | Marula OilModerate; oleic-rich. | Single-source | compilation |
| 1/5 | Meadowfoam Seed OilSebum-like lightweight oil, rated 0–1; we list the higher value. | Contested | compilation |
| 0/5 | MethylparabenPreservative, rated 0. | Single-source | compilation |
| 0/5 | MicaNon-comedogenic. | Single-source | compilation |
| 1/5 | Milk Thistle OilRated low. | Single-source | compilation |
| 0/5 | Mineral OilFulton 1989 graded 0–2 depending on raw-material source; refined cosmetic grade sits at the low end and is what labels use. | Contested | Fulton 1989 |
| 3/5 | Mink OilModerate. | Single-source | compilation |
| 3/5 | Moringa OilModerate. | Single-source | compilation |
| 2/5 | Murumuru ButterAmazonian seed butter, cited 0–2; we keep the higher-caution 2. | Contested | compilation |
| 3/5 | Myristic AcidModerate. | Single-source | compilation |
| 2/5 | Myristyl AlcoholGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 2 (its irritancy graded higher). | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 4/5 | Myristyl LactateEster, strongly comedogenic. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 5/5 | Myristyl MyristateTexture ester, highly comedogenic. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 1/5 | Neem OilLow. | Single-source | compilation |
| 0/5 | NiacinamideNon-comedogenic active. | Single-source | compilation |
| 0/5 | OctinoxateGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 0 (tested as octyl methoxycinnamate). | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 0/5 | OctisalateGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 0 (tested as octyl salicylate). | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 5/5 | Octyl StearateEster, highly comedogenic. | Single-source | compilation |
| 0/5 | OctyldodecanolBranched emollient alcohol, rated 0. | Single-source | compilation |
| 0/5 | Octyldodecyl StearateGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 0 — large esters rate low. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 0/5 | Octyldodecyl Stearoyl StearateGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 0. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 2/5 | Oleic AcidLow-moderate in published lists; the main fatty acid of olive and many nut oils. | Single-source | compilation |
| 2/5 | Oleth-10Emulsifier, low-moderate (oleth-3 rates far higher). | Single-source | compilation |
| 1/5 | Oleth-20Graded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 1. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 5/5 | Oleth-3Emulsifier, highly comedogenic. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 3/5 | Oleth-5Graded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 3 (oleth-3 rates 5; ethoxylation lowers the grade). | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 4/5 | Oleyl AlcoholFatty alcohol, strongly comedogenic. | Single-source | compilation |
| 2/5 | Olive ButterProcessed olive-oil butter, low-moderate. | Single-source | compilation |
| 2/5 | Olive OilGraded 2 crude / 1 refined in Fulton 1989 — oleic-rich, low-moderate. | Contested | Fulton 1989 |
| 0/5 | OxybenzoneGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 0. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 0/5 | Padimate OGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 0 (tested as octyl dimethyl PABA). | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 4/5 | Palm Kernel OilStrongly comedogenic. | Single-source | compilation |
| 4/5 | Palm OilStrongly comedogenic. | Single-source | compilation |
| 2/5 | Palmitic AcidLow-moderate. | Single-source | compilation |
| 0/5 | PanthenolNon-comedogenic. | Single-source | compilation |
| 3/5 | Papaya Seed OilCited 2–3; higher kept. | Contested | compilation |
| 2/5 | Passionfruit Seed OilCited 1–2; higher kept. | Contested | compilation |
| 2/5 | Peach Kernel OilKernel oil, low-moderate. | Single-source | compilation |
| 2/5 | Peanut OilLow-moderate. | Single-source | compilation |
| 2/5 | Pecan OilNut oil, low-moderate. | Single-source | compilation |
| 4/5 | PEG 16 LanolinSolulan 16; strongly comedogenic. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 1/5 | PEG-100 StearateLow. | Single-source | compilation |
| 0/5 | PEG-120 Methyl Glucose DioleateGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 0. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 2/5 | PEG-150 DistearateGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 2. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 1/5 | PEG-20 StearateGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 1. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 3/5 | PEG-200 DilaurateGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 3. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 1/5 | PEG-400Humectant/solvent, rated low. | Single-source | compilation |
| 0/5 | PEG-5 Soya SterolGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 0. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 3/5 | PEG-8 StearateEmulsifier, rated moderate. | Single-source | compilation |
| 2/5 | Pentaerythrityl TetraisostearateGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 2. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 0/5 | Pentylene GlycolNon-comedogenic. | Single-source | compilation |
| 2/5 | Perilla OilCited 1–2; higher kept. | Contested | compilation |
| 0/5 | PetrolatumOcclusive but non-comedogenic. | Single-source | compilation |
| 0/5 | PhenoxyethanolPreservative, non-comedogenic. | Single-source | compilation |
| 2/5 | PhytantriolGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 2. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 2/5 | Pistachio ButterLow-moderate. | Single-source | compilation |
| 2/5 | Plum Kernel OilCited 1–2; higher kept. | Contested | compilation |
| 1/5 | Polyglyceryl-4 IsostearateEmulsifier, rated low in published compilations. | Single-source | compilation |
| 0/5 | Polysorbate 20Non-comedogenic. | Single-source | compilation |
| 0/5 | Polysorbate 80Non-comedogenic. | Single-source | compilation |
| 1/5 | Pomegranate Seed OilLow. | Single-source | compilation |
| 0/5 | Poppy Seed OilLinoleic-rich, rated 0. | Single-source | compilation |
| 5/5 | Potassium ChlorideHigh assay rating. | Single-source | compilation |
| 4/5 | PPG-2 Myristyl PropionateEster, strongly comedogenic. | Single-source | compilation |
| 4/5 | PPG-5-Ceteth-10 PhosphateGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 4. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 0/5 | Precipitated SulfurGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 0 — unlike colloidal sulfur (3). | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 1/5 | Prickly Pear Seed OilLow. | Single-source | compilation |
| 0/5 | Propylene GlycolHumectant, non-comedogenic. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 2/5 | Propylene Glycol Caprylate/CaprateGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 2. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 1/5 | Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/CaprateGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 1. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 2/5 | Propylene Glycol DipelargonateGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 2. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 0/5 | Propylene Glycol LaurateGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 0 for comedogenicity (irritancy graded higher). | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 4/5 | Propylene Glycol MonostearateCited 0–3 in the original Fulton testing and up to 4 in later compilations; higher-caution value kept. | Contested | compilation |
| 0/5 | PropylparabenPreservative, rated 0. | Single-source | compilation |
| 2/5 | Pumpkin Seed OilLow-moderate. | Single-source | compilation |
| 0/5 | PVPGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 0. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 0/5 | Raspberry Seed OilNon-comedogenic, linoleic-rich. | Single-source | compilation |
| 2/5 | Retinyl PalmitateLow-moderate. | Single-source | compilation |
| 2/5 | Rice Bran OilLow-moderate. | Single-source | compilation |
| 1/5 | Rosehip Seed OilLow. | Single-source | compilation |
| 0/5 | Safflower Seed OilLinoleic-rich, non-comedogenic. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 1/5 | Sal ButterRated low. | Single-source | compilation |
| 0/5 | Salicylic AcidAnti-comedogenic active. | Single-source | compilation |
| 2/5 | Sandalwood Seed OilGraded 2 in the original Fulton 1989 table (some later unattributed lists cite 3). | Contested | Fulton 1989 |
| 0/5 | SD Alcohol 40Graded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 0. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 1/5 | Sea Buckthorn OilLow. | Single-source | compilation |
| 2/5 | Sesame OilGraded 3 crude / 1 refined in Fulton 1989; cosmetic grades are refined, and compilations cite 2. | Contested | compilation |
| 3/5 | Shark Liver OilModerate; squalene source. | Single-source | compilation |
| 0/5 | Shea ButterDespite richness, classic lists rate it 0 — low clogging. | Single-source | compilation |
| 0/5 | SilicaNon-comedogenic. | Single-source | compilation |
| 1/5 | SimethiconeSilicone, rated low. | Single-source | compilation |
| 5/5 | Sodium ChlorideHigh assay rating; mostly relevant in leave-on products. | Single-source | compilation |
| 3/5 | Sodium Laureth SulfateModerate; rinse-off context softens it. | Single-source | compilation |
| 5/5 | Sodium Lauryl SulfateRinse-off surfactant; high assay rating and an irritant — matters most in leave-ons. | Single-source | compilation |
| 0/5 | Sodium PCAHumectant, rated 0. | Single-source | compilation |
| 2/5 | Sorbitan IsostearateGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 1–2 depending on source; higher kept. | Contested | Fulton 1989 |
| 2/5 | Sorbitan LaurateGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 1–2 depending on source; higher kept. | Contested | Fulton 1989 |
| 3/5 | Sorbitan OleateEmulsifier, moderate. | Single-source | compilation |
| 1/5 | Sorbitan SesquioleateGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 0–1 depending on source; higher kept. | Contested | Fulton 1989 |
| 0/5 | Sorbitan StearateGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 0. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 0/5 | SorbitolGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 0. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 0/5 | Soya SterolGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 0. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 3/5 | Soybean OilModerate. | Single-source | compilation |
| 1/5 | SqualaneGraded 1 in the original Fulton 1989 table; modern compilations cite 0–1. Stable saturated emollient. | Contested | Fulton 1989 |
| 2/5 | SqualeneThe unsaturated form rates low-moderate (oxidizes). | Single-source | compilation |
| 4/5 | Steareth-10Emulsifier, strongly comedogenic in classic lists. | Single-source | compilation |
| 2/5 | Steareth-2Emulsifier, low-moderate. | Single-source | compilation |
| 2/5 | Steareth-20Emulsifier, low-moderate. | Single-source | compilation |
| 2/5 | Stearic AcidFatty acid, low-moderate. | Single-source | compilation |
| 2/5 | Stearyl AlcoholLow-moderate. | Single-source | compilation |
| 4/5 | Stearyl HeptanoateEster, strongly comedogenic. | Single-source | compilation |
| 1/5 | Strawberry Seed OilRated low. | Single-source | compilation |
| 0/5 | Sucrose DistearateGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 0. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 0/5 | Sucrose StearateGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 0. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 3/5 | Sulfated Castor OilModified castor oil, rated moderate (plain castor oil rates 1). | Single-source | compilation |
| 0/5 | Sunflower Seed OilLinoleic-rich, non-comedogenic. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 1/5 | TalcLow. | Single-source | compilation |
| 2/5 | Tamanu OilLow-moderate. | Single-source | compilation |
| 2/5 | Tea Tree OilEssential oil, low-moderate; typically used in small amounts. | Single-source | compilation |
| 3/5 | TEA-StearateGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 3. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 0/5 | Titanium DioxideNon-comedogenic; mineral sunscreen. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 0/5 | Tocopheryl AcetateEsterified vitamin E, the common form in products — graded 0 in the original Fulton 1989 table. Plain tocopherol has no published-lineage rating. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 2/5 | Tomato Seed OilLow-moderate. | Single-source | compilation |
| 0/5 | TriacetinGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 0. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 0/5 | Tridecyl NeopentanoateGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 0. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 2/5 | TriethanolamineGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 2. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 2/5 | Tucuma ButterLow-moderate. | Single-source | compilation |
| 3/5 | Ucuuba ButterCited 2–3; higher kept. | Contested | compilation |
| 0/5 | Ultramarine VioletGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 0. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 0/5 | UreaHumectant/keratolytic, non-comedogenic. | Single-source | compilation |
| 3/5 | Walnut OilCited 1–3 across lists; higher-caution 3 kept. | Contested | compilation |
| 0/5 | WaterIt's water. | Single-source | compilation |
| 1/5 | Watermelon Seed OilCited 0–1; higher kept. | Contested | compilation |
| 3/5 | Wheat Germ GlycerideGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 3. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
| 5/5 | Wheat Germ OilOne of the most comedogenic plant oils. | Single-source | compilation |
| 0/5 | Witch HazelNon-comedogenic astringent. | Single-source | compilation |
| 0/5 | Xanthan GumThickener, non-comedogenic. | Single-source | compilation |
| 1/5 | Zinc OxideGraded 1 in the original Fulton 1989 table; modern lists cite 0. | Contested | Fulton 1989 |
| 0/5 | Zinc StearateGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 0 — the zinc salt drops stearate's grade. | Established | Fulton 1989 |
How to read this table
Rating is the 0–5 rabbit-ear score from published comedogenicity literature. 0–2 is unlikely to clog pores in humans; 3 and up warrants more caution (AAD Invitational Symposium on Comedogenicity, 1989). It describes a raw ingredient as tested, not a finished product.
Confidence: Established means the primary-source value (Fulton 1989) with no disagreement on record; Single-source means only the reproduced compilation lists carry it; Contested means published values disagree or depend on grade and vehicle, and the note says which value is shown. Full methodology and bibliography.
Source is where the displayed number comes from: “Fulton 1989” (J Soc Cosmet Chem 40:321–333) or “compilation” (the widely reproduced 0–5 lists in that lineage; no single named table). We never publish a number that traces to no publication.
Download the dataset
ingredients.json — 313 rows: name, rating, source, confidence, category, aliases, note, plus a _meta block with the scale and field definitions. Licensed CC BY 4.0: reuse freely, credit “poreclogger.com” with a link to this page. The ratings themselves are quotations of the cited literature. Found an error? The site is on GitHub.