Ingredient index
313 ingredients with 0–5 ratings from published comedogenicity literature.
A
- 0/5Abyssinian Seed OilLight wax-ester-like oil, rated 0.
- 2/5Acai Berry OilFruit oil, low-moderate.
- 0/5AcetoneSolvent; rated 0 in the classic table.
- 4/5Acetylated LanolinModified lanolin, strongly comedogenic.
- 4/5Acetylated Lanolin AlcoholGraded 4–5 in the original Fulton 1989 paper, attributed to its cetyl acetate content.
- 5/5Algae ExtractRated highly comedogenic in classic lists; species vary.
- 4/5AlginAlgae-derived thickener, rated high in classic lists.
- 0/5AllantoinNon-comedogenic soother.
- 2/5Almond ButterLow-moderate, like the oil.
- 2/5Almond OilGraded 2 crude / 1 refined in Fulton 1989.
- 1/5Aloe ButterAloe extract in a coconut-derived base, cited 0–1; higher kept.
- 0/5Aloe VeraNon-comedogenic.
- 0/5Aminomethyl PropanolGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 0.
- 2/5Andiroba Seed OilAmazonian seed oil, low-moderate.
- 2/5Apricot Kernel OilGraded 2 crude / 1 refined in Fulton 1989.
- 0/5Argan OilNon-comedogenic.
- 0/5Ascorbic AcidVitamin C active, rated 0.
- 2/5Ascorbyl PalmitateLow-moderate.
- 3/5Avocado ButterRicher processed form; cited higher than avocado oil.
- 2/5Avocado OilGraded 3 crude / 2 refined in Fulton 1989; compilations cite 2, which we keep for cosmetic grades.
- 0/5Azelaic AcidRated 0 in published lists.
B
- 1/5Babassu OilGraded 1 in the original Fulton 1989 table (some later unattributed lists cite 2).
- 4/5Bacuri ButterCited high in butter compilations.
- 2/5Baobab Seed OilCited 2 in oils compilations.
- 2/5BeeswaxLow-moderate.
- 0/5Behenic AcidGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 0 — long chains rate low.
- 0/5Behenyl ErucateLong-chain ester rated 0 in the original Fulton testing.
- 0/5BentoniteNon-comedogenic clay.
- 2/5Benzoic AcidPreservative, low-moderate in classic lists.
- 0/5Benzoyl PeroxideRated non-comedogenic (0) in published lists.
- 1/5Beta CaroteneColorant/antioxidant, rated low.
- 0/5BisabololNon-comedogenic soother.
- 2/5Black Cumin Seed OilCited 0–2 across lists; higher kept.
- 1/5Black Currant Seed OilLinoleic-rich, cited 0–1; higher kept.
- 0/5Black Walnut ExtractGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 0.
- 2/5Blackberry Seed OilCited 1–2; higher kept.
- 1/5Blueberry Seed OilCited 0–1; higher kept.
- 2/5Borage OilGLA-rich seed oil, low-moderate.
- 2/5Brazil Nut OilNut oil, low-moderate.
- 1/5Broccoli Seed OilRated low.
- 2/5Buriti OilCarotenoid-rich fruit oil, low-moderate.
- 3/5Butyl StearateEster, moderate.
- 1/5Butylene GlycolSolvent/humectant, very low.
C
- 1/5Calendula ExtractBotanical extract, rated low.
- 1/5Camellia Seed OilOleic tea-seed oil, rated low.
- 2/5CamphorLow-moderate in classic lists.
- 1/5Candelilla WaxLow.
- 1/5Canola OilCited 0–1; higher kept.
- 2/5Capric AcidFatty acid, low-moderate.
- 2/5Caproic AcidFulton 1989 Table III graded it 0 in a volatile solvent and 2 in an oil vehicle; higher-caution 2 kept.
- 1/5Caprylic AcidFatty acid, rated low.
- 1/5Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideFractionated coconut oil; lightweight ester rated low — the lauric and myristic acids of whole coconut oil are removed.
- 1/5CarbomerFulton 1989 graded Carbomer 940 at 1; modern lists cite 0.
- 0/5CarboxymethylcelluloseGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 0.
- 0/5CarmineGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 0.
- 1/5Carnauba WaxLow.
- 5/5CarrageenanRed-algae thickener, high classic rating.
- 4/5Carrot Seed OilCited 3–4; higher kept.
- 1/5Castor OilLow.
- 0/5Centella Asiatica ExtractNon-comedogenic.
- 0/5Ceramide NPNon-comedogenic barrier lipid.
- 0/5CeresinGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 0.
- 2/5Ceteareth-20Graded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 2 alone; the cetearyl-alcohol combo grades 4.
- 2/5Cetearyl AlcoholFatty alcohol, low-moderate alone (see combo with ceteareth-20).
- 4/5Cetearyl Alcohol + Ceteareth-20The combo rates higher than either alone.
- 4/5Cetyl AcetateOften paired with acetylated lanolin alcohol.
- 2/5Cetyl AlcoholFatty alcohol, low-moderate.
- 1/5Cetyl EstersGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 1.
- 0/5Cetyl PalmitateEster rated 0 in the original Fulton testing.
- 0/5Chamomile ExtractGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 0.
- 1/5Chaulmoogra OilGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 1.
- 2/5Cherry Kernel OilKernel oil, low-moderate.
- 3/5Chia Seed OilConflicting citations (1–3); higher-caution 3 kept.
- 0/5CholesterolBarrier lipid, non-comedogenic in formulas.
- 0/5Choleth-24Graded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 0.
- 1/5Cloudberry Seed OilNordic berry oil, rated low.
- 0/5Cocamidopropyl BetaineMild surfactant, non-comedogenic.
- 4/5Cocoa ButterRich butter, strongly comedogenic.
- 4/5Coconut ButterAs comedogenic as the oil.
- 4/5Coconut OilBeloved, but strongly comedogenic on facial skin.
- 2/5Coffee ButterCited 1–2; higher kept.
- 0/5Colloidal OatmealNon-comedogenic soother.
- 3/5Colloidal SulfurRated moderate in classic lists.
- 3/5Corn OilModerate.
- 3/5Cottonseed OilModerate.
- 2/5Cranberry Seed OilLow-moderate.
- 1/5Cucumber Seed OilRated low.
- 4/5Cupuacu ButterConflicting citations (1–4); higher-caution 4 kept.
- 0/5CyclomethiconeVolatile silicone, non-comedogenic.
D
- 3/5D & 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.
- 3/5D&C Red 17Azo dye, rated moderate in classic lists.
- 2/5D&C Red 19Dye, low-moderate in classic lists.
- 1/5D&C Red 33Graded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 1.
- 2/5D&C Red 4Graded 2 in the original Fulton 1989 table.
- 2/5D&C Red 40Graded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 2.
- 1/5D&C Red 6Dye, rated low.
- 1/5D&C Red 7Dye, rated low.
- 1/5D&C Red 9Dye, rated low.
- 3/5Decyl OleateEster, moderate.
- 3/5Diethylhexyl MalateGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 3.
- 2/5Diethylhexyl SuccinateGraded 2 in the original Fulton 1989 table, where it appears as dioctyl succinate (some later unattributed lists cite 3).
- 0/5Diisopropyl AdipateGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 0.
- 0/5Diisopropyl Dimer DilinoleateGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 0.
- 1/5Diisostearyl MalateLip-gloss ester, rated low (some compilations say up to 2).
- 1/5DimethiconeSilicone, very low.
E
- 2/5Eicosanoic AcidGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 2; long-chain fatty acid.
- 1/5Emu OilLow.
- 0/5Emulsifying Wax NFGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 0 for comedogenicity.
- 0/5EthoxydiglycolGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 0.
- 4/5Ethylhexyl PalmitateWidely used ester; caution rating.
- 2/5Ethylhexyl PelargonateGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 2.
- 0/5EthylhexylglycerinPreservative booster, non-comedogenic.
- 0/5EthylparabenPreservative, rated 0.
- 3/5Evening Primrose OilGraded 3 in the original Fulton 1989 table; some compilations cite 2.
F
G
- 0/5Glycereth-26Graded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 0.
- 0/5GlycerinHumectant, non-comedogenic.
- 2/5Glyceryl StearateCommon emulsifier, low-moderate.
- 3/5Glyceryl Stearate SESelf-emulsifying grade rates higher than plain glyceryl stearate.
- 0/5Glycol StearateGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 0.
- 0/5Glycolic AcidNon-comedogenic exfoliant.
- 0/5Grape Seed ExtractExtract (not the oil), non-comedogenic.
- 1/5Grapeseed OilLight, low rating.
- 0/5Green Tea ExtractNon-comedogenic.
- 2/5Guava Seed OilCited 1–2; higher kept.
H
- 1/5Hazelnut OilRated low.
- 0/5Hemp Seed OilNon-comedogenic.
- 5/5Hexadecyl AlcoholHigh classic rating.
- 2/5Hexylene GlycolSolvent, low-moderate.
- 0/5Hyaluronic AcidHumectant, non-comedogenic.
- 1/5Hydrogenated Castor OilGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 1, same as plain castor oil.
- 1/5Hydrogenated PolyisobuteneGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 1 — common mineral-oil alternative emollient.
- 0/5Hydrolyzed CollagenGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 0 (tested as hydrolyzed animal protein).
- 1/5HydroxypropylcelluloseGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 1.
I
- 2/5Illipe ButterCited 1–2; higher kept.
- 0/5Iron OxidesNon-comedogenic pigments.
- 4/5Isocetyl AlcoholBranched fatty alcohol, strongly comedogenic in the original testing.
- 5/5Isocetyl StearateEster, highly comedogenic.
- 3/5Isodecyl OleateGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 2–3 depending on source; higher kept.
- 0/5Isopropyl AlcoholSolvent, rated 0.
- 5/5Isopropyl IsostearateEster, highly comedogenic.
- 4/5Isopropyl LanolateLanolin-derived ester, strongly comedogenic.
- 4/5Isopropyl LinoleateEster, strongly comedogenic in the original testing.
- 5/5Isopropyl MyristateClassic clogger; penetration enhancer.
- 4/5Isopropyl PalmitateCommon ester, strongly comedogenic.
- 4/5Isostearyl IsostearateEster, strongly comedogenic.
- 3/5Isostearyl NeopentanoateEster, rated moderate.
J
K
L
- 0/5Lactic AcidNon-comedogenic exfoliant.
- 2/5Laneth-10Graded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 2 — moderately ethoxylated lanolin.
- 0/5LanolinAnhydrous lanolin is graded 0 in the original Fulton 1989 paper; some later unattributed lists cite 1–2. The acetylated forms are the problem.
- 5/5Lanolin 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.
- 2/5Lanolin AlcoholLow-moderate.
- 1/5Lanolin OilLiquid lanolin fraction, rated low.
- 1/5Lanolin WaxWax lanolin fraction, rated low.
- 3/5Laureth-23Emulsifier, rated moderate.
- 5/5Laureth-4Emulsifier, highly comedogenic.
- 4/5Lauric AcidFatty acid abundant in coconut oil.
- 2/5Lauryl AlcoholLow-moderate.
- 1/5Lithium StearateStearate salt, rated low.
M
- 3/5Macadamia ButterCited 2–3; higher kept.
- 2/5Macadamia Nut OilLow-moderate.
- 3/5Mafura ButterCited 2–3; higher kept.
- 0/5Magnesium Aluminum SilicateMineral thickener, rated 0.
- 1/5Magnesium StearatePowder binder, rated low.
- 0/5Maleated Soybean OilGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 0 — modification drops soybean oil's grade.
- 3/5Mango ButterCited 2–3; higher kept.
- 3/5Marula OilModerate; oleic-rich.
- 1/5Meadowfoam Seed OilSebum-like lightweight oil, rated 0–1; we list the higher value.
- 0/5MethylparabenPreservative, rated 0.
- 0/5MicaNon-comedogenic.
- 1/5Milk Thistle OilRated low.
- 0/5Mineral OilFulton 1989 graded 0–2 depending on raw-material source; refined cosmetic grade sits at the low end and is what labels use.
- 3/5Mink OilModerate.
- 3/5Moringa OilModerate.
- 2/5Murumuru ButterAmazonian seed butter, cited 0–2; we keep the higher-caution 2.
- 3/5Myristic AcidModerate.
- 2/5Myristyl AlcoholGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 2 (its irritancy graded higher).
- 4/5Myristyl LactateEster, strongly comedogenic.
- 5/5Myristyl MyristateTexture ester, highly comedogenic.
N
O
- 0/5OctinoxateGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 0 (tested as octyl methoxycinnamate).
- 0/5OctisalateGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 0 (tested as octyl salicylate).
- 5/5Octyl StearateEster, highly comedogenic.
- 0/5OctyldodecanolBranched emollient alcohol, rated 0.
- 0/5Octyldodecyl StearateGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 0 — large esters rate low.
- 0/5Octyldodecyl Stearoyl StearateGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 0.
- 2/5Oleic AcidLow-moderate in published lists; the main fatty acid of olive and many nut oils.
- 2/5Oleth-10Emulsifier, low-moderate (oleth-3 rates far higher).
- 1/5Oleth-20Graded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 1.
- 5/5Oleth-3Emulsifier, highly comedogenic.
- 3/5Oleth-5Graded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 3 (oleth-3 rates 5; ethoxylation lowers the grade).
- 4/5Oleyl AlcoholFatty alcohol, strongly comedogenic.
- 2/5Olive ButterProcessed olive-oil butter, low-moderate.
- 2/5Olive OilGraded 2 crude / 1 refined in Fulton 1989 — oleic-rich, low-moderate.
- 0/5OxybenzoneGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 0.
P
- 0/5Padimate OGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 0 (tested as octyl dimethyl PABA).
- 4/5Palm Kernel OilStrongly comedogenic.
- 4/5Palm OilStrongly comedogenic.
- 2/5Palmitic AcidLow-moderate.
- 0/5PanthenolNon-comedogenic.
- 3/5Papaya Seed OilCited 2–3; higher kept.
- 2/5Passionfruit Seed OilCited 1–2; higher kept.
- 2/5Peach Kernel OilKernel oil, low-moderate.
- 2/5Peanut OilLow-moderate.
- 2/5Pecan OilNut oil, low-moderate.
- 4/5PEG 16 LanolinSolulan 16; strongly comedogenic.
- 1/5PEG-100 StearateLow.
- 0/5PEG-120 Methyl Glucose DioleateGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 0.
- 2/5PEG-150 DistearateGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 2.
- 1/5PEG-20 StearateGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 1.
- 3/5PEG-200 DilaurateGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 3.
- 1/5PEG-400Humectant/solvent, rated low.
- 0/5PEG-5 Soya SterolGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 0.
- 3/5PEG-8 StearateEmulsifier, rated moderate.
- 2/5Pentaerythrityl TetraisostearateGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 2.
- 0/5Pentylene GlycolNon-comedogenic.
- 2/5Perilla OilCited 1–2; higher kept.
- 0/5PetrolatumOcclusive but non-comedogenic.
- 0/5PhenoxyethanolPreservative, non-comedogenic.
- 2/5PhytantriolGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 2.
- 2/5Pistachio ButterLow-moderate.
- 2/5Plum Kernel OilCited 1–2; higher kept.
- 1/5Polyglyceryl-4 IsostearateEmulsifier, rated low in published compilations.
- 0/5Polysorbate 20Non-comedogenic.
- 0/5Polysorbate 80Non-comedogenic.
- 1/5Pomegranate Seed OilLow.
- 0/5Poppy Seed OilLinoleic-rich, rated 0.
- 5/5Potassium ChlorideHigh assay rating.
- 4/5PPG-2 Myristyl PropionateEster, strongly comedogenic.
- 4/5PPG-5-Ceteth-10 PhosphateGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 4.
- 0/5Precipitated SulfurGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 0 — unlike colloidal sulfur (3).
- 1/5Prickly Pear Seed OilLow.
- 0/5Propylene GlycolHumectant, non-comedogenic.
- 2/5Propylene Glycol Caprylate/CaprateGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 2.
- 1/5Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/CaprateGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 1.
- 2/5Propylene Glycol DipelargonateGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 2.
- 0/5Propylene Glycol LaurateGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 0 for comedogenicity (irritancy graded higher).
- 4/5Propylene Glycol MonostearateCited 0–3 in the original Fulton testing and up to 4 in later compilations; higher-caution value kept.
- 0/5PropylparabenPreservative, rated 0.
- 2/5Pumpkin Seed OilLow-moderate.
- 0/5PVPGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 0.
R
S
- 0/5Safflower Seed OilLinoleic-rich, non-comedogenic.
- 1/5Sal ButterRated low.
- 0/5Salicylic AcidAnti-comedogenic active.
- 2/5Sandalwood Seed OilGraded 2 in the original Fulton 1989 table (some later unattributed lists cite 3).
- 0/5SD Alcohol 40Graded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 0.
- 1/5Sea Buckthorn OilLow.
- 2/5Sesame OilGraded 3 crude / 1 refined in Fulton 1989; cosmetic grades are refined, and compilations cite 2.
- 3/5Shark Liver OilModerate; squalene source.
- 0/5Shea ButterDespite richness, classic lists rate it 0 — low clogging.
- 0/5SilicaNon-comedogenic.
- 1/5SimethiconeSilicone, rated low.
- 5/5Sodium ChlorideHigh assay rating; mostly relevant in leave-on products.
- 3/5Sodium Laureth SulfateModerate; rinse-off context softens it.
- 5/5Sodium Lauryl SulfateRinse-off surfactant; high assay rating and an irritant — matters most in leave-ons.
- 0/5Sodium PCAHumectant, rated 0.
- 2/5Sorbitan IsostearateGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 1–2 depending on source; higher kept.
- 2/5Sorbitan LaurateGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 1–2 depending on source; higher kept.
- 3/5Sorbitan OleateEmulsifier, moderate.
- 1/5Sorbitan SesquioleateGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 0–1 depending on source; higher kept.
- 0/5Sorbitan StearateGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 0.
- 0/5SorbitolGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 0.
- 0/5Soya SterolGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 0.
- 3/5Soybean OilModerate.
- 1/5SqualaneGraded 1 in the original Fulton 1989 table; modern compilations cite 0–1. Stable saturated emollient.
- 2/5SqualeneThe unsaturated form rates low-moderate (oxidizes).
- 4/5Steareth-10Emulsifier, strongly comedogenic in classic lists.
- 2/5Steareth-2Emulsifier, low-moderate.
- 2/5Steareth-20Emulsifier, low-moderate.
- 2/5Stearic AcidFatty acid, low-moderate.
- 2/5Stearyl AlcoholLow-moderate.
- 4/5Stearyl HeptanoateEster, strongly comedogenic.
- 1/5Strawberry Seed OilRated low.
- 0/5Sucrose DistearateGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 0.
- 0/5Sucrose StearateGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 0.
- 3/5Sulfated Castor OilModified castor oil, rated moderate (plain castor oil rates 1).
- 0/5Sunflower Seed OilLinoleic-rich, non-comedogenic.
T
- 1/5TalcLow.
- 2/5Tamanu OilLow-moderate.
- 2/5Tea Tree OilEssential oil, low-moderate; typically used in small amounts.
- 3/5TEA-StearateGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 3.
- 0/5Titanium DioxideNon-comedogenic; mineral sunscreen.
- 0/5Tocopheryl AcetateEsterified vitamin E, the common form in products — graded 0 in the original Fulton 1989 table. Plain tocopherol has no published-lineage rating.
- 2/5Tomato Seed OilLow-moderate.
- 0/5TriacetinGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 0.
- 0/5Tridecyl NeopentanoateGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 0.
- 2/5TriethanolamineGraded in the original Fulton 1989 table at 2.
- 2/5Tucuma ButterLow-moderate.