Acne Education
Pore Clogging Ingredients
Curious about what may be making your breakouts worse? Knowing what is inside the products you use every day can be an important part of supporting clearer-looking skin.
Before You Buy
What to look for when checking your products.
- Always check the ingredient list on your hair and skincare products before applying them. Even when a product is labeled “won’t clog pores” or “noncomedogenic,” it is still important to review the actual ingredients.
- Popular oils such as coconut oil and cocoa butter are often ingredients to pay close attention to when you are concerned about clogged pores.
- Other oils, including lanolin, olive oil, and jojoba, may be less likely to cause problems on their own but can become more concerning when combined with other potentially pore-clogging ingredients.
- Some prescription products intended to help with acne may also contain ingredients that can contribute to clogged pores. For example, the original page specifically notes isopropyl myristate in Retin-A cream.
- Remember that “oil free” does not automatically mean a product will not cause breakouts. Always check the full ingredient list.
Makeup
Choose makeup with your skin in mind.
When choosing makeup, look for products that do not contain ingredients that may clog pores. Loose powder and mineral makeup can be a good option, but the ingredient list should still be checked carefully.
At Vanilla Sugar Face & Body, we formulate our own mineral makeup with no pore-clogging ingredients.
One product label isn't enough.
We also don't recommend pressed powders for the face that are commonly found at health food stores when they contain “organic oils” as ingredients. Loose minerals can be a better choice, but always check the ingredients first.
Ingredient Guide
Ingredients to watch for.
Use this list as a reference when reviewing the ingredients in your skincare, haircare, and makeup products.
A Simple Habit
Read the ingredients before you put it on your skin.
Product claims can be helpful, but the ingredient list gives you the information you actually need to make an informed choice. When managing acne-prone skin, taking a few extra seconds to review the ingredients can help you make more intentional skincare and makeup decisions.
Clear Skin Support
Need help understanding what your skin needs?
Our acne specialists can help you create a personalized approach based on your skin, your products, and your goals.
Book a Consultation