A comedogenic product or ingredient is one that clogs pores. This could refer to a shaving lotion, moisturizer or even an essential oil that has an ingredient(s) considered to be comedogenic. Use of comedogenic products can lead to not only blocked pores but acne.
If you’re a guy who suffers from oily skin, acne or ingrown hairs, it’s best to avoid comedogenic products that can increase the likelihood of all three things.
Coconut oil is widely used in many skincare products these days but it’s highly comedogenic. In other words, if a guy with oily skin uses 100% coconut oil or a coconut oil-based product to shave or as a moisturizer, it can increase the chance of blocked pores. You don’t want this since you already have oily skin to begin with. If you use coconut oil on your pores (ie. nose) or areas where you sometimes experience ingrown hairs that’s even worse. It increases the chance of clogged pores, more acne and more ingrown hairs.
Common Comedogenic Ingredients
Here are a number of popular comedogenic ingredients that you should avoid if you suffer from acne breakouts or oily skin. We’re specifically talking about products used topically on your skin, not ingested.
- Acetylated lanolin
- Almond oil
- Avocado oil
- Cocoa butter
- Coconut oil
- Ethylhexyl palmitate
- Isopropyl myristate
- Isopropyl palmitate
- Lanolins
- Olive oil
- Palm oil
- Flaxseed oil
- Mineral oil
- Soy oil
For a more complete list of comedogenic ingredients, click here for a great article and scroll down to the bottom.
What Does Non Comedogenic Mean?
A non comedogenic (sometimes written as noncomedogenic) product or ingredient is one that doesn’t clog pores. These are the products and ingredients men should focus on using especially those of us who have oily skin and/or suffer from acne. Non comedogenic products are less likely to clog your pores and won’t increase the likelihood of acne and ingrown hairs like their comedogenic counterparts.
Common Non Comedogenic Ingredients
The following ingredients are ones you should look for when searching for shaving and skincare products for men.
- Grapeseed oil
- Hempseed oil
- Neem oil
- Sunflower oil
- Sweet almond oil
The following ingredients are ones you should look for when searching for anti-acne products.
- Benzoyl peroxide (ie. Clean and Clear Continuous Control Acne Cleanser)
- Resorcinol (ie. Clearasil Medicated Blemish Cream)
- Salicylic acid (ie. Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash)
- Sulfur (ie. ASEPXIA Medicated Acne Face Wash)
What Is The Best Non Comedogenic Face Moisturizer and Wash?
One of the problems you may experience is using a product on your skin that might help you in one area (it moisturizes) but hurts in another (it’s comedogenic).
Here are some popular non comedogenic moisturizers and face washes you may consider.
- Brickell Men’s Clarifying Gel Face Wash
- Brickell Men’s Purifying Charcoal Face Wash
- CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with Sunscreen
- Vichy Normaderm Beautifying Anti-Acne Care
- ASEPXIA Medicated Acne Face Wash
- PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash
There are many more to choose from. Remember, just because a product claims to be non comedogenic doesn’t mean that it is. And just because it is non comedogenic doesn’t mean it won’t clog your pores. Your experience with a product may be different than other guys.
Conclusion
- What oils are non comedogenic: grapeseed, hempseed, neem, sunflower and sweet almond oils are popular non comedogenic oils found in skincare products.
- A comedogenic product or ingredient is one that clogs pores and should be avoided by men with oily skin, who are prone to acne, or who experience ingrown hairs.
- Non comedogenic products or ingredients are less likely to clog pores and are better choices for men to use for their skincare needs.
- Essential oils like grapeseed oil, hempseed oil, neem oil, sunflower oil and sweet almond oil (among others) are non comedogenic.
- Anti-acne products that contain benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, salicylic acid and sulfur are helpful for acne breakouts.
Which comedogenic products do you use that you’ve found helpful? Let us know in the comments below!