What is comedogenicity?
A comedogenic ingredient is one that tends to clog pores and may trigger breakouts in acne-prone skin. Ratings range from 0 (non-comedogenic) to 5 (highly comedogenic).
Reading the scale
| Rating | Meaning | |--------|---------| | 0 | Will not clog pores | | 1 | Very low risk | | 2 | Low risk | | 3 | Moderate risk | | 4 | Fairly high risk | | 5 | High risk — avoid for acne-prone skin |
Caveats
- The rating is based on rabbit ear testing, not human skin — it's a guide, not a verdict
- Formulation matters more than any single ingredient (a 0.1% comedogenic ingredient in a well-formulated product may be fine)
- Individual sensitivity varies wildly
Coyglow formulations avoid ingredients rated 4-5 in leave-on products for acne-prone skin.