This article is dedicated to the women out there, we may formulate for Men as a men's skincare brand, but the ingredients are the same regardless of who uses it. So this fun fact article is meant to provide some insight for those who maybe stumble upon some "oohhhh didn't know this!" educational material. Tell your friends and share this article! We want to provide tips and knowledge that can benefit anyone.
Many times the women are the ones buying the stuff for their man anyway, gotta show some love!
The comedogenicity of an ingredient is often rated on a scale from 0 to 5:
- 0: Non-comedogenic, unlikely to clog pores
- 1: Slightly comedogenic, very low chance of clogging pores
- 2-3: Moderately comedogenic, could cause issues for sensitive or acne-prone skin
- 4-5: Highly comedogenic, likely to clog pores and cause breakouts
Certain makeup products and ingredients can be highly comedogenic, leading to clogged pores and breakouts. Here are some common makeup products and ingredients to watch out for:
1. Foundation
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Ingredients to Avoid:
- Isopropyl Myristate: Often used to create a smooth finish, this ingredient is highly comedogenic and can easily clog pores.
- Cocoa Butter: Found in some moisturizing foundations, cocoa butter is thick and can cause breakouts.
- Lanolin: A common ingredient in creamy foundations, lanolin can trap bacteria and cause clogged pores.
2. Concealer
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Ingredients to Avoid:
- Isopropyl Palmitate: This ingredient can provide a smooth texture but is highly comedogenic.
- Ethylhexyl Palmitate: Often used for its emollient properties, this ingredient can clog pores, particularly in concealers that are applied to acne-prone areas.
3. Pressed Powder and Powder Foundation
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Ingredients to Avoid:
- Talc: While not necessarily comedogenic, talc can mix with sebum and sweat, potentially leading to clogged pores.
- Bismuth Oxychloride: Used for a luminous finish, this ingredient can irritate the skin and clog pores.
4. Blush
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Ingredients to Avoid:
- Mineral Oil: Found in some cream blushes, mineral oil is occlusive and can trap debris in the pores, causing breakouts.
- Lanolin: Also common in cream blushes, lanolin can clog pores and lead to acne.
5. Bronzer
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Ingredients to Avoid:
- Coconut Oil: Some bronzers contain coconut oil for a dewy finish, but it's highly comedogenic and can cause breakouts.
- Palm Oil: Used for its smooth application, palm oil can clog pores, especially in oily or acne-prone skin.
6. Primer
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Ingredients to Avoid:
- Dimethicone: While not necessarily comedogenic for everyone, dimethicone can trap dirt, oil, and bacteria under the skin, leading to breakouts.
- Myristyl Myristate: Used to create a smooth, silky texture in primers, this ingredient is highly comedogenic.
7. Lipstick and Lip Gloss
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Ingredients to Avoid:
- Isopropyl Lanolate: Found in many lipsticks, this ingredient can cause comedones around the mouth area.
- Petrolatum (Petroleum Jelly): Common in lip products for its moisturizing properties, petrolatum can be occlusive and lead to clogged pores around the lip area.
8. Eyeshadow
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Ingredients to Avoid:
- Cocoa Butter: Used in cream eyeshadows, cocoa butter is comedogenic and can lead to breakouts around the eyes and temples.
- Talc: Like in face powders, talc in eyeshadows can contribute to clogged pores when mixed with oils on the skin.
9. Setting Spray
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Ingredients to Avoid:
- Alcohol Denat.: While not comedogenic, it can dry out the skin, leading to an overproduction of oil, which can clog pores.
- Silicones (e.g., Cyclopentasiloxane): Used to create a smooth, lasting finish, silicones can trap oil and bacteria under the skin, potentially leading to breakouts.
10. BB Cream and Tinted Moisturizers
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Ingredients to Avoid:
- Octyl Stearate: Used to create a creamy texture, this ingredient is highly comedogenic and can cause breakouts.
- Myristic Acid: Found in some hydrating formulas, myristic acid can clog pores and exacerbate acne.
Tips to Avoid Breakouts from Makeup:
- Opt for Non-Comedogenic Products: Look for labels that specifically state "non-comedogenic," meaning the product is formulated not to clog pores.
- Check Ingredients: Always read the ingredient list to avoid known comedogenic ingredients.
- Patch Test: Test new makeup on a small area of your skin before applying it all over your face.
- Clean Your Brushes Regularly: Dirty makeup brushes can harbor bacteria that can cause breakouts.
- Remove Makeup Thoroughly: Ensure you remove all makeup at the end of the day to prevent clogged pores and breakouts.
Click here to see our list of alternative makeup ingredients to look for.
Check out our other blog pages for more information on skincare. For more specific information on comedogenic and what it means, check out this blog post by clicking here.
By being mindful of the ingredients in your makeup and opting for non-comedogenic options, you can reduce the risk of breakouts and maintain clearer skin.