Below are two lists:
Our top 20 oil's to look for in your soap and skincare products as alternatives to acne causing oils (click here for our top 15 worst oils that cause acne and breakouts).
Second list are 13 recommended non-oil ingredients to look for in serums, face creams, lotions, etc that are best to use to avoid acne and breakouts.
What is comedogenic? Click here to learn more about what comedogenic means and comedogenic ingredients.
Here’s a list of the top 20 non-comedogenic oils that are less likely to clog pores and are generally safe for acne-prone or sensitive skin:
1. Hemp Seed Oil
- Comedogenic Rating: 0
- Why It’s Great: Lightweight and rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, hemp seed oil is excellent for moisturizing without clogging pores.
2. Squalane Oil
- Comedogenic Rating: 0-1
- Why It’s Great: Mimicking the skin's natural sebum, squalane is highly moisturizing, non-greasy, and suitable for all skin types.
3. Argan Oil
- Comedogenic Rating: 0
- Why It’s Great: Rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids, argan oil provides deep hydration and helps improve skin elasticity without clogging pores.
4. Grapeseed Oil
- Comedogenic Rating: 1
- Why It’s Great: A lightweight, non-greasy oil that absorbs quickly, grapeseed oil is rich in antioxidants and perfect for oily or acne-prone skin.
5. Sunflower Oil
- Comedogenic Rating: 0-2
- Why It’s Great: High in linoleic acid, sunflower oil is light and non-comedogenic, making it a great choice for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
6. Rosehip Oil
- Comedogenic Rating: 1
- Why It’s Great: Packed with vitamins A and C, rosehip oil promotes skin regeneration and is known for its anti-aging properties, all while being gentle on pores.
7. Neem Oil
- Comedogenic Rating: 1-2
- Why It’s Great: Known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, neem oil helps treat acne and soothes irritated skin without clogging pores.
8. Jojoba Oil
- Comedogenic Rating: 2
- Why It’s Great: Resembling the skin’s natural sebum, jojoba oil is highly moisturizing and non-comedogenic, balancing oil production in the skin.
9. Camellia Oil
- Comedogenic Rating: 1
- Why It’s Great: Lightweight and non-greasy, camellia oil is rich in antioxidants and helps improve skin texture and moisture without clogging pores.
10. Sea Buckthorn Oil
- Comedogenic Rating: 1
- Why It’s Great: Rich in vitamins and omega fatty acids, sea buckthorn oil nourishes the skin and promotes healing while being gentle on pores.
11. Pomegranate Seed Oil
- Comedogenic Rating: 1
- Why It’s Great: An antioxidant powerhouse, pomegranate seed oil helps protect the skin from environmental stressors while being non-comedogenic.
12. Cucumber Seed Oil
- Comedogenic Rating: 1
- Why It’s Great: Light and refreshing, cucumber seed oil is rich in linoleic acid and helps soothe and hydrate the skin without causing breakouts.
13. Watermelon Seed Oil
- Comedogenic Rating: 0-1
- Why It’s Great: A light, non-greasy oil, watermelon seed oil is high in linoleic acid and perfect for balancing oil production in acne-prone skin.
14. Black Cumin Seed Oil
- Comedogenic Rating: 2
- Why It’s Great: Known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, black cumin seed oil is effective for acne-prone skin and doesn’t clog pores.
15. Tamanu Oil
- Comedogenic Rating: 2
- Why It’s Great: A rich oil with powerful healing properties, tamanu oil is great for scars and blemishes, and is less likely to clog pores.
16. Kukui Nut Oil
- Comedogenic Rating: 2
- Why It’s Great: Lightweight and easily absorbed, kukui nut oil is excellent for moisturizing and soothing the skin without clogging pores.
17. Apricot Kernel Oil
- Comedogenic Rating: 2
- Why It’s Great: A light oil rich in vitamins A and E, apricot kernel oil helps moisturize and nourish the skin without contributing to breakouts.
18. Baobab Oil
- Comedogenic Rating: 2
- Why It’s Great: This nutrient-rich oil is moisturizing and helps repair the skin barrier while being gentle enough for acne-prone skin.
19. Passion Fruit (Maracuja) Oil
- Comedogenic Rating: 1
- Why It’s Great: Light and fast-absorbing, passion fruit oil is rich in linoleic acid, making it ideal for balancing oil production in the skin.
20. Borage Seed Oil
- Comedogenic Rating: 2
- Why It’s Great: High in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), borage seed oil is excellent for reducing inflammation and keeping the skin hydrated without clogging pores.
These oils are excellent choices for moisturizing and nourishing the skin without the risk of clogged pores, making them suitable for all skin types, especially those prone to acne.
If you're looking for skincare ingredients outside of the oil's section, that are considered non-comedogenic, here are some excellent options that can help keep your skin clear and healthy, these are found in serums, lotions, conditioners, etc:
1. Hyaluronic Acid
- Why It’s Great: Hyaluronic acid is a powerful humectant that draws moisture into the skin, making it ideal for hydration without the risk of clogging pores. It’s suitable for all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin.
2. Glycerin
- Why It’s Great: Glycerin is another excellent humectant that helps maintain the skin’s moisture balance. It's lightweight, non-greasy, and non-comedogenic, making it a staple in many skincare products.
3. Squalane
- Why It’s Great: Derived from olives or sugarcane, squalane is a lightweight, non-comedogenic oil that mimics the skin’s natural sebum. It provides hydration and improves elasticity without clogging pores.
4. Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
- Why It’s Great: Niacinamide is a versatile ingredient that helps regulate oil production, reduces inflammation, and improves skin texture. It’s non-comedogenic and beneficial for acne-prone and sensitive skin.
5. Zinc Oxide
- Why It’s Great: Zinc oxide is a mineral sunscreen ingredient that provides broad-spectrum protection without causing breakouts. It’s also anti-inflammatory and can help soothe irritated skin.
6. Aloe Vera
- Why It’s Great: Aloe vera is known for its soothing and healing properties. It’s non-comedogenic and helps calm redness and irritation while providing light hydration.
7. Salicylic Acid
- Why It’s Great: Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that exfoliates inside the pores, helping to prevent and treat acne. It’s oil-soluble, making it particularly effective for oily and acne-prone skin.
8. Rosehip Oil
- Why It’s Great: Rosehip oil is rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins, making it nourishing for the skin. It’s lightweight and non-comedogenic, making it a great choice for moisturizing without causing breakouts.
9. Shea Butter (Unrefined)
- Why It’s Great: While refined shea butter can sometimes clog pores, unrefined shea butter is much less likely to do so. It provides deep moisture and is particularly beneficial for dry or sensitive skin.
10. Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
- Why It’s Great: Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that brightens the skin and helps reduce the appearance of dark spots. It’s non-comedogenic and works well in serums and moisturizers.
11. Cucumber Extract
- Why It’s Great: Cucumber extract is cooling, soothing, and hydrating. It’s non-comedogenic and helps reduce puffiness and irritation, making it a great ingredient for sensitive skin.
12. Peptides
- Why It’s Great: Peptides are amino acids that help stimulate collagen production and improve skin elasticity. They’re non-comedogenic and beneficial for anti-aging without the risk of clogging pores.
13. Green Tea Extract
- Why It’s Great: Green tea extract is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. It’s non-comedogenic and helps soothe the skin while providing protection against environmental stressors.
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
These ingredients are widely recognized as non-comedogenic and are suitable for a variety of skin types. When choosing skincare products, look for the ingredients in the above lists to maintain a clear, healthy complexion without the worry of clogging pores.