Frequently asked questions
What does noncomedogenic mean exactly?
You may see the term all the time, but do you actually know what it means? Let’s begin with a little refresher from the experts.
“’Noncomedogenic’ is a label that typically means a product is unlikely to clog pores or contribute to breakouts,” says Dr Ashley. “The word itself comes from ‘comedone,’ the technical term for a blocked pore. So a non-comedogenic product, in theory, won’t trigger the formation of these blemishes.”
However, she mentions, “this term isn’t tightly regulated.” Just because a product states it is ‘non-comedogenic,’ it does not mean it will never irritate acne-prone skin. “Non-comedogenic products are formulated to avoid ingredients with high comedogenic ratings to avoid the development of comedones,” says Dr Hall, but that doesn’t mean all ingredients are completely risk-free.
This is why it’s key to do your own research. Ingredient-checker apps and websites can help you understand which products are made with zero comedogenic-risk ingredients, and which may have a few but at a low risk. All products in the aforementioned round-up fit into one of these two categories (most in the former).
What skin types should consider using a non-comedogenic moisturiser?
It’s actually a good idea for all skin types to use products that don’t put the skin at risk of pore-clogging, but those with acne-prone skin types (oily or combination, usually) will benefit most.
“Anyone prone to congestion, blackheads, or breakouts should look for non-comedogenic formulas,” advises Dr Halliley, before adding: “This includes those with oily or combination skin, as well as individuals using active treatments like Tretinoin or salicylic acid, which can make the skin more sensitive to pore-clogging ingredients.”
Can non-comedogenic moisturisers help prevent breakouts?
“Yes, they can, though it’s important to manage expectations,” says Dr Hall. “While non-comedogenic products help reduce the risk of clogged pores and acne formation, they are not treatments for breakouts in and of themselves. Rather, they form part of a broader, preventative skincare routine.” It’s therefore important to take more of a well-rounded approach to dealing with acne, which includes the correct products, diet and lifestyle changes, and medicated creams or oral prescriptions if needed, which can be prescribed by a dermatologist.
A good non-comedogenic moisturizer is a brilliant start, however. “They can help reduce the likelihood of breakouts by supporting the skin barrier without introducing heavy or occlusive ingredients that could trap sebum and bacteria. By hydrating the water content of the skin appropriately, they can also actually reduce oil production. Often oily skin is also dehydrated, leading your skin to produce more oil to try and quench its first. It can be a vicious cycle!” explains Dr Halliley.
How do you know if a moisturiser is non-comedogenic?
The first step is of course, to look out for the phrase ‘non-comedogenic’ on a product’s packaging or online description. However, as mentioned, the term isn’t stringently regulated, meaning it can be ‘thrown around’ rather a lot. For this reason, it’s always worth doing your own research. Search ingredient apps or websites for your chosen product to take a closer look at what’s inside, and whether there is a comedogenic risk. You should also look out for certain ingredients to avoid, the experts agree. “Avoid heavy oils like coconut oil or lanolin,” notes Dr Halliley, while Dr Hall advises steering clear of certain alcohols, “which can contribute to pore blockages in some skin types.”
Dr Ashley has advice when it comes to finding a product that works specifically for you and your skin: “If you’re acne-prone, it’s useful to patch test on a small area for a week and keep the rest of your routine simple while trialling. And remember, comedogenicity isn’t usually caused by one ingredient in isolation. It depends on things like formulation, dilution, and your individual skin chemistry.”
What to look for in a non-comedogenic moisturiser.
Dr Khorana lays out the following checklist:
- A non-comedogenic label
- A lightweight texture (gel or lotion)
- Hydrating ingredients (hyaluronic acid, glycerin, niacinamide, squalane)
- An ‘oil-free’ label
Avoid ingredients like coconut oil, isopropyl myristate, lanolin, and cocoa butter.
As someone who experiences occasional acne flare-ups, I understand what it takes to build a skin care routine that won’t aggravate breakouts. It is important to me that my moisturiser does not contain any comedogenic-risk products, which would be incredibly counterintuitive for my acne healing. For this reason, I did a deep dive into the subject, speaking with experts and researching specific products, using resources like whatsinmyjar.com to double check formulations.
I then used each moisturiser (many of which I was already familiar with) for a series of days and weeks to check how they felt on skin initially, how they absorbed, and what they were like when sun protection was applied on top in the mornings. I checked for fragrance, the kind of finish they provided (dewy? matte?), and how they made my inflamed skin feel. I also watched how my skin behaved throughout usage, to ensure nothing further triggered my skin.
As a shopping writer for the past five years–three at Glamour and two contributing to titles such as Cosmopolitan, Elle, and Harper’s Bazaar–testing beauty products has always been a core part of my job. Alongside that, I’ve regularly interviewed dermatologists and skincare experts to strengthen my beauty knowledge, which means I’ve developed a far more in-depth understanding of formulations and ingredients than the average beauty enthusiast.
When it comes to moisturizers, I’ve tried everything from vitamin C creams to barrier-repairing formulas, but as someone with acne-prone skin, not every product has agreed with me. In fact, many have clogged pores or triggered breakouts. Over the years, it’s taken consistent trial, error, and expert insight to refine my skincare routine and identify formulas that hydrate effectively without upsetting my skin. So when it comes to noncomedogenic moisturisers, I know exactly what I’m looking for: hydration, a lightweight feel, a non-greasy finish, and a formula I’ll actually want to reapply. If a product has made it onto this whittled-down edit, you can trust it’s passed the test.
