What Are Comedogenic Ratings for Skincare Oils?

Have you ever introduced a new oil to your routine only to face unexpected breakouts? Comedogenic ratings are the key to picking oils that love your skin back.

This article will explain how comedogenic ratings work and which oils are safest for your skin type.

• What ‘comedogenic’ really means for your pores
• The simple scale from 0 (won’t clog) to 5 (highly clogging)
• Ratings for common oils like jojoba, coconut, and argan
• How to use this knowledge in your daily routine

What is the comedogenic scale and why should you care?

Think of the comedogenic scale as a simple ranking system for oils. It measures how likely an oil is to clog your pores. The scale runs from 0 to 5.

A rating of 0 means an ingredient is very unlikely to cause blockages. A 5 means it’s very likely. It’s like a traffic light for your pores, giving you a heads-up on what might cause congestion.

This scale is a helpful guide, not an absolute rule for every single person.

Your skin is unique. An oil rated a 2 might be perfect for your friend but cause issues for you. This guide helps you make smarter starting choices, especially if you have acne-prone or congested skin.

The original ratings came from lab tests on rabbit ears decades ago. While it’s a foundation, modern skincare uses this as a starting point, combined with what we see working on human skin every day.

Your go-to list of non-clogging oils (Comedogenic Rating 0-1)

These are your safest bets for clear, happy skin. They absorb beautifully and work with your skin’s natural balance.

Light & Dry-Touch Oils

These oils feel like a quick drink of water for your skin. They sink in fast with little to no greasy residue.

• Hemp Seed Oil (Rating 0): This is a superstar for oily and combination skin. It has a thin, dry texture and can help regulate your skin’s own oil production. I always have a bottle in my fridge.
• Grapeseed Oil (Rating 1): Lightweight and slightly astringent, it leaves a soft, matte finish. It’s my go-to for a quick facial massage.
• Sunflower Oil (High-Linoleic, Rating 0): Not all sunflower oils are equal. Look for the high-linoleic version. It’s light, soothing, and perfect for all skin types, even the most sensitive.

Rich Yet Non-Clogging Superstars

Don’t let the rich texture fool you. These nourishing oils are surprisingly gentle on pores.

• Argan Oil (Rating 0): This is a desert treasure. It feels rich and luxurious, but it absorbs completely, leaving skin supple, not slick. Many people with oily skin are shocked at how well their skin drinks up non-comedogenic argan oil.
• Sea Buckthorn Oil (Rating 0-1): This vibrant orange oil is a powerhouse for repair. It’s best diluted in another carrier oil due to its potency. A few drops mixed into your moisturizer can work wonders without clogging.

From my own shelf, I love blending a teaspoon of hemp seed oil with three drops of argan oil for my combination skin. It gives me the balancing effect of hemp with the lasting nourishment of argan. Always patch test a new blend on your jawline for a few days first.

A Quick Note on Non-Oil Ingredients

You might see ingredients like 1,2-hexanediol or azelaic acid listed in products alongside oils. These are not oils; they are typically humectants or acids.

They generally carry a very low to no risk of clogging pores and are often included for their moisturizing or clarifying properties.

Which oils often cause trouble for acne-prone skin? (Rating 4-5)

Oils with comedogenic ratings of 4 or 5 are the ones I handle with extra care for facial skincare. Common culprits on this list include coconut oil, wheat germ oil, and some heavier, less refined grades of olive oil.

In my experience, these oils share a certain tactile quality. They feel rich and substantial between the fingers. When you apply them, they often coat the skin rather than absorb quickly, leaving a noticeable film.

That lingering, occlusive texture is what can trap sebum and dead skin cells, leading to clogged pores for those with acne-prone or congested skin. It’s like wearing a heavy sweater on your face when it only needs a light shirt.

This doesn’t mean these oils are “bad.” Far from it. The jar of coconut oil in my kitchen is a hero for hair masks and body polishing. Wheat germ oil, rich in vitamin E, is a staple in my hand-blended body butter for its nourishing properties.

You can absolutely enjoy these oils for hair and body wellness; just be mindful about using them directly on your face.

Now, about coconut oil. You might see “fractionated” coconut oil, which is processed to stay liquid. I keep some in my apothecary for certain blends because it’s lighter. But here’s the nuance: it’s not just about being lighter.

Even fractionated coconut oil can still be comedogenic for some individuals, as everyone’s skin reacts differently. I always recommend a patch test behind the ear before any new facial application.

Does a single ingredient’s rating tell the whole story?

Not even close. A comedogenic rating is a helpful clue, not a final verdict.

The real story is in how that ingredient is used.

Rinse-Off vs. Leave-On: Context is Everything

A high-rated oil in a well-formulated, washed-off cleanser is far less risky than the same oil in a thick, leave-on night cream.

Think of it like washing a pot with olive oil. The oil cleans the surface, then you rinse it all away. It doesn’t sit there and soak in.

On my own shelf, I have a cleanser with coconut oil, rated a 4. I would never use a straight coconut oil moisturizer on my face, but in this wash-off formula, it effectively dissolves makeup without clogging my pores.

The formula’s purpose-whether it rinses away or lingers on your skin-dramatically changes the risk of clogged pores.

The Supporting Cast: Other Ingredients Matter

A product is a team, and every player affects the game. Other ingredients can influence how an oil behaves on your skin.

Take silicones, like dimethicone or cyclopentasiloxane. They are generally considered non-comedogenic. They create a silky, occlusive barrier on the skin’s surface. How do these non-comedogenic claims translate to pore health in makeup? Do these ingredients actually help prevent clogged pores in cosmetics?

That barrier can sometimes trap other ingredients-including heavier oils or sebum-beneath it. It’s not that the silicone itself clogs the pore. It’s more like it puts a light seal on top.

An ingredient’s behavior can change based on what you mix it with, altering how it feels and functions on your skin.

Skin-Friendly Teammates Can Tip the Scales

Many brilliant ingredients actively support skin health without any clogging risk. They can make a formula containing a heavier oil more tolerable for your skin.

Look for blends that include:

• Ceramides: These lipids help repair and maintain your skin’s natural moisture barrier, making it more resilient.
• Allantoin: A gentle soother that calms irritation and promotes healing.
• Niacinamide: This multi-tasker helps regulate oil production and improves skin texture over time.

These ingredients work to keep pores clear and skin balanced from the inside out. A formula with a moderately comedogenic oil might still work beautifully if it’s packed with these supportive, non-clogging teammates.

How can I safely use face oils if my skin is oily or acne-prone?

First, take a deep breath. Oily skin and oils can be friends. The trick is choosing the right ones and using a gentle, strategic approach. I often see people with oily skin avoid all oils, but that can sometimes lead to more oil production as the skin tries to overcompensate.

Start with low-rated oils and a gentle introduction

Your safest bets are oils with a comedogenic rating of 0 to 2. These are less likely to clog pores. If you have acne-prone, oily skin, these non-comedogenic picks are worth considering as they won’t clog pores. In the next steps I’ll point out exactly which oils fit that skin type. My top suggestions for you would be hemp seed oil (rated 0), grapeseed oil (rated 1), or sunflower oil (rated 0-2, depending on type).

Start by mixing just 2 to 3 drops of your chosen face oil with your regular moisturizer or a bit of aloe vera gel in your palm. This dilutes it and helps your skin adjust without overwhelming it. Apply it to slightly damp skin after cleansing. Think of this as a friendly introduction, not a full commitment.

Tailor your oil use to the time of day

You can think about face oils like clothing for your skin-lighter layers for day, cozier ones for night. For daytime, I reach for light, quick-absorbing oils like grapeseed or jojoba. They give a soft finish without a heavy feel under sunscreen and makeup.

At night, your skin does its repair work. This is when you might try a slightly richer, nourishing oil with a low rating. Borage oil is a fantastic example; it’s known for helping soothe skin, and a tiny drop patted on at night can feel supportive. Using a light oil for day and a more reparative one for night lets you address different skin needs without clogging pores.

Understand that the right oil can balance your skin

This is the most important mindset shift. A quality, non-comedogenic oil can signal to your skin that it doesn’t need to produce as much sebum. It provides the lubrication your skin craves in a clean, non-pore-clogging form.

I have a bottle of hemp seed oil on my shelf specifically for this. When skin feels balanced, it often looks less shiny and pores can appear smaller. The right oil doesn’t add to the problem; it helps guide your skin toward a more balanced state. Pay attention. If your skin feels calmer and less oily through the day after a few weeks, you’ve found a good match.

The ultimate patch test: your skin’s personal verdict

Comedogenic ratings are a useful map, but your skin is the territory. I treat every new oil with this simple ritual before it touches my whole face. That means asking: are comedogenic ratings meaningful for apricot kernel oil and other botanical oils on skin? I test a tiny patch first to see how my skin responds.

Your personal patch test cuts through the charts and gives you a real answer.

How to run your own skin trial

Follow these steps exactly for a clear result. I use the side of my jaw, as it’s sensitive and easy to monitor.

1. Cleanse a small, discreet area of skin and pat it completely dry.
2. Apply a single drop or a pea-sized amount of the pure oil you are testing. I have a dedicated set of tiny bottles on my shelf for this purpose.
3. Repeat this application once a day, in the evening, for two full weeks.

Two weeks is the magic number because it allows slow-forming clogs to reveal themselves.

Look for this subtle clue

Do not just wait for a glaring red breakout. The most common sign of pore-clogging is much quieter.

Watch for a cluster of very small, flesh-colored bumps. They may not be red or painful, but the skin will feel uneven, like fine sandpaper, to the touch.

These barely-there bumps are micro-comedones, the direct result of an oil your pores cannot process.

Your reaction writes the final rating

If that test patch remains smooth and calm after two weeks, you have found a compatible oil. If those tiny bumps appear, listen to your skin.

This personal experiment overrules any published rating, making it the most reliable guide for your skincare routine.

Where can you find trustworthy comedogenic rating information?

Navigating comedogenic ratings can feel like a puzzle. I keep a few trusted bookmarks in my browser for this exact reason.

For reliable data, I lean on databases built by cosmetic scientists and reviewed by dermatologists.

My Go-To Reference Sources

These are the sites I use most often when formulating or checking a product label.

• INCIDecoder: This is my first stop. It breaks down ingredients clearly, often citing specific comedogenic studies and giving a reliable rating.
• Paula’s Choice Ingredient Dictionary: Founded by skincare expert Paula Begoun, this resource is meticulously researched and explains the “why” behind each rating.
• Acne.org’s Comedogenic List: This list is frequently updated and based on a review of available scientific literature, making it a solid, specialized resource.

A Word of Caution on Online Lists

Be wary of broad, unverified lists on forums or social media. I’ve seen the same errors copied and pasted for years.

An incorrect rating can lead you to unfairly dismiss a wonderful oil for your skin type. A list from 1998 might not reflect how we use and formulate with oils today.

Smart Cross-Referencing Habits

I always check at least two of my trusted sources. If they disagree, I dig deeper.

More importantly, I look for a crucial detail: is the rating for the pure, 100% oil, or for a common concentration used in a product?

Pure coconut oil might have a high rating, but a lotion with 1% coconut oil as an emulsifier is a different story. The source should make this distinction clear.

What About Ingredients That Aren’t Oils?

Your moisturizer has more than just oils. You might see cetyl alcohol or other emulsifiers.

Cetyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol, not a plant oil, and it typically has a very low comedogenic rating. It’s used to bind water and oil together in a cream.

This is why checking each ingredient matters. Don’t just scan for oils. Look up everything unfamiliar to build a complete picture of what you’re applying to your skin.

Non-comedogenic vs. comedogenic: a simple, practical breakdown

Think of your pores like tiny doorways. A non-comedogenic oil is light and greets your skin like a thin, silky shirt. It gets absorbed without a fuss, letting your skin breathe easy. A comedogenic oil is more like a thick, wooly sweater. It has a higher chance of sitting heavily at the pore’s doorway, which can sometimes lead to a clog.

It’s not about “good” or “bad” oils. It’s about their texture and how they interact with your unique skin. Hemp seed oil, for instance, is famously light and often gets a zero rating. My bottle feels like cool water going on. Coconut oil is richer and gets a higher rating, which is why I love it for my heels but am careful with it on my face.

Knowing an oil’s rating helps you predict its “skin-smothering” potential, so you can match the oil’s weight to your skin’s needs.

Ratings are clues, not commandments

Here’s where it gets personal. A non-comedogenic rating doesn’t guarantee an oil will be your skin’s best friend. Some very light oils, like citrus essential oils, can be sensitizing if used improperly. Conversely, an oil with a moderate rating might be perfectly fine for your skin type, especially if you use just a drop or two.

I have a jar of shea butter on my shelf, which has a mid-range rating. On my combination skin, it’s too much for my forehead. But on my cheeks in the dead of winter? It’s a lifesaver. My skin drinks it up without a single bump.

A non-comedogenic label means low clogging risk, but your skin could still react. A mildly comedogenic oil isn’t automatically “bad,” it just requires more mindful application.

Your skin is the final map

The most important tool in your skincare kit isn’t an oil. It’s your power of observation. Comedogenic ratings are a brilliant starting map, drafted from general studies. Your face is the unique, living territory.

Use the ratings as a guide to narrow your choices. If you’re prone to congestion, start with oils rated 0-2. From there, the only way to know is to patch test. Mix a few drops of your new oil with a familiar carrier, and try it on a small area of your jawline for a week.

Watch. Feel. Does your skin look clearer and feel comfortable? Or does it feel coated and look bumpy? Your skin will tell you everything.

Trust the ratings as a smart starting point, but let your own skin’s response be the final, guiding law.

Your Curiosities, Answered

Why might an oil with a low comedogenic rating still cause breakouts for me?

Comedogenic ratings measure pore-clogging potential, but they can’t predict individual sensitivities or allergies. Your unique skin chemistry and microbiome are the final deciding factors.

How can I tell if a product’s formula will be pore-friendly, beyond just the oil’s rating?

Examine the full ingredient list for supportive, clarifying teammates like niacinamide or salicylic acid. Also, the product’s texture-opting for lightweight serums over heavy balms-can be a great clue for acne-prone skin.

Is it possible for my skin to ‘get used to’ an oil that initially causes clogging?

No, persistent clogging is a clear sign of incompatibility. If a proper two-week patch test results in small bumps, trust that signal and choose a different oil for your skin.

Cultivating Your Skin’s Oil Wisdom

The most useful thing you can take from a comedogenic rating is a starting point for curiosity, not a final rule. Your unique skin and how you blend an oil matter far more than any single number on a chart.

I encourage you to experiment with small batches and trust what you observe in your own skin. I’ll keep sharing what I learn from my own apothecary shelf right here, to help you care for your skin, hair, and home with confidence.