Free tool
Free pore-clogging (comedogenic) checker
Paste any cosmetic label and we'll surface every ingredient with a non-zero comedogenicity rating — sorted from highest reported risk to lowest.
Why use this tool
Sorted from worst to best
Highest-rated ingredients bubble to the top so you can scan a long label and see the worst offenders in seconds.
Classic 0–5 scale
We use the literature-backed comedogenic scale so the numbers match what your dermatologist or your favorite acne forum is using.
Pairs with irritancy data
Open the full ingredient breakdown for irritancy ratings alongside comedogenicity — useful when sensitive and acne-prone overlap.
How it works
- 1
Copy the full ingredient list
Position matters — earlier ingredients are usually higher concentration, so grab the INCI exactly as it appears on the package.
- 2
Run the pore-clogging scan
Every ingredient with a non-zero comedogenic rating surfaces instantly, sorted by reported risk on a 0–5 scale.
- 3
Eliminate suspects, observe skin
Pull the highest-risk product out for a full skin cycle (≈4 weeks) before drawing conclusions — bumps don't read calendars.
Example output
Illustrative preview — exact layout may vary slightly in the app.
Non-zero comedogenicity (sorted)
- Ethylhexyl Palmitate4 / 5
- Lanolin Alcohol4 / 5
- Shea Butter3 / 5
Closed comedones, congestion and stubborn forehead bumps frustrate routines that look gentle on paper. Comedogenicity ratings distill decades of human-patch and rabbit-ear testing into a coarse 0–5 scale — imperfect, but invaluable when you're hunting obvious offenders in a 30-line INCI list. Our pore-clogging checker takes any cosmetic label and surfaces every ingredient with a non-zero score, sorted worst-first.
Just remember: a number on a chart isn't destiny. Concentration, finish, rinse-off vs leave-on use, and the rest of the formula all change how an ingredient behaves on real skin. Use the ratings as triage — pull the highest-risk products out of your routine first, give your skin a full cycle, and let your own results validate the heuristic.
Frequently asked questions
What does the comedogenicity scale mean?▼
0 means generally non-clogging, 1–2 is low risk and tolerated by most skin types, 3–5 is moderate-to-high risk and is often best avoided if you're prone to closed comedones or congestion.
Does a “2” rating mean an ingredient is safe?▼
For most skin types, yes. Congestion-prone skin sometimes still reacts to 2s, so use them as “probably fine” rather than “definitely fine” and let your skin be the tiebreaker.
Why do oils get conflicting comedogenicity scores online?▼
Different studies use different species, purification grades and concentrations — the same oil can score 0 in one source and 4 in another. Our database picks the most defensible reference where possible.
Are silicones really pore-clogging?▼
Most silicones (dimethicone, cyclopentasiloxane) score 0–1 in the literature. They get blamed online more than the data warrants — heavier waxes and esters are usually the real culprits.
Does makeup count toward pore-clogging risk?▼
Absolutely. Heavy liquid foundations and long-wear products sit on skin all day and matter as much as moisturizers — run them through the checker too.
Should I avoid every ingredient rated above 0?▼
Probably not — over-stripping a routine can damage your barrier, which makes congestion worse. Prioritize the highest plausible offenders, swap one product at a time, and watch results.
Ready to try it in the app?
Download Macherre for scans, shelves, comparisons, and routines tailored to your skin.
Sign up on the web from the same link if you prefer.