Comedogenic Checker

Free Comedogenic Checker

Rate any makeup or skincare product against the 0–5 comedogenic scale, free. Paste the ingredient list for an instant rating on every ingredient we recognise — with what each score means and lower-rated swaps. No signup, no download.

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4 ingredients rated 3 or higher

Recognized 8 of 10 ingredients · average comedogenic rating 2.4/5 · 2 not in our database.

  • Isopropyl Myristate
    Ester / emollient
    High risk · 5/5

    A lightweight synthetic ester used to give products a fast, non-greasy slip. One of the most reliably pore-clogging cosmetic ingredients on the Fulton scale, scoring the maximum 5.

    Lower-rated swaps: Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Squalane

  • Laureth-4
    Emulsifier
    High risk · 5/5

    A low-ethoxylate laureth emulsifier that scores high on both comedogenicity (5) and irritancy (4).

    Lower-rated swaps: Glyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol

  • Shea Butter
    Butter · disputed
    Moderate · 2–4/5

    Genuinely disputed: many dermatology sources rate shea butter 0-2 and consider it well tolerated, while several pore-clogging lists rate it as high as 4. Patch-test if you are very acne-prone.

    Lower-rated swaps: Squalane, Mango Butter

  • Moderate · 3/5

    The self-emulsifying (SE) grade of glyceryl stearate carries added soap and rates higher than the plain form, at 3/5. The non-SE grade is far milder.

    Lower-rated swaps: Glyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol

  • Low risk · 1/5

    A volatile silicone that evaporates after application, leaving a silky feel. Low-risk at 1/5 and fungal-acne safe.

  • Cetyl Alcohol
    Fatty alcohol
    Low risk · 2/5

    A fatty alcohol (not a drying alcohol) used to soften and thicken. Rated 2/5 and considered fungal-acne safe.

  • Dimethicone
    Silicone · disputed
    Low risk · 1/5

    A breathable silicone that smooths and blurs. Rated 1/5 and fungal-acne safe; occasionally blamed for congestion when layered heavily, but the ingredient itself is low-risk.

  • Low risk · 0/5

    The stable acetate ester of vitamin E, rated 0/5 and considered non-comedogenic.

Or read how the 0–5 comedogenic scale works and browse ratings for 185 ingredients.

What's actually free?

The entire checker. Paste any ingredient list and every recognised ingredient is scored on the 0–5 comedogenic scale, sorted highest-first, and explained. You see the rating, what it means for congestion-prone skin, and a lower-rated alternative where one exists. Nothing about the result is locked behind a payment or an email.

Why "free comedogenic checker" usually disappoints — and what's different

Many tools that target this search only recognise a short buzzword list or hide the full breakdown behind a signup. This one is built on 185 ingredients with cited comedogenic ratings, and the complete rating table appears instantly. Your ingredient list never leaves the browser, so checking a product you are about to buy stays entirely private.

Good places to start