What a 5/5 rating means
On the comedogenic scale, a 5 is the top of the scale — highly likely to clog pores when used at meaningful concentration. That means Carrageenan deserves attention if you break out easily, especially when it appears high on an ingredient list.
This rating is disputed. Credible sources land on different numbers for Carrageenan, so we publish the range (5) rather than a false single figure. When sources disagree this openly, your own experience carries real weight.
One thing the number cannot tell you is concentration. Ingredients are listed in descending order, so Carrageenan near the end of a label is present in tiny amounts and matters far less than the same ingredient near the top.
About Carrageenan
It is a thickener that controls how a product flows and feels. A red-algae-derived gelling agent (Irish moss) rated 5/5 on the classic scale, though at the tiny use levels in most formulas its practical impact is debated.
On a label it can read as Carrageenan, Carageenan Gum, Carrageenan Moss, Chondrus Crispus — worth knowing when you scan an ingredient deck.
Carrageenan in makeup and skincare
It sets the consistency of gels, liquid foundations, and serums. Its irritancy is rated separately at 2/5, which is low.
Lower-rated alternatives to Carrageenan
If you want a similar role with a friendlier comedogenic score, consider:
- Squalane — comedogenic rating 1/5 (Low risk).
- Niacinamide — comedogenic rating 0/5 (Low risk).
Carrageenan comedogenic FAQ
Is Carrageenan comedogenic?
It can be. Carrageenan is rated 5/5 (high risk) on the 0–5 comedogenic scale, so it has a real chance of clogging pores on acne-prone skin, especially high on an ingredient list. Sources disagree on Carrageenan, so the rating is less settled than most.
What is the comedogenic rating of Carrageenan?
Carrageenan has a comedogenic rating of 5/5 (high risk). Of the 190 ingredients in our dataset with a published rating, none rate higher than Carrageenan, 177 rate lower, and 12 others share its 5/5. Among the 5 rated thickeners, none rate higher and 4 lower. The figure is drawn from 2 cited sources, listed on this page.
Is Carrageenan pore-clogging?
It is one of the more likely ones. At 5/5, Carrageenan is in the high-risk band. It matters most when it appears near the top of an ingredient list, where it makes up a larger share of the product. Comedogenic ratings come mostly from rabbit-ear assays and small human patch tests of the pure ingredient at high concentration, so they are a screening guide, not a prediction for your skin or a medical claim.