What a 3/5 rating means
On the comedogenic scale, a 3 is the moderate midpoint: tolerated by many, a possible trigger for congestion-prone skin. That puts Cetrimonium Bromide squarely in the judgement-call zone, where your skin type and the product's formula decide the outcome.
This rating is disputed. Credible sources land on different numbers for Cetrimonium Bromide, so we publish the range (3) 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 Cetrimonium Bromide near the end of a label is present in tiny amounts and matters far less than the same ingredient near the top.
About Cetrimonium Bromide
It is a surfactant — a cleansing or foaming agent that lifts oil and grime. A quaternary conditioning surfactant named on pore-clogging lists in the moderate range.
On a label it can read as Cetrimonium Bromide, Myrtrimonium Bromide — worth knowing when you scan an ingredient deck.
Cetrimonium Bromide in makeup and skincare
It appears in cleansers, micellar waters, and makeup-removing washes. Its irritancy is rated separately at 2/5, which is low.
Lower-rated alternatives to Cetrimonium Bromide
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).
Cetrimonium Bromide comedogenic FAQ
Is Cetrimonium Bromide comedogenic?
Moderately. Cetrimonium Bromide is rated 3/5 (moderate), the middle of the 0–5 scale: many people tolerate it, but it can contribute to breakouts on congestion-prone skin. Sources disagree on Cetrimonium Bromide, so the rating is less settled than most.
What is the comedogenic rating of Cetrimonium Bromide?
Cetrimonium Bromide has a comedogenic rating of 3/5 (moderate). Of the 190 ingredients in our dataset with a published rating, 39 rate higher than Cetrimonium Bromide, 97 rate lower, and 53 others share its 3/5. Among the 5 rated surfactants, 1 rates higher and none lower. The figure is drawn from 1 cited source, listed on this page.
Is Cetrimonium Bromide pore-clogging?
It can be for some people. At 3/5, Cetrimonium Bromide is in the moderate band. How much it matters depends on concentration: near the top of an ingredient list it is a bigger factor than near the end. 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.