What a 4/5 rating means
On the comedogenic scale, a 4 is in the high-risk band, with a real likelihood of clogging pores on acne-prone skin. That means Isopropyl Lanolate 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 Isopropyl Lanolate, so we publish the range (4) 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 Isopropyl Lanolate near the end of a label is present in tiny amounts and matters far less than the same ingredient near the top.
About Isopropyl Lanolate
It is a lanolin derivative, sourced from sheep's wool and known for deep, occlusive moisture. A lanolin ester frequently named on pore-clogging lists in the high range.
Isopropyl Lanolate in makeup and skincare
It is a classic in lipsticks, tinted balms, and heavy moisturisers. Its irritancy is rated separately at 0/5, which is low.
If you deal with fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis) rather than ordinary clogged pores, note that Isopropyl Lanolate is among the fatty-acid or ester-type ingredients that community sources commonly avoid — a separate concern from its comedogenic score, and one with weaker evidence behind it.
Lower-rated alternatives to Isopropyl Lanolate
If you want a similar role with a friendlier comedogenic score, consider:
- Squalane — comedogenic rating 1/5 (Low risk).
- Petrolatum — comedogenic rating 0/5 (Low risk).
Isopropyl Lanolate comedogenic FAQ
Is Isopropyl Lanolate comedogenic?
It can be. Isopropyl Lanolate is rated 4/5 (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 Isopropyl Lanolate, so the rating is less settled than most.
What is the comedogenic rating of Isopropyl Lanolate?
Isopropyl Lanolate has a comedogenic rating of 4/5 (high risk). Of the 190 ingredients in our dataset with a published rating, 13 rate higher than Isopropyl Lanolate, 151 rate lower, and 25 others share its 4/5. Among the 8 rated lanolin derivatives, none rate higher and 4 lower. The figure is drawn from 2 cited sources, listed on this page.
Is Isopropyl Lanolate pore-clogging?
It is one of the more likely ones. At 4/5, Isopropyl Lanolate 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.