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 Laneth-10 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 Laneth-10, 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 Laneth-10 near the end of a label is present in tiny amounts and matters far less than the same ingredient near the top.
About Laneth-10
It is a lanolin derivative, sourced from sheep's wool and known for deep, occlusive moisture. An ethoxylated lanolin alcohol named on pore-clogging lists in the moderate range.
On a label it can read as Laneth 10, Laneth-10 — worth knowing when you scan an ingredient deck.
Laneth-10 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 Laneth-10 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 Laneth-10
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).
Laneth-10 comedogenic FAQ
Is Laneth-10 comedogenic?
Moderately. Laneth-10 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 Laneth-10, so the rating is less settled than most.
What is the comedogenic rating of Laneth-10?
Laneth-10 has a comedogenic rating of 3/5 (moderate). Of the 190 ingredients in our dataset with a published rating, 39 rate higher than Laneth-10, 97 rate lower, and 53 others share its 3/5. Among the 8 rated lanolin derivatives, 4 rate higher and 2 lower. The figure is drawn from 1 cited source, listed on this page.
Is Laneth-10 pore-clogging?
It can be for some people. At 3/5, Laneth-10 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.