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 Sodium Chloride 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 Sodium Chloride, 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 Sodium Chloride near the end of a label is present in tiny amounts and matters far less than the same ingredient near the top.
About Sodium Chloride
It is a functional cosmetic ingredient. Common salt scores a surprising 5 on the classic comedogenic assay, likely a mechanical effect; in most rinse-off or low-salt formulas the practical risk is small.
On a label it can read as Sodium Chloride, Salt — worth knowing when you scan an ingredient deck.
Sodium Chloride in makeup and skincare
It is used across a range of makeup and skincare formats. Its irritancy is rated separately at 3/5, which is worth noting for sensitive or reactive skin.
Lower-rated alternatives to Sodium Chloride
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).