Decoding the Comedogenic Scale: A Guide to Oils and Butters for Your Skin

The comedogenic scale is a historical reference for the tendency of a material to promote comedones, or clogged follicles. It can help you ask better questions about oils and butters, but it cannot reliably predict whether a finished skincare product will clog your pores.

That distinction matters when comparing jojoba, squalane, grapeseed, rosehip, coconut oil or shea butter. Their chemistry, texture and role in a moisturizer differ. A number beside an ingredient name cannot capture the concentration, the rest of the formula, how you use it or your own skin's response.

This guide brings together a broad oils-and-butters reference table, fatty-acid education and practical guidance for acne-prone, oily, dry, combination, normal and sensitive skin. Use the table to understand materials, then choose a product that fits your skin and routine.

What is the comedogenic scale?

Comedogenicity describes the potential to promote comedones: plugs within hair follicles. Online ingredient charts usually present a scale from 0 to 5, with lower numbers representing less comedone formation and higher numbers representing more in a particular test or reference system.

There is no single universally validated consumer 0–5 scale that assigns every oil a dependable facial-breakout probability. Widely circulated charts combine older experimental results, secondary references and numbers whose original testing conditions are unclear. The same ingredient can receive different scores in different charts.

A rating is also different from an irritation score. Burning, an allergic rash, follicular plugging and inflammatory acne are separate outcomes, even though a person may experience more than one.

Where the numbers came from

Historical research included rabbit-ear assays that assessed follicular changes after exposure to raw materials. Fulton's 1989 survey reported comedogenicity and irritancy separately, and recorded source-dependent or refined-versus-unrefined differences for some materials. Those results describe tested samples under those conditions; they are not a complete classification of today's cosmetic ingredients. [1]

Human tests may examine microcomedones on a small area of the back, sometimes with repeated application under patches. These methods help researchers compare products, but the exposure can differ from normal use on the face. A small, short study in selected volunteers cannot resolve every person's response over months.

A 2006 study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology evaluated finished cosmetics containing ingredients previously identified as comedogenic and concluded that such products were not necessarily comedogenic. A small randomized study published in 2021 likewise evaluated specific complete creams under controlled human test conditions. These are reasons to assess the formula rather than add up ingredient scores. Neither study validates every product carrying a non-comedogenic claim. [2] [3]

Why an ingredient score cannot be a product score

• Concentration: an ingredient used alone is a different exposure from a small amount dispersed in a lotion.
• Vehicle: water, emulsifiers, solvents and other lipids change how the material is delivered and behaves.
• Ingredient identity: a fixed seed oil, an essential oil, an extract and a chemically modified derivative are not interchangeable.
• Processing: refining, fractionation, hydrogenation and raw-material source can change the supplied ingredient.
• Use: a rinse-off cleanser, a light daily lotion and a thick leave-on balm do not create the same exposure.
• Application: amount, frequency, layering and the area treated affect the practical result.
• Individual response: acne tendency, skin condition and the rest of the routine remain relevant.

There is no validated calculation that lets you total all the numbers on an ingredient list and obtain a finished-product comedogenic rating. An ingredient scanner can raise a question; it cannot diagnose the cause of your acne.

What does “non-comedogenic” actually mean?

A non-comedogenic claim communicates that a product is intended to have a low tendency to promote comedones. For acne-prone skin, that label is useful shopping information: the American Academy of Dermatology recommends choosing products labeled non-comedogenic or “won't clog pores.” It remains a selection aid rather than a personal guarantee. [7]

Where information is available, look for evaluation of the finished formula and ask what was tested, in whom and under what conditions. A list of individually low-scoring ingredients is not the same as finished-product testing. “Oil-free,” “hypoallergenic,” “dermatologist-tested” and “fragrance-free” answer different questions; none alone settles every congestion or allergy concern. Our guide to non-comedogenic versus hypoallergenic labels explains these distinctions.

An oil-containing product can be appropriate for acne-prone skin. An oil-free product can still be irritating or unsuitable for one person's routine. Start with the product's intended use and evidence, then evaluate the response.

Comedogenic scale for oils and butters: the detailed reference table

The table covers 93 materials and grades, retaining the breadth of the historical guide while separating palm-fruit from palm-kernel oil, high-linoleic from high-oleic safflower, and sea buckthorn seed from pulp oil. Some entries are related grades of the same botanical fat, rather than 93 unrelated plants.

How to read the rating column: every number is historical supporting information. † identifies a grade reported in Fulton's raw-material testing; a range can reflect different sources or refining, not a confidence interval for your face. ‡ identifies a commonly circulated secondary-chart value retained from the earlier reference, whose original experimental provenance could not be confirmed. Neither marker establishes a standardized modern human test of the ingredient or a finished product. [1]

“Not standardized” is not a zero, a high-risk label or proof that an oil has never been studied. It means a dependable, transferable numeric consumer rating is not established here. Composition can be better documented than comedogenicity. The fatty-acid column summarizes typical major components rather than promising an exact percentage for every batch; species, cultivar, origin and processing can change the balance.

Texture descriptions are practical formulation context, not clinical skin-type assignments. Fatty-acid chains in most plant oils are largely bound in triglycerides; jojoba, lanolin, squalane and mineral oil need different chemical descriptions. On a narrow screen, swipe the table horizontally to read every column.

The table deliberately avoids a “safe oils” list. For example, shea butter's commonly cited 0–2 range and coconut oil's commonly cited 4 are not equivalent to a trial of your moisturizer. Likewise, sunflower and safflower names do not identify one universal fatty-acid profile. Product-level information and consistent personal tolerance carry more weight than a chart entry.

Fatty acids: what is inside oils and butters?

Most fixed plant oils consist mainly of triglycerides: a glycerol backbone carrying three fatty-acid chains. The mix of those chains affects melting, fluidity, oxidative stability and the oil's usefulness in a formula. Smaller fractions can include sterols, tocopherols, pigments and other compounds. Finding a compound in an oil does not establish that applying the oil produces a clinical treatment effect.

“Saturated” and “unsaturated” describe chemical bonds. Saturated fatty acids have no carbon–carbon double bonds; monounsaturated acids have one and polyunsaturated acids have more than one. More saturation often contributes to a firmer fat, but the arrangement of the triglycerides and the complete mixture also matter. Saturation is not a pore-clogging classification.

“Essential” describes fatty acids the body needs to obtain through the diet. Adding an oil to a skincare routine does not replace dietary intake or establish that you have a nutritional deficiency. Topical use and nutrition are related subjects, but evidence about one route is not automatically evidence about the other.

In shorthand such as C18:2, 18 is the number of carbon atoms and 2 is the number of double bonds. The omega designation refers to a double bond's position counted from the other end of the chain. Identical carbon and double-bond counts do not necessarily mean identical molecules.

Linoleic acid: C18:2, omega-6

Linoleic acid is an essential fatty acid involved in skin lipid biology, including specialized barrier lipids. High-linoleic safflower, many sunflower grades, grapeseed, hemp, evening primrose, prickly pear and several berry seed oils commonly contain substantial amounts. Check the grade: high-oleic sunflower or safflower is chemically different from its high-linoleic counterpart. [6] [12]

Older acne research reported lower linoleic-acid proportions in skin-surface lipids in people with acne and proposed links with sebum production and follicular changes. A small 1998 study of topically applied linoleic acid reported a reduction in the size of follicular casts and microcomedones over one month. These findings concern particular biological measurements and preparations. They do not establish that applying grapeseed, rosehip or another linoleic-rich oil treats acne. [4] [48]

A fatty-acid profile can help compare raw materials. It cannot diagnose a personal deficiency, prove that sebum needs “balancing,” or replace evidence-based care for persistent acne.

Oleic acid: C18:1, omega-9

Oleic acid is a monounsaturated fatty acid common in olive, almond, avocado, apricot, camellia, hazelnut, marula and moringa oils. Oleic-rich oil phases are often chosen for emollience, but “high in oleic” is not a universal recommendation for dry or sensitive skin.

Studies of isolated free oleic acid have examined its ability to alter barrier properties and penetration. Free oleic acid is chemically and functionally different from oleic-acid chains bound in a triglyceride such as triolein. A whole botanical oil, a purified free acid and an emulsion containing a small amount of oil should not be treated as the same experiment. [47]

In a small adult forearm study, repeated application of pure olive oil reduced barrier integrity and caused mild redness, while the sunflower oil used in that study preserved integrity and improved hydration. The findings challenge the assumption that every natural oil is soothing for vulnerable skin. They do not prove that every olive-oil-containing cream is harmful or that every sunflower product will work the same way. [5]

Alpha-linolenic acid: ALA, C18:3, omega-3

ALA is another essential fatty acid. Flaxseed, perilla and chia oils are prominent sources; hemp, rosehip and several berry seed oils also contain it. Highly polyunsaturated oils need appropriate formulation, packaging and storage because oxidation changes their quality. Follow the product's storage and expiry information.

ALA content describes the supplied lipid. It does not make a topical oil interchangeable with dietary omega-3 supplementation or establish treatment of inflammatory skin disease. Do not confuse linolenic acid with linoleic acid: they are different molecules.

Gamma-linolenic acid: GLA, C18:3, omega-6

GLA is found in borage, evening primrose and blackcurrant seed oils. It has the same carbon and double-bond count as ALA but a different double-bond arrangement and metabolic role. These oils also contain other fatty acids, often substantial linoleic acid.

The presence of GLA does not establish that a product treats acne, eczema or redness. Evidence for an oral supplement or isolated component cannot simply be transferred to a leave-on oil. The relevant question is whether the finished topical preparation has useful evidence and is tolerated.

Lauric acid: C12:0

Lauric acid is a saturated, medium-chain fatty acid prominent in coconut, babassu and palm-kernel oils. Ordinary palm-fruit oil is different: its major fatty acids are palmitic and oleic. Lauric-rich fats have useful physical properties in cosmetic formulation, but their fatty-acid content is not an acne-treatment recommendation.

Research on isolated lauric acid demonstrated activity against the organism now called Cutibacterium acnes in laboratory experiments and studied inflammation in a mouse model. That work did not show that applying whole coconut oil clears human acne. Antimicrobial activity in a laboratory does not settle penetration, tolerability, comedogenicity or clinical effectiveness on a person's face. [49]

Myristic acid: C14:0

Myristic acid is another saturated fatty acid found in coconut, babassu and palm-kernel oils. A free fatty acid, an ester such as isopropyl myristate and an oil containing myristic-acid chains are different ingredients. Their names are not a reason to give them one shared score. A material's function also depends on whether it is part of a soap, emulsion or leave-on oil.

Palmitic acid: C16:0

Palmitic acid is a saturated fatty acid present in palm-fruit oil, cocoa butter, avocado oil, rice-bran oil, several nut oils and animal fats. It contributes to the physical behavior of the lipid mixture. Its presence does not independently establish anti-aging, soothing or barrier-repair benefits.

Palmitic acid is not palmitoleic acid, and a palmitate ester is not automatically equivalent to either a free acid or a whole oil. Keep ingredient identity specific when reading a label or an experimental result.

Palmitoleic acid: C16:1, commonly omega-7

Palmitoleic acid is a monounsaturated fatty acid found in macadamia oil and, notably, sea buckthorn pulp oil. Sea buckthorn seed oil instead contains much more linoleic acid and ALA. This is why identifying the plant part is essential. [26]

A palmitoleic-rich profile is distinctive chemistry, not proof that an oil heals wounds, rejuvenates skin or reverses aging. The finished formula and clinical evidence still determine what claims are justified.

Stearic acid: C18:0

Stearic acid is a saturated fatty acid prominent in cocoa, shea, mango and sal seed fats. Stearic-rich triglyceride mixtures often provide firmness and structure. This helps explain why a butter behaves differently from a fluid face oil, although proportions, triglyceride arrangement and temperature affect the result.

Stearic acid, glyceryl stearate and a stearic-rich botanical butter are separate materials. A cream containing one of them is not automatically comedogenic. Nor does a rich texture prove that pores are being “sealed shut.” Judge the actual formula and application.

Ricinoleic acid: a hydroxy C18:1 fatty acid

Ricinoleic acid is the dominant fatty-acid component of castor oil. Its additional hydroxyl group makes it chemically different from ordinary oleic acid and contributes to castor oil's distinctive viscosity. A thick feel can make application and blending important practical considerations. [52]

Castor oil can provide emollience, but its composition does not establish that it clears acne, grows eyelashes or reverses wrinkles. See the castor-oil skin guide for additional context.

Punicic acid: a conjugated C18:3 fatty acid

Punicic acid is a characteristic component of pomegranate seed oil. It is commonly described as an omega-5 fatty acid and has a conjugated double-bond system. It is not the same C18:3 molecule as ALA or GLA. [53]

Laboratory research on pomegranate components does not justify a guaranteed anti-inflammatory, anti-aging or acne result from a cosmetic oil. Composition is a useful identity check; treatment claims need relevant human evidence.

Eicosenoic acids: C20:1

“Eicosenoic” describes a 20-carbon fatty acid with one double bond, but the bond's position matters. Jojoba wax contains substantial C20:1 chains, while meadowfoam is notable for delta-5 eicosenoic acid and other long-chain unsaturated fatty acids. Do not assume every C20:1 is the same omega-9 molecule. [10] [19]

These materials can offer useful slip and emollience in a formula. Their chain lengths and double-bond positions do not supply a validated acne prediction or prove that they unclog follicles.

Erucic acid: C22:1, omega-9

Erucic acid is a long-chain monounsaturated fatty acid prominent in Abyssinian seed oil and present at substantial levels in broccoli seed oil. These profiles help distinguish them from many oleic-rich oils. A spreading or silky feel is a practical property to assess in the product, not evidence of a healing effect or guaranteed suitability for oily skin. [17] [18]

Behenic acid: C22:0, and other long-chain saturated fatty acids

Behenic acid is a long-chain saturated fatty acid found in smaller amounts in oils such as moringa and karanja. Sal fat can contain arachidic acid, C20:0. These components help describe a material's physical properties, but a minor component should not be promoted as the dominant acid or as a proven skin-repair treatment.

Caprylic and capric acids: C8:0 and C10:0

These shorter saturated fatty-acid chains are important in caprylic/capric triglyceride, an emollient frequently used in moisturizers and sometimes supplied from coconut-derived feedstock. It is not chemically identical to whole coconut oil. “Fractionated coconut oil” is a less specific label; check the actual ingredient name and supplied grade.

Squalane and jojoba need their own chemistry

Squalane is a saturated hydrocarbon emollient, commonly made by hydrogenating squalene. It is not a triglyceride, a fatty acid or “Omega-2.” A sugarcane- or olive-derived starting material does not turn purified squalane into a linoleic- or oleic-rich plant oil. [9]

Jojoba oil is mainly a liquid wax made of fatty-acid chains esterified to long-chain fatty alcohols, rather than the triglycerides that dominate most fixed oils. Its chemistry helps explain its formulation role; it does not prove that it reduces sebum production or dissolves clogged pores. Compare squalane, jojoba and rosehip oil by the finish and routine role you want. [10]

Clogged pores, comedones and acne: what actually happens?

Comedones begin within the pilosebaceous follicle, where abnormal retention of keratinized cells and sebum contributes to plugging. A closed comedone is commonly called a whitehead; an open comedone is a blackhead. The dark surface of a blackhead is not evidence that the pore is dirty. Our guide to unclogging pores and explanation of sebaceous filaments versus blackheads can help distinguish these concerns.

Acne involves interacting processes, including follicular keratinization, sebum production, inflammation and the follicular microbial environment, including C. acnes. Hormones and other individual factors also matter. Oily skin is not simply a bacterial “breeding ground,” and a breakout is not proof of poor hygiene.

Sebum is a mixture of skin lipids with normal functions. More visible shine, dehydrated skin and comedones are related questions, but they are not interchangeable diagnoses. Applying a botanical oil does not automatically normalize sebum, and omitting moisturizer does not reliably train skin to become less oily.

For ongoing acne, an oil comparison should support an appropriate routine rather than replace acne treatment. The acne-prone skin guide covers ingredients and routine choices. Deep, painful or scarring acne, or persistent worsening, warrants professional assessment. [50]

Choosing oils and butters for your skin type

Skin type is a starting description, not a permanent rule. Someone can have oily skin and an irritated barrier, dry skin and acne, or combination skin with fragrance sensitivity. Decide what the product needs to do before choosing its oil phase. The following examples are ways to evaluate a formula, not declarations that particular oils are always safe.

Acne-prone skin

Begin with a tolerable cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen, plus appropriate acne care when needed. Look for non-comedogenic labeling and relevant finished-product testing where available. A lightweight lotion may be easier to fit into the routine than several layers of pure oil, but the actual formula matters more than the word “lightweight.”

If you want an optional oil, a simple squalane or jojoba product can make it easier to identify what you introduced. A linoleic-rich oil can also be evaluated as an emollient. Neither approach guarantees compatibility, and none is a substitute for an acne medication. The table's lower numbers should not override a repeatable pattern of congestion on your skin.

Notice whether bumps recur in the area where the product is used, including along the hairline when hair oils or balms contact the face. Change one optional item at a time; multiple simultaneous changes make it difficult to identify a trigger. Compare moisturizers for acne-prone skin and squalane for oily and acne-prone skin when deciding whether an additional emollient is useful.

Oily skin

Shine does not eliminate the need for hydration or prove that all oils are unsuitable. A moisturizer can combine water-binding ingredients with a modest oil phase and still have a comfortable finish. The question is how much extra slip or shine you enjoy and whether it fits the sunscreen and other products you already use.

Conventional grapeseed, high-linoleic sunflower and safflower, and purified squalane can be comparison points for fluid emollients. Their fatty-acid profiles and chemistry differ; “fluid” does not mean clinically non-comedogenic. Test the amount and complete product rather than choosing a bottle simply because a chart assigns zero.

Avoid adding a thick oil layer to solve a problem that is actually dryness from an acne treatment, harsh cleansing or too much exfoliation. Our glycerin guide for oily and acne-prone skin explains a different hydration approach. Moisturizer choice is about comfort and tolerance, not a promise to switch off sebum production. [8]

Dry skin

Dry skin may benefit from a more substantive moisturizer containing both water-binding ingredients and a suitable emollient or protective finish. A pure oil supplies lipids but does not perform every function of a moisturizer. Glycerin and hyaluronic acid can help bind water within a well-designed formula; butters and oils contribute a different role.

Shea, mango or cocoa butter, or an oil phase containing almond or avocado oil, can be evaluated for texture and comfort. The presence of oleic acid does not automatically make a product ideal for every dry face. Irritation, eczema, acne tendency and the amount applied can change the decision.

If pure olive oil worsens stinging or redness, do not keep using it because a chart calls it nourishing. A formulated cream may be easier to assess than several botanical oils mixed at home. The dry-skin routine and skin-barrier guide explain how to combine gentle cleansing, hydration and moisture retention.

Combination skin

Different facial zones can need different amounts of the same product. Start with one tolerable moisturizer across the face, then decide whether dry cheeks need a little more or whether an optional oil is useful only in those areas. You do not automatically need two different oils or two full routines.

A formula containing jojoba, squalane, argan or prickly pear seed oil can be considered on its overall texture, rather than assigned to the T-zone or cheeks from a raw-ingredient rating. A richer layer that feels good on a dry patch may be unnecessary in an oily area.

Use exfoliation according to tolerance and the products already in the routine. Combination skin does not create a universal once-weekly exfoliation requirement. See the combination-skin routine for a practical way to adjust amount and placement.

Normal skin

If your skin is generally comfortable, an oil or butter is optional. There is no need to chase a perfect fatty-acid ratio, add multiple oils or replace a well-tolerated moisturizer because a chart rates one ingredient differently. Choose the finish you prefer and keep the routine easy to maintain.

Argan, jojoba, squalane and many mixed-lipid moisturizers can all offer emollience. A lotion and a concentrated facial oil containing the same ingredient may feel very different. Seasonal dryness, humidity, sunscreen texture and personal preference are more useful decision points than a rigid “normal skin” ingredient list.

For daily structure, use the simple skincare-routine guide. Maintaining comfort does not require turning every ingredient into a treatment.

Sensitive skin

Sensitivity can include stinging, burning, itching or redness and may overlap with dermatitis, rosacea or allergy. A low comedogenic number does not assess these problems. “Natural,” “pure” and “no added fragrance” also do not guarantee that a botanical mixture will be tolerated.

A simple, fragrance-free finished formula with ingredients you already tolerate can make evaluation easier. Purified squalane offers a chemically simpler emollient than many botanical blends, but even a simple formula is not a guarantee. Nut, seed or lanolin allergy needs separate consideration; ingredient processing and the finished preparation matter.

Do not automatically select a high-oleic oil for inflamed or damaged-feeling skin. Introduce optional products cautiously, stop if they provoke a reaction, and seek assessment for persistent dermatitis. The sensitive-skin authority guide and sensitive-skin moisturizer guide explain how to focus on tolerance rather than chart scores.

How oils behave in finished moisturizers, serums and cleansers

A face oil may be one purified material or a blend of several oils. A cream is usually an emulsion with an oil phase and a water phase, plus ingredients that help structure, stabilize and preserve it. An oil can be a small part of a formula whose overall finish is quite different from the oil applied alone.

This is why a historical score cannot tell you how a shea-butter lotion, squalane serum or avocado-containing moisturizer will behave. Humectants, emollients and occlusives serve related but distinct purposes. Our guide to humectants, emollients and occlusives explains the combination, while face oil versus moisturizer helps decide whether a separate oil adds anything useful.

A rinse-off oil cleanser also has a different use pattern from a leave-on facial oil. Follow cleansing directions and assess how the finished product rinses away and feels afterward. Do not treat every occurrence of an oil name as the same exposure.

A current Herbal Dynamics Beauty formula example

The ingredient list for Youth Refresh® Prickly Pear Antioxidant Daily Moisturizer includes prickly pear seed oil, avocado oil, shea butter and rosehip seed oil alongside water, glycerin and caprylic/capric triglyceride. That illustrates a multi-ingredient moisturizer rather than a bottle of pure prickly pear oil.

The ingredient list alone does not establish its comedogenicity or suitability for your skin. Check the current product information, texture and personal tolerance; do not calculate a product score by adding the four oils' historical numbers. The educational prickly-pear seed oil and extract guide explains why the different prickly-pear ingredients are not interchangeable.

How to use the comedogenic scale when choosing skincare

Use this decision order: finished formula → non-comedogenic testing or label where available → texture and use case → individual response → raw-ingredient rating as supporting information.

1. Define the job. Decide whether you need a moisturizer, a rinse-off cleanser, a little extra emollience on dry areas or actual acne care. A face oil should not be expected to do all four.
2. Evaluate the finished product. Look at its intended application, complete ingredient list, directions and any relevant testing. Distinguish a pure oil from an emulsion or balm.
3. Use labeling thoughtfully. A non-comedogenic claim can be helpful, especially for acne-prone skin. Details about finished-product testing add context; the label still cannot promise your personal result.
4. Match texture and placement. Consider the amount, finish and area of use. A rich body butter and a daily facial lotion can be different choices even when they share a botanical fat.
5. Introduce one optional change. Keep the rest of the routine reasonably stable so you can interpret the response.
6. Let consistent tolerance guide the decision. A repeatably troublesome product does not become appropriate because its ingredients have low scores. A comfortable, effective formula does not automatically need replacing because one ingredient appears on a blacklist.

Small-area testing and watching for delayed congestion

The American Academy of Dermatology suggests testing a new skincare product on a small area twice daily for seven to ten days, following relevant product-use instructions. This can help identify a reaction such as redness, itching or swelling. It is not a clinical allergy test and cannot rule out later facial congestion. [51]

After a product is tolerated on the test area, introduce it gradually according to its directions. Note the date, application area and any other routine changes. Delayed bumps are harder to interpret than immediate stinging; acne can fluctuate without a new product being the sole cause. Look for a repeatable pattern and stop a product that aggravates your skin rather than forcing yourself through a fixed trial period.

A plain emollient oil is not expected to cause a beneficial “purge.” Burning, an itchy rash or worsening congestion should not automatically be reframed as progress. The purging versus breakouts guide helps separate these possibilities.

Avoid two common misuses of the table

Ingredient blacklists: do not reject all algae extracts, all sulfate cleansers, all laureth ingredients or all fatty alcohols as one highly comedogenic category. These names cover different materials and use patterns. Evidence for a specific isolated ingredient does not classify the whole family.

More exfoliation to “cancel out” an oil: scrubbing or stacking acids can cause irritation without resolving a product mismatch. Use exfoliation according to tolerance; you do not need to compensate for a chart number with a stronger routine.

Comedogenic oils and butters: frequently asked questions

Which oils are non-comedogenic?

No list can guarantee compatibility for everyone. Squalane, jojoba, grapeseed and some sunflower or safflower grades are frequent comparison points in low-rating discussions, but they have different chemistry and incomplete or method-dependent rating evidence. For acne-prone skin, choose an appropriate finished product, consider non-comedogenic labeling and monitor your response.

What is jojoba oil's comedogenic rating?

The historical raw-material literature includes a 0–2 range, with source-dependent results. Many secondary charts give jojoba 2. Those numbers do not establish a standardized facial-use prediction. Jojoba is a liquid wax, and a finished formula containing it still needs to be evaluated as a whole.

Is squalane comedogenic?

Squalane is commonly discussed as a low-comedogenicity emollient; the historical test cited here reported 1. That is not a promise that every squalane product suits every person. Its practical appeal is a stable, comparatively simple hydrocarbon emollient, not an “Omega-2” fatty-acid profile.

What is shea butter's comedogenic rating?

A commonly circulated range is 0–2, but its experimental provenance is less clear than a modern finished-product test. A small amount in a lotion differs from a thick layer of pure butter. Use the shea-butter face guide to consider emollience, texture and tolerance.

Are coconut oil and cocoa butter comedogenic?

Coconut oil is commonly listed as 4 in historical charts; cocoa butter received 4 in the older raw-material test cited here. That warrants context, not a universal prohibition. Pure-fat use, dose and a finished cream containing a smaller amount are different situations. Neither a historical high number nor a rich feel guarantees a breakout.

Are grapeseed, rosehip and prickly pear oils suitable for acne-prone skin?

Secondary charts commonly list grapeseed and rosehip at 1 and prickly pear seed oil at 1–2. Those values do not establish clinical acne benefit or universal tolerance. Their often linoleic-rich profiles can help compare emollients; they should not replace appropriate acne care. Rosehip seed oil is different from rose water, and prickly pear seed oil is different from cactus extract.

Is an oil better than a moisturizer for dry skin?

It depends on the need and formula. A moisturizer can combine water-binding ingredients, emollients and a protective finish, whereas a pure oil mainly supplies lipids. An optional oil can add comfort to some routines, but dryness is not a reason to abandon a well-tolerated cream or choose only high-oleic oils.

Can a butter clog pores on the body?

Individual response still matters on the body. A body-use label does not make every butter universally suitable for the chest, back or other acne-prone areas. Consider amount, friction, other products and the pattern of bumps. Adjust a product that repeatedly aggravates an area rather than relying on a facial rating alone.

Do plant oils protect against sunburn or reverse UV damage?

Plant oils do not provide dependable sunscreen protection, and applying them is not a general treatment that reverses UV damage. Use an appropriately tested broad-spectrum sunscreen and other sun-protection measures. Our face-sunscreen guide explains SPF, UVA/UVB protection and use.

Should I stop a product because one ingredient has a high rating?

One historical ingredient score is insufficient to make that decision. Consider whether the formula is well tolerated, its purpose, relevant testing and whether problems recur with its use. If it consistently causes trouble, a low total score would not rescue it either. Our face-oil selection guide and moisturizer guide support the next product-level decision.

Scientific sources and reference notes

Clinical and testing studies below support the distinctions between ingredient grades, finished formulas, skin-barrier measurements and acne treatment. Composition references support material identity and typical fatty-acid profiles; they are not clinical trials proving skin-type suitability. Secondary-chart numbers marked ‡ are historical reference values with unconfirmed original experimental provenance, not scientific treatment evidence.

1. [1] Fulton: Comedogenicity and irritancy of commonly used ingredients in skin care products (1989). Historical raw-material assay; methods and source/refinement-specific grades.
2. [2] Draelos and DiNardo: A re-evaluation of the comedogenicity concept (2006). Human testing of finished products; ingredient grades are not automatic product verdicts.
3. [3] Waranuch and colleagues: Finished-product comedogenicity study (2021). Small randomized human study of specific formulations under controlled conditions.
4. [4] Downing and colleagues: Essential fatty acids and acne (1986). Skin-surface lipid observations and a proposed acne mechanism, not a trial of facial oils.
5. [5] Danby and colleagues: Effect of olive and sunflower seed oil on the adult skin barrier. Small, repeated-application forearm study; does not classify every oil-containing moisturizer.
6. [6] Poljšak and Kočevar Glavač: Vegetable butters and oils for dermal use (2022). Clinical-study review; heterogeneous methods and preparations limit generalization.
7. [7] American Academy of Dermatology: Acne skin-care tips. Practical acne skincare, including non-comedogenic product selection.
8. [8] American Academy of Dermatology: Moisturizer when you have acne. Moisturizer can support tolerance of drying acne treatments.
9. [9] US EPA: Supporting information identifying squalane as a saturated hydrocarbon. Chemical identity; not an omega fatty acid.
10. [10] Jojoba oil: An updated comprehensive review on chemistry, uses and toxicity (2021). Liquid wax-esters and fatty-alcohol chemistry.
11. [11] Ojha and colleagues: Chemical compositions of selected vegetable oils and fats (2024). Analytical composition of 39 oils/fats; no clinical comedogenicity classification.
12. [12] FAO/WHO Codex: Standard for Named Vegetable Oils, CXS 210-1999. Food-oil identity/composition ranges and grade distinctions, not a cosmetic test.
13. [13] Triacylglycerol and fatty-acid compositions of five berry seed oils (2021). Blackberry, red/black raspberry, blueberry and cranberry analytical profiles.
14. [14] Fatty-acid composition of five cold-pressed Prunus seed oils (2021). Apricot, cherry, peach and plum kernel chemistry.
15. [15] Chemistry and functionality of cold-pressed macadamia nut oil (2022). Macadamia and comparative nut-oil fatty-acid profiles.
16. [16] Amazonian oils in organogels for cosmetic application: composition review (2022). Açaí, andiroba, babassu and buriti identities and profiles.
17. [17] Spectroscopic evaluation of vegetable oils from Crambe abyssinica. Erucic-rich Abyssinian seed-oil identity.
18. [18] Unconventional Rubiaceae, Cucurbitaceae and Brassicaceae seed oils (2023). Analytical broccoli seed-oil profile; in-vitro findings are not human skin claims.
19. [19] Production of fatty-acid components of meadowfoam oil in soybean embryos. Distinct delta-5 eicosenoic-acid chemistry.
20. [20] Seed traits and fatty-acid profiles of Pongamia pinnata germplasm. Karanja/pongamia lipid profiles and variability.
21. [21] Fatty-acid composition and thermal properties of mango kernel fats. Oleic/stearic-rich seed fat and cultivar-dependent physical behavior.
22. [22] Shorea robusta seed-oil extraction and characterization. Stearic/oleic-rich sal-fat profile.
23. [23] Madhuca longifolia seeds: functional characteristics and composition. Mowrah/mahua seed-fat identity and major fatty acids.
24. [24] Date seeds: a source of oil with functional properties (2020). Date seed-oil profile and extraction/variety differences.
25. [25] Chemical characterization and toxicological evaluation of emu oil (2022). Animal-oil composition; non-dermatology safety findings are not facial efficacy evidence.
26. [26] Fatty-acid composition of sea buckthorn berry and seed (2012). Seed-versus-pulp differences, including palmitoleic acid.
27. [27] Fatty-acid composition of seed oils of emerging interest. Hemp, flax, milk thistle, perilla, borage and black cumin profiles.
28. [28] Blackcurrant seeds as a processing byproduct (2022). Blackcurrant fatty-acid fractions, including GLA.
29. [29] Geographical variations in cloudberry and crowberry seed oils. Cloudberry linoleic/ALA composition and regional variation.
30. [30] Cocoa butter and cocoa-butter-equivalent composition in a confectionery study. Fat identity only; dietary endpoints are not topical skin evidence.
31. [31] Fruit seeds with functional applications: composition review. Fruit seed-oil identities and analytical profiles, including guava and passion fruit.
32. [32] Chromatographic profiling of seeds from berry fruits (2022). Seed composition including goji; no clinical facial-use claim.
33. [33] Papaya seed oil: extraction, fatty-acid composition and triglyceride profile. Oleic/palmitic-dominant papaya seed oil.
34. [34] Characterization of an andiroba-oil nanoemulsion (2025). Analytical oil composition; laboratory results are not an acne recommendation.
35. [35] Baobab oil extraction and characterization. Baobab seed-oil composition varies with extraction.
36. [36] Triglycerols and fatty acids of cucumber, tomato, pumpkin and carrot seed oils. Analytical fixed-seed-oil identities and profiles.
37. [37] Cold-pressed elderberry seed oil: comprehensive characterization. Linoleic, ALA and oleic composition.
38. [38] Van Hoed and colleagues: Berry seeds as sources of specialty oils. Profiles of berry seed oils, including strawberry and kiwi.
39. [39] Diagnosing lanolin contact allergy with lanolin alcohol and Amerchol L101. Complex lanolin identity; contact allergy is distinct from comedogenicity.
40. [40] Analysis of mineral hydrocarbons in cosmetics and raw materials. Mineral oil is a hydrocarbon mixture rather than a fatty-acid-based plant oil.
41. [41] Prickly pear seed-oil extraction and chemical characterization (2021). Seed-oil identity and major fatty-acid composition.
42. [42] Akihisa and colleagues: Fatty-acid composition of shea nuts from seven countries. Shea-fat composition varies by source.
43. [44] Analysis of fat sources in an essential-fatty-acid ratio study. Tallow composition only; the animal-feeding results are not skincare evidence.
44. [45] Chemical compositions of oils from five Cucurbitaceae species. Watermelon and related seed-oil profiles.
45. [46] Molecular profiling and FTIR characterization of wheat-germ oil. Linoleic-dominant oil, with oleic, palmitic and smaller ALA components.
46. [47] Mack Correa and colleagues: Plant-oil components and skin-barrier function. Free oleic acid versus glyceryl trioleate and mixtures.
47. [48] Letawe and colleagues: Topical linoleic acid and acne microcomedones (1998). Small study of a particular preparation and follicular measurements, not all linoleic-rich oils.
48. [49] Nakatsuji and colleagues: Antimicrobial properties of isolated lauric acid. Laboratory and mouse-model evidence, not a human coconut-oil acne trial.
49. [50] Reynolds and colleagues: Guidelines of care for acne vulgaris (2024). Evidence-based acne management and professional-care context.
50. [51] American Academy of Dermatology: How to test skincare products. Small-area testing for reactions does not rule out delayed comedones.
51. [52] Cosmetic Ingredient Review: Castor seed oil and ricinoleates assessment. Chemical identities and differences between castor oil and derivatives.
52. [53] Lin, Zhong and Santiago: Topical application of plant oils and the skin barrier. Review of plant oils and component chemistry; preclinical findings require careful interpretation.

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• Face oil versus moisturizer

Updated October 6, 2026.