Comedogenicity in Skincare: Let’s Clear Up the Confusion

What is Comedogenicity?

Comedogenicity refers to the likelihood that a substance will clog pores. Ingredients are rated on a scale from 0 (won’t clog pores) to 5 (high risk of clogging). But here’s the catch - these ratings come from lab studies, not real life.

 

Why the Comedogenic Scale Can Be Misleading

1. It’s Not Always Based on Real-World Use

Those original tests? Done on rabbit ears (yes, really). Rabbit skin is way more sensitive than ours, and modern human trials still use high concentrations of single ingredients — not the gentle blends you’d actually apply.

We’ve all seen those Instagram posts screaming, “Avoid anything rated 2+!” But here’s the thing: A drop of jojoba oil in a moisturizer behaves very differently than slathering it on pure. Our products use oils at levels that nourish, not overwhelm.

2. Everyone’s Skin Reacts Differently

Your skin is as unique as your fingerprint. An oil that breaks your friend out might be your holy grail. Genetics, environment, and even stress levels play a role. That’s why we don’t believe in “good vs. bad” ingredient lists — just smart formulations tailored to real skin.

3. Many Blogs and Influencers Are Misinformed

It’s common to see fear-based content online warning against certain ingredients due to their comedogenic rating. But these claims often ignore context — like concentration, formulation, skin type, and synergy with other ingredients. This leads people to avoid nutrient-rich oils that could actually benefit their skin.

 

What About Tallow, Castor Oil, and Jojoba?

Let’s break down three often-misunderstood oils:

Tallow (Rating 1-2): Structurally similar to the lipids in our skin, tallow is highly compatible for restoring moisture and repairing the skin barrier. Its low comedogenic rating reflects its gentle nature, even for reactive or acne-prone skin.

Castor Oil (Rating 1): Though thicker in texture, castor oil has natural antimicrobial properties and is used to draw out impurities. Its low rating and unique benefits make it a supportive ingredient in balanced formulations.

Jojoba Oil (Rating 2): Despite its slightly higher rating, jojoba oil is celebrated for its ability to mimic the skin’s natural sebum. This similarity helps regulate oil production, making it ideal for balancing both dry and oily skin types. Its rating of 2 still places it firmly in the "low risk" category, and it’s rarely problematic when used in thoughtful blends.

Similarly, oils like rosehip and black seed (both rated 1-2) are lightweight and packed with antioxidants, making them excellent choices for sensitive or acne-prone skin. All these oils, when formulated with complementary ingredients like antioxidants and lightweight emulsifiers, enhance absorption and minimize pore-clogging risks.

 

Our Ingredient Ratings: Transparency First

*Scale: 0 (gentle) → 5 (high risk). 

Tallow: 1-2 → Like a gentle hug for your skin barrier.

Castor Oil: 1 → Deeply cleansing, never congesting.

Jojoba Oil: 2 → The sebum-balancing MVP.

Rosehip Oil: 1 → Lightweight glow-booster.

Black Seed Oil: 2 → Calming and clarifying.

 

The Bottom Line? Your Skin Knows Best

Comedogenic ratings are a starting point, not a rulebook. We formulate with care, combining oils at safe concentrations and pairing them with ingredients that enhance their benefits. Don’t be afraid of natural, skin-supportive oils just because of a number on a scale.

Here’s our gentle nudge: Patch-test new products for 3-4 days. Your skin will tell you what it loves — no rabbit ears required.