Understanding comedogenic ratings—a scale from 0 to 5 indicating how likely an oil is to clog your pores—can help you choose skin-safe products and prevent breakouts. Here’s an updated, science-based guide to the most common oils and their pore-clogging potential.
| Rating | Description |
|---|---|
| 0: Non-comedogenic | Safe for most skin types; won’t clog pores. Ideal for oily or acne-prone skin. |
| 1–2: Low to moderately low | Generally safe in moderate use; patch test if you have very sensitive or reactive skin. |
| 3: Moderate | Might clog pores depending on skin type and product formulation. Use with caution. |
| 4–5: Fairly high to high | Strongly pore-clogging; often best avoided, especially on the face, unless diluted in a well-balanced product. |
| Oil Name | Comedogenic Rating | Description |
| Argan | 0 | Contains reparative elements without clogging pores. Helps treat acne and acne scars and regulates the production of sebum which helps prevent further breakouts. High levels of Vitamin E. |
| Hemp Seed | 0 | Contains softening and moisturizing elements while reducing redness and inflammation associated with acne breakouts. Suitable for those with eczema, psoriasis, and dry, itchy skin. |
| Black Currant Seed | 0-1 | Black currant seed oil is especially beneficial for dry, damaged, devitalized skin and for those whose skin is also sensitive. It’s a very healing oil for rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis as it regenerates and calms distressed inflammatory skin conditions. |
| Goji Seed | 0-1 | Goji seed oil is very light and emollient and is often used around the eye area as it is known for its firming attributes. It also helps detox the skin making it a great oil to use for clogged pores and milia around the eyes. Goji seed oil also improves skin tone by stimulating intercellular oxygenation which helps restore the balance of fats and water in the skin. This is a wonderful oil to use for oily skin types. |
| Red Raspberry Seed | 0-1 | It protects your skin from the sun with a natural spf of 28. It absorbs well, has a high anti-oxidant content, and moisturizes the skin. |
| Watermelon Seed | 0-1 | A wonderful oil for oily acne prone skin, watermelon seed oil absorbs quickly without a greasy feel. It dissolves sebum making it a great oil for getting rid of blackheads and other impurities in the skin. It restores elasticity in dry, acne-prone, and maturing skin types as well. Watermelon seed oil does not clog the pores making it well tolerated by most skin types. Goes well with cucumber oil mixed in hemp seed oil for use in the OCM and as a moisturizer. |
| Shea Butter | 0-2 | It’s heavy so you only need a small amount to moisturize your skin. It forms a protective layer on the skin that reduces inflammation and smooths rough skin. It is especially good for elbows, knees, and heels. |
| Tomato Seed | 0-2 | Tomato seed oil is an excellent source of carotenoid and Vitamin E anti-oxidants that protect the skin from free radicals and is especially esteemed for its viscosity, moisturizing, and skin absorptive properties. Tomato seed oil also protects the skin against chronic and acute photo-damage from the sun. It’s rich in minerals, lycopene, lutein, and zeaxanthin making it popular for cardiovascular health when taken internally, but these nutrients also go to work on the skin’s surface by increasing the production of elastin and preventing collagen degradation. This oil is best used as a spot treatment for acne, wrinkles, and other areas of concern. |
Many sources warn that comedogenic ratings aren’t regulated or standardized. They’re derived from older studies, often using rabbit models. Plus, products often blend multiple ingredients—some pore-clogging, some not—so the overall effect may differ.
Smart Usage Tips
- Target oils rated 0–2 for acne-prone or oily skin.
- Patch-test oils rated 3 if you have sensitive or combination skin.
- Avoid oils rated 4–5 unless they’re used in expertly formulated products.
- Understand that product formula, concentration, and skin type can change how comedogenic an ingredient is.
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Patch testing remains the most reliable way to assess personal reaction.
The comedogenic scale offers a helpful starting point—but true compatibility depends on formulation, concentration, and individual skin response. Rather than fear natural oils, choose wisely, patch test, and trust how your skin reacts.