Is Palm Oil Comedogenic?
Comedogenic rating: 4/5 — Likely to clog pores
Palm Oil is a plant-derived carrier oil rich in fatty acids that condition and soften skin. In cosmetics it is typically found in facial oils, cleansing balms, body lotions, serums and hair products. Its INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) name is Elaeis Guineensis Oil. On a label it may also appear as elaeis guineensis oil.
| Comedogenic rating | 4/5 — Likely to clog pores |
|---|---|
| Pore-clogging | Likely |
| Fungal-acne safe | No — potential trigger |
| Category | Carrier oil |
| INCI name | Elaeis Guineensis Oil |
| Also known as | elaeis guineensis oil |
Is Palm Oil comedogenic?
Yes — Palm Oil is considered highly comedogenic, scoring 4 out of 5. That means it has a strong tendency to block pores and is a well-known trigger for closed comedones, blackheads and breakouts on acne-prone skin. If your skin is oily or congestion-prone, Palm Oil is one of the ingredients most worth avoiding in leave-on facial products, though it can still be fine in short-contact rinse-off products or on the body.
Does Palm Oil cause fungal acne?
Separately from pore-clogging, Palm Oil is considered a potential fungal-acne (Malassezia) trigger. Fungal acne — properly called Malassezia folliculitis — appears as small, uniform, sometimes itchy bumps, and is fed by certain oils, fatty acids and esters. This is a different problem from comedogenic clogging, so if you are prone to fungal acne you may want to avoid Palm Oil even when its comedogenic rating is low.
Should you use Palm Oil if you're acne-prone?
If you are acne-prone, it is safest to keep Palm Oil away from your face in leave-on products. It can still be useful for dry body skin, hair, or in cleansers where it is quickly rinsed off. Normal and dry skin types often tolerate it without issue.
Safer alternatives to Palm Oil
How Palm Oil compares to other carrier oils
| Ingredient | Rating | Pore-clogging |
|---|---|---|
| Palm Oil | 4/5 | Likely |
| Argan Oil | 0/5 | Unlikely |
| Hemp Seed Oil | 0/5 | Unlikely |
| Safflower Oil | 0/5 | Unlikely |
| Sunflower Seed Oil | 0/5 | Unlikely |
| Castor Oil | 1/5 | Unlikely |
| Grapeseed Oil | 1/5 | Unlikely |
Frequently asked questions
Is Palm Oil comedogenic?
Yes — Palm Oil is considered highly comedogenic, scoring 4 out of 5. That means it has a strong tendency to block pores and is a well-known trigger for closed comedones, blackheads and breakouts on acne-prone skin. If your skin is oily or congestion-prone, Palm Oil is one of the ingredients most worth avoiding in leave-on facial products, though it can still be fine in short-contact rinse-off products or on the body.
Does Palm Oil cause fungal acne?
Separately from pore-clogging, Palm Oil is considered a potential fungal-acne (Malassezia) trigger. Fungal acne — properly called Malassezia folliculitis — appears as small, uniform, sometimes itchy bumps, and is fed by certain oils, fatty acids and esters. This is a different problem from comedogenic clogging, so if you are prone to fungal acne you may want to avoid Palm Oil even when its comedogenic rating is low.
Is Palm Oil safe for acne-prone skin?
If you are acne-prone, it is safest to keep Palm Oil away from your face in leave-on products. It can still be useful for dry body skin, hair, or in cleansers where it is quickly rinsed off. Normal and dry skin types often tolerate it without issue.
What products is Palm Oil found in?
Palm Oil is a plant-derived carrier oil rich in fatty acids that condition and soften skin, and is commonly found in facial oils, cleansing balms, body lotions, serums and hair products.
What can I use instead of Palm Oil?
Lower-risk swaps include Sunflower Seed Oil, Squalane, all of which rate lower on the comedogenic scale.
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