Methodology

Will It Clog? currently covers 90 ingredients. Each is assigned a comedogenic rating from 0 to 5 and a separate fungal-acne (Malassezia) flag.

The 0–5 comedogenic scale

• 0 — Will not clog pores (non-comedogenic)
• 1 — Very low likelihood of clogging
• 2 — Low-to-moderate; fine for most, watch if very acne-prone
• 3 — Moderate-to-high; can clog pores
• 4 — High; likely to clog pores
• 5 — Very high; very likely to clog pores

Where the ratings come from

Ratings are compiled from widely-referenced comedogenicity data used across the skincare community, cross-checked for consensus. Historic ratings originate from rabbit-ear assays and human patch studies. Where sources disagree, we take a conservative middle value.

Fungal acne (Malassezia) flags

Fungal acne is fed by specific fatty acids (roughly C11–C24), many esters, and polysorbates. This is a separate concern from pore-clogging: an ingredient can be non-comedogenic (0/5) yet still trigger fungal acne — for example Polysorbate 80. We flag both so you get the full picture.

Important limitations

• Comedogenic ratings are a guide, not a guarantee. Everyone's skin is different.
• Concentration and final formulation matter — a low level of a 3/5 ingredient may cause no issue.
• This tool is educational and is not medical advice. See a dermatologist for persistent acne.

Spotted a rating you'd challenge, or an ingredient we're missing? We update the database regularly — this is a living resource.