Pore Clogger Checker

Paste an ingredient list from any skincare, makeup, or haircare product. We check every ingredient against known comedogenic (pore-clogging) ingredients and show you exactly what was flagged and why.

How it works

  1. 1. Paste. Copy the INCI ingredient list from the product page or label and paste it above.
  2. 2. Check. We parse the list, resolve synonyms and typos, and compare every ingredient against our comedogenic database.
  3. 3. Decide. Each flagged ingredient shows its rating and how confident the evidence is. Share the result with a link that stays current as our data improves.

Want to browse instead? See the full pore-clogging ingredients list.

Frequently asked questions

What are pore-clogging ingredients?
Pore-clogging (comedogenic) ingredients can block pores and trigger the small bumps and breakouts called comedones. Common examples include coconut oil, isopropyl myristate, laureth-4, and algae extract. They show up in skincare, makeup, sunscreen, and haircare, including products marketed for acne-prone skin.
How do comedogenic ratings work?
Ratings run from 0 (won't clog pores) to 5 (clogs pores for most people). They come from published ingredient studies, originally rabbit-ear assays from the 1970s and 80s, refined by decades of esthetician observation. The scale is imperfect: concentration, formulation, and your skin all matter. That's why we show a confidence level next to every rating instead of pretending the science is settled.
Can I trust a "non-comedogenic" label?
No. "Non-comedogenic" is unregulated; any brand can print it on any product. No agency checks the claim. Products labeled non-comedogenic regularly contain ingredients rated 4 or 5. Checking the full ingredient list is the only way to know.
Does one flagged ingredient mean a product will break me out?
Not always. An ingredient near the end of a list may appear at a fraction of a percent, and some skin tolerates known cloggers without issue. A flag means elevated risk, not a guarantee. If you're acne-prone and choosing between two products, pick the one without flags.
How many ingredients does PorePass check against?
Our database currently tracks 92 flagged ingredients with their common label names and INCI synonyms, and it grows as we review new evidence. "Not flagged" means an ingredient isn't on our list; it doesn't mean it's proven safe.