Pore-clogging & fungal-acne cheat sheet

3. Generally safe (low pore-clog rating, not a known yeast food)

AllantoinButylene GlycolCaprylic/Capric TriglycerideDimethiconeGlycerinMineral OilNiacinamidePanthenolPetrolatumPropylene GlycolSalicylic AcidSodium HyaluronateSorbitolSqualaneTitanium DioxideWaterZinc Oxide

4. Reading a label in a minute

1. Position matters. The first ten or so ingredients make up most of the formula. A high-rated ingredient near the end is usually a trace amount.
2. Look up the INCI name. Coconut oil is listed as Cocos Nucifera Oil, shea butter as Butyrospermum Parkii Butter. Our scanner knows the aliases.
3. Don't judge by the ending. "-ate" is not a rule: isopropyl myristate is a problem, sodium hyaluronate and sodium PCA are not. Check the actual ingredient.
4. Fatty alcohols are different. Cetyl, cetearyl and stearyl alcohol are moisturising, not drying, and are generally considered fine for fungal acne.
5. Leave-on vs rinse-off. A pore-clogger in a face wash matters much less than one in a moisturiser, sunscreen or foundation.
6. Ratings are a screen, not a verdict. The scale comes from old rabbit-ear tests. Concentration, the whole formula and your own skin matter. Introduce one new product at a time.

beautyelixir.in/ingredient-cheatsheet · Ratings: Fulton comedogenic scale · Updated 5 October 2026 · General information, not medical advice.