Skin care products can be an integral part of keeping your skin looking young and healthy. However, certain comedogenic ingredients lurking in skin care creams, gels and lotions can have damaging effects on those with more sensitive skin follicles. Comedogenic ingredients are any substances that are included in a product that can cause or aggravate acne when applied to the skin.
Oils
Natural oils, such as coconut oil, cocoa butter and wheat germ oil, all possess comedogenic properties which can contribute to acne formation on the skin. These oils are typically used as emollients, meaning that they provide a thin layer of protection on the skin. This slows down the rate in which moisture escapes your skin, protecting the skin against dryness over longer periods of time.
Botanicals
Certain botanicals, such as algae extract, carrageenans and red algae, can also be classified as highly comedogenic ingredients. Botanicals, such as these forms of algae and seaweed, are high in natural vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Skin care companies, such as Procter and Gamble's Olay brand, claim that these ingredients fight aging by preventing free radical damage, as well as promote softer and healthier looking skin.
Sodium Chloride
The use of sodium chloride (salt), can also have comedogenic effects on the skin. Sodium chloride is often used as a thickening agent in cosmetic products. Thickening agents allow for easier application and distribution on the skin when using the product.
Detergents
Detergents, such as sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate, also can be considered comedogenic. Detergents are used in skin care products as surfactants. Surfactants break down the surface tension of water, allowing cleaning agents, such as shampoos or soaps, to be able to clean more efficiently.
Alcohols
Alcohol additives, such as cetearyl alcohol and hexadecyl alcohol, are also comedogenic ingredients. The alcohol-based ingredients act as emulsion stabilizers, meaning that they keep the product from breaking down into its individual parts. These alcohols can also be used as thickening ingredients.
Lanolin
Lanolin is also commonly found as a skin care ingredient and can be comedogenic to the skin. Lanolin is a type of oil that is secreted by sheep to protect their wool. This oil can be extracted from the sheep and used as an emollient moisturizer in skin care product lines.
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