Is Retinol Comedogenic?
Comedogenic rating: 0/5 — Non-comedogenic
Retinol is a functional active ingredient with a targeted skincare benefit. In cosmetics it is typically found in treatment serums, moisturizers and targeted products. On a label it may also appear as vitamin a, retinyl palmitate.
| Comedogenic rating | 0/5 — Non-comedogenic |
|---|---|
| Pore-clogging | Unlikely |
| Fungal-acne safe | Yes |
| Category | Active |
| Also known as | vitamin a, retinyl palmitate |
Is Retinol comedogenic?
No — Retinol scores 0 out of 5 on the comedogenic scale. It is considered non-comedogenic and will not clog pores for the overwhelming majority of users, which makes it a reliable choice for acne-prone, oily and congestion-prone skin.
Does Retinol cause fungal acne?
Retinol is generally considered fungal-acne (Malassezia) safe. It is not among the oils, fatty acids or polysorbates known to feed Malassezia yeast, so it should not aggravate fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis) for most people.
Should you use Retinol if you're acne-prone?
Retinol is suitable for virtually all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin. You can generally use it with confidence in daily skincare.
How Retinol compares to other actives
| Ingredient | Rating | Pore-clogging |
|---|---|---|
| Retinol | 0/5 | Unlikely |
| Allantoin | 0/5 | Unlikely |
| Benzoyl Peroxide | 0/5 | Unlikely |
| Niacinamide | 0/5 | Unlikely |
| Salicylic Acid | 0/5 | Unlikely |
| Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) | 0/5 | Unlikely |
Frequently asked questions
Is Retinol comedogenic?
No — Retinol scores 0 out of 5 on the comedogenic scale. It is considered non-comedogenic and will not clog pores for the overwhelming majority of users, which makes it a reliable choice for acne-prone, oily and congestion-prone skin.
Does Retinol cause fungal acne?
Retinol is generally considered fungal-acne (Malassezia) safe. It is not among the oils, fatty acids or polysorbates known to feed Malassezia yeast, so it should not aggravate fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis) for most people.
Is Retinol safe for acne-prone skin?
Retinol is suitable for virtually all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin. You can generally use it with confidence in daily skincare.
What products is Retinol found in?
Retinol is a functional active ingredient with a targeted skincare benefit, and is commonly found in treatment serums, moisturizers and targeted products.
What can I use instead of Retinol?
Look for non-comedogenic emollients rated 0–1 such as squalane, glycerin, hemp seed oil or sunflower oil.
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