I have always questioned these ‘non-comedogenic’ lists and what is actually pore-clogging. Who made this list? When did they make this list? Were they testing on humans or animals? If we are all unique, what heals for one person may be pore-clogging to someone else. I think that this can change too as climates change and as we age. What do you think? What is an added bonus for me is that I am not only going off of my own experience with ingredients but also my clients’. When someone emails me with a list of all the things they are avoiding to help heal their acne, I notice that some ingredients that I had incorporated into my skincare when my acne began to heal, are what they are blacklisting because they find the list on some website from a scientific study that was done on rabbit ears many years ago.
This is just my opinion, and I am not a doctor, but as someone who has dealt with chronic, very painful breakouts, I think the best thing you can do when it comes to natural ingredients, is to not be too hasty to rule anything out as something that is harmful. Most lines will offer some type of sample size before you invest in a full size product. It is best to use the sample for several days straight, even if it is just on your wrist. This will ensure you do not react to the product.
Coconut was a holy grail ingredient for awhile. Now it is getting a bad rap as being pore-clogging for all. I do not agree with this but I do think it is not for everyone. There are many other plant oils that provide all kinds of nutrients, fatty acids, and healing properties if you are sensitive to coconut. I think variety is really an added benefit too, just like consuming a rainbow diet.
I want to leave you with this very informative video from someone else who has dealt with chronic acne and really challenges a lot of the common beliefs on what is healing and what is harmful for acne:
So here is my own list of ingredients I do not think are the best for those already dealing with chaotic skin:
Titanium Dioxide, Mica, Bismuth Oxychloride, Acetylated Lanolin, Acetylated Lanolin Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol PLUS Ceteareth 20, Isocetyl Stearate, Isopropyl Isostearate, Isopropyl Myristate, Isopropyl Palmitate, Isostearyl Isostearate, Laureth-4, Myristyl Lactate, Myristyl Myristate, Octyl Palmitate, Octyl Stearate, Oleth-3, PEG 16 Lanolin, Propylene Glycol Monostearate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Chloride, Stearyl Heptanoate.
