How pore clogging ingredients are tested and what to avoid

Comedogenic: pore clogging; cause of blackheads and pimples.

How do labs test skin care and cosmetic ingredients for their levels of comedogenic? On the inside of a rabbit's ear. But, this cute little critter's ear differs from human skin. It's histologically ( a branch of anatomy that works with tiny structure of animal and plant tissues.) Oh, never mind the scientific rhetoric.

Also, overlooked by big skin care companies when testing ingredients is when one ingredient is tested, it may not clog the pore. But when it's used with a mixture of other ingredients, it can clog the pore. It's safe to say "once you add one ingredient to another, you'll get a different ingredient".

Comedogenic ingredients are of an emollient nature, (softens skin), and this is not essential for oily skin that tends to have a high amount of natural lubrication.

Here are some of the highest pore clogging ingredients, even for dry skin.

Olive Oil (unless you are over the age of 60)
Cocoa Butter
Mineral Oil
Pure Coconut Oil
Sesame Oil
Pure Corn Oil
Avocado Oil (great only for hair)
Jojoba Oil (use only on body but avoid parts that tend to break out-shoulders, back).

All of these relatively inexpensive ingredients are best to avoid. If you don't want blackheads, (and who does), skip the use of a skin care product or cosmetic with these ingredients.

By Sandy Alcide. Founder and Product Developer of Motion Medica skin care.Copyright 2011. All rights reserved.