Pores are tiny openings in the skin that release sweat and oil, but for some people, they clog more easily than others. According to board-certified dermatologist Geeta Yadav, MD, clogged pores happen when oil can’t flow properly and becomes trapped by dead skin cells, makeup, dirt, or pore-clogging (comedogenic) ingredients.
Comedogenic ingredients increase the risk of breakouts, especially for people with oily or acne-prone skin. “Using these ingredients is like adding gas to the fire,” says dermatologist Rachel Nazarian, MD. They make pimples more likely to form and can trigger ongoing breakouts.
While comedogenicity isn’t fully understood, some ingredients interact poorly with sebum, making it thicker, while others are too heavy for oil to pass through. Dermatologist Melanie Palm, MD, explains that many pore-clogging ingredients are occlusive, meaning they sit on top of the skin and trap oil underneath.
If you’re prone to acne, avoiding these ingredients can help keep pores clear and reduce breakouts.
