Every entry below comes from the same database Nitavera's product checker uses — 118 ingredient groups covering 300+ INCI label names. Plain English, no marketing: what each one does, which ones can clog pores or irritate reactive skin, and what to double-check during pregnancy.
Check a product against your skin →
BHA exfoliant — unclogs pores. Pregnancy: check with your doctor first.
On labels as: bha, betaine salicylate
Pairings: AHA + BHA; Retinoid + BHA; Salicylic acid + benzoyl peroxide; Vitamin C + BHA; Copper peptides + BHA
Natural salicin. Pregnancy: check with your doctor first.
On labels as: salix alba, salix
Salicylate. Pregnancy: check with your doctor first.
On labels as: magnesium salicylate
AHA exfoliant. Can irritate sensitive or reactive skin.
Pairings: AHA + BHA; AHA + niacinamide; Retinoid + AHA; Vitamin C + AHA; Kojic acid + AHA; Copper peptides + AHA
AHA exfoliant.
Pairings: AHA + BHA; AHA + niacinamide; Retinoid + AHA; Vitamin C + AHA; Kojic acid + AHA; Copper peptides + AHA
AHA exfoliant.
Pairings: AHA + BHA; AHA + niacinamide; Retinoid + AHA; Vitamin C + AHA; Kojic acid + AHA; Copper peptides + AHA
Retinoid. No published pore-clogging rating found for retinol itself (not scored). Can irritate sensitive or reactive skin. The AAD says to avoid retinoids during pregnancy.
On labels as: retinal, retinaldehyde, hydroxypinacolone retinoate, retinoid
Pairings: Retinoid + AHA; Retinoid + BHA; Retinoid + benzoyl peroxide; Retinol + vitamin C; Can you use retinol and vitamin C together?; Ceramides + retinol; Niacinamide + retinol; Niacinamide + hyaluronic acid; Niacinamide + ceramides; PHA + retinoid; Sulfur + retinoid; Azelaic acid + retinoid
Retinol ester. Fulton rates vitamin A palmitate 1-3/5 depending on the raw-material source, so no single number is shown. Pregnancy: check with your doctor first.
On labels as: vitamin a palmitate
Prescription-grade retinoid for acne. Can irritate sensitive or reactive skin. The AAD says to avoid retinoids during pregnancy.
Pairings: Adapalene + benzoyl peroxide
Acne treatment. Can irritate sensitive or reactive skin. Pregnancy: check with your doctor first.
Pairings: Adapalene + benzoyl peroxide; Retinoid + benzoyl peroxide; Salicylic acid + benzoyl peroxide; Sulfur + benzoyl peroxide; Vitamin C + benzoyl peroxide
Vitamin B3.
On labels as: nicotinamide
Pairings: Niacinamide + retinol; Niacinamide + vitamin C; AHA + niacinamide
Vitamin C (antioxidant).
On labels as: ascorbic acid, ascorbyl glucoside, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, ethyl ascorbic acid, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate
Pairings: Vitamin C + AHA; Vitamin C + BHA; Vitamin C + benzoyl peroxide; Retinol + vitamin C; Can you use retinol and vitamin C together?; Niacinamide + vitamin C; Hyaluronic acid + vitamin C; Copper peptides + vitamin C; Vitamin C + vitamin E; Vitamin C + ferulic acid
Acid.
Skin-care active.
On labels as: alpha-arbutin, arbutin
Skin-lightening agent; often prescription-only (use under a dermatologist's guidance). Can irritate sensitive or reactive skin. Pregnancy: check with your doctor first.
Plant-derived compound. No published pore-clogging rating found (not scored). Pregnancy: check with your doctor first.
On labels as: psoralea corylifolia extract, babchi
Skin-care active. Pregnancy: check with your doctor first.
On labels as: kojic dipalmitate
Pairings: Kojic acid + AHA
Exfoliating acid.
On labels as: gluconolactone, lactobionic acid, polyhydroxy acid, gluconic acid
Pairings: PHA + retinoid
Dries out spots & absorbs excess oil.
On labels as: sulphur, colloidal sulfur
Pairings: Sulfur + benzoyl peroxide; Sulfur + retinoid
Antioxidant (vitamin E). A 1989 rabbit-ear study rates plain tocopherol 0-3/5 depending on the raw-material source (weak evidence), so no single number is shown.
On labels as: tocopherol, vitamin e
Antioxidant — vitamin E acetate form. Low comedogenic rating (0/5).
On labels as: tocopheryl acetate
Plant extract.
On labels as: camellia sinensis
Antioxidant/preservative sulfite — possible allergen.
On labels as: sodium metabisulphite, sodium bisulfite, sodium sulfite, potassium metabisulfite
Antioxidant.
Plant-derived compound. Pregnancy: check with your doctor first.
Skin-care active.
On labels as: coffea arabica seed extract, coffee seed extract
Plant extract.
On labels as: licorice root extract, glycyrrhiza glabra root extract, dipotassium glycyrrhizate, glycyrrhiza inflata root extract, glycyrrhetinic acid, licorice extract
Bee-derived ingredient (possible allergen). No published pore-clogging rating found (not scored).
On labels as: propolis extract, bee propolis, propolis cera
Peptide.
On labels as: palmitoyl tripeptide-1, palmitoyl pentapeptide-4, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, palmitoyl hexapeptide-12, matrixyl, palmitoyl oligopeptide
Copper peptide. Pregnancy: check with your doctor first.
On labels as: copper peptide, copper tripeptide-1, ghk-cu, copper tripeptide
Pairings: Copper peptides + AHA; Copper peptides + BHA; Copper peptides + vitamin C
Humectant.
On labels as: sodium hyaluronate, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid
Pairings: Hyaluronic acid + vitamin C; Hyaluronic acid + retinol; Hyaluronic acid + AHA; Hyaluronic acid + BHA; Niacinamide + hyaluronic acid; Ceramides + hyaluronic acid
Humectant.
Humectant / solvent.
Preservative booster.
Humectant / solvent.
On labels as: pentylene glycol, propanediol
Humectant from beets.
Humectant — part of skin's NMF.
Snail-derived ingredient. No published pore-clogging rating found (not scored).
On labels as: snail secretion filtrate, snail slime extract
Humectant.
On labels as: mel, honey extract
Humectant.
On labels as: sodium polyglutamate, gamma-pga
Sugar humectant.
Hydrator from oats & yeast.
On labels as: beta glucan, sodium carboxymethyl beta-glucan
Skin-care ingredient.
On labels as: ectoine
Zinc salt.
Rebuilds the skin barrier.
On labels as: ceramide
Pairings: Ceramides + retinol; Ceramides + hyaluronic acid; Niacinamide + ceramides
Plant extract.
On labels as: cica, madecassoside, asiaticoside
Skin-conditioning ingredient.
Oat-derived ingredient.
On labels as: avena sativa
Mineral SPF. Low comedogenic rating (1/5).
Chamomile-derived compound.
Mineral SPF. Low comedogenic rating (0/5).
Chemical UV filter. Pregnancy: check with your doctor first.
On labels as: butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, bmdbm, parsol 1789
Chemical UV filter. Pregnancy: check with your doctor first.
On labels as: ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, octyl methoxycinnamate, emc
Chemical UV filter. Pregnancy: check with your doctor first.
On labels as: benzophenone-3, benzophenone 3, bp-3
Chemical UV filter. Pregnancy: check with your doctor first.
On labels as: homomenthyl salicylate
Chemical UV filter. Pregnancy: check with your doctor first.
On labels as: ethylhexyl salicylate, octyl salicylate, 2-ethylhexyl salicylate
Chemical UV filter. Pregnancy: check with your doctor first.
Modern UV filters — broad-spectrum, low-absorption.
On labels as: bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine, bemotrizinol, tinosorb s, methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol, bisoctrizole, tinosorb m
Water-soluble chemical UVB filter.
On labels as: phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid, pbsa
Silicone. Low comedogenic rating (1/5). Cyclomethicone and cyclopentasiloxane are different silicones - Fulton rates them 0/5.
Rich butter for dry skin — no published pore-clogging rating found (not scored).
On labels as: butyrospermum parkii
Occlusive.
On labels as: petroleum jelly
Rich oil — no published pore-clogging rating found for coconut oil itself (not scored). The 1989 Fulton table rates coconut butter, a different ingredient, 4/5.
On labels as: cocos nucifera
Heavy butter — comedogenic. Comedogenic rating 4/5.
On labels as: coconut butter
Heavy butter — comedogenic. Comedogenic rating 4/5.
On labels as: theobroma cacao
Texture agent — often pore-clogging. Comedogenic rating 5/5.
On labels as: isopropyl myristate
Texture agent — often pore-clogging. Comedogenic rating 4/5.
On labels as: isopropyl palmitate
Texture agent — often pore-clogging. Comedogenic rating 5/5.
On labels as: myristyl myristate
Occlusive — a possible allergen. Fulton rates lanolin derivatives anywhere from 0 to 4 out of 5 depending on the derivative (lanolin alcohol and anhydrous lanolin 0-2 or 0-1, acetylated lanolin alcohol 4).
Heavy oil.
On labels as: triticum vulgare
Light oil. Fulton rates it 0-2/5 depending on the source.
On labels as: simmondsia chinensis, jojoba
Plant oil.
On labels as: rosa canina, rosehip
Emollient. No published pore-clogging rating found (not scored).
On labels as: caprylic capric triglyceride
Fatty alcohol. Low comedogenic rating (2/5).
On labels as: cetearyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol. Cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol are separate ingredients - Fulton rates both 2/5.
Emulsifier & emollient. Fulton rates the NSE form 1/5 and the SE form 3/5.
Emollient / texture. Low comedogenic rating (1/5).
On labels as: cetyl esters
Fatty alcohols. Myristyl alcohol: comedogenic rating (2/5). Lauryl alcohol: no published rating.
On labels as: myristyl alcohol, lauryl alcohol, arachidyl alcohol, isostearyl alcohol, fatty alcohol
Plant oil. No published pore-clogging rating found (not scored).
On labels as: argania spinosa kernel oil, argania spinosa
Plant oil.
On labels as: helianthus annuus seed oil, helianthus annuus, sunflower oil
Plant oil. Rated 1-2 out of 5 for pore-clogging in a 1983 rabbit-ear study and 0 in a 1989 one; the studies disagree (weak evidence).
On labels as: safflower seed oil, carthamus tinctorius (safflower) seed oil
Rich oleic oil.
On labels as: sclerocarya birrea seed oil, sclerocarya birrea
Emollient oil. Rated 2-3 out of 5 for pore-clogging in a 1983 rabbit-ear study we could not re-check (weak evidence).
On labels as: grape seed oil, vitis vinifera (grape) seed oil
Nutty emollient oil.
On labels as: calophyllum inophyllum seed oil, calophyllum inophyllum, foraha oil
Scent. DermNet NZ lists fragrances among the ingredients that most often cause cosmetic contact reactions. Can irritate sensitive or reactive skin.
On labels as: parfum, aroma
Botanical scent — can irritate sensitive skin. Can irritate sensitive or reactive skin. Pregnancy: check with your doctor first.
On labels as: essential oil, limonene, linalool, citral, geraniol, eugenol, citronellol, menthol, peppermint oil, lavender oil, tea tree, melaleuca
Solvent — can irritate or dry skin. Can irritate sensitive or reactive skin.
On labels as: alcohol denat, sd alcohol, ethanol. Isopropyl alcohol is a different ingredient - Fulton rates it 0/5.
Astringent — can irritate or dry skin.
On labels as: hamamelis
Cleansing surfactant. Can irritate sensitive or reactive skin.
On labels as: sls
Cleansing surfactant.
Foaming surfactant.
On labels as: sles
Cleansing surfactant.
On labels as: coco-glucoside, decyl glucoside, lauryl glucoside, sodium cocoyl isethionate
Algae extract.
Preservative — a possible contact allergen. Can irritate sensitive or reactive skin.
On labels as: methylchloroisothiazolinone
Preservative.
Base / solvent.
On labels as: aqua, eau
Skin-conditioning preservative-booster.
Preservative.
Preservative.
Preservative / solvent.
Thickener.
Gel thickener.
On labels as: acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer
pH adjuster (trace amount).
pH adjuster (trace amount).
Stabilizer / chelator.
On labels as: tetrasodium edta, edta
Mattifying texture agent.
Preservatives.
On labels as: methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, isobutylparaben, isopropylparaben, paraben
Emulsifiers — blend oil and water. Fulton rates polysorbate 20 and 80 at 0/5; polysorbate 60 has no published row.
On labels as: polysorbate 20, polysorbate 60, polysorbate 80, polysorbate
Emulsifiers. Sorbitan oleate: comedogenic rating (3/5). Sorbitan laurate and isostearate: (1-2/5). Sorbitan stearate: low comedogenic rating (0/5).
On labels as: sorbitan oleate, sorbitan stearate, sorbitan laurate, sorbitan isostearate
Absorbent clays — can be drying.
On labels as: kaolin, bentonite, montmorillonite, china clay, fuller's earth, clay
Mineral powder. Low comedogenic rating (1/5).
On labels as: talcum
Mineral shimmer / colorant (inert).
On labels as: ci 77019, potassium aluminum silicate
Mineral color pigments (inert, non-reactive).
On labels as: iron oxide, ci 77491, ci 77492, ci 77499
Preservative — a possible allergen; caution while nursing (infant safety).
"Comedogenic rating" (0–5) is a rough lab measure of pore-clogging potential — it matters most on breakout-prone skin and matters little on skin that never clogs. "Can irritate" means commonly reported irritation on sensitive or compromised skin, not that the ingredient is unsafe. Formulas, concentrations and your own skin all change the picture — that is exactly what the checker weighs for your answers.
Cosmetic guidance, not medical advice. For anything painful, changing, or not improving, see a dermatologist.