The Origin Story of the Comedogenic Rating System
The comedogenic rating system was first published in 1979 by a dermatologist by the name of Dr. Albert M. Kligman. Dr. Kligman experimented by applying substances to the inside of rabbit’s ears and noting the effect and whether or not the skin developed microcomedones (acne so tiny it can’t be seen by the naked eye). The medical and dermatology community was interested and the experiment was initially well received. However, it wasn’t long before people started to question the reliability of the rating system unless the ingredients were tested on humans. Dr. Kligman responded and started to use the backs of prisoners to test ingredients on; he was later sued for this practice. In fact, there was so much scandal surrounding the research of Dr. Kligman in Holmsburg Prison that the FDA banned all of his research for a period. None-the-less we can thank Dr. Kligman for research leading to insights about athletes’ foot, the invention of Retin-A as well as the still referred to comedogenic rating system.
The Comedogenic Rating System
The comedogenic rating system describes how likely or unlikely an ingredient will clog the skin’s pores. Clogged skin pores result in acne and the beauty industry has embraced the term non-comedogenic with good reason. We can all agree that we want to nourish our skin with ingredients that will not clog pores and cause acne.
The rating system is as follows:
0 – Not likely to clog pores
1 – Low
2 – Moderately low
3 – Moderate
4 – Fairly High
5 – Highly likely to clog pores
The Comedogenic Rating of Ingredients in your favorite Cordial Organics CBD Beauty Products
In case you were wondering, we have carefully chosen ingredients for the Cordial Organics CBD skincare products that are not only low on the comedogenic rating scale but also nourish and soothe your skin. All of your Cordial Organics products have been carefully researched and crafted with your best health in mind. If you would like additional information regarding skin and CBD, we wrote a blog post.
Apricot Kernel Oil
Linoleic acid – 23%
Linolenic acid – 0.22%
Oleic acid – 70%
Comedogenic Rating – 2
Apricot kernel oil is a favorite oil for people with combination to dry skin. It absorbs quickly into the skin, is anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, anti-oxidant, and anti-bacterial which makes it a valuable ally against acne causing bacteria. Found in: Ritual Body Oil, Nourish Balm
Argan Oil
Linoleic acid – 37%
Linolenic acid – <0.5%
Oleic acid – 43%
Comedogenic Rating – 0
Argan oil has some amazing skin reparative benefits along with the very low chance of clogging pores. The presence of squalene makes it emollient and wound healing. Argan oil regulates the production of sebum which helps prevent breakouts. Works well on aging and damaged, as well as dry acne prone skin. Found in: Ritual Body Oil
Avocado Oil
Linoleic acid – 15%
Linolenic acid – 0.8%
Oleic acid – 65%
Comedogenic Rating – 3
Avocado oil is amazing for softening and protecting the skin. It’s healing and soothing for dry damaged skin, and promotes regeneration. Avocado oil’s high mineral content makes it good for repairing the skin’s outermost barrier, reversing the signs of aging, and for treating skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Found in: Nourish Balm
Baobab Seed Oil
Linoleic acid – 24-34%
Linolenic acid – 1-3%
Oleic acid – 30-40%
Comedogenic Rating – 2
Baobab oil is our favorite oil to say. It supports collagen and elasticin in skin. Baobab is rich in essential fatty acids, fights free-radical damage, and assists in wound healing. Found in: Ritual Body Oil
Chia Seed Oil
Linoleic acid – 18.7%
Linolenic acid – 61%
Oleic acid – 7.7%
Comedogenic Rating – 3
Chia seed oil is rich in skin-fortifying fatty acids, vitamin B3, and zinc, which assists to unclog pores. It’s a lighter oil, allowing it to absorb quickly into the skin without making you look greasy. Not only that, it has one of the highest levels of antioxidants when compared to any other oil. Found in: Nourish Facial Oil, Nourish Balm
Hemp Seed Oil
Linoleic acid – 56%
Linolenic acid – 10%
Oleic acid – 11%
Comedogenic Rating – 0
Hemp seed oil reduces redness and inflammation associated with acne breakouts and is a great treatment for eczema, psoriasis, and dry, itchy skin. It also soothes discomfort and supports the skin’s barrier function. Well tolerated by all skin types. Found in: Ritual Body Oil
Jojoba Oil
Eicosenoic acid – 65-80%
Linoleic acid – 5%
Linolenic acid – 1%
Oleic acid – 5-15%
Comedogenic Rating – 2
Jojoba oil is a great choice for improving the overall function of the skin. I boosts skin’s immunity and balances its pH. Found in: Ritual Body Oil, Nourish Balm
Shea Butter
Linoleic acid – 3-8%
Oleic acid – 40-55%
Stearic acid – 35-45%
Comedogenic Rating – 0
Shea butter is moisturizing and rich in vitamins A and E. It’s anti-inflammatory therapeutic properties help with dry skin and systemic skin conditions. Found in: Nourish Balm
Deep Dive into the health benefits of Chia Seed Oil because there really is a lot to say about Chia Seed Oil. Have a look at our CBD skincare offerings that include these wonderful ingredients.
