Written by the QV science community with contributions from Dr. Niyati Sharma MBBS, FACD, MPH.
What does non-comedogenic mean?
Non-comedogenic is a term used to describe skincare and makeup products that are formulated in such a way that they are not likely to cause pore blockages (comedones) and breakouts. A comedone is the technical name for a type of pimple that is the result of a clogged pore and appears on the surface of your skin (typically around your face).
We sat down with dermatologist Dr. Niyati Sharma to get the scientific break-down on different skin terms including ‘What does non-comedogenic mean?’
Watch our Science Says video to learn more with Dr. Niyati Sharma
Dr. Niyati Sharma
How can comedogencity be measured?
Comedogenicity can be measured by repeatedly applying the product (under a cloth patch) to the upper back of volunteers 3 times per week, for 6 weeks. The skin of each volunteer is also tested using a positive control (a known comedogenic substance) and a negative control (untreated skin). At the end of this time, skin biopsies are taken and examined under the microscope to count the number of comedones, or blocked pores1,2.
