Swellness: The truth is both noncomedogenic and oil-free are a little loose in definition. And to complicate matters further, a product that truly meets both of these classifications still can’t prevent a breakout
Photo-Illustration: The Cut; Photos: Getty Images/Shutterstock The word noncomedogenic has been printed on product labels for decades and is meant to assure buyers that the contents won’t clog pores. But what does the term really mean, and how is it regulated? If a product meets the criteria, does that mean it won’t make you break out?
However, the classification itself is not uniformly enforced. “For a product to be called noncomedogenic in many parts of the world, including Australia, the E.U., and the U.K., it has to go through a unique clinical trial — a comedogenicity trial — at an independent laboratory,” says Nausheen Qureshi, a cosmetic chemist. But in the U.S., the term isn’t regulated by the FDA, and because of that, brands can self-certify and use the term at their own discretion.
Likewise, products may also be labeled oil-free to signal that they don’t contain those heavier ingredients. But that term is also unregulated, and according to dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner, it’s a bit of a misnomer. “All creams and lotions contain oils of some kind,” he says. Fatty acids and fatty alcohols are all technically oils and commonly used as thickeners in skin-care products but aren’t considered pore blocking.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
The 500 Greatest Albums of All TimeHarry Nilsson would have been 80 years old today. See where 'Nilsson Schmilsson' falls on the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time
Read more »
Jane Fonda Shares the Simple Skincare Products That Keep Her Glowing at 83“It’s just about keeping my skin from being dry.”
Read more »
Analysis: The scandal over Trump's leak investigations keeps getting worse'The rat-a-tat revelations raise more questions than they answer about why the Justice Department ... was so into the business of people the then-President viewed as his enemies,' writes zbyronwolf | Analysis
Read more »
Kathy Hilton Tells All: RHOBH Stardom, Bonding With Kyle Richards & Her Future as a Housewife - E! OnlineThe Real Housewives of Beverly Hills's breakout star Kathy Hilton dishes exclusively on her vodka martini pranks, hilariously bad eye sight and her surprising thoughts on returning next season.
Read more »
Steven Spielberg Taps Julia Butters For Role Inspired By His Sister In Untitled Amblin Film Loosely Based on His ChildhoodEXCLUSIVE: Once Upon A Time…in Hollywood breakout Julia Butters is set to join Steven Spielberg’s next film at Amblin which is loosely based on the director’s childhood growing up in Ar…
Read more »
'Gorilla Glue Girl' Tessica Brown Launching Own Line of Haircare ProductsThe Gorilla Glue Girl is launching her own line of haircare products.
Read more »