Breakout Prevention Tool

Acne Ingredient
Checker

Find out which acne ingredients are hiding in your skincare. Paste any ingredient list or snap a product label — get instant breakout risk analysis. Know which ingredients are acne safe and which ones to avoid.

Check for Acne Triggers — Free
Free & No Signup Comedogenic Scale 0-5 Photo & Text Input

Why Acne-Prone Skin Needs an Ingredient Checker

“Non-comedogenic” on the label doesn't mean it's safe for acne-prone skin.

60%

of 'lightweight' moisturizers contain at least one ingredient rated 3+

Hidden breakout triggers

Ingredients like Isopropyl Myristate (rating 5) and Coconut Oil (rating 4) hide in moisturizers and sunscreens marketed as 'lightweight'. You won't spot them without checking the ingredient list.

50+

years of dermatological comedogenic research

Ratings backed by research

PoreCheck uses comedogenic data from Fulton, Kligman, and Draelos studies — the same sources dermatologists reference. Not opinions, not influencer tips — peer-reviewed science.

6

skin types supported for personalized analysis

Personalized for your skin

Set your skin profile (oily, acne-prone, sensitive) and get warnings tailored to your specific concerns. What's safe for one person may trigger breakouts for another.

Common Acne-Causing Ingredients to Watch For

These ingredients are frequently discussed in dermatological research. Use PoreCheck to analyze the complete formula.

5/5

Isopropyl Myristate

Highly comedogenic ester found in lotions and sunscreens

4/5

Isopropyl Palmitate

Common emollient with high pore-clogging risk

4/5

Coconut Oil (Cocos Nucifera)

Popular natural oil, but problematic for acne-prone skin

5/5

Algae Extract

Used in anti-aging products, very comedogenic

5/5

Laureth-4

Surfactant with high comedogenic rating

4/5

Acetylated Lanolin

Wool-derived emollient, clogs pores easily

Check your product's full ingredient list

Swap the Trigger, Keep the Benefit

Most acne-triggering ingredients have lower-risk alternatives that do the same job.

Avoid4/5

Coconut Oil

Moisturizer

Use Instead0/5

Squalane

Lightweight, non-comedogenic, mimics skin's natural sebum

Avoid5/5

Isopropyl Myristate

Emollient

Use Instead1/5

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

Smooth feel without clogging pores

Avoid5/5

Algae Extract

Anti-aging

Use Instead0/5

Niacinamide

Brightening + anti-aging + barrier repair

Avoid4/5

Isopropyl Palmitate

Skin softener

Use Instead1/5

Dimethicone

Smooth finish without pore risk

Avoid4/5

Acetylated Lanolin

Occlusive

Use Instead0/5

Ceramides

Repairs and protects the skin barrier

Acne Ingredient Checker FAQ

What is an acne ingredient checker?
An acne ingredient checker scans a skincare product's ingredient list and flags compounds known to trigger breakouts. PoreCheck rates every ingredient on the comedogenic scale (0-5) and identifies acne risks instantly.
Which ingredients cause acne the most?
Highly comedogenic ingredients include Isopropyl Myristate, Isopropyl Palmitate, Algae Extract, Coconut Oil, and Laureth-4. But the full formula matters — concentration and ingredient interactions affect real-world results. PoreCheck analyzes the complete list for context-aware results.
How is this different from a comedogenic checker?
A comedogenic checker focuses on pore-clogging ratings. An acne ingredient checker goes further — it flags not only comedogenic ingredients but also irritants and sensitizers that can worsen acne through inflammation. PoreCheck does both.
Can a low-comedogenic product still cause breakouts?
Yes. Comedogenic ratings are averages from lab studies — individual reactions vary based on skin type, concentration, and how ingredients interact in a formula. That's why PoreCheck scores the entire product, not just single ingredients.
What about 'non-comedogenic' labels — can I trust them?
'Non-comedogenic' is not regulated by the FDA or any government body. Brands can use it freely with no testing requirement. The only way to verify is to check the actual ingredient list against comedogenic research data.

Stop guessing. Start checking.

Every product you put on acne-prone skin is a gamble — unless you check the ingredients first.

Check Ingredients for Acne Risk