comedogenic

[ kom-i-doh-jen-ik ]

adjective

1. (especially of a cosmetic or skin care product) tending to clog pores and encourage the formation of blackheads.

Word History and Origins

Origin of comedogenic¹

First recorded in 1965–70; comedo + -genic

More About Comedogenic

What does comedogenic mean?

Something that is comedogenic tends to clog facial pores and cause blackheads or acne to form.

 A comedo is a more formal word for a blackhead, most often forming on the face. Something that is comedogenic promotes or accelerates the formation of blackheads. Some substances are known to be comedogenic because they are made from certain types of oils or mild acids that tend to clog pores. If you’re concerned about the number of blackheads you have or might develop, you might be advised to check the ingredients on your makeup and skincare products for common comedogenic ingredients.

Dermatologists and cosmetologists frequently recommend noncomedogenic skincare treatments and cosmetics to help prevent blackheads. As you might guess, the non- in noncomedogenic means “not.” In other words, a noncomedogenic cleanser, lotion, or makeup usually won’t clog your pores.

Example: The lotion I used on my face was pretty thick and turned out to be comedogenic.

Where does comedogenic come from?

The first records of the term comedogenic come from around the 1960s. It combines comedo, a formal term for a blackhead, and the combining form -genic, meaning “producing or causing.” Comedogenic effectively means “causing blackheads.”

Did you know ... ?

What are some words that share a root or word element with comedogenic? 

• comedo
• noncomedogenic
• comedocarcinoma
• comedo nevus

What are some words that often get used in discussing comedogenic?

• acne
• blackhead
• dirt
• lotion
• makeup
• skincare

How is comedogenic used in real life?

Comedogenic is commonly used to discuss facial products that clog pores and cause blackheads. Noncomedogenic products are often recommended instead for your face.

i nearly just googled "are tears comedogenic?"

— Perfume Genius (@perfumegenius) April 20, 2017

Got breakouts? Check the ingredients in ur makeup & skin care. If MINERAL OIL is in anything toss it out! It's comedogenic! Clogs ur pores!

— Kandee Johnson (@kandeejohnson) September 6, 2016

DAILY TIP: Don’t use a body lotion on your face—it tends to be thicker and “comedogenic.” It will clog your pores.

— Men's Health Style (@MensHealthStyle) October 13, 2016

 

Try using comedogenic!

True or False?

A comedogenic lotion will keep your pores free of dirt.