What Non-Comedogenic Makeup and Skincare Means For Your Skin

Within the world of beauty and skincare, there are endless buzzwords that are impossible to understand without an expert on hand. But one of the most important nuances to get familiar with falls in the world of pore-clogging ingredients, and whether or not they’re “comedogenic”—especially if they’re going on your face. So, in an effort to treat your skin well and streamline your beauty routine with good-for-skin products, let’s break down the benefits of non-comedogenic skincare and makeup, what exactly it means for your skin, and whether or not you should be worried about finding non-comedogenic products.

What does non-comedogenic mean?
We’ll start with the fundamentals. What exactly does non-comedogenic mean, and how can it help (or inhibit) your goal of achieving clear, glowing skin?

Comedones, or blackheads and whiteheads, are formed when pores are blocked by debris, excess oil, dead skin cells, or pollution and often lead to blemishes and breakouts. Comedones can also be caused by the products we apply every day... We’re looking at you, moisturizers, foundation, and oils.

The term "non-comedogenic" refers to products that are formulated without pore-clogging ingredients and will not create those aforementioned comedones. Put simply, non-comedogenic products are formulated without pore-clogging ingredients in an effort to help prevent breakouts.

But it’s not just acne we’re trying to avoid here. Non-comedogenic products help overall skin health as well. Without harsh ingredients, they’re less likely to cause sensitivity, redness, or allergic reactions. By reaching for more gentle, non-irritating formulations, you’re protecting your skin barrier and minimizing inflammation.

Beyond skincare, opting for non-comedogenic makeup, such as foundations, concealers, and powders, will also help benefit the skin. These products, when formulated properly, provide coverage without clogging pores or promoting acne.

What skin types need non-comedogenic products?
Non-comedogenic skincare and makeup products are particularly beneficial for oily or acne-prone skin. However, because these products are designed to be lightweight and non-greasy, they’re truly suitable for a wide range of skin types, including normal, combination, sensitive, and dry skin. By refining your routine to a non-comedogenic regimen, it’s easier to maintain clear, healthy skin while enjoying the true benefits of your makeup and skincare.

Here, a few reasons why incorporating non-comedogenic products into your beauty routine is the move:

Lower Risk of Breakouts: By choosing non-comedogenic makeup and skincare products, you're reducing the likelihood of pore blockages that can lead to acne flare-ups. This is especially helpful if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, as these products are less likely to exacerbate existing skin concerns.
Allow Skin to Breathe: Non-comedogenic products are formulated to be lightweight and less occlusive, meaning they are less likely to suffocate the skin. This allows your skin to breathe and function properly, promoting a healthier complexion in the long run.
Prevent Uneven Texture: Regular use of comedogenic products can contribute to the development of bumps, blackheads, whiteheads, and milia on the skin, as well as oil productioin, rough patches and dullness. Non-comedogenic formulations help maintain smoother, more even-looking skin by minimizing congestion.
Extend Makeup: Because non-comedogenic makeup products and moisturizers are formulated to adhere to the skin without clogging pores or adding excess oil, they’re less likely to slide or smear throughout the day. This can result in longer-lasting makeup that looks fresh all day..

What Makes a Product Non-Comedogenic

Figuring out whether a skincare product is non-comedogenic or not requires getting very familiar with the ingredient lists on your bottles. Non-comedogenic products typically exclude pore-clogging agents such as mineral oil, lanolin, and heavy waxes. Instead, they often contain lightweight oils, hyaluronic acid, and other non-irritating ingredients that hydrate and nourish the skin without causing congestion.

It may sound obvious, but sometimes it’s as simple as looking for labels that explicitly state "non-comedogenic". To make the claim that a formula is non-comedogenic, it has to get tested. So, if you're unsure, reach out to the company to confirm. Opting for non-comedogenic options helps insure that products that are gentle, safe, and suitable for maintaining clear, healthy skin.

Look for simple key words such as:

Non-comedogenic
Won’t clog pores
No pore-clogging ingredients

Ingredients to avoid:

Vegetable oils
Vegetable gelatin
Lanolin
Talc/Talcum
Sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate
Shea/Shea butter
Palm oil
Beeswax
Cocoa butter
Silicone

Your Non-Comedogenic RMS Guide

Here’s a quick rundown on all of our non-comedogenic products that won’t clog your pores—promise.

ReEvolve Natural Finish Liquid Foundation: Foundation is always a concern for acne-prone skin but with ours, you don't have to worry! Fresh feeling and easy to blend, this power-packed formula delivers smooth, long-lasting medium coverage with a hydrating, natural finish that doesn't feel heavy or clog pores.

Hydra Setting Powder: If you're acne-prone your skin is also likely to be oil-prone and in need of touch-ups throughout the day. In which case, setting powder comes in super handy but can also be a gamble as you don't want to pile on more pore-clogging layers. Enter our new Hydra Setting Powder! All the shine-absorbing benefits of a powder, without any of the skin-irritiating ingredients!

Uncoverup Concealer: This cult-favorite formula is loved for its balance of efficacy and skin-nurturing benefits. Its luxurious formula is infused with organic (non-comedogenic!) coconut oil, beeswax, and natural essentials that provide seamless coverage, glowy coverage while still letting your skin shine (and breathe!).

Kakadu Beauty Oil: We know what you're thinking: "I can't put oil on my acne-prone skin!", but let us explain! Our beauty oil was tested and approved to be non-comedogenic and uses skin-loving, clean ingredients including Kakadu Plum Seed Oil, Wildcrafted Buriti Oil, and our proprietary adaptogenic blend of herbs to balance, hydrate, soothe, and soften the skin.

Kakadu Luxe Cream: Again, you don't have to be scared of a hydrating cream if it's non-comedogenic! If you've been avoiding creams in the past due to acne concerns, may we suggest our Kakadu Luxe Cream?! The non-comedogenic formula is Kind to Biome certified meaning the ingredients don't disturb or interfere with the skin's microbiome

SuperSerum Hydrating Mist: This mist is ideal for lightweight hydration that you can use to revive your makeup throughout the day or as a skin prep before applying foundation. And, yes, it's non-comedogenic.

When it comes down to the bare ingredients, the benefits of non-comedogenic skincare and makeup extend far beyond surface-level beauty. These products contribute to the overall well-being of the skin, supporting its health, resilience, and vitality. By embracing non-comedogenic beauty as an essential factor in your skincare routine, you’ll enjoy a clear, radiant complexion that’s both beautiful and healthy.