In this post I will be channeling my inner scientist. Yes, I have my lab coat, microscope, and loop ready to go. For a lot of us, when we started our healthy hair journey, what was the hair product that we are always told that causes clogged pores on our scalp?
Hair grease right? Good ole’ petroleum. But let me let you guys in on a secret, according to the list of comedogenic (pore clogging) ratings of products, mineral oil* and petrolatum had a rating of ‘O’. This means that mineral oil*, petroleum jelly*, etc. do not clog pores. Surprised?
Well you haven’t seen nothing yet, below we have listed 5 products or ingredients that can actually clog your scalp. So before we begin let me break down what comedogenic is. Comedogenic basically is a term for something that is pore clogging. This includes your skin and scalp pores.
There is a Comedogenic Rating chart that shows the ratings of various oils*, waxes, detergents, etc. This was created through the Journal of American Academy of Dermatology.
The rating goes from 0 being non-comedogenic to 5 being highly comedogenic. The ingredients below are some of the highest rated ingredients on the chart.
1. Coconut Oil*/ Comedogenic rating: 4
GASP. Y’all when I saw this I almost died. I am a lover of coconut* oil. I use it on my strands and sometimes even my scalp to relieve itchiness. I mean, come on, for most of us coconut oil* is our holy grail.
It makes our hair shiny, moisturizes our strands internally like our number one love, water, and it prevents hydral fatigue. And on top of that, it is an anti-bacterial and antifungal. But did you know that it is 4 on the comedogenic chart? That means that it is at high risk of clogging your pores.
Naima Watson says
Wow, still not giving up my coconut oil though, lol
Tsebo Kobbina says
Shocked what does this mean back to product with mineral oils
Danni says
it may not necessarily mean that. these products are still great for the length for your hair, but if used on the scalp it may cause buildup overtime. But if you are using mineral oil based products, you shouldn’t worry if it will cause acne or clogged pores on the scalp.
Janice Roye-Walker says
I aint ever giving up coconut oil HOLY GRAIL! Lol
Janice Roye-Walker says
I’ve checked other websites and castor oil is 1 which is low u learn something new everyday!!
Steen How says
I was just about to look up castor oil! I love that
Kashmere Noel says
It would help to understand Why these clog pores? What is it about their make-up that makes them comedogenic?
Danni says
Hi Kashmere!
Different products can have different properties that may make them comedogenic. The comedogenic rating is determined by how much a product blocks the sebaceous glands from producing a “normal” amount of sebum along with whether sebum is over produced or not. Then usually when this happens the glands become clogged which then began to produce bacteria. Also, when the porphyin (a metabolite) of the clogged glands are exposed to light and show “fluorescence” it is usually comedogenic, if not then its non-comedogenic. These ingredients were some of the top ingredients that causes this phenomenon to happen at a high rate.
Felicia Michelle says
What products are good for dandruff?
Sub-Zerro Miller says
DONT WORRY ABOUT IT BEAUTIFUL! UR TOO PERFECT FOR THAT .
Felicia Michelle says
Lol sir I just like to know these things and I know the women here know some good products:)
Sub-Zerro Miller says
You are too considerate Mz Fe-Fe . lol
Felicia Michelle says
I could get on Google and look some stuff up,but I like to know from other’s personal experience on what’s good. Thank u though:)
Danni says
Hi Felicia!
Neem oil is great for dandruff. Some can be sensitive to the smell, but its one of the best dandruff removers.
Brianna Lewis says
Aloe Vera juice mixed with water helps with that and itchy scalp.
Felicia Michelle says
Thanks Brianna Lewis:) Pure aloe vera juice?
Phoenix McGee says
I love my hair but hair care in general has gotten too complicated for my taste.
Miss D says
Danni,
It’s “per se” not “per say.” I’ve seen that written incorrectly several times on this site. Maybe the copy editor is asleep?
Danni says
Thank you Miss D for catching that. 🙂
Lasilia Imnottheonenottoday Thornton says
im not giving up my coconut oil
Steen How says
Great article! I never known about this subject. Thinking outside the box! I love it 🙂
carolyn shy says
Could you site the source for this info or the scientific study?
Tanya Manyuira says
No way!! My beloved coconut oil 🙁 …Oh well!! You live n learn, thanks for the post! <3