A Deep Dive Into Comedogenic and Our Equalizer Line

Please note that we here at Essential do not adhere to the “comedogenic” chart as it depends on many different issues. 

The reasons why are:

1. The test was conducted on rabbit ears which are far more sensitive than human ears and have a different pore setup. This test was first conducted in the 1970’s, and then retested on male prisoner’s backs in the 1980’s. 
2. The comedogenic scale ranks ingredients from 0 to 5 based on their likelihood to clog pores, but it was developed using rabbit ears. So while it can be a helpful reference, it’s not a one-size-fits-all rule.
3. An ingredient might be “comedogenic” at 100% concentration, but in a well-formulated product, it might only be used at 1-5%, where it has no comedogenic effect at all. Remember, once you add one ingredient to another, it’s a completely different chemical makeup. 
4. The way ingredients interact with each other in a full formula changes everything. A “comedogenic” oil in one product might not behave the same in another. The base, emulsifiers, texture, occlusiveness, and skin affinity all affect how a product behaves. Remember again, once you add one ingredient to another, it’s a completely different chemical makeup.
5. Everyone’s skin reacts differently. What clogs one person’s pores might be totally fine for another. Genetics, environment, skin condition, and microbiome all play a role.
6. An oil like coconut might get a bad reputation for being comedogenic, but often it’s not the oil itself — it is when oils and ingredients become rancid and oxidize that it can cause skin issues. Fresh, stabilized oils in proper formulations can perform very differently.

While we here at Essential do not adhere to the comedogenic scale, our Equalizer line has shown to be great for all skin types. It does not feature coconut oil (except for the exfoliant) and is gentle enough for most sensitive skin… but remember to patch test first!

How to properly patch test for pore clogging: Apply a small amount behind your ears and give it a few days to see how your skin reacts before fully committing.

Our Equalizer Line

Our favorite teas, vitamins, and nutrients come together to equalize and hydrate skin of all types.

Equalizer Cream Facial Cleanser: A non-foaming cleanser that delivers a superior array of nutrients to leave skin soft, hydrated, and looking youthful. Always the first step in any skincare routine.

Equalizer Facial Exfoliant: Designed to softly exfoliate while soothing and equalizing skin. Gentle Jojoba Wax Beads provide physical exfoliation while skin-loving Aloe Leaf Juice and Coconut Oil provide hydration. We highly recommend exfoliating a few times a week, as the second step in your skincare routine. 

Equalizer Cream Facial Mask: Deliver intense hydration and soothe skin with Hyaluronic Acid, vegan DMAE, MSM, and Rooibos and much more. Skin will feel calmed and moisturized after this pampering mask. Masks and exfoliants aren’t part of the “everyday skincare routine”, but should come after the cleanser, and can be done as frequently or as little as you or your customer pleases. 

Equalizer Facial Serum: A lightweight serum packed with herbal extracts to soothe stressed skin of all types while balancing moisture levels. An essential part of the everyday skincare routine, this should come as step two or three (depending on if an exfoliant or mask is used). 

Equalizer Facial Moisturizer: Vitamin rich, hydrating, toning, balancing… the list goes on! A daily moisturizer that is lightweight, and does a lot more than just lock in moisture. Use this morning and night as step three or four (depending on if an exfoliant or mask is used) in your skincare routine.