Serum Formulation and Clogged Pores: Is the Cleanser the Cause?
Question
I have a serum formulation (details provided previously). I am experiencing clogged pores and wonder if this serum is causing them. An expert previously commented that my facial cleanser might be more likely to cause clogged pores than this serum, and mentioned that Ethoxydiglycol in the serum causes less irritation than cleansing agents. Could you clarify if my serum formulation could be the cause of clogged pores, considering the ingredients, or if other factors like my cleanser are more probable?
Answer
Hello,
Based on the ingredients in the formula you provided, and considering the previous advice from expert cosmeceutical7, here is some additional information:
Generally, most ingredients in this formula are considered to have a low potential for causing clogged pores (comedogenicity). However, there are a couple of ingredients that might be worth considering:
- Sea Kelp Extract: Some seaweed extracts can have a mild tendency to be comedogenic for certain individuals, although typically not as severe as other well-known pore-clogging ingredients.
- Ethoxydiglycol: As expert cosmeceutical7 mentioned, while Ethoxydiglycol is not typically considered directly comedogenic, it is an ingredient that can potentially cause irritation in some skin types. This irritation itself can indirectly lead to breakouts, including clogged pores.
Summary and Further Recommendations:
- Overall, the formula does not appear to contain high concentrations of ingredients known to be highly comedogenic.
- The possibility of clogged pores occurring may stem from other factors, as suggested by expert cosmeceutical7, such as:
- Allergic reaction to an ingredient: Clogged pores can sometimes be a symptom of an allergic response.
- Irritation: Particularly from Ethoxydiglycol, which might cause the skin to react with breakouts.
- Other products being used: Especially your facial cleanser, which the expert highlighted as potentially more likely to cause clogged pores than this serum formula.
- Other internal/external factors: Such as stress, lack of sleep, hormonal changes, or insufficient cleansing.
The best approach is to:
- Consider other products you are using: Especially your cleansing routine, to see if any ingredients there might be contributing to clogged pores.
- Observe your skin: If possible, try temporarily stopping the use of this product and see if the clogged pores improve. If they do, you might try reintroducing it to confirm, or try eliminating other products you use one by one.
- Consult a professional: If the problem persists, consulting a dermatologist can help identify the exact cause and the most suitable treatment plan.
Hope this information is helpful!