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comedogenic

[ kom-i-doh-jen-ik ]
/ ˈkɒm ÉȘ doʊˈdʒɛn ÉȘk /
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adjective
(especially of a cosmetic or skin care product) tending to clog pores and encourage the formation of blackheads.
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Origin of comedogenic

First recorded in 1965–70; comedo + -genic

Words nearby comedogenic

comedic, Comédie Française, comedienne, comedist, comedo, comedogenic, comedown, come down on, come down the pike, come down to, come down with
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

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.”

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

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

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.

 

Try using comedogenic!

True or False?

A comedogenic lotion will keep your pores free of dirt.

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