Are Silicones Comedogenic? How Common Silicones Rank on the 0 to 5 Scale

Silicones are some of the most misunderstood ingredients in skincare. They show up in primers, serums, moisturizers, and sunscreens, and their name sounds industrial, so many people assume they suffocate pores. The published evidence tells a calmer story: every common silicone in our reference table rates 0 or 1 out of 5, which is the lowest risk band on the comedogenic scale.

This hub is the site’s central reference for silicone ingredients and pore clogging: each common silicone rated on the standard 0 to 5 comedogenic scale, the reason silicones feel like they clog pores when they usually do not, and guidance for choosing silicone products if your skin breaks out easily. Ratings follow the site’s own pore-clogging ingredients list plus our in-depth dimethicone guide, so they stay consistent across every page. Silicones are not oils; if you want the oil ratings instead, see comedogenic oils hub.

How the 0 to 5 Rating Scale Works

The comedogenic scale rates how likely a single ingredient is to clog pores, from 0 (will not clog pores) to 5 (highly likely to clog pores). Ratings of 0 to 1 are generally considered low risk, 2 is moderately low, 3 is moderate, and 4 to 5 carry a high risk for acne-prone skin. Our full comedogenic scale guide explains where these numbers come from.

Two caveats matter before you read the table. First, ratings describe the pure ingredient at high concentration, not your finished product. Second, skin responses vary. Treat ratings as a risk signal for comparing ingredients, not a verdict on any single product. Running the full ingredient list through the free Pore-Clogging Ingredient Checker is always more informative than judging one ingredient alone.

The Complete Silicone Rating Table

Every silicone below shows its commonly published comedogenic rating and a short note for acne-prone skin. Dimethicone is the most studied silicone in skincare, so it anchors this hub.

Why Silicones Feel Like They Clog Pores

If silicones rate so low, why do so many people blame them for breakouts? Three honest reasons:

1. The occlusive layer traps other ingredients. Silicones form a breathable but water-resistant film. If a product also contains high-rated ingredients such as isopropyl myristate (5/5) or coconut oil (4/5), the silicone film can hold those against your skin longer. The silicone gets blamed for a breakout caused by its formula partners.
2. The heavy feel is misread as pore suffocation. Silicone primers and serums feel slick and coating. That sensation is texture, not evidence of clogged pores; dimethicone’s film is gas-permeable and does not suffocate skin.
3. Removal is where the real damage happens. Water-resistant silicones need proper cleansing, ideally a double cleanse at night. Sleeping in unwashed silicone layers mixed with sunscreen and makeup is a far likelier breakout cause than the silicone itself.

None of this means silicones are ideal for everyone. A small number of people find their skin prefers silicone-free formulas, and that preference is valid. But the ratings are clear: silicones are among the lowest-risk ingredient families on the list.

How to Shop for Silicone Products With Acne-Prone Skin

Use this short checklist before buying a silicone-heavy product:

1. Run the full ingredient list through the checker. The silicone is rarely the problem; the ingredients listed beside it are the real story.
2. Watch for high-rated esters nearby. Isopropyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate, and decyl oleate are the usual suspects in “non-comedogenic” products that still break people out. Search for them on our full pore-clogging ingredients list to see their ratings.
3. Plan your cleanse. If you wear silicone primers or sunscreens daily, double cleanse at night: an oil or balm cleanser first, then your regular cleanser.
4. Patch test silicone primers. Primers are the most concentrated silicone products most people use. Try a new one on one cheek for several days before full-face wear.

Frequently Asked Questions

This hub is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. If breakouts persist or worsen, consult a qualified dermatologist.