Is Shea Butter Comedogenic? What You Need to Know About Pores and Breakouts.

Shea butter is a powerhouse ingredient in natural skincare. But if you have oily or acne-prone skin, you might be asking:
“Is shea butter comedogenic? Will it clog my pores?”
Let’s clear the air and break down what science—and real experience—has to say.

What Does “Comedogenic” Mean?

“Comedogenic” refers to an ingredient's likelihood to clog pores. Ingredients are often rated on a scale from 0 to 5:

• 0 = Won’t clog pores

• 5 = Highly likely to clog pores

Understanding this helps people with sensitive, oily, or acne-prone skin avoid breakouts.

Is Shea Butter Comedogenic?

Shea butter has a comedogenic rating of around 0 to 2, depending on your skin type and the purity of the product.

✅ Unrefined, pure shea butter (like ours) is rich in oleic and stearic acids—nourishing without being overly greasy.
✅ Most people do not experience clogged pores or breakouts when using high-quality, unrefined shea butter.
✅ It also contains anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can calm acne-prone skin rather than irritate it.

What Skin Types Can Use Shea Butter?

• Dry or sensitive skin: Excellent choice. Deeply hydrates and soothes.

• Normal or combination skin: Safe when used in small amounts.

• Oily or acne-prone skin: Can still be used—but apply thinly and monitor your skin’s response.

🧴 Tip: Always apply shea butter on clean, slightly damp skin, and don’t overdo it—just a small amount goes a long way.

What to Avoid

❌ Avoid refined or heavily processed shea butter—it may be blended with pore-clogging oils or additives.
❌ Avoid products labeled “shea-based” that include comedogenic oils (like coconut oil) unless you're sure they're non-comedogenic.

Conclusion

So, does shea butter clog pores?
For most people, the answer is no—especially when it’s pure, unrefined, and used in moderation. In fact, it can be a powerful ally for balancing, healing, and moisturizing your skin without triggering breakouts.

At Yellow Brick Road Shea Butter, we only offer 100% pure, unrefined shea butter, ideal for all skin types—even those that need a little extra care.

👉 Want to learn more?
Visit our Shea Butter Blog or explore our full collection of shea butter products and treat your skin to something real.