Is carrot macerate comedogenic?

Calculated on a scale of 0 to 5, the comedogenicity index allows us to determine whether an ingredient, particularly a vegetable oil, poses a risk of causing comedones or not. An index of 0 indicates that an ingredient is non-comedogenic, while an index of 5 is given to those that are highly comedogenic. In practical terms, a product is comedogenic if it is capable of creating an occlusive film on the skin's surface and blocking the pores. Generally, it is recommended that oily skin types avoid using botanical extracts with a comedogenicity index higher than 2.

However, it is important to note that the use of an ingredient with comedogenic potential does not necessarily lead to the emergence of blemishes. Similarly, the application of a product containing a comedogenic ingredient is not always likely to clog the skin's pores. This depends on its concentration in the product and the overall formulation of the latter. Finally, the risk of developing blemishes after using a comedogenic ingredient largely depends on each person's skin type.

Indispensable for protecting the skin from oxidative stress and giving it a radiant boost, the carrot macerate is an ingredient obtained by soaking carrot roots in a vegetable oil. The carrot itself does not contain saturated fatty acids, the molecules mainly responsible for the greasy nature of some oils. These compounds are actually provided by the carrier vegetable oil used. Thus, the comedogenicity index of the carrot oil macerate largely depends on the oil used for the maceration.

The vegetable oils of olive, sunflower, sweet almond, argan, and hazelnut are the most commonly used to prepare a carrot oil macerate.

These vegetable oils are referred to as light and are considered to be minimally to non-comedogenic. Their comedogenicity indices are summarised in the table below.

Thus, the carrot oil macerate is an ingredient that generally does not present a high risk of comedogenicity, provided that the chosen carrier oil is suitable for skin prone to blemishes. Sunflower, argan, and hazelnut oils, with a zero comedogenicity index, are particularly recommended to avoid pore blockage. On the other hand, olive and sweet almond oils, slightly more occlusive, may not be suitable for skin prone to acne. For these skin types, it is therefore recommended to research the carrier oil used during the maceration process before using a carrot macerate.

Note : At Typology, we use carrot macerate obtained by macerating dried carrot roots in organic sunflower oil.

• FULTON J. E. Comedogenicity and irritancy of commonly used ingredients in skin care products. Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists (1989).

• DINARDO J. C. & al. A re-evaluation of the comedogenicity concept. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (2006).

• SHOJAN A. & al. Comedogenicity of Oils. International Journal of Contemporary Medical Research (2019).

• SIONKOWSKA A. & al. Total Phenolic Content, Antioxidant Capacity and UV Radiation Protection Properties of Marigold (Calendula officinalis), Carrot (Daucus carota), Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and Hop (Humulus lupulus) Extracts. Cosmetics (2022).