Is hazelnut oil comedogenic?

The term "comedogenic" originates from the word "comedones" and refers to the property of a cosmetic ingredient or product to block the sebaceous glands, which are responsible for the production of sebum. By clogging the skin's pores, a comedogenic compound will prevent the natural evacuation of sebum. This phenomenon can then cause or exacerbate various skin disorders, such as dilated pores, open microcysts (or blackheads), closed microcysts (or whiteheads) or even acne.

The comedogenicity of a compound is assessed on a scale of 0 to 5. A score of 0 indicates that no comedones have developed, meaning the pores are not blocked, while a score of 5 indicates a high likelihood of it causing comedones. To calculate this index, manufacturers determine, among other things, the rate of penetration of the compound in question into the superficial layers of the skin and its sensitivity to oxidation.

The comedogenicity index of a vegetable oil therefore depends on itsoxidative potentialknowing that an oxidised oil will naturally be comedogenic.

Hazelnut oil is non-comedogenic, its comedogenicity index is equal to 0.

This is due to the fact that the unsaponifiable fraction of hazelnut oil is rich in antioxidant compounds (vitamins A and E, phytosterols). As a reminder, as its name suggests, the "unsaponifiable" fraction of a vegetable oil represents the elements that are not transformed into soap during a saponification reaction. Therefore, hazelnut vegetable oil is stable to oxidation.

As previously mentioned, the comedogenicity index of a vegetable oil is directly linked to its oxidative potential. An oil that is not easily oxidised is non-comedogenic. Therefore, hazelnut oil is considered a dry oil that quickly penetrates the skin without leaving a greasy film.