Can conditioner cause clogged pores?

Author: Leda Heaney  |  Last update: Monday, September 22, 2025

A lot of conditioners, particularly pomade type, are oil-based and can cause the pores of your skin to clog and cause acne.” Though ingredients regularly found in conditioners like shea butter, petroleum and oils aren't inherently comedogenic, they can hold pore-clogging particles that ultimately lead to breakouts.

Does hair conditioner clog pores?

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) states that shampoos, conditioners and styling products can cause whiteheads and other types of acne along your hairline, the upper part of your forehead and along the back of your neck.

Does conditioner cause sebum?

Your roots don't actually need any conditioner at all. That's because your scalp produces sebum, a natural oil. If you apply a moisturizing conditioner on top of that, you'll end up with a very oily scalp! That's why it's important to know how to wash oily hair.

How to stop conditioner from causing acne?

Acne caused by hair products often forms on the hairline, cheeks or on the back.
  1. Rinse out your shampoo and conditioner differently. ...
  2. Cover your back while styling. ...
  3. Always wash your back with soap. ...
  4. Clean your face after styling. ...
  5. Put your hair up. ...
  6. You can't tolerate fragrances. ...
  7. Scan your items.

Does leave-in conditioner clog pores?

"Leave-on treatments including masks, oils, detanglers, mousses, and pomades not uncommonly clog pores and contribute to breakouts on exposed skin, including around the hairlines, neck, and back," Murphy-Rose explains.

Shampoo Syndrome & Why It Causes Acne

Does leave in conditioner cause buildup?

So, can leave-in conditioner cause buildup? The answer is yes, it can. Leave-in conditioner contains ingredients such as silicones, quaternary ammonium compounds (quats), and oils, which can build up on the hair over time. Additionally, using too much leave-in conditioner can also cause buildup.

What does conditioner do to your skin?

A body conditioner - loaded with a host of skin-loving ingredients such as coconut oil, argan oil, and shea butter - replenishes the moisture lost to the skin during a shower or a bath, says Dr. Bottiglione. Usually, body conditioners are applied all over your body as the last step in your shower routine, not after it.

Is it better to stop using conditioner?

"If you stop using conditioner, your hair will likely be more difficult to comb," warns Romanowski. "It will also be more likely to have flyaways and frizz and be prone to splitting and breaking during your styling routine." Your hair may look duller and less shiny, he had, so there's that.

What is fungal acne caused by?

Fungal acne is spots caused by Malassezia (formerly known as Pityrosporum). Malassezia are yeasts that are naturally found on everyone's skin. Malassezia yeasts can grow in hair follicles, and cause inflammation of hair follicles. This causes spots to develop and this is referred to as fungal acne.

Can leave-in conditioner clog hair follicles?

While leave-in conditioners are not the underlying cause of hair loss, their misuse or overuse can result in issues such as product accumulation, clogged hair follicles, and an unhealthy scalp. These issues might lead to hair loss indirectly by interfering with the natural development cycle of hair.

What are the symptoms of too much sebum?

Although most sebaceous glands don't have any symptoms, signs and symptoms vary for each condition and could include:
  • Pimples on your skin.
  • A red to purple bump on your skin.
  • A firm lump or bump that easily moves around underneath your skin.
  • Large pores filled with a hard, black substance.

Should you use conditioner every day?

The all-important question... do you have to condition daily? The quick answer is no, but the amount you will need to condition is all based on the length of your hair. New growth, hair near the scalp, won't require too much moisturizing or restoration.

When I scratch my head, I get white stuff under my nails.?

Not only does your scalp have a plethora of sweat glands, but it also has an abundance of sebaceous (oil) glands, which produce oily sebum. Have you ever scratched your scalp and noticed white, waxy buildup under your nails? That's sebum mixed with dead skin cells.

Why shouldn't you put conditioner on your scalp?

Some conditioners are not intended for the scalp. Why? They may contain ingredients that can cause oily hair close to the scalp, and can even irritate the scalp. These conditioners weigh the hair down when applied from root to tip of the hair strand.

What causes acne on the forehead?

Forehead acne often happens because of excess oil, clogged pores, or things like stress, your diet, or hygiene. Hormonal changes, bad skincare habits, or even hair products can also cause breakouts. Figuring out what's causing it can help you find the right treatment.

What does bacterial acne look like?

Symptoms and Appearance. Bacterial acne presents with various lesions, including whiteheads, blackheads, pus-filled pimples, and deeper cystic lesions. If not treated properly, these can be painful and may leave scars. Bacterial acne is often accompanied by inflammation and redness around the affected areas.

What flares up fungal acne?

Fungal acne tends to flare in the summer months with heat, humidity and perspiration. It can also arise after treatment with medications such as antibiotics and steroids/prednisone, and in conjunction with other systemic diseases like diabetes.

How to tell the difference between fungal and bacterial acne?

Pus-filled bumps that appear due to fungal acne tend to be almost the same size, while bacterial acne appears in various sizes. Location. Fungal acne often appears on the arms, chest and back. However, it can also be on the face, where bacterial acne is most common.

Who should not use conditioner?

Some conditioners contain silicones, parabens, sodium Laureth sulfate, benzophenone, cetrimonium chloride, Diazolidinyl urea, and isopropanol, which can damage hair and cause allergic skin reactions. Do not use a conditioner if it irritates the skin; instead, look for sulfate-free products.

Can I just shampoo my hair without conditioner?

Unfortunately, you're also losing essential oils and minerals that help to give your hair a healthy look. Conditioner helps to restore this lost moisture. So, if you skip conditioning entirely, your hair will continue to lose those essential nutrients and eventually become brittle, dull, and extremely damaged.

What is the best moisturizing conditioner?

Best Conditioners for Dry Hair
  • MoroccanoilHydrating Conditioner. ...
  • KérastasePremière Repairing Conditioner for Damaged Hair. ...
  • PureologyStrength Cure Conditioner for Damaged Hair. ...
  • amikaHydro Rush Intense Moisture Conditioner with Hyaluronic Acid. ...
  • amikaThe Kure Strength Repair Conditioner​ ...
  • MoroccanoilMoisture Repair Conditioner.

Can conditioner cause breakouts?

“A lot of conditioners, particularly pomade type, are oil-based and can cause the pores of your skin to clog and cause acne.” Though ingredients regularly found in conditioners like shea butter, petroleum and oils aren't inherently comedogenic, they can hold pore-clogging particles that ultimately lead to breakouts.

What can AC do to your skin?

Air conditioning systems tend to remove the moisture in indoor environments indiscriminately. This implies they also pull moisture from your skin. That makes your skin's outer layers very dry. Eventually, the inner layers are affected, making your skin feel stretchy, flaky, and itchy.

Can conditioner irritate skin?

In severe cases, an allergic reaction to a conditioner can cause blisters or peeling skin. This can be painful and will require immediate medical attention. These symptoms indicate that the skin has been severely irritated by the allergens in the conditioner.

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