Using products that have this term slapped on the label isn't a bad idea, but by no means does it guarantee a clear complexion. "'Non-comedogenic' implies that the manufacturer thinks it won't clog pores, but the term isn't regulated, so really, anyone could claim their product is non-comedogenic if they wanted to," notes Arch. "Any product can break anyone out, so you can't judge a product just by this term," adds Rouleau. A better bet is to read the ingredient label. Take note as to whether or not the product contains any of the six common cloggers, which, we're getting to (promise!), and also how high up they are on the list. Ingredients appear in order of concentration, so if one of these culprits is first, second or third on the list, that product may not be a good pick for someone who has oily skin, advises Rouleau. If it's one of the last ingredients, you may be OK (try the back test we mentioned earlier, to be extra safe). Now, without further ado, six ingredients to be wary of.

A wax that comes from the oil-glands of sheep (seriously, you can't make this stuff up), lanolin is commonly found in heavy balms and ointments. Because its composition is similar to that of our skin's natural oil, it's great at preventing moisture loss and healing chapped skin, but that also makes it a heavy, occlusive ingredient that has to potential to cause comedones, notes Arch.

"Mineral oil has a large molecule that's meant to create a seal on the skin," explains Rouleau. "This makes it beneficial in some circumstances, such as when it's used in hand creams, but I suggest people who are prone to clogged pores avoid using it on their face." It's typically found in heavy, rich creams and moisturizers. FYI, petrolatum falls in the same boat, as both it and mineral oil are petroleum byproducts with similar pore-clogging tendencies, notes Rouleau.

Say that three times fast. "The long-chain fatty acid is a common ingredient in moisturizer and tends to be comedogenic," says Arch. There's also isopropyl myristate, another long-chain fatty acid. Used as an emulsifier in many moisturizers, it's in prescription Retin-A, and the reason why some people may get blackheads from using the treatment, according to Rouleau.

The heavy-hitting hydrator contains lots of oleic acid, a type of fatty acid that's yet another potential pore-clogger, according to Arch. And while it's not especially common in skin care (mostly because it is so rich and heavy), it often makes an appearance in hair products, especially those made for curly hair. Battling bacne? Check the ingredients in your conditioner; any residue that's not thoroughly rinsed off can sit on your skin, where that heavy cocoa butter can cause clogged pores.