S04E32. Pore-Clogging Ingredients: Why “Acne Safe” Labels Lie

S04E032. Pore-Clogging Ingredients: Why “Acne Safe” Labels Lie

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If you’ve been buying products labeled “acne safe” and still breaking out, the label might be the problem, not your skin.

This week we sat down with Marlee Eyre, a former client in The Clear Skin Solution and the founder of Klenzera, an app that scans your skincare and makeup for pore-clogging ingredients. They get into why “non-comedogenic” and “acne safe” are unregulated marketing claims, where comedogenic ratings actually come from, and why foundations, moisturizers, and SPF are the sneakiest hiding spots for pore-cloggers. Marlee also shares her own journey through the program, from a bad breakout caused by detoxing before her pathways were ready, to the HTMA that showed her high mercury and lead. The big theme: ingredient awareness is about empowerment, not fear.

In This Episode We Cover:

• Why “non-comedogenic” and “acne safe” labels are unregulated marketing claims you can’t fully trust.
• How comedogenic ratings are made, why they’re sometimes based on decades-old studies, and why they vary across sources.
• Why your skin is not a catch-all, and how product ingredients can burden your liver and mimic your hormones.
• How foundations, moisturizers, and SPF become the biggest hiding spots for pore-clogging ingredients.
• Why concentration and placement on the ingredient list matter more than a single flagged ingredient.
• What Marlee’s HTMA revealed about heavy metals and cortisol, and how it reshaped her acne journey.

Resources & Links Mentioned:

• Klenzera app: klenzera.com
• There’s Lead in Lipstick by Gillian Deacon
• The HTMA Testing Package: The HTMA Testing Package

Let’s Connect:

• Follow Katie on Instagram: @katiestewartwellness
• Loved this episode? Leave us a review, it truly helps more people find the show! 🙏

Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in these blogs and podcasts is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet, medications, or lifestyle. Content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or care.