Table of Contents[Hide][Show]
- Why Oils Matter for Oily Skin
- Do Fatty Acids Clog Pores?
- The Culprit Oils – Use Cautiously with Oily Skin
- 1. Stop Using Unfractionated Coconut Oil
- 2. Cocoa Butter Can Be Too Occlusive for Oily Skin
- 3. Be Mindful When Using Sesame Oil
- 4. Avoid Wheat Germ Oil If You Have Clogged Pores
- 5. Is Shea Butter Good for Oily Acne Prone Skin?
- 6. Does Sea Buckthorn Oil Clog Pores?
- 7. The Impact of Mineral Oil
- 8. Avocado Oil Can Be Nourishing, Yet Not Always Suitable
- 9. Almond Oil May Be More Suitable for Dry Skin
- 10. Avoid the Irritants of Soybean Oil
- What to Look Out For – How to Read Labels for Oily Skin
- Unlock the Secret to Oily Skin Care Success
- Conclusion
Dealing with the challenges of oily skin demands a strategic approach, and steering clear of certain oils is an important thing to consider when trying to maintain a healthy complexion. In this article section, we’ll dive into this crucial topic of oils that are best avoided for those with oily skin. By understanding the science behind these oils, you’ll be equipped to keep those pores unclogged, clear, and happy!
Why Oils Matter for Oily Skin
Oils, both naturally occurring in our skin and those from the fruits, nuts, and seeds, play a significant role in the health of oily skin. While the skin naturally produces sebum to moisturize and protect, an excess can lead to a greasy complexion.
It may seem counterintuitive, but the excess oil production often occurs from the skin not having enough oil. This usually happens due to over cleansing or washing your face with harsh cleansers that completely strip the skin of its natural oils. As a response, the skin can overcompensate oil production in its attempt to replenish the face with more moisture. Thus, understanding the delicate balance of oils is essential in maintaining a vibrant skin appearance.
Do Fatty Acids Clog Pores?
Fatty acids themselves usually don’t clog pores, but the overall composition of the skin care you’re using matters, as high fatty acid content and especially when combined with heavier ingredients (like butters or waxes) may lead to congestion.
Oils that are higher in oleic acid are more likely to be comedogenic because oleic acid has a thicker consistency and can contribute to the blockage of pores.
On the other hand, linoleic acid is a polyunsaturated fatty acid that is often found in oils with a lighter texture. It’s considered less comedogenic and is even thought to help maintain the skin’s barrier function and prevent clogged pores.
But while certain oils can be higher in linoleic acid and others can be higher in oleic acid, simply pay attention to the weight and texture of the formula you are using and which skin type it’s tailored for.
The Culprit Oils – Use Cautiously with Oily Skin
What this means that as we look at natural ingredients in skin care—which are mostly oils and butters—we have to consider how the essential fatty acids in these oils will interact and potentially affect oily skin.
Here are 10 types of oils you should avoid if you have oily skin and clogged pores:
1. Stop Using Unfractionated Coconut Oil
We talked about the difference between fractionated and unfractionated coconut oil. Briefly, fractionated coconut oil is a form of the oil that has had the long-chain fatty acids removed via hydrolysis and steam distillation. Just this one change makes the oil liquid at room temperature and extends the product’s shelf life. It also makes it a lighter oil that is less likely to clog pores. Heavier oils rich in fatty acids are wonderful moisturizers, but they can be irritating for sensitive skin, which is why some people wonder if coconut oil causes acne.
2. Cocoa Butter Can Be Too Occlusive for Oily Skin
This is another very moisturizing ingredient that has skin-protecting antioxidants as well as plumping fatty acids, but it can be too occlusive for oily skin, especially on the face.
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Take Quiz3. Be Mindful When Using Sesame Oil
This one is more balanced then some, with only slightly more oleic than linoleic, but it’s one to watch out for. If you want to use it, try on a small area first, to see how it affects you. Even if you can’t use it on your face, you may be fine enjoying it on the rest of the body.
4. Avoid Wheat Germ Oil If You Have Clogged Pores
On the natural ingredient list, wheat germ oil is often listed as one of the most comedogenic. If you have clogged pores, it’s probably best to avoid this oil and restrict its use for hair care.
5. Is Shea Butter Good for Oily Acne Prone Skin?
This butter, though super beneficial for dry skin,may be too much for oily prone skin because of its high level of oleic fatty acids. There are varying levels of shea butter in different products, and the formula matters too—what the shea butter is mixed in with. You don’t necessarily need to stay away from this one, but just be cautious when you see it, and watch your skin carefully for any reactions.
6. Does Sea Buckthorn Oil Clog Pores?
This oil is full of protective antioxidants, but it’s low in linoleic acid, too. It’s not particularly high in oleic, so if you combine it with some other oils that are higher in linoleic acid, it’s likely you could still enjoy the anti-aging benefits without having to worry about clogged pores.
7. The Impact of Mineral Oil
Mineral oil, though commonly found in skin care products, can exacerbate the challenges of oily skin. Its heavy texture can trap dirt and sebum within the pores, leading to congestion and breakouts. Mineral oil is also a byproduct of petroleum refining and impurities in mineral oil, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), are a concern due to their potential to be harmful to both the environment and human health. Opt for lighter, plant-derived alternatives that won’t compromise your skin’s clarity and well-being.
8. Avocado Oil Can Be Nourishing, Yet Not Always Suitable
Avocado oil boasts nourishing properties, as it is rich in vitamins and antioxidants. However, for those with oily skin, it might not be the best choice. Its richness and high oleic acid content can potentially contribute to excessive shine and clogged pores. Use the benefits of avocado oil on other areas of the body, like on your cuticles, or for a massage!
9. Almond Oil May Be More Suitable for Dry Skin
Almond oil’s occlusive nature can create a barrier on the skin’s surface. While this can be advantageous for dry skin types, it can be a little too heavy for oily skin. The occlusion may trap dirt and impurities, making it a less favorable option for maintaining a clear complexion.
10. Avoid the Irritants of Soybean Oil
A significant portion of soybeans grown globally are genetically modified and often involve the use of synthetic pesticides. Pesticide residues can be harsh on the skin and cause irritation and allergic reactions, as well as have long-term health risks, like endocrine disruption, reproductive issues, and more. Additionally, soybean oil, often used in skin care formulations, has the potential to worsen acne flare-ups on oily skin. Its composition might contribute to pore-clogging, leading to increased breakouts.
What to Look Out For – How to Read Labels for Oily Skin
When shopping for skin care products, being vigilant about ingredients is crucial for those with oily skin. Avoiding certain oils is key to preventing skin issues. Let’s explore how to decipher product labels and identify oils that could compromise your skin’s clarity.
Navigating product labels requires a savvy approach. Look out for terms like “non-comedogenic” and “formulated for oily skin” to ensure thato the products you choose align with your oily skin goals. By mastering the art of label reading and familiarizing yourself with lightweight oils that are more suitable for oily skin, you can make informed decisions that promote a clear complexion.
Unlock the Secret to Oily Skin Care Success
When it comes to mastering pore decongestion, we’ve got you covered with some game-changing skin care tips for oily skin:
- Apply a lightweight facial oil, tailor made for oily skin.
- Opt for formulations containing white willow bark, neem, or black cumin seed oil.
- Procure products aligned with your skin profile. Sign up for our FREE skin consultation for a customized skin care routine.
- Employ stress management techniques to regulate sebum production. Explore the correlation between stress and skin.
Conclusion
Steering clear of oils that don’t align with your oily skin’s needs is a game-changer in the journey to a healthier-looking complexion. By recognizing the impact of specific oils and understanding their interactions with your skin, you’re empowered to make well-informed skin care choices. Remember, being selective about the oils you incorporate into your routine can lead to a happier, healthier skin journey, unveiling a radiant and clarified glow.
If you struggle with addressing clogged pores, check out our Purify Collection for oily skin,, full of totally natural yet effective formulas that cleanse, tone, and help balance the skin’s natural oils. Our gentle, plant-powered products, carefully crafted with skin-nourishing oils and synergistic herb-infusions, deliver results without compromising the health of your skin. Try it out today!
FAQs About Oils and Oily Skin
1. Is it OK to use face oil on oily skin?
The use of face oil on oily skin might seem counterintuitive, but it’s not necessarily off the table. Selecting the right type of oil is crucial. Opt for lightweight, non-comedogenic oils like grapeseed or jojoba oil. These oils can help regulate sebum production without exacerbating pore congestion.
2. Can any oils benefit oily skin?
Surprisingly, some oils can actually be advantageous for oily skin. Look for oils that possess astringent and antibacterial properties, such as tea tree oil. These oils can aid in controlling excess oil and minimizing breakouts, providing a balanced and healthier complexion.
3. Are all essential oils bad for oily skin?
Not all essential oils are detrimental to oily skin. Essential oils like tea tree oil, known for their antibacterial properties, can be particularly helpful. However, proper usage and dilution are essential to avoid potential skin irritation. Understanding the specific benefits of certain essential oils can help harness their advantages for oily skin.
Amit
Use organic mustard oil for oily skin . It is perfect for the oily skin type . Or use Kumkumadi Oil (Ayurvedic face oil)
Sean
I just recently started using oils for my skin (im a male) because a few months ago I broke out with a huge body rash (scabies) but since been cured. Ever since then I’ve been trying to take the best care of my skin, I’ve bought alot of different oils (coconut, tea tree, sweet almond, vitamin e, jojoba, olive, eucalyptus, rose hip, cocoa butter) I’ve been testing them out to see which ones I like best.
I’ve been using coconut, sweet almond, vitamin e, and cocoa butter (I stopped using tree tea) as body oil to rid my skin of the dark spots I got from the rash, not all at once I alter between days. I use them just on the basis I think they smell the best but if anybody could recommend which oil would be best to remove dark spots I’d appreciate it.
I also been using vitamin e, rose hip, jojoba, eucalyptus, and tea tree on my face for acne and to remove blackheads (again not all once). I use vitamin e or rose hip after I shower in the morning and tea tree or eucalyptus before I go to sleep. I just bought jojoba and I’m going to begin to start using that but I would like to know which oils you would recommend for oily, acne prone skin.
I also been using tree tea and eucalyptus on my hands (eczema and herpetic whitlow) and im being to begin to start using olive oil as well. I apply them 3-4 times a day and have seen significant results but again I would like to know what you would recommend to use to help me with this problem.
Thank you, Sean
Jibs
I tried reship oil just about a mont ago and my face has broken out in so much acne and whitehead since then:-(
Currently I am trying to just moisturize with honey each evening. Is that a good idea?
KB
i LOVE grapeseed oil!! It is one of the only things that has been able to calm my sensitive, dry, and acne-prone skin. It has been a lifesaver!!
Claudia
What would be the best oil for combination skin: skin that is both oil and dry. My daughter is having such a hard time lately. she is 14 and was having some issues with clogged pores and acne. We’ve tried fighting it with different natural masks, essential oils, and carrier oils. We discovered coconut oil didn’t work for her. Recently, in desperation we tried castor oil and jojoba oil mixed but heavier on the castor oil and it dried her skin making it red, itchy, dry, and painful and flaky, but she still has the acne. Ugh. Purchased grapeseed oil and rosehip oil, using those now with a drop of lavendar and frankincense and no tea tree oil for now (she thinks it’s drying, but i’m not sure). It’s also bitter cold right now so I think the cold air (and heat) is also contributing to the problem. I feel so bad for her!
Michon Newman
Hey Claudia! Acne can definitely be a hard beast to tame, especially when you’re a teenager. We’ve all been there before & can totally sympathize!
Please check out the following article to learn what our recommendations would be for a blemish-prone skin type w/ combination skin. Hope it helps!
https://support.annmariegianni.com/hc/en-us/articles/202119724-I-have-oily-skin-and-or-acne-which-products-should-I-use-
xo- Michon
ASC Customer Happiness Team
KR
Its weird to sesame oil on this list. Sesame seed oil is mixed but higher in linoleic acid. I use it for myself on my face and I have very oily skin. It shrinks my pores, improves my complexion, really helps with oil control throughout the day, and i feel like my breakouts (and scarring) go away quicker vs when I wasn’t using it.
Annmarie Skin Care
That’s awesome that sesame oil works for you! Thanks for sharing 🙂 We put it on the list because it can be troublesome for certain people, and super beneficial for others (like yourself!).
Amit
Sesame oil on its own, i think , doesn’t work for me . I do full body massage with oil everyday before shower ( called abhyanga in Ayurveda) . Almond oil and mustard oil worked best for my oily skin and its not oily anymore . It improves the texture of skin too. However, I got scalp acne after using sesame oil . Maybe its the sesame oil or gluten , which I ate by mistake at a restaurent . Will try sesame again after curing ny scalp acne
Reet
Absolutely true..in ayurveda sesame oil/til oil is the best oil reccomended for skin or twacha
Deb
Organic sunflower seed oil is great for oily skin . I use it as a carrier oil or if my skin is irritated, as a basic nighttime moisturizer after spraying my face with an herb infused, probiotic water…. My uber oily skin loves it…
c g
I have skin that is prone to clogged pores, but Coconut oil seems to work great for me. I only use as a makeup remover. Although, I don’t use it everyday. My other 2 favorites are Hempseed and Pumpkinseed Oil. They are non-comedogenic. I use them as a moisturizer and I don’t have a problem with clogged pores.
Kortnee Y. Walker
One of the best, non-comedogenic oils is Black Cumin Oil. Look it up. You will love it!
Sasha
How about soybean oil? Is that a good oil to use on the face?
Annmarie Skin Care
Totally up to you, Sasha! We do not have it in any of our products because we believe there are other, more beneficial oils out there that can be used in skin care products. There is also the risk of the soybeans coming from a GMO source.
Victoria
Does Annmarie skin care make a body wash for easily clogged pores? My body wash has shea butter in it and now im worried since I get KP on my arms easily!
Kim
Hi…I’m trying to make a daily moisturizing cream that is not heavy nor oily. Anddd…. that is no easy feat! I tried a recipe with jojoba oil and Shea butter (along with other things) but it’s a tad shiny. Too much so for a daily moisturizer. What can I use instead?? ????
Larry Luv
Yes Shea Butter has a 0 rating.
Quite confusing as many people say it helps acne and oily or combo skin,yet alot of skin experts say those with acne or sensitive skin should not use Shea Butter..
John Masciarelli
I’m confused she’s butter has a 0 comedogenic rating?
K.
I’m 49. I’ve had clogged pores all my life. My skin used to be oily but has dried out as I’ve gotten older and I still have problem skin.
When I cut way back on dairy and carbs, added more water, and got more sleep, I saw some improvement but I’ve never been totally blemish free.
In the past I’ve tried several (organic and/or virgin) oils on my face: coconut, sesame, rice bran, and hemp.
They were all good moisturizers but ultimately didn’t do what I wanted and needed.
The rice bran oil felt really really good and made my skin super soft.
The coconut oil mostly sat on my skin and looked super oily even though I used it on damp skin.
The hemp oil felt good but seemed too heavy even when I only used a small amount.
The sesame oil felt good but…
None of them helped with my clogged pores or blemishes left behind.
I bought grape seed oil for my daughter’s new tattoo after researching it. What I read convinced me to also try it for my face. I’ve been using it for about a week. Seriously, I can already see improvement in this short period.
I add a few drops of lavender essential oil to it and use to moisturize after washing my face, morning and evening. (One drop of the essential oil in the morning; two in the evening, to help me rest better.)
My skin is super soft, my pores are less noticeable, and no oil slick on my face. Amazingly the dark spots seem to be shrinking inward from the outer edges.
I had a few dark spots on my cheek that were raised and hard. I knew the spots wouldn’t heal because whatever is hiding under the skin needs to heal first.
Well I’m happy to say that in the week I’ve been using the grape seed oil, those spots have softened and flattened out a bit.
Also, I usually wake up to several pimples every day. In the past week, I’ve woken to a total of two. Definitely an improvement.
I’m hoping this oil continues to work for me
Jeanette
Such great information. The reply with trying all the oils with results is also very very very helpful. My 12 year old granddaughter is having such a difficult time with acne. I am working with essential oils and making my own moisturizer, etc but still having some difficulty however she does not face her face as often as she should. So I am also fighting her routine. Just another teenager lol. Anyway thank you so much for your experience and expertise results!
Cherie
I use jojoba oil! Was a staple for American Indians. Great for hair, skin, and nails. Very light, mixes well with other oils for homemade recipes. I put it on my face and neck after a shower then wipe my hands off on my fresh shampooed hair. Tames knots making for an easy comb out being that I don’t use conditioner. Used lightly excess tends to just disappear.
Debi
I have acne prone skin and I use avocado oil, but I mix it with lavender oil and it’s working great on my skin.
I’ve had acne scars for years and I noticed that they are fading. Plus my face has gotten smoother .
Allie
I’ve actually been using a mixture of Pumpkin seeds oil, tamanu oil, with a couple drops of frankincense and lavender.
I’ll put it on my face after I wash it, just a few drops onto my hands that I’ll pat on my face. I’ve only been doing this for the past week now, and I’m surprised at how well my skin has been behaving. I’m still working out the other kinks in my routine, but so far it looks like the oil is doing it’s job.
Tea tree oil is pretty amazing for a spot treatment as well. I’ll pair that up under a charcoal mask to zap troublesome spots.
And I just ordered a full bottle of the citrus cleanser, I’ve been trying a sample up until now, so we’ll see if that helps out even more. I’m excited to see the long term results.
anita balcom
Speaking of oils that are great vs. not good for acne prone skin, do you know which category black cumin oil would fall under?
RM Tavora
Hi Anita,
I compiled a table of various oils and their oleic and linoleic content/ratio. Black cumin seed and Grapeseed oils have the same percentage of oleic acid. However, Black Cumin Seed oil has about 13% less linoleic acid. Here is my finding:
Black Cumin Seed Oil Grapeseed Oil
Oleic Acid: 21.7% 20.9%
Linoleic Acid: 53.08% 66.8%
Linoleic:Oleic Ratio 2.5 3.2
The two oils have slightly different Oleic and Linoleic Acid composition. Perhaps you could try the Black Cumin Seed oil and see how your skin likes it.
Hope this helps. 🙂
Rebecca
I recently discovered watermelon seed oil and find it really helpful as a topical treatment to help combat the build up of sebum in the pores on my nose.
Ndeya
Evening Primrose Oil is high in linoleic acid. However, I find when I take too much, I actually get acne. But not the usual acne. This acne sits underneath my skin on my cheeks, and I can tell the bumps are full of oil. It’s like oil deposits sitting under my skin. This happens when I take more than 500mg of Evening Primrose Oil at a time, or more than 2 doses a day. I absolutely love Evening Primrose Oil because it completely takes away my cramps during my menstrual cycle. It also makes my skin feel buttery smooth. But, I still get acne, so I’m pretty sure my acne is not caused from a linoleic acid deficiency.