Studies suggest that people with acne-prone skin often have lower levels of an essential fatty acid that many carrier oils happen to be rich in.
Believe it or not, the right natural oils can actually be good for oily skin.
I know it sounds strange. That was my exact reaction when I first heard it: oils for oily skin? Really?
My skin is combination, with a T-zone that gets shiny by midday, so I totally get the fear of adding anything oily to your face. When you’re dealing with oily skin and breakouts, every step in your skincare routine matters.
That’s why it’s so important to choose products that won’t leave you with more breakouts, pimples or redness.
And this is where the right carrier oils can help!
In this post, I’ll walk you through the oils that tend to suit oily skin best and how they can help.
They’re easy to add to your skincare routine; some you probably already know, and others may be new to you.
Either way, let’s look at how you can make the most of oils if you’re dealing with oily skin!
Wait… Oils for oily skin? Does it even work?
Before we go any further, let’s take a very quick look at the chemistry behind oils and oily skin.
There are two fatty acids that play a big role in whether an oil is likely to clog your pores.
Oils rich in linoleic acid are the better choice for oily and acne-prone skin.
Research has linked low levels of linoleic acid on the skin with a higher tendency toward acne.
On the other hand, oils rich in oleic acid are better suited to dry skin.
They’re richer and greasier, and they’re more likely to clog pores than oils high in linoleic acid.
So yes, oil can absolutely have a place in your skincare. Now let’s look at the best oils for oily skin!
6 best oils for oily skin and acne-prone skin
There are quite a few non-comedogenic oils for oily skin, but a handful really stand out.
That’s because they multitask beautifully, and your skin will notice it soon enough.
Most of the oils below are packed with nutrients that support the overall health of your skin, help keep breakouts in check and bring back some of that healthy glow.
Let’s have a look at these lovely oils.
There’s also a recipe for an oil serum waiting for you below!
1. Hemp seed oil for oily skin
Hemp seed oil is full of nutrients that can help calm inflammation, support your skin’s natural healing and ease dryness.
It contains vitamin E and other antioxidants, which is why it’s a popular choice for acne-prone skin and other skin concerns.
Its essential fatty acids nourish the skin and, with regular use, may help keep sebum production more balanced.
A short overview of why Hemp seed is one of the best oils for oily skin care:
- Rich in linoleic acid;
- Low in oleic acid;
- Comedogenic rating: 0;
- Appropriate for most skin types.
Organic Extra Virgin Unrefined Hemp Seed Oil
2. Rosehip seed oil for oily skin
Rosehip seed oil won’t transform your skin overnight, but it’s a beautiful oil that absorbs well and nourishes your skin over time.
It doesn’t get nearly as much attention as it deserves. It’s one of my all-time favorite oils, and I love it for a relaxing face massage. (I wrote a whole post on using rosehip oil for face if you want to dig deeper.)
This orange-tinted oil is full of vitamins, antioxidants and essential fatty acids that support healthier-looking skin and bring back the glow, all while keeping your skin hydrated and nourished.
It’s incredibly nourishing and a popular pick for acne-prone skin, but other skin types can enjoy it too.
A short overview of why Rosehip seed is one of the best oils for oily skin care:
- A generous amount of linoleic acid;
- A low comedogenic rating of 1, so it’s generally considered non-comedogenic;
- May help fade the look of acne scars over time;
- Appropriate for all skin types.
Rosehip Seed Oil by Kate Blanc
3. Argan oil for oily skin
With anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, argan oil can be a helpful ally for oily skin.
It’s a little richer than the others on this list, but this luxurious oil has a long history: it has been treasured in Morocco for centuries!
Argan oil supports your skin’s healing, which makes it a nice option whether you’re dealing with the odd pimple, acne or the marks breakouts leave behind.
It’s an emollient that forms a light protective layer on the skin’s surface, feeding it with fatty acids, vitamin E and other good-for-you ingredients.
A short overview of why Argan is one of the best oils for oily skin care:
- Almost equal amounts of linoleic and oleic acids;
- The comedogenic rating is 0;
- Appropriate for most skin types.
4. Grapeseed oil for oily skin
Grapeseed oil sinks in quickly and leaves your skin soft, never heavy.
It’s also known for helping to balance oil production, and it has natural anti-inflammatory properties.
On top of that, it can help calm the redness that comes with breakouts and irritation.
A short overview of why Grapeseed is one of the best oils for oily skin care:
- Rich in linoleic acid;
- Contains a low amount of oleic acid;
- The comedogenic rating is between 0 and 1.
5. Evening Primrose oil for oily skin
Evening primrose oil contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a fatty acid known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Together with the oil’s other components, it can make a real difference for oily, acne-prone skin.
Many people find it helpful for blackheads and pimples.
It can also help keep your skin from getting too dry, which is a common side effect of many acne products.
The evening primrose plant also has a long history in traditional Native American remedies for soothing the skin.
A short overview of why Primrose is one of the best oils for oily skincare:
- Contains about 75% linoleic acid;
- Low in oleic acid;
- Excellent for both oily and acne-prone skin.
Oil Essentials Revitalize Evening Primrose Beauty Solution
6. Kiwi Seed oil for oily skin
Kiwi seed oil is a lightweight oil loaded with nutrients that support healthy skin.
It contains antioxidants like vitamin E, and it pairs beautifully with a vitamin C serum if you’re working on blemish marks, dark spots, fine lines or uneven tone.
It’s also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help your skin hold on to moisture so it stays fresh and smooth.
You won’t see results right away, but with regular use it can support your skin’s elasticity and overall health in the long run.
Try adding a few drops to your favorite moisturizer or body lotion for a soothing, lightweight boost.
A short overview of why the kiwi seed is one of the best oils for oily skin care:
- Contains antioxidants, including vitamin E;
- High in omega-3 fatty acids;
- Light texture that absorbs quickly;
- Vegan-friendly;
- Suitable for most skin types;
- Easy to mix into your favorite moisturizer.
How to use coconut oil for oily skin and acne?
Let’s say a few words about coconut oil for oily skin.
So many people are seriously in love with coconut oil (and it is amazing, no denying it), but it’s not the best thing to put on your face if you have acne or oily skin.
It might seem great at first, but lots of people end up with breakouts after using it regularly.
Coconut oil is rich in lauric and oleic acids.
It has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties, but it’s also comedogenic (rating 4), so it’s much better suited to body and hair care.
The bottom line is that coconut oil can clog pores.
Yes, even coconut oil.
I still love using it for plenty of other things.
But when it comes to acne and your face, pick one of the oils from the list above instead and let your skin get its lovely glow back!
Viva Naturals Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
DIY facial serum with oils for oily skin
Oils shouldn’t be the only thing in your routine, but they can be a really lovely addition.
I always like to balance hydrating products (I love a great rosewater toner!), hydrating creams and nourishing oils. For the full morning and evening picture, check out my skincare routine for oily skin.
And the best part about oils for oily skin?
A DIY oil blend is ridiculously easy to make, even if you’re a complete beginner and know very little about DIY skincare.
Let’s look at how to make your own serum from scratch.
Sure, buying gorgeous skincare is a lovely way to spoil yourself, but you can easily make a nice face oil at home and save some money at the same time.
My favorite combination of oils for oily skin
- 14ml Grapeseed oil;
- 7ml Hemp seed oil;
- 5ml Rosehip seed oil;
- 3ml Evening primrose oil;
- A few drops of vitamin E oil;
- Dark amber bottle (30ml).
Process
Combine all the ingredients in a dark amber glass bottle.
If you like, you can add a drop or two of essential oils; lavender is lightly relaxing and a popular choice for acne-prone skin.
Other essential oils often used for oily skin include ylang-ylang, chamomile, patchouli, geranium and myrrh.
Keep in mind that essential oils are very potent, and they’re a common cause of irritation. If your skin is sensitive like mine, feel free to leave them out completely.
If you do use them, add just a few drops to the whole bottle.
Vitamin E oil is a must in this recipe.
It helps extend the shelf life of your face oil (rosehip oil oxidizes quite easily).
And it’s an antioxidant, so it’s great for your skin too!
When using your face oil, be careful not to get any water into the bottle, or it can spoil.
I recommend a dropper bottle or a pump bottle.
A dropper can be a little messier than a pump, but honestly, whatever you have on hand works great.
I’d suggest you use this serum in the evening, after you cleanse, hydrate and moisturize, as a final sealing step. (When I used rosehip oil in the morning, it made my makeup too shiny, so I prefer it at night.)
Massage it in with slow, circular movements. You only need a few drops, and a little goes a long way!
Let it do its thing overnight, and you’ll wake up with soft, nourished skin!
Oils for oily skin: a recap
It might sound strange, but some oils really can be good for oily skin.
They can replenish and nourish your skin, but remember that oils are still oils.
They can do wonders for your skin’s health, glow and smoothness, but any new product can occasionally cause a reaction, so introduce them slowly.
What I like to do is test each oil to see how my skin reacts. I patch test new products on my inner arm for 24 hours, and it has helped me avoid disasters.
After that, I can usually tell pretty quickly what works for me and what doesn’t. If an oil leaves you with more breakouts or irritation, stop using it, and if your acne is persistent or painful, a dermatologist is your best friend.
If you pay attention to how your skin responds, you can improve its health in an easy and affordable way!
So don’t be afraid to try oils for oily skin.
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