:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/oilforskin-b24fd13cbcf54cf4a1bf883a292f43c3.png "6 Best Oils for Acne-Prone Skin, According to Dermatologists (1)")
If you have oily or acne-prone skin, you might think using any oil in your skincare routine could exacerbate your concerns. However, according to double board-certified dermatologist Ali Shahbaz, MD, this is a total misconception. In reality, there are several oils that are compatible with acne-prone skin. You just have to know the right ones to use. "If you have acne-prone skin, you will want to stick to non-comedogenic oils, which won't clog your pores and contribute to breakouts," board-certified dermatologist Deanne Mraz explains.
Curious about which oils are best for acne-prone skin? We've rounded up six of the best options, according to dermatologists below.
Meet the Expert
- Ali Shahbaz, MD, is a double board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology in Austin.
- Justine H. Park, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Skin & Beauty Center in Los Angeles.
- Deanne Mraz, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Yale New Haven Hospital, and president of Modern Dermatology.
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Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is a lightweight, non-comedogenic oil that draws moisture into your skin, helping balance the skin's natural sebum production. Jojoba oil is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants and has many benefits in a skincare routine, including its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. "Apply a few drops of jojoba oil to clean, damp skin," Dr. Shahbaz says. "It can be used both morning and night as a moisturizer or added to other skincare products."
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Grapeseed Oil
You may be familiar with grapeseed oil as a dietary supplement, but this popular oil also has many benefits in the skincare realm. Importantly, it's often used to treat oily and acne-prone skin. Grapeseed oil is lightweight, non-comedogenic, moisturizing, and high in fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins C and E.
"Grapeseed oil moisturizes the skin without clogging pores, reduces inflammation, and helps fade acne scars," Dr. Shahbaz says. "Its antioxidant properties also protect the skin from free radical damage."
To incorporate it into your routine, Dr. Shahbaz recommends massaging a small amount of grapeseed oil onto clean, dry skin."It can be used as a standalone moisturizer or mixed with other skincare products,"
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Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is an essential oil used to treat many skin conditions, including acne. Its strong antibacterial and antimicrobial properties help address breakouts.
However, using pure tea tree oil requires a different approach than the other oils we've mentioned because you'll need to dilute it first rather than apply it directly to your skin. "Dilute tea tree oil with a carrier oil like jojoba or grapeseed oil before applying it to the skin," Dr. Shahbaz says. "Use it as a spot treatment for active breakouts or add a few drops to your moisturizer."
If you're looking for a specific tea tree oil product, Dr. Mraz recommends Sunday Riley's U.F.O. Ultra-Clarifying Acne Treatment Face Oil ($80). The product pairs tea tree oil with salicylic acid, which also helps reduce acne, and cucumber seed oil, which has skin-soothing properties. "It absorbs quickly and is appropriate for morning and nighttime use," Dr. Mraz says.
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Rosehip Oil
Rosehip oil is a pressed seed oil high in vitamins and fatty acids and is well-known for its healing properties. "It is rich in linoleic acid, which is an omega-6 fatty acid that strengthens the skin barrier, boosts hydration, and reduces inflammation," Dr. Mraz says. It also helps to balance sebum production, another key contributor in managing acne."
Looking for a specific rosehip oil? Mraz suggests Pai Skincare's Rosehip Biogenerate Rejuvenating Overnight Face Oil ($44). She recommends applying rosehip oil at night on top of your retinol or prescription topicals.
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Argan Oil
Argan oil is a hydrating, non-comedogenic oil that's high in fatty acids. It is well known for its moisturizing properties and ability to repair the skin's barrier function. It also helps control and reduce sebum production and balance out oily skin, making it a good option for people with acne, according to Dr. Park. Our experts all agree that argan oil is gentle enough to be applied to your skin once or twice a day in the morning or the evening.
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Bakuchiol Oil
Bakuchiol, a plant-based alternative to retinol, delivers many of the same benefits in terms of skin cell turnover and keeping pores clear. It's a good option for managing acne, according to Dr. Mraz.
"This oil should be used in the evening only and applied to clean, dry skin," Dr. Mraz adds. "It is formulated to work with your skin's natural circadian rhythm to heal and regenerate the skin."
She recommends trying the Isdin Melatonik Overnight Recovery Serum ($170), which is non-comedogenic and contains bakuchiol, vitamin C, and melatonin. There are also other bakuchiol oils like Good Molecules' Bakuchiol Oil Blend ($10) and 100% Pure's Bakuchiol Oil Serum ($55).
The Final Takeaway
People with acne-prone skin don't have to avoid oils in their skincare routine—as long as they know which oils work well for their skin type. "Certain plant-based oils —such as jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, and tea tree oil — have properties that can help balance oil production, reduce inflammation, and inhibit the growth of acne-causing bacteria," Dr. Shahbaz says. "These oils are considered non-comedogenic, meaning they are less likely to clog pores and contribute to acne."
Once you've figured out which oil to use, Dr. Park says it's important to be thoughtful with your application. "I always recommend [using] oils after dampening the skin first, whether by misting the skin with a toner, some hypochlorous acid solution, which is great for acne-prone skin, or after cleansing the skin," she says. "Use a few drops of your oil of choice and gently massage it into the skin until it's completely absorbed."
Article Sources
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