So, you have oily skin and want to go down the natural skincare route?
Tough luck.
The ugly truth is that the vast majority of natural skincare products are loaded with synthetic chemicals or irritating natural extracts. Yes, natural extracts can be irritating. I’ve made a list of the worst culprits here.
If you’re serious on going natural, you’re left with oils. And you know that oils and oily skin don’t mix. The last thing you want is make your skin even greaser than it is. *sighs*
Before you despair, here’s the good news: there’s a handful of oils that’s good for oily skin, too. These oils have lightweight textures that don’t clog pores, are practically identical to sebum so your skin won’t notice the difference, and can even help you kick acne’s butt and keep wrinkles at bay.
Here are the best facial oils for oily skin:
1. Best For Moisturising: Jojoba Oil
What it is: Jojoba oil is a golden liquid extracted from the nut of the Simmondsia Chinensis plant, a shrub that grows in California, Arizona and Mexico. It’s pronounced “ho-ho-ba”.
Why it’s good for oily skin: Out of all the oils out there, jojoba oil is the one that resembles sebum (skin’s natural moisturiser) most closely. This means your skin naturally recognises it, reducing the risks of breakouts.
What science says: Studies show that jojoba oil is rich in fatty acids that moisturise skin and increase its moisture content.
Side effects: Jojoba oil is still an oil so don’t go overboard. A few drops will moisturise your skin and keep oil production under control. A couple of drops too many will turn your skin into an oily, greasy mess.
Best picks:
- Neal’s Yard Remedies Jojoba Oil ($19.00): Available at Neal’s Yard Remedies
- The Jojoba Company Absolute Serum (£45.95): Available at Look Fantastic
Related: 6 Ways To Use Jojoba Oil In Your Beauty Routine
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2. Best For Acne: Tea Tree Oil
What it is: A slightly yellow liquid derived from the Australian plant Malaleuca Alternifolia.
Why it’s good for oily skin: Tea tree oil is an antimicrobial agent that kills P.Acnes, the bacteria that causes acne. Plus, it reduces inflammation (FYI, acne is an inflammatory disease).
What science says: A 1990 study compared a 5% tea tree oil gel and a 5% benzoyl peroxide lotion for the treatment of acne. It discovered that tea tree oil works more slowly than benzoyl peroxide, but is a lot gentler on the skin.
Side effects: Although gentler than benzoyl peroxide, tea tree oil can still cause allergies and irritations in some people. Dilute it before using it.
Best pick:
- Jason Purifying Organic Tea Tree Oil (£9.99): Available at Look Fantastic
Related: Is Tea Tree Oil The Undergo Of Acne Treatments?
3. Best For Anti-Aging: Rosehip Oil
What it is: The oil extracted from the hip of a rose plant (usually rosa canina or rose rubiginosa). The hip is the radish-like ball the flower leaves behind after it blossoms. Don’t confuse rosehip oil with rose oil. Rose oil is extracted from the petals.
Why it’s good for oily skin: Rosehip oil is loaded with linoleic acid and vitamin A, two powerful acne fighters. Plus, linoleic acid is very moisturising while vitamin A fights free radicals and boosts collagen, keeping wrinkles away. The best part? It feels like a serum, leaving no greasy residue behind.
Wbat science says: Acne-prone skin has less linoleic acid. When you give skin the extra dose it needs, you reduce the size of the clogged pores on your face. Plenty of studies also show that vitamin A treats both wrinkles and acne.
Side effects: Again, don’t go overboard. Too much rosehip oil may clog pores.
Best picks:
- The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rosehip Seed Oil (£9.00): Available at Asos, Beauty Bay, Cult Beauty, Feel Unique, and Ulta
- Trilogy 100% Natural Certified Organic Rosehip Oil (£19.50): Available at Feel Unique and Look Fantastic
The Bottom Line
I personally don’t recommend oils for oily skin. The risk of overdoing it and getting a breakout is always around the corner. But if you want to go down the natural route, these are the best, safest oils for oily skin.
would it be ok to alternate between rosehip oil one day and a retinoid treatment the other?
Daria, if your skin can tolerate a daily dose of Vitamin A then yes it should be ok.
Well honestly I’ll just stick with tea tree oil for spot treatment (cause it stings like HELL). Nah.
Grace, are you diluting the oil before using it? Even so, not everyone will be able to use it. 🙁
I have combination skin with an oily t-zone. I have also just turned 40, so have a few lines! I am currently using grapeseed and jojoba, but feel I should add another essential oil to help. Should I try rosehip seed oil or geranium oil?
Coleen, definitely rosehip. It’s better for anti aging. Plus, geranium has fragrant compounds that can irritate skin.
Hi I have tried a few things but just wondering can u mix joboba oil and rose hip oil so as am not useing to different oils or will it just mess up my face can be oily for a few day especially in morning and dry sometimes through the day don’t no what to do thanks .. also I have a few spot scars not bad bad but any ideas that would help repair my skin 🙂
Gillian, yes, you can mix them. Just make sure to apply the tiniest amount. More oil doesn’t give you better results, it just makes you oilier.
Also I cleanse with Rosewater just need to pick a good moisturiser is rose water anygood thanks
Gillian, rosewater is good as a morning cleanser but if you wear makeup or sunscreen, you need something stronger at night.
Hi Gio, I’m an older guy with bad oily acne for most of my life. Recently discovered essential oils and your useful tips. I am trying two drops each of jojoba and rose hip in a hemp seed carrier oil every morning. My question is whether in the morning or before bed is better and how long to leave it on for? Assuming it clears my skin do I then stop or experiment? Thanks heaps, John
John, you can use the mixture in the morning and wash it off at night. After your skin clears, it’s up to you. I’d still go on, but maybe less often.
My skin is oil and I have tiny bumps as well as active acne onto my templates and there are some acne scars on my cheeks so which is the best oil to put onto my face ?
Mahek, rosehip oil.