Using oils on your face may seem like a recipe for disaster, but there’s a reason why they’ve become increasingly popular choices in skin care to achieve dewy, glowing skin. In fact, many different types of natural oils can be found in skin care products. That’s because certain oils are non-comedogenic—meaning that they won’t clog your pores or cause breakouts.
How do I know which oils are safe for my skin?
If you’re ready to try adding oil-based skin care products to your routine, you’ll want to ensure that the oils in the ingredient list are non-comedogenic, high-quality, and ideally all-natural. To help determine which oils are safe for use on your face, there is a comedogenic scale where each oil is rated between 0 and 5. The higher the rating of an oil, the more likely they are to clog your pores and lead to blackheads or acne.
Generally, oils that score a rating of two or lower are considered non-comedogenic, and they will likely be safe for most people. Do keep in mind that everyone’s skin is different and may react differently to any given ingredient, so it’s always best to try new products or ingredients with caution to ensure they work well for you specifically.
Common oils in skin care and their comedogenic rating
Let’s take a look at some of the most popular natural oils used in skin care, along with their comedogenic ratings:
Hemp Seed Oil
Comedogenic rating: 0
Hemp seed oil is packed with vitamins A, C, and E, as well as essential fatty acids. It helps to keep skin hydrated and locks in moisture for soft, supple skin.
Grapeseed oil
Comedogenic rating: 1
Grapeseed oil helps strengthen the skin barrier and can help reduce surface blemishes like scars and hyperpigmentation. It makes a great oil for improving your overall complexion.
Rosehip Seed Oil
Comedogenic rating: 1
Rosehip seed oil is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and essential fatty acids. It is particularly high in vitamin C, which helps brighten your complexion, even out your skin tone, and help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Sweet Almond Oil
Comedogenic rating: 2
A great source of vitamins E and A, sweet almond oil is a particularly great choice of oil for those with dry skin.
Jojoba Oil
Comedogenic rating: 2
One of the most popular oils found in skin care products, jojoba oil keeps skin clean and healthy-looking with its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. It’s high in vitamin E and helps speed up the healing process for wounds, sunburns, and other damage to the skin.
Coconut Oil
Comedogenic rating: 4
Coconut oil is another well-loved oil in skin care. It’s deeply moisturizing—even for the driest skin—and boasts antimicrobial properties that can actually help combat acne-causing bacteria. Although it sits quite high on the comedogenic scale, it’s still celebrated as one of the most nourishing and beneficial oils for the skin.
That’s because studies have found that even comedogenic oils, when used as one of several ingredients in a skin care formulation, can actually render the final product non-comedogenic. That being said, applying raw coconut oil directly onto your skin will likely clog your pores. Bottom line: certain skin care products formulated with coconut oil may be safe for your face, but be sure to do a patch test and use with caution.
The takeaway
Not all oils are bad for your face! Many natural oils are deeply nourishing and moisturizing, and can even help strengthen your skin’s barrier and improve your complexion. It all comes down to finding the right oils that work with your skin, and the comedogenic scale can be a helpful guide.
That being said, just like any product you use on your skin, what works for some people may not necessarily work for you. But with so many wonderful natural oils out there, there are lots of options (and good reasons) to help you incorporate oil-based products into your skin care routine.
