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Non-Comedogenic Oils: The Best Face Oils for Oily, Dry and Combination Skin

Posted by Bel Essence on Dec 8th 2024

We all know natural oils help dry skin. But here's what surprises many people: yes, you can use oils on oily skin. The right plant oils don't just hydrate. They can help rebalance oil production, strengthen the skin barrier and deliver antioxidants that fight aging. The trick is matching the oil to your skin type.

Here's how to choose the best oils for your skin, which oils are non-comedogenic, and the science behind the linoleic vs oleic acid balance.

What Does "Non-Comedogenic" Mean?

A comedone is a clogged pore: a blackhead or whitehead. Non-comedogenic means an ingredient is unlikely to clog pores. Oils are often rated on a 0 to 5 comedogenic scale, where 0 won't clog pores and 5 is highly likely to. These ratings come from older testing methods and vary by source, so treat them as a guide, not a guarantee. How an oil behaves also depends on your skin and the rest of the formula.

Linoleic vs Oleic Acid: Why It Matters

Most plant oils are made mostly of two fatty acids:

  • Linoleic acid (omega-6): lightweight, and a key building block of the ceramides in your skin barrier
  • Oleic acid (omega-9): richer and more penetrating, with deep moisture for dry skin

Research suggests people with oily, acne-prone skin tend to have lower levels of linoleic acid in their sebum. That may make sebum thicker and more likely to clog pores. A 2024 review in the *International Journal of Molecular Sciences*, The Role of Linoleic Acid in Skin and Hair Health, explains that link and how topical linoleic acid supports barrier repair.

Oleic acid, on the other hand, is a great moisturizer but can disrupt the barrier when used alone in high amounts. In research on plant oils for skin barrier repair, sunflower seed oil (high linoleic) helped preserve barrier integrity, while olive oil (high oleic) applied alone weakened it. Another study found that topical fatty acids modulate the human skin barrier differently depending on their type.

The takeaway: oily skin generally does best with linoleic-rich oils, dry skin can enjoy richer oleic oils, and combination skin likes a balance.

Best Oils for Oily Skin (High Linoleic, Non-Comedogenic)

  • Grapeseed oil: about 65 to 75% linoleic acid. Light, fast-absorbing and rich in antioxidants.
  • Hemp seed oil: about 55 to 60% linoleic acid, plus omega-3s. Comedogenic rating of 0.
  • Sunflower seed oil: high-linoleic varieties support barrier repair.
  • Evening primrose oil: about 70% linoleic acid, plus gamma-linolenic acid (GLA).
  • Rosehip oil: about 35 to 50% linoleic acid, with vitamin A and vitamin C precursors. It's popular for scars and uneven tone (Rosehip extract and wound healing).
  • Black cumin seed oil: rich in linoleic acid and thymoquinone, which has antibacterial properties.

Best Face Oils for Dry Skin (Higher Oleic)

  • Avocado oil: about 60 to 75% oleic acid. Rich, deeply nourishing, and full of vitamin E.
  • Olive oil: about 55 to 85% oleic acid. Best blended with linoleic oils rather than used alone.
  • Sweet almond oil: about 60 to 70% oleic acid. Softening and soothing.
  • Argan oil: about 40 to 50% oleic acid, plus vitamin E. Suits most skin types.
  • Macadamia nut oil: about 55 to 65% oleic acid, plus palmitoleic acid.
  • Cacay oil: a luxurious oil naturally rich in vitamin E and linoleic acid.

Richer oils are more likely to clog pores in breakout-prone skin. Apply a small amount and let it absorb fully before adding more.

Best Oils for Combination Skin (Balanced)

  • Sesame oil: roughly equal oleic and linoleic acid
  • Rice bran oil: balanced fatty acids, plus squalane
  • Apricot kernel oil: light and softening
  • Black currant seed oil: high in linoleic acid and GLA
  • Borage oil: one of the richest sources of GLA, highlighted in the review Natural Oils for Skin-Barrier Repair

How to Use Face Oils

  1. Apply to damp skin to lock in hydration.
  2. Use 2 to 4 drops for the face. More isn't better.
  3. Press, don't rub, into the skin.
  4. Layer after water-based products, or choose a moisturizer that already blends the right oils for your skin type.
  5. Patch test new oils, especially if you have nut allergies.

Bel Essence: The Right Oil Blend for Every Skin Type

We formulate each product by combining the oils best suited to a specific skin type and condition:

You can also shop by skin type (oily skin, dry skin) or browse oils one by one on our Ingredients page.

Not sure of your skin type? Read Types of Skin: What Is Normal Skin and Which Type Are You?

FAQs: Non-Comedogenic Oils

What oils are non-comedogenic?

Hemp seed, grapeseed, sunflower, rosehip, evening primrose and argan oils are generally considered non-comedogenic or low-comedogenic.

Is face oil good for oily skin?

Yes. Lightweight, linoleic-rich oils can help balance oily skin and support the barrier without clogging pores.

What is the best face oil for dry skin?

Richer oils such as avocado, argan, almond and cacay deliver deep nourishment for dry skin, especially when blended with barrier-supporting linoleic oils.

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