Are you tired of constantly dealing with excess oil and persistent breakouts on your skin? If you have oily, acne-prone skin, you know the struggle all too well. The good news is that there is a solution that does not involve stripping your skin of its natural oils. Enter non-comedogenic oils – the unsung heroes of oily skin care.

What is an Oily Skin Type?

If your skin appears shiny, especially in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin), and feels greasy to the touch, you likely have oily skin. Individuals with oily skin may also experience enlarged pores, blackheads, whiteheads, and acne breakouts.

Unlike what you might believe, acne is actually caused by dry skin. Dryness prompts the skin to produce a substance called “sebum”. The sebum basically lubricate your skin, makes it oily and clog pores.

The Comedogenic Scale

The comedogenic rating scale tells you how likely an ingredient is to clog your pores. It typically ranges from 0-5, with 0 being non-comedogenic and 5 being highly comedogenic. Here’s how the numbers rank on the scale:

0: Won’t clog pores at all
1: Very low likelihood of clogging pores
2: Moderately low likelihood of clogging pores
3: Moderate likelihood of clogging pores
4: Fairly high likelihood of clogging pores
5: High likelihood of clogging pores

List of Non-Comedogenic Oils

When you have oily skin, it may seem contradictory to use oils, but non-comedogenic oils are specifically formulated to nourish your skin without clogging pores. Oils with a low comedogenic rating, typically ranging from 0 to 2 on the scale, are considered non-comedogenic. Likewise, an oil that is rated 4-5 is highly comedogenic and will almost certainly cause an acne breakout in someone who is very prone to acne.

Non-comedogenic oils are lighter in consistency and have a smaller molecular size, which helps them absorb into the skin more effectively. By doing so, they provide hydration without causing breakouts.

Here are some top non-comedogenic oils that are perfect for oily skin:

• Argan Oil is rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids, making it a popular choice. With a comedogenic rating of 0, this fast absorbing facial oil is unlikely to clog pores and is suitable for most skin types.
• Grapeseed Oil is a lightweight oil that has a comedogenic rating of 1, making it a good option for oily skin. It also has antioxidant properties that may help to even out skin tone when used consistently.
• Evening Primrose Oil is generally well-tolerated, but individuals with highly acne-prone skin may want to use it with caution.
• Fractionated Coconut Oil is a processed form of coconut oil that remains in a liquid state even at lower temperatures. Fractionated coconut oil has a comedogenic rating of 2, so it is less likely to clog your pores than normal coconut oil.
• Hemp Seed Oil contains omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids and has a rating of 0, which means it will help maintain skin hydration without causing breakouts.
• Neem Oil has anti inflammatory, anti bacterial and anti fungal properties, which can help control acne and soothe irritated skin. This oil is rated at 1-2 on the comedogenic scale.
• Safflower Oil is considered one of the best oils for oily skin. With a comedogenic rating of 0, it helps improve the skin’s natural barrier and improve overall skin health.
• Castor Oil prevents the production of sebum by moisturizing the skin. Castor oil is not comedogenic at all, so it can be used by any skin type.
• Rosehip Oil is packed with vitamins A, C, and E, as well as essential fatty acids. It has a comedogenic rating of just 1 and contain compounds called retinoids, which may help reduce the appearance of acne.
• Apricot Kernel Oil has a comedogenic rating of 0 and contain high levels of vitamin A and vitamin E that helps to exfoliate the skin, encouraging it to retain moisture.
• Jojoba Oil has a comedogenic rating of 2, and is usually seen as the holy grail of acne-friendly facial oils. It’s hydrating properties will help your oily skin look healthy and supple.
• Goji Berry Seed Oil has a comedogenic rating of 0-1 which helps detox the skin making it a great oil to use for congested pores. It also accelerates cell turnover which helps to even out skin tone.
• Pomegranate Seed Oil boosts collagen production, enhances skin elasticity and leaves lasting moisture without leaving a greasy residue or clogging pores.

When incorporating non-comedogenic oils into your skincare routine, it is essential to choose high-quality, cold-pressed oils and use them moderately. While these oils are less likely to clog pores, using excessive amounts can still lead to potential breakouts.

Comedogenic Oils to Avoid:

Oils rated 4-5 are very comedogenic. Here’s a list of oils that you should steer clear of:

• Coconut Oil – has a rating of 4
• Cocoa Butter – has a rating of 4
• Carrot Seed Oil – has a rating of 3-4
• Flaxseed Oil (Linseed) – has a rating of 4
• Wheatgerm Oil – has a rating of 5
• Palm Oil – has a rating of 4
• Soybean Oil – has a rating of 4-5
• Marula Oil – has a rating of 4

Conclusion

So, if you have oily skin, don’t shy away from using oils altogether. Instead, embrace non-comedogenic oils as your secret weapons for achieving healthy, clear skin. Their unique properties will help you strike a balance, keeping your skin nourished, moisturized, and free from breakouts. So, say goodbye to the never-ending battle with excess oil and hello to a radiant complexion!