Facial oil for oily skin: which ones to choose and how to use them

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Oily skin needs some special care and products that respect it, just like any other skin type. Whether combination, dry, or oily, every skin type needs a targeted skincare routine and ingredients suited to its characteristics.

A common belief is that oily skin doesn’t need hydration, or that it can’t be treated with oils. It’s time to rethink this idea: there are non-comedogenic oils that can improve the condition of oily or acne-prone skin without clogging pores or increasing shine.

What “non-comedogenic” means

Non-comedogenic oils have a low likelihood of clogging pores. These oils have a fatty acid composition that allows them to be absorbed quickly without leaving a heavy film on the surface.

There is a reference scale, the comedogenic rating, which ranges from 0 to 5: 0 means the oil does not clog pores, while 5 means it almost certainly does. It is an indicative scale, based on dated studies conducted on animal models, so it should be treated as a guide rather than an absolute value, but it remains the most practical tool for finding your way.

Table of the most commonly used oils

The rule that sums up the table: oils rich in linoleic acid tend to be lightweight and suitable for blemish-prone skin, while those very high in oleic acid are heavier. There’s a reason: sebum in people with acne-prone skin is often particularly low in linoleic acid, and replenishing it helps normalize the composition of the skin’s hydrolipid film.

The most suitable oils

• Jojoba oil: technically a liquid wax, its structure is very similar to skin sebum, which makes it useful for rebalancing oil production without weighing skin down.
• Grapeseed oil: lightweight and rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, with around 70% linoleic acid. Despite being an oil, it is particularly suitable for oily and acne-prone skin.
• Rosehip oil: notable for its light texture and soothing, skin-renewing properties, which can help improve the appearance of marked skin.
• Carrot oil: purifying and antioxidant, rich in beta-carotene and vitamin E.
• Hazelnut oil: rich in oleic acid and vitamin E. It is an exception to the general rule because it has a particular affinity with skin sebum, absorbs quickly, and is less greasy.

A cosmetic product can help improve the appearance and balance of blemish-prone skin. However, if acne is inflammatory, with nodules or cysts, or if redness is persistent and could be rosacea, consult a dermatologist.

Why oil helps oily skin

The skin often becomes unbalanced when its natural lipids are removed, for example by over-cleansing with products that are too harsh. In that case, it lacks moisture and may react by producing more sebum: the classic vicious cycle for those who wash their face more often precisely because it looks shiny.

Cosmetic oils are different from the sebum produced by the body: they absorb quickly, help retain moisture, and provide nutrients. In short:

• They remove even the most stubborn makeup;
• They dissolve impurities in pores;
• They respect the skin microbiota;
• They help restore the hydrolipid balance.

How to add them to your routine

You can start with an oil-based cleanser. Cleansing Gentle Oil is an oil-gel makeup remover that dissolves even waterproof makeup and impurities, while respecting the skin barrier.

Contains hazelnut oil, carrot oil, almond oil, and grapeseed oil, with organic calendula extract and pomegranate extract. It works well on its own or as the first step in double cleansing.

Before adding a pure oil, you can ease your skin into it with a cream containing non-comedogenic oils.

If you want to switch to using oils on their own, remember that they're highly concentrated: start with a few drops and try them in the evening first. The night serum with a blend of five oils nourishes the epidermis as it renews overnight, limiting oily shine during the day.

Frequently asked questions

What's the best oil for oily skin?

There's no single best oil, but the most suitable ones have a low comedogenic rating: those rich in linoleic acid, such as grapeseed and rosehip, and those that have a good affinity with sebum, such as jojoba and hazelnut. Avoid coconut, olive, and wheat germ oils, which tend to clog pores.

How do you get rid of oily shine on your face?

Paradoxically, the answer isn't to strip away more oil. Cleansing too often or with harsh products can cause the skin to compensate by producing more sebum. A balanced routine is better: gentle cleansing twice a day, a sebum-regulating serum with niacinamide and zinc, and a lightweight cream. Lthe oily shine can diminish over the course of a few weeks.

Can oil cause pimples?

It can happen if you choose an oil with a high comedogenic rating, use too much, or apply it to already congested skin without unclogging the pores first. With a lightweight oil, a few drops, and gradual introduction, the risk is low.

Is oil or cream better for oily skin?

They do different things. Cream also contains water and humectants, so it hydrates; oil works only on the lipid component and helps seal it in. For oily, dehydrated skin, the best combination is a lightweight cream and, if needed, a few drops of oil on top in the evening.

Not sure where to start?

Understanding whether your skin is truly oily or dehydrated and compensating is the step that changes your entire routine.