Non-Comedogenic Facial Oils For Clear Skin
Is a persistent acne problem not letting you achieve clear and bright skin? Then you might have already heard of non-comedogenic facial oils.

After all, they’ve garnered rave reviews from people worldwide owing to their amazing skin rejuvenating properties and all-natural composition.
So, if you’re looking to try one of these oils, we’d say it’s the right decision. But the next big question is, which oil should you go for? Don’t worry; we’ll help you figure that out with this extensive guide on the best non-comedogenic oils for clear skin. Without further ado, let’s get started!
Non-Comedogenic Facial Oils For Clear Skin
Before we discuss the most effective comedogenic oils for clear skin, let’s have a brief look at certain essential facets of such oils and how they impact the skin.
What Is The Comedogenic Rating?
First off, know that the term “comedogenic”[1] indicates the tendency of a product, oil, or ingredient to clog the skin pores, which might lead to acne breakouts later. Naturally, the comedogenic rating of the item will suggest its likelihood of clogging the pores.
That’s why using comedogenic products, including oils, may aggravate acne problems for those who are prone to similar breakouts. To elaborate further, commonly used skin ingredients are rated based on the following comedogenic scale:
- 0 – Doesn’t clog pores
- 1 – Least likely to clog pores
- 2 – Moderately low
- 3 – Moderate
- 4 – Fairly high
- 5 – Highly likely to clog pores
Notably, oils with a comedogenic rating of 2 or lower are generally regarded as non-comedogenic.
Role Of Fatty Acids In Comedogenicity
The two primary fatty acids that play a significant role in skincare are oleic[2] and linoleic acids. That said, topical oils do come with several other essential fatty acids that are useful for other healthcare needs.
A point worth noting is that most seed and vegetable oils come with both types of fatty acids but are categorized by the type they are more abundant in. That’s why these categories can help determine the oils that are ideal for a particular skin type.
While oleic acid seals the skin moisture and creates a film on your skin, linoleic acid is much lighter and absorbed into the skin readily.
Thus, oils containing higher amounts of oleic acid are more suited for dry skin as they are richer and heavier than those rich in linoleic acid. Also, the former is more prone to clogging skin pores in individuals susceptible to breakouts.
Long story short, non-comedogenic oils are the ones that are rich in linoleic acid. And to make things clearer to you, here’s a summary of how each of these two fatty acids impacts the skin:
A. Effects Of Linoleic Acid On The Skin
- Restores the barrier function of the skin
- Reduces scaling
- Effective in nourishing oily and sensitive skin
B. Effects Of Oleic Acid On The Skin
- Extra-occlusive
- Seal the moisture well
- Softens the skin
- Suitable for dry skin
The 10 Best Comedogenic Oils For Clear Skin
1. Sunflower Oil
We start off with this non-fragrant oil that’s a perfect choice if you’re already using essential oils on your skin. Sunflower oil[3] (Helianthus annuus) is a great carrier for any essential oil and is abundant in linoleic acid, which prevents clogging of pores and nourishes oily acne-prone skin.
Moreover, sunflower oil provides the ideal moisture to the skin and nourishes its texture so that it ultimately looks clear and bright. Notably, the other amino acids found in this oil are stearic acid, palmitic acid, and oleic acid. But the proportion of oleic acid is least likely to cause any comedogenic effect on the skin.
It’s also suitable for sensitive skin as it won’t cause allergic reactions or skin irritation. Lastly, this non-comedogenic oil is high in Vitamins B, E, A, and D, which help keep the skin balanced and fight various aging signs.
2. Hemp Seed Oil
Known to work wonderfully for every skin type, hemp seed oil is an excellent facial oil rich in several essential fatty acids.
Interestingly, it boasts of a zero comedogenic rating, which indicates that it’s perfect for oily skin prone to clogged pores and consequent breakouts. Speaking of the composition of hemp seed oil, it has the perfect ratio of omega 3 to omega 6 fatty acids and contains gamma-linoleic acid too.
This oil is also abundant in antioxidants, which lend strong anti-inflammatory properties and make it capable of healing several skin ailments. Furthermore, it reduces skin discomfort by restoring and soothing damaged and dry skin. And the benefits don’t end here; the oil is light and penetrating and hence leaves the skin feeling moisturized and soft.
Notably, this oil has a rich green color and distinct yet pleasant nutty aroma.
3. Jojoba Oil
This golden-colored and slightly viscous liquid is, in effect, a wax ester but referred to as an oil owing to its texture and appearance. At the same time, its unique composition provides it with more stability than common oils, which tend to go rancid within a short duration.
Interestingly, this oil is quite similar[4] to the sebum produced naturally by the skin, so it helps regulate the oil production by the skin. You can also rest assured about the quality as it’s made from a cold-pressed, 100% extra-virgin form of jojoba oil.
Speaking of its application, you may rub it on the cuticles or add it to a moisturizer for enhancing the softness and brightness of the skin.
Ideally, you should massage it on the face as the last step of your daily skincare routine. That will help you wake up to healthy and moisturized skin in the morning. Another noteworthy feature is its shelf life of five years, which puts it a step ahead of many others on the market.
4. Squalane
Up next is a very stable oil that’s suitable for all skin types, just like the versatile hemp seed oil. With an exceptionally lightweight texture, squalane is widely considered one of the best non-comedogenic oils on the market.
This oil sinks straight into the skin after being applied topically and provides a powerful burst of hydration for a rejuvenating effect. Moreover, it has a molecular structure very similar to the skin, which allows it to penetrate deeper into the pores and act on all skin concerns at a cellular level.
Anyhow, squalane can restore the natural linoleic acid content of the skin to soothe and soften the skin. Plus, if used in combination with tea tree oil and sunflower seed oil, it can help fight acne bacteria effectively.
5. Rosehip Oil
When it comes to keeping your pores clean, another high-quality option to count on is rosehip seed oil. Available in the form of a reddish liquid and possessing a consistency similar to that of carrier oils, this oil is easily absorbed into the skin. Interestingly, rosehip oil is obtained from the seeds of a particular wild rosebush named Rosa rubiginosa.
Coming to its composition, the oil has a high concentration of linoleic acid that helps diminish wrinkles and fine lines, and even out the skin tone. Apart from hyperpigmentation, it can reduce stretch marks and age spots.
An interesting part of its composition is beta-carotene which is rich in antioxidants. This component can help boost the skin’s defense against UV rays and maintain skin health and appearance. Plus, it helps regenerate and heal the skin cells, thereby boosting cellular growth considerably.
But a point of caution is that the rich and heavy composition of this oil might aggravate acne problems if it’s used in more significant amounts.
6. Grapeseed Oil
Enriched with vitamin E and linoleic acid, this lightweight facial oil is another effective option we’d recommend for balancing and moisturizing the skin. In fact, it can act as an excellent carrier oil for some richer and heavier oils that leave a greasy feeling.
Grapeseed oil basically comprises compounds such as beta-sitosterol[5], stigmasterol, and campesterol, which together protect the moisture barrier of the skin. Also, they are helpful for relieving itching problems common in people with dry skin. All in all, it’s most effective for oily, sensitive, and combination skin types.
If you plan to use this oil and want to get the best results, make sure to store it mindfully so that its healing qualities remain intact for a longer period. Keeping it in a dark and cool place is a must; otherwise, it might go rancid. Plus, note that grapeseed oil has a relatively shorter shelf life of around one to two years.
On a side note, you can treat acne using this oil by applying it to the affected part two to three times a day.
7. Argan Oil
Next on our list is this excellent skin oil obtained from the kernels of argan trees that finds its way into various skincare products nowadays. Thanks to its comedogenic rating of zero, Argan oil is another go-to for treating acne problems and keeping your skin pores clean.
The highlight of its composition is the high vitamin E[6] content that keeps the skin protected from harsh elements and repairs oxidative damage.
Plus, the plant sterols present in argan oil are capable of reducing inflammation and can hence help tackle different kinds of acne. It’s even helpful in treating skin conditions such as facial eczema and sunburns. Other significant components of this oil include squalene, ferulic acid, and polyphenols.
8. Sweet Almond Oil
This carrier oil can well be called a powerhouse ingredient when it comes to skincare. Notably, it’s packed with a host of nutrients ranging from vitamin A and E to essential minerals, fatty acids, and proteins.
Such a varied nutrient content lends high versatility to almond oil and makes it suitable for all skin types. While this oil can soften and rejuvenate the skin, it can even out the skin tone and improve your complexion.
Moreover, the combination of vitamin D and essential fatty acids nourishes the skin by moisturizing it thoroughly. Note that the oil will have a more pronounced effect on your skin upon regular use.
9. Safflower Seed Oil (High Linoleic Variety)
Extracted from the seeds of the safflower plant, this oil has a high moisturizing ability and is loaded with linoleic acid that protects and fortifies the skin’s barrier.
Furthermore, it can treat skin congestion characterized by the build-up of dead skin cells, excess sebum, and various impurities. This ultimately improves skin texture and considerably reduces the dullness of the skin. Thanks to such excellent healing properties, safflower seed oil is an ideal choice for people with oily and sensitive skin.
10. Blackberry Seed Oil
Before we end our list, here’s another versatile oil that is, in effect, a dark green liquid with medium viscosity and a mild aroma.
Blackberry seed oil is regarded as one of the most abundant sources of vitamins E and C, which help improve skin elasticity, repair scar tissues, and regenerate skin cells. Moreover, it’s high in carotenoids[7], which are useful for treating skin damage due to free radicals.
The best way to incorporate this oil into your skincare routine is to apply a few drops on the face at night instead of a moisturizer.
Final Words
That’s about it on non-comedogenic facial oils. While there are loads of other options to choose from, the ones we’ve included are appreciated the most for their effectiveness in clearing the skin.
So, are you ready to incorporate a suitable oil in your skincare regime? Make sure to keep in mind your skin type and any pre-existing skin condition so that you can zero in on the right option.
It’s time to bid goodbye for now, but we’ll be back with more guides on skincare tips. Till then, take care!
References:
1. https://www.ijcmr.com/uploads/7/7/4/6/77464738/ijcmr_2657_v1.pdf
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5796020/
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22995032/
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5571488/
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5456237/