Facial oil massage can be included in your skincare routine regardless of skin type.

Even people with acne-prone or oily skin can use natural oils. These oils are not comedogenic which means that they won’t clog pores or cause acne.

Learn all about non-comedogenic oils and their benefits for your skin.

What are Non-Comedogenic Oils and How Do They Work?

Clogged pores are known as comedo. Pimples, blackheads and whiteheads can all be signs of clogged pores. Non-comedogenic oils and products won’t clog pores. Non-comedogenic oils usually contain many vitamins, antioxidants and essential fatty acid, which can help maintain skin’s hydration and texture.

Did You Know? Based on the oil component, the non-comedogenic scale indicates how likely a product will clog pores. Each oil has a comedogenic rating ranging from 0 to 5. A product with a rating between 0 and 5 is the least likely to clog your pores.

Oils with lower comedogenic rating (0-2), are safe for most skin types. However, products with higher comedogenic ratings (from 4 to 5) can clog pores and cause breakouts.

10 Non-Comedogenic Oils for Your Skin

There are many non-comedogenic oils on the market. Different non-comedogenic oils contain different beneficial ingredients. Here’s a list of common oils you might like to try:

1. Grapeseed Oil

It is multipurpose oil that comes in a variety of colors. Grapeseed oil has high levels of vitamin C, that is ideal for skin with acne. This oil is rich in vitamin C and can be used to treat hyperpigmentation.

It can also be used to treat acne, moisturize, even out skin tone, and fight signs of aging. Grapeseed oil has been shown to have wound healing properties in a 2016 study.

2. Sunflower seed oil

The sunflower seed oil is light and thin in texture. It’s also comedogenic. You can use sunflower oil in your skincare routine as a carrier oil, or just for its beauty benefits. Sunflower oil is rich in vitamin E, betacarotene and fatty acids.

Sunflower seed oil can be used to cleanse the skin by opening up blocked pores and removing old skin cells. People with acne can use it because it is not comedogenic. It’s rich in antioxidants that prevent premature aging, and other skin conditions.

An effective ingredient in improving skin barrier function in newborns, according to a 2002 study.

3. Rosehip seed oil

Non-comedogenic oils are a great source of antioxidants, vitamins C, A, E and K as well as essential fatty acids like linoleic. It is extremely lightweight and easy to absorb. This oil is great for treating inflammation and keeping your skin soft and hydrated.

Rosehip seed oil’s high vitamin C content helps to brighten the skin and even it out. It can also be used to treat wrinkles and fine lines. This oil is rated number one on the comedogenic scale. Rosehip seed oil can also be used medicinally.

4. Neem oil

This oil is rich in antioxidants, and it is widely used in traditional medicine for its medicinal properties. It is also antibacterial and antifungal, making it useful for treating a variety of skin conditions. This oil is rated at 1-2 in the comedogenic scale.

5. Hempseed oil

This oil is non-comedogenic and contains vitamins A, C and E as well as essential fatty acids such linolenic. Hempseed oil is rated as 0 comedogenic, which makes it ideal for skin moisturizing and not clogging pores. It can also help reduce symptoms of atopic dermatology.

6. Castor oil

It is an antibacterial and antioxidant oil. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties that help to reduce inflammation and treat acne. It can also be used to prevent the aging process. It has a rating on the comedogenic scale of 1.

7. Sweet almond oil

The oil has a light scent and is rich in vitamin E and A. It is also rich in fatty acids. Almond oil is a great moisturizer for dry skin. The oil has a comedogenic rate of 2.

Note: In 2018, a study revealed that moisturizers containing sweet almond oil are a great option for severe hand dermatitis.

8. Camellia oil

Camellia oil, cold-pressed, is rich in oleic acids, making it ideal for treating skin conditions such as sunburn, dry skin, and other skin conditions. It is rated 1 on the comedogenic scale.

9. Calendula oil

This oil is high in antioxidants. Its anti-inflammatory qualities make it useful for treating many skin conditions. It is a versatile oil that heals wounds and forms new skin. It is rated 1 on the comedogenic scale.

10. Jojoba oil

Non-comedogenic oil is antimicrobial and has antioxidant properties. This oil can be used to heal sunburns and wounds. The oil is rich in vitamin E, which can help reduce scarring. The comedogenicity rating for Jojoba oil is 2.

How to use non-comedogenic oils safely on your skin and face

Before you apply oil to your skin, make sure to test it on a small area first. This is a quick test to determine if the oil or new product suits your needs. Apply the oil to your wrists using a non-comedogenic one. You can wait for 24 hours to see if you have an allergic reaction. You can still use the oil in large quantities if it is not allergic.

You need to test your oil before applying it to your skin.

Look for high-quality, organic oils that are free of any added ingredients. They are safe for your skin.
Check the expiry dates of your non-comedogenic oils. Do not use products that smell rancid. Organic oils are more susceptible to contamination.

You should not inhale the oils. It is only for external use.

Before you use any oil or product, consult your dermatologist to determine if it is safe for you.

Be sure to research the oil source before you use it. You can also avoid the oil if your allergies are to that plant.

If you have an allergic reaction, such as rash, redness or itching, stop using the oil.