As a person with extremely oily skin since my early teens, using oils on my facial skin was something I avoided like the plague in my youth.

Especially as I struggled with acne breakouts - oil was enemy number one for my skin as far as I was concerned. But this was before the internet, and having information at my fingertips that could educate me that oils were not all bad for acne prone skin would have made all the difference.

In fact, many of these oils can nourish and help protect against acne breakouts. It seems counterintuitive, but it's absolutely true. Many oils are capable of really helping to protect and nourish the skin, so it would be unwise to write off all oils in en effort to ward off breakouts. So, are there oils that can not only be used safely on acne or oily prone skin, but may actually help to balance out oily skin?  Yes!

What is the definition of comedogenic?

The term 'comedogenic' refers to substances wtih properties that cause it to clog the skin's pores and lead to potential acne breakouts. Acne is caused by infected pores, so the less 'clogging' capabilities a substance has that you put on your skin if it already tends toward oiliness, the better.  So...'noncomoedogenic' refers to substances that do not clog the skin's pores.

What Properties Make an Oil Noncomedogenic?

Noncomedogenic oils share a few traits:

• High linoleic acid - Reduces pore congestion

• Low viscosity - Absorbs quickly

• Stable molecular structure - Less oxidation and irritation

• Minimal saturated fats - Less chance of clogging

• Smaller molecular stucture - Easily absorbed by the skin

In contrast, comedogenic oils share these common traits:

• High Saturated Fat Content - Oils rich in saturated fatty acids (like lauric, myristic, and palmitic acids) tend to be heavier and more occlusive.
• These fats:
  • Pack tightly
  • Create a thicker, waxier texture
  • Sit on top of the skin rather than absorbing cleanly
  • Heavier fell, slower absorption rate
  • Higher oleic, lower linoleic acid content
• Examples: Coconut Oil, Palm Oil, Wheat Germ Oil

This dense structure makes them more likely to block pores, however one in this list I have found does not clog my pores personally - coconut oil. Heavier, waxier oils have a higher likelihood of trapping bacteria, dirt and debris, which leads to the inflammation of the pore that we all know as a pimple. Related:

Why Coconut Oil is So Good for Your Skin

What Are Some of the Best Noncomedogenic, Pore-Friendly Oils?

For microbiome‑friendly, sensitive‑skin formulas, the best picks are:

• Squalane - Safest, most universally tolerated on sensitive skin

• Jojoba - Best for balancing sebum production (helps skin to not over-produce when dry or irritated)

• Argan - Lightweight while maintaining a rich feel, safe for all skin types, rich in repairing vitamin e

• Rosehip - Best for brightening + barrier repair, known for anti-aging properties

• Apricot Kernel - High Oleic AND linoleic acid content, nutrient rich, anti-inflammatory

Related: Does Your Skin Have a "Microbiome" Ecosystem Like the Gut Has?

These oils, while not an all-inclusive list, give you the widest flexibility since they are good for oily skin and the more common combination skin type, while also being noncomedogenic and gentle. The best thing about using raw natural oils on bare skin is that they often are rich not only in beneficial, whole fatty acids that haven't been broken down or altered by processing - they also contain vitamins and antioxidants in their natural form which help protect and prevent damage.

Looking for more information about sensitive skin and microbiome-friendly skincare? See Sensitive Skin and Microbiome-Friendly Care