As a woman of a certain age (over 50), but also a former acne-plagued teen, twenty and thirty something year old, I've always been interested in using only oils that are noncomedogienic on my skin.  Even as we age and our skin tends to dry out due to less sebum production and skin-thinning, or even if you've never seen a whisper of acne crop up, it is important to use oils that don't mask the skin. 

Instead, you always want to use oils that allow the skin to breathe. It's entirely possible to not only moisturize the skin, but also to continue to allow the pores to breathe and also to keep them clear of acne and dulllness-causing debris and bacteria.  

Why This Factored Huge in Selecting the Base Oil for Our Flagship Nourish & Hydrate Face Cream

Have you ever used a product made with a heavy or greasy-feeling oil? Those oils that tend to feel heavy and also tend to leave you feeling like they didn't really soak in to the skin properly after a short amount of time are the same ones that are likely comedogenic. What does 'comedogenic' mean? It means that a substance has a property that is higher on the pore-clogging scale. 

Related: How to Apply Foundation for a Naturally Flawless Look

You may have heard the term 'noncomedogenic' in marketing for products that are targed to acne treatement or younger skin, which tends to be more prone to acne. But it's just as important no matter what age you are. Even if you have really dry skin or mature skin - it's important that an oil does not coat or mask the skin. 

Oils should easily soak into the skin, and not show a visible sheen or greasy look about ten minutes after applied. You want the oil to actually absorb, not sit on the skin. This higher level of absorption will also help provide for a great 'canvas' on which to apply foundation or other complexion-enhancing products since it won't interfere or compete with them.

Apricot Kernel Oil

Apricot kernel oil was the base oil we chose for our face cream because it has a lower molecular weight, which means it absorbs more easily into the skin. It also has a variety of antioxidant qualities from its high oleic and linoleic acid profile, which means it serves as a great protective barrier that does not sit on top of, or suffocate the skin.

Vitamin e is found in measurable amounts in apricot kernel oil. Why does this matter? Vitamin e is an absolute superstar skin care vitamin. Not only is vitamin e itself a potent natural preservative due to its natural antioxidant properties, it is also incredibly therapeutic for damaged skin.  

Related: Vitamin E's Many Topical Skin Benefits

Topically applied vitamin e can be used on scars, sunburns, healing wounds and more for added protection, calming of redness, and as an anti-inflammatory agent.  Naturally occurring vitamin e is just an excellent element to look for in any topically applied oil.

Apricot kernels, from which apircot kernel oil is expellend, also have polyphenolic compounds, which are excellent anti-inflammatories.  On top of this, apricot kernel oil has detectable levels of catechins and caffeic acid, adding more anitoxidant power and skin-brightening effects to the already nutrient-dense profile of this oil.

Other Oils with a Low Molecular Weight and Noncomedogenic Profile

Since low molecular weight oils tend to naturally be higher in lineoleic acid content, the following additional oils are excellent considerations for both of these reasons.  The first on the list is one I've tried and really like. I did find that, like others have reported, it seemed to brighten my skin overnight. I just added it to my Argan oil and let is soak in for the night on my face and chest.  

It's rosehip oil. This one on its own is lower in weight and great for using on the skin for quick absorption. However, I prefer to use it mixed with a carrier oil personally as on its own it seems a bit sticky or difficult to rub in all the way due to its viscosity.  Simply add a drop of two to your favorite night cream or night oil, and you'll be adding some additional brightness-encouraging action as well as additional lipid barrier protection.  

Hempseed oil also gets a good rating for absorption and linoleic acid content.  It's a nice light-feeling oil to apply on its own or in conjunction wtih other oils.  Safflower and sunflower oils are actually low in molecular weight as well, but might not pack the antioxidant punch of some of these other choices. After all, if you're going to apply an oil, why not pick one with multiple skin-benefitting properites?!