8 Best Oils for Acne Prone Skin Recommended by Dermatologists
Many people believe that using oil on oily or acne-prone skin will make the condition worse. However, according to Dr. Ali Shahbaz, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist, this is a myth. In fact, certain types of oils can actually help treat acne—if chosen carefully. Some of the best oils for acne prone skin are those that are lightweight and non-comedogenic. Dr. Deanne Mraz, MD, FAAD, highlights the importance of selecting non-comedogenic oils, which means oils that don’t clog pores or trigger breakouts.
Non-comedogenic oils have a light molecular structure, which helps balance the skin’s natural sebum production without causing blockages. Some of these oils also contain antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce acne inflammation and support faster skin healing.
Curious about the best oils for acne-prone skin? We’ve curated eight dermatologist-approved oil recommendations that are safe for acne-prone skin. Discover the right options to enhance your skincare routine and naturally support healthy, clear skin.
Benefits of Jojoba Oil for Acne-Prone Skin
Jojoba oil is one of the best natural ingredients for skincare, especially for those with oily or acne-prone skin. It has a light texture and is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores, making it safe for daily use. Jojoba oil also acts as a natural humectant—it helps attract and retain moisture in the skin while regulating natural sebum production.
Scientifically, jojoba oil is rich in vitamin E, B-complex vitamins, minerals like zinc and copper, and powerful antioxidants that support skin regeneration. Its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties help reduce redness, speed up acne healing, and protect the skin barrier.1Chakrabarty S, Jigdrel K, Mukherjee P, Paul T, Drakpa D, Gupta J. Bioactivities of jojoba oil beyond skincare. J Med Food. 2024;27(7):579-588.
According to Dr. Ali Shahbaz, MD, “Apply a few drops of jojoba oil to clean, damp skin. It can be used both morning and night as a natural moisturiser, or mixed with other skincare products to enhance their effectiveness.”
With its excellent nutrient profile, jojoba oil is an ideal choice for caring for sensitive, acne-prone, or dehydrated skin in a gentle and effective way.
Grapeseed Oil for Acne-Prone Skin
Grapeseed oil isn’t just popular as a dietary supplement—it’s also a standout ingredient in skincare. Known for its light texture and non-comedogenic nature, this oil hydrates the skin without clogging pores, making it an ideal choice for oily and acne-prone skin.
Rich in essential fatty acids, vitamin C, vitamin E, and powerful antioxidants, grapeseed oil helps reduce excess oil production, calm inflammation, and speed up the healing of acne scars.2Shawahna R. Effects of a grapeseed oil (Vitis vinifera L.) loaded dermocosmetic nanoemulgel on biophysical parameters of facial skin: A split-face, blinded, placebo-controlled study. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2022;21(11):5730-5738. According to Dr. Ali Shahbaz, MD, “Grapeseed oil hydrates the skin, reduces inflammation, and helps fade acne marks thanks to its antioxidant content, which protects against free radical damage.”
For best results, Dr. Shahbaz recommends massaging a few drops of grapeseed oil onto clean, dry skin. It can be used on its own as a moisturiser or mixed with serums or creams to enhance your skincare routine.
Thanks to its regenerative and protective properties, grapeseed oil offers a natural solution for clearer, brighter, and healthier-looking skin.
Tea Tree Oil for Acne Treatment
Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) is an essential oil long used in dermatology to treat various skin issues—especially acne. With its powerful antibacterial, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties, it effectively targets acne-causing bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes) and reduces skin inflammation.3Nascimento T, Gomes D, Simões R, da Graça Miguel M. Tea tree oil: properties and the therapeutic approach to acne-a review. Antioxidants (Basel). 2023;12(6):1264.
However, pure tea tree oil must be used with care. Dr. Ali Shahbaz, MD, advises always diluting it with a carrier oil such as jojoba or grapeseed oil before applying it to the skin. “Use this blend as a spot treatment for active breakouts, or add a few drops to your daily moisturiser,” says Dr. Shahbaz.
For a more convenient option, Dr. Deanne Mraz, MD, FAAD, recommends U.F.O. Ultra-Clarifying Acne Treatment Face Oil by Sunday Riley. This product combines tea tree oil with salicylic acid for gentle exfoliation and cucumber seed oil for a soothing effect—ideal for both morning and evening use.
With its natural healing properties and modern formulations, tea tree oil remains a highly effective solution for acne-prone skin.
Rosehip Oil for Acne-Prone Skin
Rosehip oil is extracted from the seeds of the Rosa canina plant using a cold-press method to preserve its rich nutrient content. It is packed with vitamins A, C, and E, along with essential fatty acids like linoleic acid (omega-6), which play a key role in improving skin health.4Oarga Porumb DP, Cornea-Cipcigan M, Cordea MI. Unveiling the mechanisms for the development of rosehip-based dermatological products: an updated review. Front Pharmacol. 2024;15:1390419.
According to Dr. Deanne Mraz, MD, FAAD, the linoleic acid in rosehip oil helps strengthen the skin barrier, boost natural hydration, and reduce inflammation. These properties are especially beneficial for acne-prone skin, as inflammation and a weakened skin barrier often worsen acne. Rosehip oil also helps regulate sebum production, reducing the risk of clogged pores and future breakouts.
Dr. Mraz recommends the Rosehip Bioregenerate Rejuvenating Overnight Face Oil from Pai Skincare, which is specially formulated to support overnight skin regeneration. Rosehip oil can also be used after applying retinol or other prescription topicals, helping speed up skin healing while minimising irritation.
With its powerful antioxidants and natural healing properties, rosehip oil is an effective solution for improving the texture, hydration, and elasticity of acne-prone skin.
Benefits of Argan Oil for Acne-Prone Skin
Argan oil, derived from the kernels of the Argania spinosa tree native to Morocco, is a natural ingredient rich in essential fatty acids, vitamin E, and powerful antioxidants. It is well-known as a non-comedogenic moisturiser, meaning it won’t clog pores—making it a safe choice for oily and acne-prone skin.
According to Dr. Justine H. Park, MD, argan oil helps repair the skin barrier, maintain hydration, and reduce transepidermal water loss. Its high linoleic acid content also plays a key role in regulating excess sebum production, a major factor in the development of acne.5Serrafi A, Chegdani F, Bennis F, Kepinska M. The importance of argan oil in medicine and cosmetology. Nutrients. 2024;16(20):3573.
Dermatologists note that argan oil is gentle enough to be used once or twice daily, either on its own or mixed with other skincare products. With regular use, it helps balance the skin’s natural oil levels, reduce inflammation, and improve elasticity.
Thanks to its rich nutrient profile and regenerative properties, argan oil offers an effective and natural solution for managing oily, acne-prone skin.
Bakuchiol Oil: A Natural Retinol Alternative for Skin Renewal and Acne Care
Bakuchiol is a plant-based active compound increasingly recognised as a natural alternative to retinol.6Bluemke, A., Ring, A. P., Immeyer, J., Hoff, A., Eisenberg, T., Gerwat, W., Meyer, F., Breitkreutz, S., Klinger, L. M., Brandner, J. M., Sandig, G., Seifert, M., Segger, D., Rippke, F., & Schweiger, D. (2022). Multidirectional activity of bakuchiol against cellular mechanisms of facial ageing – Experimental evidence for a holistic treatment approach. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 44(3), 377–393. https://doi.org/10.1111/ics.12784 Known for boosting cell turnover and keeping pores clear, bakuchiol is effective in managing acne—without the irritation often caused by traditional retinoids. According to Dr. Deanne Mraz, MD, FAAD, bakuchiol supports the skin’s natural healing process and works in harmony with the body’s circadian rhythm.
Bakuchiol is most effective when applied at night to clean, dry skin. Dr. Mraz recommends Isdin Melatonik’s Overnight Recovery Serum, which combines bakuchiol, vitamin C, and melatonin in a non-comedogenic formula to accelerate skin regeneration. Other high-quality options include Good Molecules’ Bakuchiol Oil Blend and 100% Pure’s Bakuchiol Oil Serum, both offering similar benefits with skin-friendly formulations.
With its high efficacy and low risk of irritation, bakuchiol is an ideal choice for those seeking a natural, gentle solution for acne care and early signs of ageing.
Sunflower Seed Oil Benefits for Acne-Prone Skin
Sunflower seed oil is a lightweight, non-comedogenic natural option ideal for facial and body care—especially for acne-prone skin.7Lin TK, Zhong L, Santiago JL. Anti-inflammatory and skin barrier repair effects of topical application of some plant oils. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2017;19(1):70. According to Dr. Mansha Thacker, MD, FAAD, this oil is rich in linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid that plays a vital role in strengthening the skin’s natural moisture barrier. Its linoleic acid content helps retain hydration, reduce transepidermal water loss, and repair texture damaged by acne.
In addition, sunflower seed oil has anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe redness and inflammation—two common symptoms of acne. Dr. Thacker recommends Summer Fridays’ Heavenly Sixteen Face Oil, which contains sunflower seed oil and grapeseed oil, providing added benefits for sensitive skin and supporting the healing process.
Thanks to its lightweight texture and ability to balance the skin’s natural oil levels, sunflower seed oil is an excellent addition to a daily skincare routine for treating acne without clogging pores.
Hemp Seed Oil: A Natural Solution for Acne-Prone and Sensitive Skin
Hemp seed oil, derived from cold-pressing the seeds of the Cannabis sativa plant, is a lightweight oil known for its soothing and moisturising properties. According to Dr. Mansha Thacker, MD, FAAD, it is rich in antioxidants and polyunsaturated fats like omega-3 and omega-6, which help nourish and calm the skin naturally.
One of hemp seed oil’s biggest advantages is that it’s non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores. Dr. Thacker also notes that it can help reduce excess sebum production—an important factor in preventing breakouts. Its ability to ease redness makes it especially effective for sensitive, inflamed skin.8Martins AM, Gomes AL, Boas IV, Marto J, Ribeiro HM. Cannabis-based products for the treatment of skin inflammatory diseases: a timely review. Pharmaceuticals. 2022;15(2):210.
For best results, Dr. Thacker recommends using skincare products specifically formulated with hemp seed oil, as the ingredient is also commonly used in other health and cosmetic applications.
Thanks to its nutrient-rich profile and gentle nature, hemp seed oil is an excellent addition to any acne-care skincare routine.
Conclusion
For individuals with acne-prone skin, incorporating oils into a skincare routine is not something to avoid—provided the right types of oils are used. According to Dr. Ali Shahbaz, MD, certain plant-based oils such as jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, and tea tree oil offer natural properties that help regulate sebum production, reduce inflammation, and inhibit acne-causing bacteria. These oils are non-comedogenic, meaning they are less likely to clog pores.
Once the right oil is selected, proper application technique is equally important. Dr. Justine H. Park, MD, recommends applying oils after hydrating the skin—ideally following a toner, a hypochlorous acid solution (which is especially effective for acne-prone skin), or a gentle cleanser. Use a few drops and massage the oil gently into the skin until fully absorbed, enhancing active ingredient penetration while preserving the skin’s natural balance.
With careful selection and correct usage, facial oils can become a key component in managing acne-prone skin—effectively and naturally.
FAQ
What are the best oils for acne-prone skin?
The best oils for acne-prone skin are non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores) and have anti-inflammatory or antibacterial properties. Some top choices include:
1. Jojoba oil – mimics skin’s natural sebum and helps regulate oil production.
2. Tea tree oil – known for its antibacterial and acne-fighting properties.
3. Rosehip seed oil – rich in antioxidants and supports skin healing without clogging pores.
4. Squalane oil – lightweight, hydrating, and suitable for sensitive, acne-prone skin.
Can applying oil to acne-prone skin make breakouts worse?
Not necessarily. While it may seem counterintuitive, certain oils can actually help balance oil production, reduce inflammation, and heal skin. The key is choosing the right type of oil — those that are non-comedogenic and lightweight. Avoid heavy or pore-clogging oils like coconut oil, which can worsen breakouts for some skin types.
How do I use facial oils if I have acne-prone skin?
Start with a patch test to ensure you don’t react to the oil. After cleansing and toning, apply 2–3 drops of the oil to your face, either alone or mixed with a moisturizer. Use oils at night for best results, and apply them as the last step in your skincare routine to lock in moisture. Be consistent but gentle — overuse or using the wrong oil can cause irritation.
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