Comedogenic or Non-Comedogenic? Is That Oil Good to Use for Acne?
There are many oils to choose from when it comes to getting clear skin but it is very important to know which ones are best. Choosing these oils carefully really matters especially if you suffer from comedonal acne, a form of acne caused by a build-up of facial products in the pores.
I’m sure you’ve heard of non-comedogenic make-up, moisturizers, and other facial care products that claim non-pore-clogging superpowers, but are they really as clean as they say? I have a feeling that there might just be a fib or three hiding in the ingredients.
Since we’re all natural here, I figured that I would start by listing common (and some not so common) oils used and recommended by many for the oil cleansing method, moisturizing, and massage. You might be surprised by some of these comedogenic ratings! And before I forget, I have a Complete List of Comedogenic Oils HERE! It contains over 80 carrier oil profiles so be sure to check it out!
If you're wondering about the comedogenic rating of the ingredients in the skincare you already use, then I recommend checking out this post.
Comedogenic Ratings
Rating of 0- Won’t clog pores at all
Rating of 1- Low
Rating of 2- Moderately low
Rating of 3- Moderate
Rating of 4- Fairly high
Rating of 5- High
Oils for Acne with a Comedogenic Rating of "0"
Alright, these are the oils you’re going to want to look for, a rating of ZERO. You should be able to find at least one of these in your area. These oils are the best options for those of us with skin that tends to break out easily because of the products we put on it.
These oils also contain a high amount of linoleic acid which helps keep your sebum levels balanced and are particularly good for oilier skin types. I'm a fan of argan and hemp seed oil since they soak in seamlessly and never break me out.
For very acne prone skin, hemp oil can be used to good effect, especially if you can find an ozonated hemp oil. The smell isn't my favorite, but it's one of the best most healing oils I've used!
I consider these to be the BEST oils to use for acne prone skin no matter what skin type you have.
• Argan oil
• Hemp seed oil
(this oil is my HOLY GRAIL oil!)
• Safflower oil
(high linoleic acid only)
• Shea butter
(how weird is that??)
• Sunflower oil
Oils for Acne with a Comedogenic Rating of "1"
These oils will have a low chance of clogging pores, so if you can't find a high-quality oil from the zero rating list, go for one of these. I especially like rosehip seed oil.
These oils work well for normal to oilier skin types.
• Calendula oil
• Castor oil
(needs to be diluted in another oil. very drying)
• Emu oil
• Grape seed oil
• Hazelnut oil
• Neem oil
• Pomegranate oil
• Rosehip oil
• Sea buckthorn oil
Oils for Acne with a Comedogenic Rating of "2"
These oils are still pretty low on the comedogenic spectrum and should still be tolerated by those of us with normal-dry skin. Two of my favorites on this list is jojoba oil for blackheads and tamanu oil for acne scars.
These work well for oilier skin types as well.
• Almond oil
• Apricot kernel oil
• Baobab Seed Oil
• Borage oil
• Jojoba oil
• Olive oil
• Pumpkin seed oil
• Peach kernel oil
• Peanut oil
• Tamanu oil
Oils for Acne with a Comedogenic Rating of "3"
These oils are going to start clogging pores for some people, especially those who have oily, acne-prone skin.
Drier skin types may tolerate these.
• Avocado oil
• Cottonseed oil
• Evening primrose oil
• Mink oil
• Sesame oil
Oils for Acne with a Comedogenic Rating of "4"
These oils will more often than not, cause breakouts for most people. I would avoid these if you have acne prone skin.
Only a few people can tolerate these, mostly those with dryer skin.
• Cocoa butter
• Coconut Oil
(though it seems this oil works for many people just fine)
• Coconut butter
• Linseed oil
(aka flaxseed oil)
Oils for Acne with a Comedogenic Rating of "5"
This oil is almost a guaranteed trip to the dermatologist. Not recommended. Rarely tolerated. I linked to it below for reference.
So there you have it!
Be sure to choose your oils carefully (cold pressed, unrefined, and organic is best) if you have picky skin like I do. Also, some of the above-mentioned oils require refrigeration after opening (like hemp oil), so be sure to read the label or they may go rancid.
Good luck!
What have been your favorite oils to use for acne? Please share in the comments!
You may also enjoy reading:
The Oil Cleansing Method
What are the BEST oils for your skin type?
Hemp seed oil- The new holy grail acne treatment?
What are the best essential oils for your skin type?
6 skincare tips that cleared my acne naturally
Thyme Serum for Acne Free Skin
Essential Oils for Hormonal Acne
Selina says
How come sunflower oil is rated 0 but contains vitamin e which is rated a 2??
Tash says
Hi Selina!
This is because the sunflower oil typically used for skincare is a high linoleic acid sunflower oil which has a low comedogenic rating 🙂 Vitamin E oil is higher in oleic acid, which for some people can be comedogenic.
Selina says
Hello,
I hope you will be able to get to this question. I noticed that Sunflower oil is rated as a 0 zero on the comedogenic scale, which indicates it's non-comedogenic, however it has a high vitamin E content, which is rated as a 2 on the comedogenic scale. How can it be that sunflower oil is a zero then? I have tried to search and search and have found nothing to explain this. I have found one source that lists sunflower oil as a #2 but that's it.
I am trying to decide between safflower (high linoleic) and sunflower oil as a light moisturizer (so it will be on all day) I have very sensitive skin when it comes to clogging. My skin is generally normal, but I have dry areas as well.
Tash says
Hello again!
It does take me time to get through so many comments but I hope I can help!
If you get a high linoleic acid sunflower oil it will have a low comedogenic rating. Regular sunflower oil will have a higher comedogenic rating because it has higher oleic acid content. Is your skin dehydrated? This is different than feeling dry and the pores will look elongated in those areas compared to pores elsewhere on the face.
Rushda irfan says
The vit e in sunflower oil is naturally sunthesized. Vit e oil in itself is comodegenic. But the vit e in sunflower oil is one resulting from its process. Like hemp oil is rich in omega 3 and 6, which is result of natural process.
I can totally understand the curse of the skin which gets clogged evn wd ur own touch for i have the same skin type.
I would suggest u to start with hemp oil. As its the best for acne prone skin and if u feel it dsnt moisturize enough juz add a tablespoon of glycerin per 50 ml.
I tried jojoba, avocado, grape seed but all broke me out and i am talking about big cysts all over the face. Only hemp oil helps my skin.
Selina says
Thank you both. I still can't quite wrap my head around the fact that sunflower, safflower, and hemp seed oil all contain vitamin E and still rated 0. The oils are high linoleic, so that's good, but there is still say 40-20% oleic acid...which is comedogenic. Additionally, the vitamin E is oleic. I would think it would rate at least as a 1 since it has some component if comedogenicy. I tried hemp before with castor oil and had severe cysts I then battled for 1.5 years after stopping. It ruined my skin. I'm very scared to go back. I am so scared to try anything that is even minorly comedogenic because my skin gets clogged so easily and I pick at my skin. My skin is dry and dehydrated. Since I won't use anything even with a 1 rating...I use honey to wash my face (which doesn't remove makeup well) and a mixture of glycerin, aloe, and rosewater to moisturize (which doesn't moisturize well) and powdered mineral makeup (which brings out my dry skin). If anyone has products to skin urgent that are truly noncomedogenic please let me know, but I doubt it, I've spent probably a hundred hours looking into it. I've even gone through and searched ewg.com (or .org ??) to see if ingredients are listed as other name and check 3 websites for their ratings. I can't find anything. If you guys swear that safflower sunflower and hemp oil and all truly a zero I will tryone of them but please resonate with my skin issues. I wanted to make sure the vitamin e in these oils don't clog me...they all have very high vitamin e levels. Shea butter isn't supposed to clog or a argan oil yet it clogs many people. Help!!
selina pal says
Hello . I am Selina too 🙂
I am not sure how old your post is but I hope you are happier with your skin and if not I hope I can help.
I had severe acne which used to make me so depressed, and now finally it has cleared up. Mine was a combination of hormonal issues, stress and genetics. Below is a list of things I do now and have helped me significantly.
1. I use Organic Hemp seed oil only night and apply it liberally! Try it without the Castor oil. I think that the combination you used was making your skin sticky and so dirt and pollution were more likely to sit on your skin. Refrigerate it as it will go off.
2. Use argan oil in the day time only a couple of drops (it is non comedogenic). Make sure it is organic.
3. The fact you had severe cysts indicates an internal hormonal problem. Speak to your doctor to see if you have polycystic ovaries or even just cysts on your ovary. This is what was one of the main causes of my acne.
4. DO NOT USE air fresheners, perfumes,hair sprays or body sprays. These disrupt your hormones and can cause all sorts of problems. Acne being one of them. This is an important point.
5. Hormones in dairy, meat, pesticides can make acne worse. I am a vegan and try to eat organic where I can- this helps a lot too.
6. Lower salt in your diet . Try Himalyan rock salt this is much kinder to your body,
7. Too much of a good thing- Too much acidic/hi GI fruit and too much water are not good for your body's balance. Alkalise your body so eat alkaline foods. A few drops of lemon in warmish water will alkalise your body. Have this a couple of times a day.
8. Turmeric and hemp seed oil face moisturiser at night (messy and orange!) is great. Add 1/3 teaspoon of organic turmeric powder with 1/3 hemp seed oil and massage/tap gently into skin. Go to sleep with it on (dont use best pillow case!) Apply on a night when you will not be going out the following day as it may leave a orange glow! It should wash off- I have olive skin so am usually ok.
Please let me know if I can help you or if this was helpful. xx
Selina says
Hi - thanks for your comment. My skin is doing much better since I wrote this. Still cloggy, but not nearly as bad. I use crystallized honey and a few drops of jojoba oil and a wash, and then use rosewater, witch hazel and some clary sage essential oil blended together as my toner. I am considering moving from the jojoba oil to high linoleic safflower oil or hemp oil to mix with my honey as a wash. I am not happy about needing to refrigerate the hemp though, so I am leaning towards the safflower. It would be a huge pain to refrigerate and I would get sick of it probably after just a couple weeks. Have you tried the high linoleic safflower yet?
Rose says
Do you have any information on these oils:
aloe vera oil (not the gel)
black raspberry seed
blackberry seed
black currant seed
blueberry seed
carrot seed oil (not the essential oil)
cranberry seed
cucumber seed
emu
hazelnut
kiwi seed
macadamia nut
meadowfoam seed
passion fruit seed
pomegranate oil
pumpkin seed
red raspberry seed or raspberry seed oil, is there a difference
safflower
sea buckthorn
strawberry seed
sweet almond (not almond oil)
tomato seed
walnut
I know some of these are already listed on the comedogenic scale, but I wanted some more information why they are rated that (acid levels, etc).
Also, how is evening primrose a 3 on the comedogenic rating scale? It’s supposed to be full of gamma linoleum acid, which is supposed to be good for acne prone skin. At least that's what I've read.
And, you mentioned in another comment that depending on quality and purity of an oil, it rating can vary (you were referring to sunflower oil). How will we be able to tell of the quality and purity of a product, because I'm sure that many label their product as "pure" or "excellent" even if it isn't.
Sorry if this is too many questions.
Rose says
By the way, I have oily acne prone skin, that's also sensitive, if that helps at all.
Tash says
Hi Rose!
Sorry for the late reply. In response to your questions, I decided to write an entire blog post on the topic! You can find it here 🙂
A L says
Yeah wheat does nothing to the gall bladder. That makes no sense and is pseudoscience.
Gina Harlow says
I have a customer that started using one of my facial soap this past summer, and within 3 weeks she stopped using ProActive. She told me that she had been using ProActive for years, but it never improved anything very much. She was desperate so she tried my soap. Now she drives almost 2 hours to my shop to buy soap from me and swears that she will use nothing else. It feels great to get such wonderful feedback from customers. I use a salt scrub that I formulated specifically for my oily skin and it is amazing. Most days that is all that I use on my face. 1 or 2 times a week I will use one of my facial soaps after the scrub. I have no intention of using commercial products ever again. I still need to formulate a lotion for the face. That is what brought me to this post here.
Adele says
Is raspberry oil comedogenic?
Tash says
Hi Adele!
After some research I found that the linoleic and oleic percentages of raspberry seed oil are both smack dab in the middle. Similar oils are argan oil and rosehip seed oil which leads me to believe that the comedogenic rating of raspberry seed oil ranges from a 1-2. I personally really love using raspberry seed oil because it is a natural sun protectant and heals the skin beautifully. It may be worth trying out to see how your skin responds. Best of luck!
Julie says
I was wondering about camellia oil - Camellia oleifera and Camellia Sinesis - I am finding conflicting information in regards to whether it is Non-comedogenic or comedogenic... Thanks
Tash says
Hi Julie!
it seems like both of these ingredients appear quite often in popular acne cleansers. This makes me believe that their comedogenic rating is low but like you said, it is really hard to find information on the topic. However, Camellia oleifera has a very high oleic acid percentage (82%) which makes me think that dryer hardier skin types would benefit from this oil best.
donni says
I had comedonal acne and alot of clogged pores. Mine was caused because I had little bits of oil or waxes under my skin which created tiny bumps all over my face, especially in the T-zone. First, I unclogged my pores - and then used a face wash that was deep cleansing. To unclog my pores, I used the Citrus Clear Blackhead mask - i used this twice a week. And then I used the Citrus Clear Control face wash - its super strong - but its exactly what my comedonal acne needed. . . you have to get under those pores!
Alicia says
My son is 13 and is breaking out especially around his nose. I went to whole foods and brought a bunch of oils, neem seed oil, tea tree, and rose hip oil, Manuka honey kfactor16, apple cider organic vinegar. Before all this I also purchased XOut from proactive. Did not like that at all. I've been using an oil that was recommend from whole foods, it active ingredient is Calendule to me I feel it's been working. But he does have some scars on his forehead which his father got them also as an adolescent. He did not have too much acne on his forehead which make me think it's heritary. I need some thing for those scars and also the red marks that r left from the blemishes. So my question is what do you feel about calendule oil, and what can I do for his acne scars and red marks.
Tash says
Hi Alicia!
I LOVE everything calendula! It's such a healing plant to use for all types of skin conditions including acne. The calendula oil will definitely help with acne scars as long as he doesn't pick at his skin and is consistent with using it. Have you read my scar serum article? I also have two other scar related articles here and here that may be useful. Another thing to do for the acne in general is to make sure he eats clean and stays away from processed sugary foods and drinks. Since he is only 13, his acne is most likely a hormonal issue until his body figures things out 🙂 Until then, DON'T pick, use the calendula oil twice a day, and try to eat healthy! Best of luck!
Alicia says
Thank you for responding.
Klairen says
Which oil would you recommend for people over 50 with dry skin that also gets adult acne, maybe from hormones issues...I use Argan oil at this time & it feels very nice & smooth on my skin, absorbs well & gives a nice glow, but it does not remove the adult acne. The acne looks like little flat red bumps under the skin of the cheeks only. Which oil would you recommend to remove these red bumps under the skin...I have used Vitamin E oil, virgin olive oil, sea buckthorn oil in the past, which all caused clogged pores & bumps under the skin...Thank you very much 🙂
Tash says
Hi Klairen!
What is your day to day lifestyle like? Do you experience stress? Do you eat healthy etc?
Tracy says
You should have him tested for allergies, specifically wheat. Gluten really messes with our gall bladder and it tends to show on the face. A lot of acne is diet related even though no one likes to admit that because it requires change.
Vern says
Quick question - I have organic sunflower oil, however the expiration date on the oil (in a can) is 2012. I know the taste is probably not very good (it was for cooking), however is it OK to use on the face?
Thank you for your consideration.
Tash says
Hi Vern!
Over time the quality of the oil breaks down. It also oxidizes which is what makes an oil go rancid. I would guess that the oil significantly loses any anti-oxidant properties as well as any nourishing benefits for the skin once it is past the expiration date. I would say it's ok to use an oil that past the date by a few months but perhaps not by a few years 🙂
Shia says
Very helpful post! 🙂 I have a question about sunflower oil. Does it matter what type of sunflower oil? As in virgin, refined, or unrefined? Do they all rate a 0 in the comedogenic scale? Do you know?
Tash says
Hi Shia!
For skincare I usually reach for the most natural option (usually virgin and unrefined). You could use refined without any issues, it just may not be as nourishing for the skin. they should all rate the same on the comedogenic scale too 🙂
Shia says
I appreciate you getting back with me so quickly! Thank you so much! 🙂
Tash says
You're welcome Shia 😀
Jessica says
Hello!
I've been having an issue with Hemp Seed Oil, and I'm hoping you can help me shed some light on what to do next.
I used jojoba oil for cleansing and moisturizing for two months with fairly good results. My skin tone became light and healthy looking, but I still broke out a little bit. I bought some Nutiva hemp oil to try since it was a 0 on the comedegenic scale.
I've been using the hemp oil for about a week and my skin has gone crazy! Certainly the worst breakout I have had in a long time, with several under the skin pimples as well as several blackheads. My skin tone is also red and inflamed now.
Is this a normal adjustment to hemp oil, or should I move on to something else? If so, what should I try next? Thank you so much for your help!
Tash says
Hi Jessica!
This reaction to hemp seed oil doesn't sound normal at all. Typically everyone reacts to hemp seed oil very well. I think you may be allergic to it! I recommend that you stop using it immediately and switch back to jojoba oil.
Best of luck Jessica!
Rushda Irfan says
I think it was jojoba oil that caused under the skin bumps for you which hemp oil is bringing to the surface. Hemp oil naturally tightens your pores and will bring the whiteheads and blackheads to surface.
Jojoba oil though initially gives you flawless complexion surely breaks you out in the long run.
Try to stick to hemp oil, for it never breaks you out.
Meow says
Organic Hemp seed oil did the same thing to me - excaberated my blackheads and gave me under the skin sort of acne. And I didn't even leave it on my skin, only used it for OCM.
Ishani says
Thank you so much for such detailed ratings. I've very sensitive, oily, acne prone skin. I tried most of these oils to cure my acne scars and rosehip seed, almond oil, olive oil, evening primrose, jojoba all triggered bad flare ups. Surprisingly apricot,grapeseed,coconut and castor suited me just fine. I am allergic to most nuts, citrus fruits, tea tree, geranium, sandalwood,lavender eo too. What are the odds that argan,camellia and avocado oil would suit my frizzy hair. Since most conditioners include jojoba I get chin acne, and I'm trying my hand at diy serum.
Rita says
Hah, I've been doing it all wrong, I switch between several oils, but most of the time I use shea butter and argan oil on my hair, and coconut oil on my skin.
Up until a year ago I was on the pill and it made my skin SUPER dry, and all oils worked amazing on my face, now it gets clogged easily and I even get acne sometimes. Thanks for sharing this! I'm definitely switching the oils.
Tash says
You're welcome Rita!
Best of luck 🙂
Syarta says
Hello Tash!
I'm 22 yo and have recently completely switched over my skin care routine to OCM. I used to used coconut oil as a makeup remover and then cleansed with a chemical based cleanser and never found that coconut oil was too bad for my skin. I feel like I have dry skin the get oily at the t zone. Anyway, it's been a month since I started my new lifestyle of eating better, cutting dairy out completely, drinking green smoothies almost every day, and I also take Thorne liver supplements, Estroblock, and probiotics to kick my internal body into gear. I also use manuka honey every evening and sometimes in the morning. As of 3 weeks ago I began using Jojoba oil...and my skin has gone through what you refer to as "a purging stage". My forehead is covered in little bumps under the skin which I usually don't get very much forehead acne. My cheeks also feel very rough to the touch. Sometimes the whiteheads (i think that's what they are lol) come to a head. It's all very "surface acne" meaning it doesn't have a deep root. Just makes my skin look bumpy. I regret diving into this new lifestyle and routine so quickly because now idk what it is for sure that has caused these breakouts! However I've got my eye on the jojoba oil... I think that's what it is that did this to me!! Do u recommend I continue using it? Ice read so many people say this is a stage and to stick through with it but then there's others that say to stop using it if this happens.. I'm so confused!!! I just order your recommendation of hemp seed oil so idk if I should drop the jojoba altogether or if this is normal and my skin will get better.. HELP!!!
Tash says
Hi Syarta!
It sound to me like you are definitely going through a purging stage. Jojoba oil has that characteristic. Sometimes it takes upwards of 3 months for the purging stage to end. If that is too long, I would say try the hemp seed oil because it does not clog the pores at all. If that doesn't work (you may need to give your skin a bit of time) you could always go back to using the coconut oil and your cleanser if that is what worked for your skin.
The OCM is really about finding the right balance and the right oils for your skin so it does take some trial and error until you find the perfect match.
Best of luck on your journey! 🙂
Syarta says
Thank you Tash! I guess I just didn't know if I should continue to use the jojoba in hopes that this is just a stage and then things will get better. I've read some people say "oils can't cause purging stages because in order to purge you need to be using something that causes cell turnover". There's always another side to things, believers and non believers. However what I do know is I'm never going back to chemical products again. My skin has never been perfect but I hope with I can get lucky with not too much trial and error and find the right balance for me. Thanks again!
Tash says
You're welcome Syarta!
I've been using the estroblock too recently and I found that I get a purge if I don't use enough liver supporting supplements while on it.
Best of luck 🙂
Syarta says
Omg! I'm so glad you mentioned that because I recently realized I need to be taking more than one liver supplement so I upped my dosage! I'd love to talk to a naturopath and see how my hormone levels and food sensitivities are but they are so expensive! Thank you for your time in responding 🙂
Jasmine says
Thank you Tash for the excellent information! Could you let us know the ranking for the following oils as well please (or recommend a book with the information):
Frankincense
Lemon/Lime
Lavender
Jasmine
Germanium
Orange
Rosemary
Fennel
Bergamot
Sandalwood
German Chamomile
Thank you,
Laverne
Tash says
Hi Jasmine!
None of these oils will clog your pores because an essential oil is a plant essence. All you have to worry about is which carrier oil you mix them in. Carriers oils are the only oils that will have a comedogenic rating but I suppose essential oils technically have a rating of zero. HOWEVER, do NOT apply essential oils to the skin without diluting them first in a carrier oil.
If you want to know which essential oils are best for your skin type, check out this article I wrote on the subject: https://holistichealthherbalist.com/best-essential-oils-skin-type/
Hope this helps! 🙂
Jasmine says
Thank you very much Tash for the prompt reply and information!
I'll be sure to dilute the essential oil in a suitable carrier oil when using it topically....
Thanks again :).
Vonnie Deak says
I have seen posts where they say that Palm oil has a comedogenic rating of 4 on a scale of 0 to 5 where 0 is the lowest. I know that palm oil breaks my oily skin out so I try to avoid it. When I make soap, I try to use sunflower, apricot kernel, grapeseed, and almond so it won't clog my pores. I put some coconut oil in it but coconut oil doesn't bother me too bad. I guess to each his own but I thought I would share my knowledge about the palm oil being on the high end of the comedogenic side of the oils.
Nicole says
Do you know the comogenic rating of red palm oil? Is it good for oily acne prone skin?
Tash says
Hi Nicole!
Even after a lot of research, I still can't find a reliable source that states the comedogenic rating of red palm oil. 🙁 I would guess that it is close to coconut oil since it has a similar fat complex. It may in fact be more beneficial to take red palm oil internally rather than topically to get the great source of vitamin A and E which are known to help clear the skin.
If you try it out, please let me know how it works out for you!
Nicole says
Thank you Tash for replying about the info. Ive been using red palm oil for about two weeks and its hasn't broke me out, but coconut oil broke me out so badly and I have oily acne prone skin. I also find that it's a great self tanner! Which is is great because its al natural.
Tash says
That's awesome Nicole!
I'll have to do further research on red palm oil for acne 🙂
Jenna Ivey says
Hello! (yes, I know - look at me bugging you again) I just had a quick question about jojoba oil. I have been using it as a cleanser for 3 weeks and as a moisturizer for about 6. My acne on my forehead especially has recently gotten more severe and actually quite itchy. It feels a bit inflamed. I simply want to know if this is a normal reaction for skin that is trying to adjust to jojoba, or if I need to change oils to hemp? Should I wait it out for another 2 weeks?
Thank you again, Tash:)
~Jen
Tash says
Hi Jenna!
Sorry for the late reply!
SO, typically most people tolerate jojoba oil very well. However, some people get what's called a "purge". It's basically where the skin just starts to push out all the yucky stuff for a few weeks until it's finished. It almost always happens on the forehead! So yes, this is normal in your case. What you CAN do is gently exfoliate the area 1-2 times per week depending on how sensitive your skin is. This will help the cells to turn over faster and hopefully help get your skin to calm down a bit. Switching to hemp oil is of course a great option as hemp oil has basically zero chance of causing skin irritation (unless you're allergic to it of course).
Hope this helps!
Jenna says
Hey Tash! So it seems as though it is my turn to apologize for the late reply. Yesterday I went to my dermatologist and was given an entire new skincare routine which I have started today. Though I'd rather continue on the natural route by myself, I have always trusted this Dr and know that he can help me. Luckily for me, he is the type of dermatologist that does not want his patients on chemical acne treatments for long periods of time and is great at slowly cutting them off. He also does not want me using Benzoyl Peroxide as he thinks that was the main part of the reason I broke out so severely, because I had built up a resistance to BP in proactiv and after discontinuing use due to its innefectiveness, my skin went through a severe detox. Anyway, I plan on definitely getting back into the natural skincare routine after I get a handle on my skin. Thank you so much for all your input and advice. This year has been hard and you helped to make it easier! 🙂
On a side note, I would never-EVER- reccomend proactiv to anyone! It forces your skin to become dependent on it and gives the illusion of clear skin when in reality, it only prolongs the acne but does not heal the blemishes. Have you ever had a bad experience with a product like proactiv? Maybe you could write about it and trying to help users get off of the proactiv system. People need to know about its terrible long-term effects!
Once again, thank you and I hope you are well!
~ Jenna
Tash says
Hello again Jenna!
I wish you luck on your clear skin journey! I know what you mean about proactive. I used to used it years ago and it made my skin so scaly and dry and my acne never went away! I'll think on an article for it 😉
Best,
Tash
Krysta says
thanks so much for this post it was really helpful!
im currently battling with acne at 29, i havent had this since a teen. i'm taking zinc and vit E tablets and have my appoitnment with the dermatologist in a month 🙁 so while waiting i wanted to try some of these out.
One question, i found a site which listed Grape seed oil very high on the list (rating = 4), is it possible that there are different types? i've just bought some and now im worried!
here's the site : http://www.acne.org/messageboard/topic/319593-the-bad-list-comedogenic-ingredients-and-products/
Tash says
Hi Krysta!
In my experience (and I have very acne prone skin) grape seed oil has never been an issue. Its comedogenic factor is low and poses a small risk of breakouts for most people. The article you provided even states that it is unsure about the rating of grape seed oil so I wouldn't be too worried about it. Of course, everyone is different, but what I can tell you is most people are just fine using it 🙂
Essie Smith says
Thanks for this wonderful post! And I love that you've rated them according to their comedogenic levels. That's really very helpful since I make sure that I use only non comedogenic products as I have very sensitive skin. Thanks a lot!
Ava says
Hi Tash, I really want to try organ oil, and thinking of mixing it up with rosehip seed oil to add linoleum acid since my skin is oily, plus maybe tea tree oil. how much of each should I use in the mix?
Tash says
Hi Ava!
I really loooove argan oil! I like to mix it with equal parts rosehip seed oil on occasion for a nice mix. I have never tried adding linoleic acid to a recipe, so I can't really say how much you should use. I would err on the side of caution when using any type of acid especially if your skin is sensitive. However, hemp seed oil is naturally very high in linoleic acid, so maybe you should try adding that oil to the mix. Hemp seed oil is AMAZING!
I also love adding tea tree oil to my homemade face care. The strength really depends on how much oil you will be mixing it into. I usually start with a few drops and then add a few at a time until I reach the desired strength.
I hope this helps! <3 Tash
Sara N says
I just want to clear out something that I think is a misconception about the whole "wont clog pores at all". Any oil can clog your pores, even those with the lowest comedogenic rate. So if you are using the oils with the lowest rate and still get break-outs, Ill recommend you to go oil-free instead and go for an water-based hydrating gel with natural greens like aloe vera and such. Try out honey for example!(as a mask) Also lemon is your friend. I also would recommend not drying out your skin by washing your face to often or with too hot water. It's extremely drying and damaging for your skin. You want to keep your natural oil and skin-barrier! The thing about acne-prone skin is that you need to master the virtue of patience. Don't lose hope! I always wash my face with cold water /dab my face with a wet cloth. And using oil-control moisturizers is such a hoax. It contains ingredients which are extremely drying for your skin. I can only tell you my experience which may not apply to all, because everyone is different, but I found out that the less I washed my skin, was obsessed about my skin (skin routines, washing, moisturizing, make-up) the more my skin cleared up and found its own balance. You just gotta be patient.
Drink loads of tea (nettle, peppermint), lemon-water(hot water with lemon), green tea, water and get your healthy fats (eating oats with almond milk and sprinkle with flax seed(contains omega 3-6 healthy fats), pumpkin seeds(contains zink which is good for treating acne scars , or any scars), Also Avocado is great for balancing your hormones and also contains healthy fats. Id also like to tell you to avoid dairy products. Dairy contains a lot of hormones (insulin-growth factor 1) which are bad for you (Google it),it also contains a lot of fat (not the good ones). Also meat is bad for you, especially red meat. I recommend chickpeas, soy, tofu, tempeh, beans, lentils) So if you just stop eating meat and dairy ( at least a little bit) you can also save the animals and the environment. 🙂 (in doubt watch the documentary "Cowspiracy", it's an eye-opener.) Smoothies are great and super easy to make!
Btw - sugar is your enemy. It triggers your testosterone levels, which puts your hormones out of balance= acne. Sugar is also very dehydrating for your skin.
Turmeric is your new best friend. Get to know your spices. Turmeric is one of the most anti-inflammatory, antioxidant spice there is. They've even claimed that it can prevent/treat cancer! I put turmeric in my food and cooking as much as possible. Also in my smoothies. Go ahead and try!
For example if I feel that I've been a huge sweet-tooth(which I am) , I compensate by drinking loads of tea and water mixed with cinnamon(it balances the blood-sugar level) and turmeric. (it may not taste good, but it does the job)
Id also like to add that I've almost quit using makeup!(except a little concealer for my blemishes) It is such a liberation and empowering to not have to put on a mask every morning in shame of your skin! In my experience I found out that the less makeup I put on(layers on layers) the more my skin cleared up. You gotta let your skin breath! Go into the forest and nature without any makeup or moisturizer and let your skin breath! Its very good for your skin.
Hope any of my tips will be helpful for anyone out there.
Peace and Love
Sara
Lena Webster says
Hi Sara,
21 yo female here, still struggling with occasional pimples. I've tried oil cleansing (jojoba + tamanu + tea tree) for a month now and my skin is even worse (under-the-skin pimples abound). Your post caught my eye. I was wondering if you had any good sources for someone like me with oily-combination skin. I would ideally like to phase my skin out of daily washing/cleansing. I have found that when I go on long trips where I can't wash my face, my skin seems to kinda take care of itself, though it does look a bit greasy. This is the only thing I really liked about the oil cleansing: despite the new pimples, my skin looked and felt less greasy and more even-toned. I'm trying to be patient but also getting really tired of this mess!
Thanks for any advice!
Tash says
Hi Sara!
Have you ever tried hemp seed oil? It has a zero chance of clogging pores 🙂 Also, I would recommend mixing the oil with some sugar to form a simple scrub that you can use 1-2 times per week to help unclog those pores!
I totally understand your feelings on the long trips and your skin just :taking care of itself". Sometimes we just need to back away and let our skin do its thing. I wonder how you would fare with the caveman regimen. Have you heard of it before?
Cherie says
Hi Tash!
May I ask if I am intending to use grape seed oil as a moisturizer, is refined grapeseed oil (food grade for cooking) that is sold at supermarkets suitable?
Tash says
Hi Cherie!
If you are buying the grape seed oil from a reputable grocer (like Whole Foods Market) I would definitely use it! Otherwise it might contain fillers or other icky ingredients that your skin doesn't need.
tsiporahblog says
This is so interesting, I have moderately acne-prone skin and I use coconut oil on a daily basis! I want to switch to OCM + rose water + oil moisturizers, but I'm nervous with the holidays coming up (I don't want to be breaking out). What's the best way to ease into it to see how my skin will react? I was thinking of doing it maybe like 2-3 times per week.
Tash says
Hi there!
The way I did started out was this:
Rose water as a toner every time I "washed" my face with oil or soap.
I also only used the oils before bedtime (only a small amount at first). Now I use oils morning and night as a wash AND a moisturizer.
I used the oils a 2-3 days a week at first for a few weeks.
A good oil to try that is vastly tolerated my most people is jojoba oil, so if you do try easing into the OCM, try that oil first =) Also, starting just a few days a week should be just fine, just make sure the cloth you use is clean and the oils are the right ones for your skin type =)
Lyn says
OCM?
Sophia says
Hi Tash! I've been looking for the comedogenic ratings of a few oils, but can't really find much info about them.
Camellia Seed Oil
Raspberry Seed Oil
Cucumber Seed Oil
Cherry Kernel Oil
and
Meadowfoam Oil
I would really apreciate if you could help me figure them out. Thanks!
Tash says
Hi Sophia!
It looks like both Cucumber seed oil and Camellia seed oil would have low comedogenic ratings because they are really light and absorb easily into the skin. I have heard from others that using raspberry seed oil or cherry kernel has worked really well for acne prone skin. Raspberry seed oil also doubles as a fantastic natural sunscreen! All in all, I would say that by hearing about the texture of these oils that they would be low on the comedogenic scale but I can't seem to find any hard evidence as to what their actual comedogenic rating is. Meadowfoam seems to be used quite a lot in acne cleansers, so that must mean something! =)
Let me know how it goes when you try them out!
<3 Tash
Sophia says
Great! Thank you SO SO much! I'll let you know how they work out!
Dana says
Great article! Thanks a lot.
I use argan oil at the moment and that's the best thing for my face ever.
Lauren says
Really helpful article. Where does palm fruit oil and palm kernel oil rate on this scale. My soaps contain sustainable palm oil, would like to make a soap sensitive to acne prone skin. Thank You.
Tash says
Hey there Lauren!
sorry for the wait, but whew! there is a lot of information to sift through when looking for the comedogenic ratings of these oils. From what I could gather from various sources on the interwebs, it seems like palm kernel oil has a very similar comedogenic rating to coconut oil which is about a 4. That's not to say that this won't work for most people since you're making a soap with it.
As for the palm fruit oil, I could not find a rating for it. However, since it's oleic acid content is about 40%, it might be okay to use for people that have dry acne prone skin.
I hope this helps a little bit!
Thanks for stopping by =)
Lauren says
Really appreciate the info and Your efforts to find it. Very helpful, Thank You. Making a soap and whipped shea butter with the oils You rated better to use on acne-prone skin. Hope it works well. Thanks.
Tash says
You're welcome! =)
Rita says
So much of this is confusing. I've seen Sunflower listed as a 2 on another chart.
Tash says
Hi Rita,
Depending on the quality and purity of the sunflower oil, it is rated a 0-2.
=)
Annette Fillion says
I've been trying to find a comedogenic # for tallow. I have heard that it is similar to our human sebum and that it is very nourishing to the skin due to it's properties. Some say it does clog pores while some insist it does not. Any clarification would be appreciated.
Tash says
Hi Annette,
From my research, it sounds like tallow has a very similar comedogenic rating to jojoba oil (a rating of 2). I have not experienced breaking out with jojoba oil personally on my body or face, though I do find that it can dry my skin out after long use. Tallow is incredibly moisturizing and has worked very nicely as a body moisturizer, though I admit, I have never used it on my face (I've been testing other oils recently).
Tallow is indeed very similar to our natural sebum. I would think that its comedogenic rating would be a 1 or 2 on the scale.
If you happen to try it on your face, please let me know how it works out for you! I'll ask around for more info and let you know if I come across anything more =)
Good luck!!
Annette Fillion says
Sorry for the really late reply. I've been so busy with my holiday orders I don't know which end is up. Thanks for researching this. I will give it a try after the holidays. I think winter is a great time to give it a go.