Oils are an amazing and necessary part of your skincare routine. There are many types of oils used in natural skincare with the main two groups being carrier oils and essential oils. Carrier oils are oils and fats extracted from plants or animals that can be applied directly to the skin undiluted. Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts used for aromatherapy or other topical benefits. Essential oils must be diluted in a carrier oil before applying to the skin. Just like you have to be selective in which essential oils are right for you, using the right carrier oil is equally as important.
So, how are you supposed to find the best carrier oils for your skin? By using the comedogenic scale of course! This scale is how many brands like M&F and DIYers craft targeted and effective skincare products for dry or oily skin types. The comedogenic scale is a rating scale that rates carrier oils based on how likely they are to clog your pores. The scale ranges from zero to five. Oils that rate 0 to 1, called non-comedogenic oils, are least likely to clog pores and are the best option for oily or acne-prone skin. Oils that rate 2 or more, called comedogenic oils, have a moderate to high risk of clogging pores but are most effective for very dry skin types. These oils tend to sit on the skin longer and are likely to be much slower at absorbing into the skin. Below is a list of a 20 common oils and butters used in skincare and how they rank. Where does your favorite oil stand on the scale?
10 Non-Comedogenic Oils (0-1 rating)
- Argan oil
- black seed oil
- castor oil
- grapeseed oil
- rosehip oil
- safflower oil
- Shea butter
- babassu oil
- evening primrose oil
- sunflower oil
10 Comedogenic Oils (2-5 rating)
- olive oil
- cocoa butter
- apricot kernel oil
- avocado oil
- sweet almond oil
- soybean oil
- jojoba oil
- coconut oil
- mango butter
- palm oil