Moisturizing face oils are a lightweight way to moisturize your skin. However, if you have oily or acne-prone skin, there are some oils that can clog your pores. Licensed esthetician and beauty formulator Tami Blake told 21Ninety that coconut oil, almond oil and olive oil are a few oils that can lead to clogged pores when used as a moisturizer.
To make sure your pores never get clogged, Blake emphasized that cleansing your face before bed is key to keeping clogged skin at bay.
Which Moisturizing Face Oils Don’t Clog Pores?
There are three categories of moisturizing face oils that won’t clog your pores, according to Blake. Lightweight oils, oils that are high in linoleic acid content, and oils that are rich in antioxidants are a part of the licensed esthetician’s approved list. Lightweight oils easily absorb into the skin with no heavy residue. Oils rich in antioxidants help keep your skin barrier balanced, so that you don’t end up with clogged pores. Oils high in linoleic acid content “are beneficial for acne-prone skin, as they help regulate sebum production and prevent pore blockages.”
- Best Argan Oil: Josie Maran The Original 100% Pure Organic Moisturizing Argan Oil
- Best Grapeseed Oil: NOW Foods Solutions Grapeseed Oil
- Best Jojoba Oil: PROVENCE Beauty Alpha-Bet Elixir Super Power Facial Oil
- Best Rosehip Seed Oil: The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil
- Best Sunflower Seed Oil: Paula’s Choice Moisture Renewal Oil Booster
- Best Squalane Oil: The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane
Best Argan Oil
Josie Maran The Original 100% Pure Organic Moisturizing Argan Oil
Josie Maran’s The Original 100% Pure Organic Moisturizing Argan Oil is a one-ingredient product. It moisturizes, smooths and nourishes skin.
“[Argan] oil is rich in vitamin E and antioxidants,” Blake said. “It won’t clog your pores and is compatible with all skin types.”
Best Grapeseed Oil
NOW Foods Solutions Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed oil is a lightweight oil that easily absorbs into the skin. “It’s rich in linoleic acid, which can help balance oil production in the skin, making it less likely to clog pores,” she said.
The NOW Foods Solutions Grapeseed Oil only contains the moisturizing ingredient. Your skin will drink up the lightweight oil.
Best Jojoba Oil
PROVENCE Beauty Alpha-Bet Elixir Super Power Facial Oil
PROVENCE Beauty’s Alpha-Bet Elixir Super Power Facial Oil is rich in jojoba oil. The vegan moisturizer includes safflower, blue tansy and apricot kernel oils to support your skin barrier in staying naturally plump. “Jojoba oil closely resembles the skin’s natural sebum, making it less likely to clog pores,” Blake explained.
Best Rosehip Seed Oil
The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil
Rosehip seed oil is another lightweight option that “has anti-inflammatory properties and high levels of vitamins A and C and linoleum.” The Ordinary’s 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil is an alcohol-free one ingredient product. Its natural vitamin C content also helps to reduce the appearance of dark spots.
Best Sunflower Seed Oil
Paula’s Choice Moisture Renewal Oil Booster
Paula’s Choice Moisture Renewal Oil Booster is rich in sunflower seed oil. It includes jojoba and argan oil. You can add it to your favorite serum for a moisturizing boost that won’t clog your pores.
“High in linoleic acid and vitamin E, sunflower seed oil is lightweight and often non-comedogenic,” according to the licensed esthetician.
Best Squalane Oil
The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane
Squalane oil is lightweight, non-greasy and mimics the skin’s natural oils. The Ordinary’s 100% Plant-Derived Squalane is a vegan alcohol-free one-ingredient product. It supports your skin barrier’s ability to retain moisture.
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