Why Natural Oils Belong in Your Skincare Routine
Plant-based facial oils have been used for centuries across cultures — from argan oil in Morocco to rosehip oil in South America to sesame oil in Ayurvedic tradition. Unlike many conventional moisturisers, pure botanical oils contain no synthetic preservatives, fragrances, or fillers. They work by nourishing the skin with fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants that closely mimic the skin's own natural lipids.
The key to success with natural oils is choosing the right one for your skin type. The wrong oil can clog pores or feel too heavy; the right one can transform your skin's texture and resilience.
Understanding Comedogenic Ratings
Every oil has a comedogenic rating — a scale from 0 to 5 that indicates how likely it is to clog pores. A rating of 0–1 is considered non-comedogenic (safe for most skin types), while 4–5 means it's likely to block pores. This is especially important for oily or acne-prone skin.
Best Oils by Skin Type
Dry or Mature Skin
Dry skin needs rich, nourishing oils that create a protective barrier and lock in moisture.
- Rosehip seed oil: High in linoleic acid and vitamin A (retinol precursor). Supports cell regeneration and is excellent for reducing the appearance of scars and fine lines. Comedogenic rating: 1.
- Argan oil: Rich in vitamin E and oleic acid. Deeply moisturising without being greasy. Comedogenic rating: 0.
- Marula oil: Absorbs quickly and is exceptionally high in oleic acid. Great for very dry or flaky skin. Comedogenic rating: 3–4 (use sparingly if prone to breakouts).
Oily or Acne-Prone Skin
Counterintuitively, the right oil can actually help regulate sebum production. Light, fast-absorbing oils with a low comedogenic rating are ideal.
- Hemp seed oil: Balances oil production without clogging pores. Rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Comedogenic rating: 0.
- Squalane (derived from olives): Ultra-lightweight and non-comedogenic. Helps regulate sebum and is ideal for acne-prone skin. Comedogenic rating: 0.
- Jojoba oil: Technically a liquid wax that closely mimics skin sebum. Helps "trick" the skin into producing less oil. Comedogenic rating: 2.
Sensitive or Reactive Skin
Look for oils that are anti-inflammatory, gentle, and free from strong natural fragrances.
- Sea buckthorn oil (diluted): Intensely healing and anti-inflammatory. Very concentrated — mix a few drops with a carrier oil. Comedogenic rating: 1.
- Calendula-infused oil: Calendula flowers infused into a base oil (such as sunflower or jojoba) create a beautifully soothing preparation for sensitive, eczema-prone skin.
- Chamomile in jojoba: A chamomile essential oil diluted in jojoba provides a calming, anti-redness effect for easily irritated skin.
Combination Skin
- Rosehip seed oil: Its balanced fatty acid profile works well across zones.
- Jojoba oil: Its sebum-mimicking properties make it adaptable to different areas of the face.
How to Apply Natural Facial Oils
- Apply to slightly damp skin — this helps lock in existing moisture.
- Use 3–5 drops maximum. Warm between palms and press gently into the skin.
- Apply at night for deeper penetration, or in the morning under a light SPF.
- Patch test any new oil on the inner arm before applying to your face.
Storage Tips
Natural oils are prone to oxidation. Store them in dark glass bottles away from heat and light. Most have a shelf life of 6–18 months once opened. If an oil smells rancid (sour or paint-like), discard it — oxidised oils can cause more harm than good on the skin.