Oils for skin care are absolutely trendy right now! They care for your skin intensively and above all naturally. But be careful: Not all oils are the same. For certain skin types, you should definitely use non-comedogenic oils.
Do you also use an oil in your care from time to time? Then you're right on trend!
I have also tried myself on it. However, after a few days I had to welcome many blemishes and blackheads on my face.
This was because I had applied a comedogenic oil. When it comes to skin care, it is often better to use non-comedogenic oils. I know that now.
Maybe you're just seeing question marks in front of your eyes right now. Non-comedogenic oils, that can be and mean a lot.
No problem, in this post I'll explain to you exactly which properties make up non-comedogenic oils and for which skin you'd better reach for these care oils.
Table of contents
What does comedogen mean?
So, now I've thrown the word "comedogenic" around more than once. But what exactly does that mean?
Komodo is the technical word for blackheads. We all know blackheads. These are those impurities that are caused by clogged pores. The cause is an excessive production of sebum. If such an annoying blackhead then once inflamed, an even more annoying pimple arises.
So, it means that the overproduction of sebum is the trigger for the development of blackheads and even pimples.
How do comedogenic substances work?
Comedogenic substances have the property of causing clogged pores and skin impurities. So these cosmetics and skin care products can cause blackheads.
Typical representatives of comedogenic care are sunscreen, rich creams or make-up foundation.
What's the reason? These products often contain a lot of mineral oil or other oils that cannot be absorbed directly into the skin.
They cover the skin like a layer and are not absorbed. Thus, the natural metabolism of your skin is interrupted.
Old, dead skin cells can not be removed and poof, the sebum no longer flows smoothly. I advise you against care or cosmetics with a lot of mineral oil.
Also cosmetics with Coconut oil* are highly comedogenic. Particularly favored on the face and back Coconut oil* the formation of blackheads and spots.
Whether an oil has a comedogenic effect on you depends on your skin type. Every skin is different and so is the composition of the sebum.
Your own sebum usually has a comedogenic effect on your skin. This means that the more a substance resembles your sebum, the more likely it is to have a comedogenic effect on your skin type.
Make cleansing oil for the face very easily yourself!
What are non-comedogenic oils?
Conversely, products that do not clog pores are described as "non-comedogenic."
Non-comedogenic oils are particularly suitable for impure and oily skin.
Incidentally, the degree of comedogenicity is measured from zero to five. The lower the value, the less the substance has a pore-clogging effect.
Noncomedogenic oils have a value between zero and one. From a comedogenicity value of two, substances are considered comedogenic, i.e. they clog the pores.
For example, the following oils are non-comedogenic and are good to use for skin care: Argan oil*prickly pear oil, hemp oil, Jojoba oil* and Shea butter*.
My experience: With a Gua Sha stone or a beauty roller, by the way, care oils can be massaged in very well.
What is the property of non-comedogenic oils?
Non-comedogenic oils are suitable for all skin types. As already mentioned but especially good for skin with acne or sensitive, oily or blemished skin.
Of course, you always have to consider your skin texture and watch out for changes in your skin.
Non-comedogenic oils are very high quality and valuable for your skin.
The oils do NOT have a pore-clogging effect. But they can do even more. Often they have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
This prevents or reduces inflammation and redness of the skin.
You should give your skin a little time to get used to the non-comedogenic skincare oils when you change your routine.
The oil should in any case come from controlled organic cultivation, be certified organic and cold pressed. In addition, the oil must be well filtered and thus no longer contain suspended particles.
When it comes to facial care with oils, you should definitely go for good quality and purity.
How can I recognize good skin care products?
The term "non-comedogenic" is not protected. This means that any manufacturer can first claim that the product is non-comedogenic.
Quite often this is true for individual substances of a product, but not for the entire mixture.
So you have to keep a watchful eye when shopping. The list of ingredients tells you quite clearly whether a care product really contains non-comedogenic oils.
By the way: Not all comedogenic oils should be avoided. They may be more suitable for other parts of the body (with fewer pores). This applies for example to Coconut oil*. It can be used really well on dry areas such as the shin or elbow.
This face oil suits your skin type!
The big overview: comedogenic and non-comedogenic oils
Here you can easily find tables of comedogenic and non-comedogenic oils.
As a reminder, a grade of zero to one is considered a non-comedogenic oil and anything above that is comedogenic.
Comedogenic oils
We've compiled a list of comedogenicity levels for different oils here to help you make the right choice for your skin care.
It is important to note that from the third degree an oil is considered comedogenic, but the transitions are not always very clear. Therefore, we have also placed oils with the degree 2-3 in this category.
Coconut oil* has a value of 3-4 and should therefore not be used for facial care without hesitation. Wheat germ oil has the highest value.
However, both oils are definitely a good choice for skin care, especially for dry skin.
| Oil | Comedogenicity level | Skin type |
|---|---|---|
| Apricot kernel oil* | 2-3 | normal, dry and sensitive skin |
| Avocado oil* | 2 | sensitive, dry and mature skin |
| Peanut oil | 2 | Massages, attention for allergies |
| Cocoa butter* | 4 | dry and chapped skin |
| Coconut oil* | 3-4 | dry and chapped skin |
| Macadamia nut oil | 2 | dry, chapped and sensitive skin |
| Corn oil | 3 | Dry skin |
| Almond oil* | 2-3 | normal, dry and sensitive skin |
| Marula oil | 3-4 | Dry skin |
| Evening primrose oil | 2-3 | dry and mature skin |
| Olive oil | 2-3 | Very dry skin |
| Peach kernel oil | 2-3 | normal, dry and sensitive skin |
| Sesame oil | 2-3 | Massages, dry skin |
| Soybean oil | 3 | normal and dry skin |
| Sunflower oil | 0-2 | Combination skin, impure skin |
| Wheat germ oil | 5 | Scalp, mature skin |
Non comedogenic oils
Here are some oils with a comedogenicity level of 2 or below. This means that they are non-comedogenic and well suited for skin care for all skin types.
Argan oil* and hemp oil are classics when it comes to blemished skin. These oils can be found as ingredients in many common natural cosmetic products.
Unfortunately, there is currently no seal that specifically indicates non-comedogenic natural cosmetics.
| Oil | Comedogenicity level | Skin type |
|---|---|---|
| Argan oil* | 0 | All skin types |
| Babassu oil | 1 | all skin types, oily skin |
| Cacay oil | 0 | sensitive and dry skin |
| Castor oil (castor oil) | 1 | All skin types |
| Pomegranate seed oil | 1 | dry and mature skin |
| Rosehip oil (wild rose oil) | 1 | All skin types |
| Hemp oil | 0 | impure and oily skin |
| Jojoba oil* | 1 | All skin types |
| Prickly pear seed oil | 0 | all skin types, anti-aging effect |
| Calendula oil | 1 | normal, dry and sensitive skin |
| Sea buckthorn oil | 1 | dry and mature skin |
| Shea butter* | 0 | dry, sphere and irritated skin |
| Sunflower oil | 0-2 | oily skin, combination skin |
| Squalane | 1 | All skin types |
| Grape seed oil* | 1 | impure skin, combination skin |
Tips for the use of non-comedogenic oils in skin care
When it comes to using non-comedogenic oils in your skincare routine, I have a few tips for you. So, let's get right to it!
- Test and observe: Every skin type reacts differently to oils, so it's important to test how your skin reacts to a particular oil. Apply a small amount to an inconspicuous area and observe how your skin reacts. If everything looks good, you can apply it to your face.
- Dose wisely: A little goes a long way. You don't have to use a huge amount of oil right away. Start with a few drops and see how your skin absorbs it. You can adjust the amount as needed. Less is more sometimes, my dear!
- Mix it to your liking: You can also mix different oils to maximize the benefits. You can add a few drops of Argan oil* with Jojoba oil* mix or Grape seed oil* with Almond oil* combine. Be creative and find the mixture that works best for your skin.
- Do not use it only on the face: Non-comedogenic oils can also be great for other areas of the body. You can use them for dry elbows, rough hands or dry feet. So let your skin glow from head to toe!
- It is best to apply it after cleaning: For best results, apply the oil to clean, damp skin. This way it is better absorbed and your skin can absorb the moisture well.
- Be patient: Sometimes it takes a little time for you to see the full effects of non-comedogenic oils. So be patient and give them a chance to work their magic. It may take a few weeks before you notice the difference.
Our conclusion
Not all oils are created equal. Nourishing oils are a great addition to your cosmetics collection. They should not be missing from your facial care.
They support and protect your skin in a completely natural and gentle way.
You just need to find the right non-comedogenic oil for your skin type. That should no longer be a problem with our handy table!
Have fun!
To browse further:
* Advertising & affiliate links: Our website is financed by advertising and affiliate links. As a partner of linked stores (e.g. Amazon) we earn from qualified sales.
Read more
