Oil-Free? Think Again. Which Oils Are Good For Your Skin And Why

Oils are making a comeback in the beauty world and the oil-free myth is being debunked – finally.

For a long time, oil was considered the enemy in skincare. This messaging saturated products labels, magazine ads and the minds of anyone wanting a clear complexion.

Oil-free meant breakout-free.

Or so we thought.

The truth is, our skin needs oil – and it naturally produces sebum (aka oil!) which acts as a natural moisturizer and protective barrier to keep harmful substances out and hydration in. Our skin is lipophilic, meaning it allows oils to be absorbed more easily. Oil is actually a positive thing, we promise! Proper oil production is essential to healthy, strong, elastic and acne-free skin.

And don’t worry (we know our oil-rich, acne-prone friends are already freaking out internally!), these oils are nourishing, non-greasy, and leave your skin feeling soft + balanced. Think glowing, not greasy.

No matter your skin state – whether you’ve already got a good amount of oil production going on, prone to breakouts, premature aging, sensitive/reactive skin or simply want to maintain the healthy glow you’ve got – facial oils offer a natural way to deeply support a variety of skin needs. Plus, by incorporating whole, unrefined plant oils, your skin is fed with the full range of benefits found in that ingredient. Instead of isolating a specific vitamin or nutrient, the entire plant profile (including vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, antioxidants, etc) creates a more potent + transformative skincare product.

Sold on oils yet? Good!

Here some of our favorite, skin-friendly oils that act as superfoods for the skin and provide a powerful source of nutrients to truly transform the skin, naturally.

While the medicinal benefits of turmeric have been touted for centuries all across the world, and turmeric tonics + lattes have started trending at local cafes (golden milk anyone?), incorporating turmeric topically is slowly starting to saturate skincare labels. Studies have shown that curcumin – the main chemical compound in turmeric – decreases UV damage, helps to repair hyperpigmentation, minimizes discoloration and visibly brightens the complexion. It’s also rich in antibacterial + anti-inflammatory benefits making it an effective natural acne treatment. Turmeric powerfully calms redness, inflammation and helps to heal countless skin conditions – plus it’s proven to improve mood and increase a positive mindset. Who knew you could calm skin conditions and an anxious mind with this ancient oil!

Sourced from South Africa, Marula oil has been a coveted beauty secret for centuries. Its potent healing + hydrating powers are quickly and easily absorbed by the skin (good news for our oil-rich friends!) to reduce inflammation and restore balance. Highly anti-inflammatory and rich in vitamins C and E, Marula helps to repair free radical damage and minimize discoloration and dark spots. Much-needed minerals + nutrients nourish and protect the delicate skin barrier and improve skin texture + tone, leaving skin radiant, vibrant and balanced – even the most oil-rich, acne-prone complexions.

This reparative oil is derived from the desert-dwelling Prickly Pear Cactus and is packed with skin-healing antioxidants and brightening benefits (even dark under-eye circles – what a dream!). Its nutrient-rich profile encourages circulation, boosts blood flow + feeds skin tissue to support collagen production. Plus, it helps to diminish signs of aging, skin damage and dryness, as well as inflammation and redness. Prickly Pear Seed Oil is potent in fatty acids and acne-fighting minerals such as zinc, which are essential for balancing oil production and promoting a healthy skin barrier. Rich in Vitamin E (the highest of any plant source!) and Vitamin K, it restores elasticity, stimulates cell turnover and lightens sun-induced pigmentation to reveal a clear, clarified and glowing complexion.

While Green Coffee Oil doesn’t have the same potent aroma we crave from our morning cup of coffee, it still has a similar effect on the skin – providing a much-needed pick-me-up for tired, dull complexions. Because green coffee beans are raw and haven’t been roasted or processed with heat, it contains even higher concentrations of essential fatty acids, vitamins, and nutrients (and of course, caffeine!) – making it one of the most powerful oils to promote a more youthful complexion. It’s packed with antioxidants to awaken skin, stimulate collagen + elastin production, repair sun damage + signs of aging and reduce puffiness for a more firm appearance. Say Good Morning to glowing skin with Green Coffee Oil. 🙂

This skin superfood is so nutritious (and delicious!) sprinkled on a salad or blended in a smoothie, and its same nutrient-dense profile powerfully improves the appearance of skin. Pomegranate seed oil is potent in antioxidant properties and polyphenols which powerfully fight free radicals that damage and age the skin. This oil is rich in fatty acids + anti-inflammatory benefits and aids in repairing + regenerating the skin at a cellular level. It also helps to minimize the appearance of hyperpigmentation, discoloration, scarring and other signs of aging all while keeping skin plump, hydrated and healthy. Want youthful, balanced skin? Get this fruit (and this oil!) on your face.

Pumpkin Seed Oil is a powerful, plant-based oil that makes a world of difference for sensitive, irritated skin. It contains nourishing nutrients including fatty acids, minerals, vitamins and antioxidants to restore a damaged, stressed complexion back to a balanced state. With an extremely high Vitamin E and Vitamin K content, Pumpkin Seed Oil helps to soothe inflammatory skin conditions (such as eczema and psoriasis) while Vitamin C and zinc provide relief + repair for problematic skin types. Plus, it protects from environmental stressors and expedites the healing process. These little seeds have got it going on! For even more beauty benefits, enjoy a handful of pumpkin seeds as an afternoon snack to support healthy skin from within.

Everyday stressors (externally and internally) can seriously take a toll on skin – and squalane is one of the best oils to bring your complexion back into balance. One of the biggest reasons this plant-powered oil repairs skin so effectively is because it mimics the makeup of our skin’s natural sebum! Sourced from olives, squalane is easily recognized by the skin, absorbs deeply and supports even the most sensitive skin. Providing a light layer of much-needed protection for the delicate acid mantle, squalane improves moisture balance, minimizes inflammation and soothes sensitive skin conditions (such as eczema, psoriasis and acne). This natural oil not only helps to heal dry, cracked skin and support healthy hydration, but it boosts elasticity and improves the appearance of fine lines. So if you have sensitive skin, you can still promote a more youthful appearance – squalane does it all.

Wondering where to find these superfoods for your skin? Turmeric Oil, Marula Oil and Prickly Pear Seed oil are key ingredients in our Clarifying Serum. You get Green Coffee Oil, Pomegranate Seed Oil and Prickly Pear Seed Oil (it’s so transformative we knew we needed it in 2 serums!) in our Plumping Serum. And Pumpkin Seed Oil, Pomegranate Seed Oil and Squalane Oil are found in our Soothing Serum.

While we believe these oils are some of the *best* for supporting healthy skin, we suggest letting your skin guide you in choosing the right oils and creating glowing skin! You can alternate + even layer these oils in your skincare routine based on your specific skin needs to support a calm, balanced, youthful complexion daily. Which oils have become your favorite for your skincare routine? Tell us below!