If you have oily or acne-prone skin, the thought of using a facial oil in your skincare routine probably sounds terrifying. For so long, acne sufferers have been told to avoid any products that contain oils because they clog your pores and worsen your breakouts. This fear is definitely warranted with some oils (i.e., mineral and synthetic oils), but it’s important to know that not all oils are the same!

Some oils can even be beneficial for acne and acne scars. Since breakouts tend to weaken the skin barrier and inflame and irritate your skin, it’s essential to look for products that restore the skin barrier and lock in hydration. Applying a clean oil on top of your moisturizer is a great way to lock in moisture and strengthen the skin barrier. Some oils also have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which is a double plus when dealing with acne. Check out some of our favorite facial oils for oily and acne-prone skin below.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which is great for acne since bacterial overgrowth and inflammation are two main causes of acne! This oil is best used in conjunction with FDA-approved acne treatments, though. The high concentration of tea tree oil that is needed to see results can be very irritating to the skin. It’s best to add a few drops to your moisturizer and apply this mix on top of your acne treatment to give it a boost.

Vitruvi Organic Tea Tree Essential Oil - $15

The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil - $7

Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil is rich in fatty acids that mimic the texture of sebum produced on your skin. Our skin produces sebum to hydrate and protects itself. However, when the skin produces too much sebum, it becomes oily and mixes with dead skin cells to clog pores. Due to the oil’s similarity to sebum, some studies suggest that using jojoba oil can signal your body to produce less sebum.

Youth to the People Superberry Hydrate + Glow Oil - $44

This oil combines jojoba oil with squalane oil and plant-based antioxidants to hydrate and illuminate the skin.

Ulta jojoba carrier oil - $12

This budget-friendly, pure jojoba oil will keep your skin moisturized without breaking the bank.

Squalane

Squalane is a more stable version of squalene, which is a natural component of sebum produced by our skin. Like jojoba oil, squalane can help your skin regulate its oil production without clogging pores, and it hydrates and supports the skin barrier while doing it! When looking for a product that contains squalane, make sure to note the source of the product. Shark livers have high concentrations of squalene, which made them the primary source of these oils. Thankfully, most manufacturers have shifted their sources to renewable, plant-based sources like olive oil and sugar cane. 

Biossance squalane + vitamin C rose oil - $72

This product combined squalane with vitamin C and rose oil to hydrate and replenish your skin while also targeting dark spots. The addition of rose oil helps to calm inflammation, which is a bonus if you are experiencing breakouts.

Indie Lee Squalane Facial oil - $34

This olive sourced squalane will keep your skin soft and hydrated without feeling greasy or clogging pores.