Best Face Oils for Oily or Dry Skin

Choosing the right types of face oils for your skin can be overwhelming. To make things easier for you, I have broken down the different types of oils to suit oily/acne prone and dry skin. Of course normal skin types can experiment with just about every type of oil.

All of the oils chosen for my formulas are packed with nutrients including omega fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins and aid in replacing moisture loss and/or help to balance the complexion.

All carrier oils, whether they be more suited for oily skin or dry skin have wonderful skin care benefits. Don’t be afraid to experiment to find what works best for you.

Oily/Acne Prone skin types

If the thought of putting more oil on top of oily skin concerns you, don’t worry, there is some science behind the madness. First let me explain...

Carrier oils contain several acids including oleic (omega-9 fatty acid) and linoleic acid (omega-6 fatty acid). Skin that is deficient in linoleic acid tends to overproduce natural oils called sebum that becomes thick and sticky which can clog pores and lead to breakouts.

By supplementing the skin with oils higher in linoleic acid and essential oils that have antibacterial and astringent properties, you are able to calm the skin, start to balance out your natural oil production have fewer breakouts, if any at all.

Below are a list of carrier oils that are great for balancing out oily skin.

Carrier oils higher in linoleic acid 

Maracuja Oil - Oleic - 12.0% - Linoleic - 77.0%
Evening Primrose Oil - Oleic - 8.4% - Linoleic - 72.6%
Grape Seed Oil - Oleic - 16.2% - Linoleic - 70.6%
Safflower Oil - Oleic - 8-30% - Linoleic - 68-85%
Rosehip Oil - Oleic - 13.9% - Linoleic - 44.1%

Somewhat higher in linoleic acid

KuKui Nut Oil - Oleic - 25.4% - Linoleic - 39.8 %
Pomegranate Oil - Oleic 6.2 % - Linoleic - 7.1 %

Dry skin types

Very dry skin types need oils higher in oleic acid as these are a bit heavier and not as fast absorbing or prone to drying out your skin. These are also the best oils to help fight signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles.

There are also essential oils that have wonderful anti aging properties that help to increase cell turnover and fade dark spots as well as brighten the skin.

Below are a list of carrier oils that have wonderful hydrating and anti aging properties.

Carrier oils higher in oleic acid

Camellia Oil - Oleic - 82.3 % - Linoleic - 7.6%
Marula Oil - Oleic - 70-78% - Linoleic - 4-7%
Apricot Kernel Oil - Oleic - 64.2% - Linoleic - 28.3%
Sea Buckthorn Oil - Oleic - 28.4% - Linoleic - 6.8%
Sweet Almond Oil - Oleic - 66.6% - Linoleic - 24.8 %

Somewhat higher in oleic acid

Jojoba Oil - Oleic - 5-15% - Linoleic - 5%
Argan Oil - Oleic - 42-48% - Linoleic - 30-38%
Coconut Oil - Oleic 5-10% - Linoleic - 1- 2.5%