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Non-Comedogenic Oils: Which Oils Won't Clog Pores?

Using oil on your face when you have oily or acne-prone skin sounds like a recipe for disaster. However, the right facial oils can actually balance your sebum production, strengthen your skin barrier, and soothe inflammation. The ones to start with carry a low comedogenic rating. The secret lies in understanding the comedogenic scale, a system that ranks ingredients from 0 to 5 based on how likely they are to clog your pores.

Non-comedogenic oils (typically those with a rating of 0, 1, or 2) are molecularly "breathable." Unlike heavy waxes or thick butters that sit on the surface and trap bacteria, these oils are often rich in linoleic acid, a fatty acid that acne-prone individuals are often deficient in. By replenishing your skin with these "thin" oils, you can dissolve hardened sebum plugs and keep your complexion clear and hydrated.

The Comedogenic Scale: A Cheat Sheet

Before diving into specific oils, it's important to understand the ranking system used by dermatologists and estheticians to vet skincare ingredients:

  • Rating 0: Not expected to clog pores.
  • Rating 1: Very low likelihood of clogging pores.
  • Rating 2: Moderately low likelihood. Most people use these without congestion, though reactive skin should patch test.
  • Rating 3-5: Moderate to high likelihood. These are "red zone" oils for acne-prone skin (e.g., Coconut Oil, Wheat Germ Oil).

Linoleic vs. Oleic Acid: The Science of "Clear" Oils

Research shows that people with persistent acne often have lower levels of linoleic acid in their skin's surface lipids. When linoleic acid is low, your sebum becomes thick, sticky, and more likely to clog pores. Most non-comedogenic oils are high in linoleic acid, which helps "thin out" your natural oil. Conversely, oils high in oleic acid are richer and more moisturizing, making them better suited for dry or mature skin rather than those fighting active breakouts.

The Best Non-Comedogenic Oils for Your Skin

Jojoba Oil

Jojoba Oil

Comedogenic Rating: 2

Is jojoba oil comedogenic? Technically, it is a "liquid wax ester" rather than a true oil. Because its chemical structure is nearly identical to human sebum, it can trick the skin into producing less oil. While it has a rating of 2, it is widely considered the "Holy Grail" for oily skin because it helps dissolve debris within the follicle.

What works

  • Biomimetic: Mimics your skin's natural oils to balance sebum production.
  • Naturally antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Long shelf life and highly stable (doesn't go rancid easily).
  • Deeply penetrates the skin without a heavy, greasy residue.

What does not

  • Rated 2 on our list, the low risk band rather than 0, so very reactive skin may still react.
  • Not as "light" as oils like Safflower or Hemp seed.
  • Pure versions can be expensive compared to other carrier oils.
  • Sold both cold-pressed and refined, and the two are not the same oil.

Jojoba is unique because it's non-occlusive. It provides a protective barrier while still allowing the skin to "breathe," making it excellent for combination skin.

Our published rating for Jojoba Oil: 2 Low risk what we found on this number

Hemp Seed Oil

Hemp Seed Oil

Comedogenic Rating: 0

Hemp seed oil is a powerhouse for anyone with active inflammatory acne. It is exceptionally high in linoleic acid and antioxidants, helping to calm the redness associated with "angry" breakouts.

What works

  • Incredible at reducing skin redness and irritation.
  • Helps regulate oil production at the cellular level.
  • Contains Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids for barrier repair.

What does not

  • Has a distinct "earthy" or nutty scent that some find unpleasant.
  • Very short shelf life; needs to be kept in a cool, dark place (or fridge).
  • The thin consistency can feel "too light" for those with dry patches.
  • Often mistaken for CBD oil (it contains no THC/CBD).

Its high linoleic content makes it the ideal "thinning agent" for sticky, acne-prone sebum.

Our published rating for Hemp Seed Oil: 0 Non-comedogenic what we found on this number

Squalane Oil (Plant-Derived)

Squalane Oil (Plant-Derived)

Comedogenic Rating: none published on our list

Squalane is a saturated version of squalene, a natural component of our skin's sebum. Because it is saturated, it does not oxidise the way squalene does. In rabbit-ear studies, squalene itself was scarcely comedogenic but oxidised squalene was highly comedogenic (the studies). Squalane has no published comedogenic rating on our list.

What works

  • Extremely lightweight and absorbs almost instantly.
  • Saturated, so it does not oxidise the way squalene does.
  • Completely odorless and colorless.

What does not

  • Usually more expensive than standard vegetable oils.
  • Does not provide as many vitamins/antioxidants as Rosehip or Argan.
  • Can be derived from shark liver (always look for "100% Plant-Derived").
  • Feels very "slippery," which some users find odd.

Highly recommended for those who hate the "feeling" of oil. It behaves more like a serum than a traditional oil.

We have not tested this product and we do not hold its ingredient list. Read the ingredients on the pack against our pore-clogging list .

Rosehip Seed Oil

Rosehip Seed Oil

Comedogenic Rating: 1–5

If you are dealing with post-acne marks (hyperpigmentation) as well as active breakouts, Rosehip is your best friend. It is naturally rich in Vitamin A (retinoic acid) and Vitamin C, which promote cell turnover and brighten the skin.

What works

  • Brightens post-acne scars and dark spots effectively.
  • Rich in pro-vitamin A to support skin regeneration.
  • Lightweight and non-greasy "dry oil" feel.
  • Excellent for anti-aging and smoothing skin texture.

What does not

  • Can be unstable; sensitive to light and heat.
  • Natural orange hue can stain white pillowcases if not absorbed.
  • Not a replacement for prescription retinoids despite containing Vitamin A.
  • Has a mild "fishy" or hay-like scent when organic.

It is popular for the marks a breakout leaves, though no study read here tested that.

Our published rating for Rosehip Seed Oil: 1–5 High risk what we found on this number

Argan Oil

Argan Oil

Comedogenic Rating: 3–5

Known as "liquid gold," Argan oil has a rich feel. It is high in Vitamin E and saponins, which soften the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines. Our list rates it 3–5, the high risk band, so patch test it first if your skin breaks out easily.

What works

  • Used on dry, damaged skin.
  • Reduces sebum levels in people with excessively oily skin.
  • Multipurpose: Can be used on face, hair, and cuticles.

What does not

  • Rated 3–5 on our list, the high risk band for acne-prone skin.
  • Often faked; you must ensure it is 100% pure Moroccan Argan.
  • The thick texture may feel "heavy" to those used to gels.
  • High price point for authentic, cold-pressed versions.
  • Can cause reactions in those with rare nut allergies.

Our published rating for Argan Oil: 3–5 High risk what we found on this number

Every oil we hold a rating for, by band

The 81 oils on our A–Z list, split at the line that matters: 26 rated 0 to 2, and 55 rated 3 or above. Every name links to the page that shows where its number came from.

An entry is on this list if its name carries the word “oil”, so you can apply the same rule to the full A–Z and get the same answer. Where a rating is a range, the band is taken from the TOP of it, the end to plan around if you break out easily. The numbers are the ones on our list, which was already on this site when the current work began, with no record of who assembled it; each oil's own page says whether we could trace its number to a paper.

Rated 0 to 2, low risk (26 oils)

Rated 3 or above, higher risk (55 oils)

Two rows here are the same oil under two names and they do not agree. “Almond Oil (Sweet)” is rated 2 and sits in the low band; “Sweet Almond Oil / Butter” is rated 3 to 5 and sits in the high one. That is a disagreement between the published sources, not a slip on this page, and it is left visible because hiding one of them would make the list look more certain than the evidence is. “Flaxseed Oil (Linseed Oil)” and “Linseed Oil” are also one oil under two names, and there they agree: both are rated 4.

A rating is for the ingredient on its own, not for a finished product, and a 2010s re-evaluation found the animal model did not reliably predict what happened on human skin. To read a whole label rather than one oil, paste it into the ingredient checker.

Ingredients this guide names, and how they rate

Frequently asked questions

Which non-comedogenic oils are best for balancing oily or acne-prone skin?

If you have oily skin, look for oils high in linoleic acid. Hemp Seed oil is one, and our list rates it 0. Grapeseed and Rosehip oil are also high in linoleic acid, but our list rates them 1–4 and 1–5. Oils like these are “dry oils” that absorb quickly and help thin out your skin’s natural sebum, making it less likely to get stuck and form a plug (clogged pore). Jojoba oil is another top choice because it mimics the skin’s natural sebum, tricking your skin into producing less oil over time.

Can I use non-comedogenic oils if I have dry or mature skin?

Yes, but you may want an oil that is more “occlusive” than a standard acne-friendly oil. While very light oils like squalane are great, dry skin types often prefer Argan oil or Sunflower seed oil. These provide deeper hydration and help repair the skin barrier. Both reach the high risk band on our list (Argan 3–5, Sunflower 1–5), so patch test them first if you break out easily.

What is the best way to apply non-comedogenic oils to prevent congestion?

To get the benefits without the “greasy” feeling, apply 2–3 drops to damp skin or mix them into your moisturizer. Applying oil to damp skin helps it penetrate better and prevents it from just sitting on the surface where it could potentially trap dead skin cells. If you are extremely breakout-prone, try using the oil as the first step in a “double cleanse”, massaging it on to dissolve makeup and dirt, then washing it off with a gentle water-based cleanser.

Can Jojoba Oil actually help reduce my skin's oiliness?

Yes. Jojoba oil is technically a “liquid wax ester” with a chemical structure nearly identical to human sebum. Because of this, it can trick your skin into thinking it has produced enough oil, which helps balance and reduce overall sebum production. It also helps dissolve hardened sebum plugs within the follicles.

Why does the ratio of Linoleic vs. Oleic acid matter for acne-prone skin?

Research indicates that individuals with persistent acne often have lower levels of linoleic acid in their skin’s lipids. When linoleic acid is low, natural sebum becomes thick and sticky, leading to clogged pores. Non-comedogenic oils are typically high in linoleic acid, which helps “thin out” your natural oil and keep pores clear, whereas oils high in oleic acid are richer and better suited for dry or mature skin.

Sources used on this page

  1. Kligman AM, Kwong T. “An improved rabbit ear model for assessing comedogenic substances.” British Journal of Dermatology, June 1979;100(6):699–702. (opens in a new tab) The rabbit-ear assay behind published 0 to 5 comedogenicity grades.
  2. Fulton JE Jr, Pay SR, Fulton JE 3rd. “Comedogenicity of current therapeutic products, cosmetics, and ingredients in the rabbit ear.” Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, January 1984;10(1):96–105. (opens in a new tab) Rabbit-ear ratings of ingredients one by one. It is behind a paywall and we have not read it, so no rating on this site is attributed to it.
  3. Draelos ZD, DiNardo JC. “A re-evaluation of the comedogenicity concept.” Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, March 2006;54(3):507–512. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2005.11.1058 (opens in a new tab) Found that animal-model results did not reliably predict what happened on human skin, and that a rating for a single ingredient does not tell you how a finished product will behave.
  4. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, “Cosmetics Labeling Claims”. (opens in a new tab) States that the FDA does not keep a list of approved or accepted cosmetic claims; a label must simply be truthful and not misleading. There is no FDA definition of “non-comedogenic” for a brand to meet.
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