Must-read for those concerned about pores: Recommended oils for each skin type

Avoid oils that clog pores

Cosmetics contain a variety of oil-based ingredients. Some moisturize and soften the skin. While some oils are reliable for beautiful skin, others can cause acne and clog pores.

Recently, organic and natural cosmetics have become popular. As a result, the number of plant oils used in cosmetics is increasing. However, as the number of options increases, many people find it difficult to choose the right oil for their skin.

In this article, we will tell you how to choose the ideal oil for your skin type. At the end of the article, we will reveal the recommended oils for each skin type, so please read until the end.

Relationship between clogged pores and comedogenic index

The comedogenic index is a number that indicates the likelihood that a cosmetic ingredient will clog pores. It is expressed as a score from 0 to 5, with ingredients that do not clog pores being 0 and ingredients that do clog pores being 5.

For example, if you are prone toacne or breakouts, it is recommended to choose a product with a comedogenic index of 0 to 2. This will help prevent clogged pores and dirt.

On the other hand, ingredients with a high comedogenic index are not recommended for acne-prone skin, as they can cause dark spots in the pores and worsen acne and pore conditions.

On the other hand, for people with dry skin , a product with a higher comedogenic index may be more suitable. This is because it provides high moisturizing power and good coverage to the skin, preventing dryness.

For pore care, a product with a low comedogenic index is recommended.

A comedogenic index score of 0 to 5 indicates the likelihood of:

0: Does not clog pores

1. It is highly unlikely to clog pores

2. Less likely to clog pores

3. It can clog pores

4. There is a high possibility that it will clog your pores

5. It's likely to clog pores

What does "non-comedogenic" mean?

Have you ever seen a cosmetic product labeled "non-comedogenic formula"?

Cosmetics that are labeled "non-comedogenic" are those that contain ingredients with a comedogenic index of 2 or less (in most cases).

People who are prone to acne tend to avoid oil and oily ingredients. However, using only oil-free products can dry out the skin, making pores larger and acne worse.

It is moisturizing but does not strain pores.
To choose such cosmetics wisely, it is important to remember oils with a low comedogenic index.

Knowing the comedogenic index and types of fatty acids is the best

However, the condition of your skin may not be affected by just one ingredient.

Many factors, such as diet, stress, and other cosmetic ingredients, can affect the condition of your skin. Therefore, the comedogenic index is not the only cause of skin trouble. In reality, even dermatologists have difficulty pinpointing the cause.

For example, avocado oil has a comedogenic index of 3. Some people with oily skin find avocado oil to be good for their skin, while others may develop acne.

Since everyone's skin type is different, there isn't one right answer, which is why many people may be confused.

Compatibility between fatty acids contained in oils and skin

In such cases, it is helpful to consider not only the comedogenic index but also the type of fatty acid to better understand the characteristics of each oil. Oils contain many fatty acids, such as those listed below, in various proportions.

• Linoleic acid
• Oleic Acid
• Lauric Acid
• Myristic acid
• Palmitic acid
• Stearic acid

The characteristics of the oil change depending on the ratio of these fatty acids combined.

For example, people with acne-prone or oily skin are said to have a lower percentage of linoleic acid on the skin surface. Therefore, applying oils that are high in linoleic acid, such as soybean oil, can help improve the condition of your skin.

In addition, oleic acid, which is found in olive oil, has high moisturizing power. In other words, it is a fatty acid that is compatible with people with dry or sensitive skin.

Knowing the comedogenic index and type of fatty acid means you can find out which oil is suitable for your skin.

That being said, it would be a lot of work to remember them all, so we've put together a list of the most common oils and the skin types they are suitable for.

List of recommended oils for each skin type

Comedogenic index: 0

There is no need to worry about it clogging your pores. Even people who are prone to acne or breakouts can likely use this oil without any trouble.

• Argania spinosa kernel oil (Argan oil: Great for all skin types)
• Safflower oil (good for all skin types)

Comedogenic index 1

It rarely clogs pores. If you can find an oil that suits your skin, you may be able to care for your pores and moisturize at the same time.

• Kiwi seed oil (good for dry skin, cracked skin, and hair care)
• Blackcurrant seed oil (for dry and sensitive skin)
• Pomegranate seed oil (good for all skin types, especially mature skin)
• Shea butter (for normal and dry skin)
• Squalane (Good for all skin types and hair care)
• Camellia seed oil (good for all skin types and hair care)
• Castor oil (for all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin)
• Grape seed oil (good for all skin types)
• Blackberry seed oil (great for oily skin)
• Broccoli seed oil (great for dry skin, night care, and hair care)
• Hazelnut seed oil (for all skin types, especially sensitive and acne-prone skin, but not for people with nut allergies)
• Meadowfoam oil (great for oily, acne-prone, and sensitive skin)

Comedogenic index 2

There is little risk of clogged pores. Many types have a high moisturizing effect and are easy to absorb into the skin. If you are concerned about dark spots in your pores, we recommend massaging your pores with these oils.

• Almond oil (good for dry, sensitive, and acne-prone skin, but not for people with nut allergies)
• Apricot kernel oil (for combination and dry skin)
• Olive oil (good for dry, acne-prone skin)
• Cranberry seed oil (good for dry and acne-prone skin)
• Rice bran oil (for all skin types, especially mature and combination skin)
• Sweet almond oil (good for dry, sensitive, and acne-prone skin, but not for people with nut allergies)
• Baobab seed oil (good for all skin types)
• Peanut oil (good for all skin types, but not for people with nut allergies)
• Sunflower seed oil (good for all skin types)
• Jojoba seed oil (for all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin)
• Mango seed oil (good for all skin types, especially dry skin)

Comedogenic index 3

Some types are highly moisturizing and non-greasy, making them ideal for people with dry skin or for winter skin care.

• Avocado oil (good for dry and acne-prone skin)
• Sesame oil (good for dry and rough skin)
• Carrot seed oil (good for dry and aging skin)
• Papaya seed oil (good for dry, sensitive, and acne-prone skin)
• Macadamia nut oil (good for dry skin, but not suitable for people with nut allergies)

Comedogenic index 4

Although it does clog pores a little, it has very high moisturizing power. It may be good to use it to reinforce the barrier function when the sebum barrier is broken. Recommended as a moisturizer for the body.

• Linseed oil (for very dry skin and body)
• Cocoa butter (for the body, around the eyes, not for acne-prone or oily skin)
• Coconut oil (for very dry skin and body)
• Palm oil (for very dry skin and body - but make sure the palm oil used is sustainably sourced)

Comedogenic index 5

While it has a very high moisturizing effect, some people may be concerned about clogged pores depending on their skin type or if they use it for a long time. It may be suitable for people who have dry seasons or very dry skin.

• Soybean oil (great for very dry skin and the body)
• Wheat germ oil (for extremely dry skin, chapped skin, and cracked skin. Not recommended for people with wheat allergies.)

The above does not include oils that may cause skin irritation or allergies. However, there are still some people whose skin does not respond to vegetable oils. Please use this list as a reference according to your own skin type.

<Caution>
The same types of oils that are sold for edible purposes, such as olive oil and sesame oil, are also used as cosmetic ingredients. However, the manufacturing process and degree of refinement are different between edible and cosmetic oils. Using edible oils on the skin may cause skin problems, so we do not recommend it.