Acne and boils are a result of local infection, internal toxicity, or hormonal imbalance which causes inflammation of the hair follicles or sebaceous glands. Just like most skin problems, acne should be treated both internally and externally. After thoroughly researching a multitude of literature, I compiled a list of best oils to help clear acne naturally. Here you will find most suitable carrier oils and most potent essential oils for acne.
5 Best Carrier Oils for Acne
When you think of oils for skin, you probably think of essential oils. These are very important in helping alleviate acne, but proper carrier oils used to dilute essential oils are equally important. Good-quality, organic carrier oils are packed with vitamins and fatty acids that nourish and protect the skin. If your skin is prone to acne, you might want to consider choosing oils that are rich in fatty acids and low on the comedogenic scale. Comedogenic rating shows probability of clogged pores if you use this oil. A lower rating means a lower chance of clogged pores. Here is a list of oils that are high in fatty acids and that are low on a comedogenic scale:
- Hemp seed oil is a terrific natural remedy for acne. It has a comedogenic rating of 0 and is high in oleic acid. It is known for balancing oily skin and calming inflammation.
- Grapeseed oil is a light oil rich in vitamin E that is quickly absorbed by the skin. It is odorless and rich in antioxidants. Grapeseed oil is astringent and tightens the skin, which improves the complexion, making it look more youthful. It is good to use this oil if you have mild to moderate acne. Its comedogenic rating is 1.
- Castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid and omega-6 acids and has profound healing properties. It is a heavy oil that absorbs slowly. It is best to mix it with lighter oils, like hemp or grapeseed oil. Castor oil can be drying which makes it a perfect ingredient to include into a care for oily, acne-prone skin. Because of its regenerative properties, you can also use this oil to prevent and treat acne scars. Its comedogenic rating is 1.
- Jojoba oil will help treat inflammation and reduce acne due to its high content of myristic acid. Jojoba oil is actually not an oil, but a liquid wax. Its composition closely resembles natural skin oil and gently dissolves oils and dirt. It has a comedogenic rating of 2.
- Apricot kernel oil is rich in oleic acid and linoleic acids. These two fatty acids have an exceptional ability to revitalize the skin. When treating acne, you can mix this oil with a lighter oil, like hemp oil for best effect. Its comedogenic property is 2.
16 Best Essential Oils for Acne
Essential oil is derived from a large amount of a particular plant. Through the process, a large number of chemical compounds present in a plant are collected to make an essential oil. It not only closely resembles plant’s fragrance, but also keeps its healing properties, which makes it very effective in treating acne. High concentration of the essence of the plant can also make it quite irritating for the skin, therefore, do not put essential oil directly onto the skin, but first, dilute it with a carrier oil. It is crucial to buy only high-quality essential oils to avoid contaminated and ineffective oils. Here is a list of the best essential oils for treatment of acne:
- Thyme essential oil is strongly antiseptic, antifungal, tonic, and antioxidant. In a timed study, thyme was one of the oils that was most effective in killing Propionibacterium acnes, a common bacteria associated with acne breakouts. Caution: do not use thyme essential oil internally and do not use it externally if pregnant.
- Cinnamon bark essential oil is antimicrobial, antifungal, and strongly antioxidant. Cinnamon bark oil is very effective in fighting pimples and also performed very well in the study mentioned above. Caution: cinnamon bark oil is also a warming stimulant and can be quite irritating; dilute properly for external use and do not use it internally.
- Rose essential oil is analgesic (relieves pain), antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiseptic, antiviral, astringent, bactericidal, cicatrizant (healing), and disinfectant. Rose essential oil is used for many skin conditions, including acne breakouts. Caution: do not use more than 0.6% dilution (5 drops per 2 tablespoons), do not use rose essential oil internally without professional supervision, do not use externally if pregnant.
- Sweet orange essential oil is anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, bactericidal, and fungicidal. Orange essential oil is most effective in fighting acne when it is mixed with lavender oil. Caution: citrus essential oils will make the skin photosensitive, therefore, avoid sun exposure for 12 hours after use and protect your skin with sunblock during the day.
- Basil essential oil is analgesic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antiviral. It was found that combinations of orange oil and sweet basil were very effective in treating acne. Caution: basil essential oil is quite stimulating; it should not be used with children under 2 years old and should not be taken internally.
- Tea tree essential oil is antibacterial, antifungal, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, cicatrizant, disinfectant, and fungicide. Tea tree oil is very effective in treatment of acne lesions because tea tree oil contains terpinene-4-ol, a strong antiseptic that is well-tolerated by the skin. Caution: Make sure to buy high-quality oil because it also contains an irritant, cineol. Poor-quality tea tree oil can have more than 10%, in some cases reaching all the way up to 65% of cineol! Do not use this oil internally without professional supervision.
- Bergamot essential oil is analgesic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiseptic, and astringent. It is great for treating acne due to its ability to clear pores. Choose bergapten-free (FCF) bergamot oil because it does not make the skin photosensitive. Caution: do not take bergamot essential oil internally.
- Atlas Cedarwood essential oil is antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and astringent. Caution: do not use this oil internally without professional supervision.
- Roman chamomile essential oil is analgesic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiseptic, and bactericidal. It is great for acne and dry skin. Caution: do not use this oil internally without professional supervision.
- Citronella essential oil is analgesic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiseptic, astringent, and bactericidal. Great for those who are suffering from acne and oily skin.
- Cypress essential oil is analgesic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic. Cypress oil has a masculine scent and is also used to treat acne and oily skin. Caution: do not use this oil internally without professional supervision.
- Coriander essential oil is analgesic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, deodorant, and fungicidal. It can be used to effectively treat different types of acne. Caution: do not take coriander essential oil internally.
- Frankincense essential oil is analgesic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiseptic, astringent, and cicatrizant. This oil is gentle and very effective in treating different forms of acne. It was historically used for various skin conditions.
- Geranium essential oil is analgesic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent, cicatrizant, and regenerative. Caution: should not be taken for more than a few weeks at a time if taken internally.
- Lavender essential oil is analgesic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiseptic, and antiviral. This oil has an exceptional ability to soothe irritated skin. The lavender and orange essential oils blend was found to have a very powerful effect on acne.
- Lemon essential oil is analgesic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiseptic, antiviral, astringent, bactericidal, cicatrizant, and vulnerary. Steam-distilled lemon oil is not photosensitive. Caution: cold-pressed lemon essential oil is photosensitive, use no more than 2% dilution (18 drops per 1 ounce of carrier oil), avoid the sun for 12 hours after application and use sunblock during the day. Do not use this oil internally without professional supervision.
Oil Blends to Help Heal Acne
Here are a couple of effective blends for acne-prone skin to help you get started with natural acne treatments:
Cleanser for Acne-Prone Skin
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons jojoba oil
- 3 drops coriander essential oil
- 3 drops orange essential oil
- 3 drops lavender essential oil
Steps:
- Mix all oils thoroughly.
- Apply to the skin massaging into problem areas.
- Remove with a wettened in warm water cotton round.
Treatment for Acne-Prone Skin
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon apricot kernel oil
- 5 drops tea tree essential oil
Steps:
- Apply 3 times a day.
Moisturizer for Acne-Prone Skin
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons hemp oil
- 3 drops lavender essential oil
- 3 drops orange essential oil
Steps:
- Mix all oils thoroughly.
- Apply to the skin.
- Follow up with your favorite moisturizer if you would like.
You do not have to follow these specific suggestions. You might find that you like specific oils for their fragrance, or you might find that some oils work better for you than others. Choose several essential oils mentioned above, mix them with carrier oils, and create personalized blends. If you will use the blends regularly, they will help improve acne fast.
To learn more about natural treatments of acne, continue reading Effectively clear acne with DIY spa day and Heal acne fast with detox.
Works Cited
Anthis, Christina. The Beginner’s Guide to Essential Oils: Everything You Need to Know to Get Started. Emeryville, Ca, Althea Press, 2019.
Breedlove, Greta. The Herbal Home Spa: Naturally Refreshing Wraps, Rubs, Lotions, Masks, Oils, and Scrubs. Pownal, Vt, Storey Pub, 1998.
Chevallier, Andrew. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine. New York, New York, Dk Publishing, 2016.
Duke, James A. The Green Pharmacy : New Discoveries in Herbal Remedies for Common Diseases and Conditions from the World’s Foremost Authority on Healing Herbs. Emmaus, Pa., Rodale Press ; [New York, N.Y, 1997.
Malle, Bettina, et al. The Essential Oil Maker’s Handbook: Extracting, Distilling & Enjoying Plant Essences. Austin, Tx, Spikehorn Press, 2015.
Press, Sonoma. Essential Oils & Aromatherapy, an Introductory Guide: More than 300 Recipes for Health, Home and Beauty. Arcas Publishing, 1 Dec. 2014.
Zielinski, Eric. The Healing Power of Essential Oils: Soothe Inflammation, Boost Mood, Prevent Autoimmunity, and Feel Great in Every Way. New York, Harmony Books, 2018.
