The 13 Best Oils for Acne-Prone Skin

Clear skin ahead.

By Danielle Fontana Dooley, Associate Director, Digital Content · Jul 8, 2019

Face oil? On oily skin? It sounds crazy, we know. But hear us out: not all oils are pore-clogging or oil-boosting. In fact, some do the opposite and help clear out stubborn breakouts as they regulate sebum production. Below, 13 that deliver a glow, not shine.

1 / 13

Caudalie Vine[activ] Overnight Detox Oil ($50)

Not a fan of greasy or rich oils? This dry oil helps detox skin from pollution, sun exposure, stress and lack of sleep, and also does a number on stubborn blemishes as well—all while feeling dry as ever.

2 / 13

Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil ($40)

A natural, simple formula that doesn’t contain any fragrance, irritants, essential oils or questionable ingredients? It’s no wonder why countless users hail this oil as the answer to a long-winded battle with acne.

3 / 13

Sunday Riley U.F.O. Ultra-Clarifying Face Oil ($80)

1.5 percent salicylic acid is the star ingredient of this no-joke oil that won’t quit until blemishes are blasted; nourishing milk thistle and cucumber seed keep skin supple and never dehydrated.

4 / 13

Dr. Hauschka Clarifying Day Oil ($45)

Designed to be a daily moisturizer for blemish-prone skin, this rich blend of apricot kernel, almond and wheat germ oils balance the skin’s sebum production as neem, St. John’s wort and calendula extracts curb redness.

5 / 13

Biossance Squalane + Tea Tree Balancing Oil ($49)

A blend of squalane, rosemary and blemish-busting tea tree oil lets this lightweight oil purify pores and soothe skin—all while leaving it baby soft.

6 / 13

Jurlique Balancing Facial Oil ($55)

If your skin is feeling drier than the Sahara, this avocado oil–rich formula is for you. Aside from fatty-acid rich avocado oil, marshmallow root extract, a natural humectant, works to seal moisture in while macadamia seed oil helps regulate sebum production.

7 / 13

Herbivore Botanicals Lapis Facial Oil ($72)

Blue tansy gives this picture-perfect oil its bright blue hue, azulene acts as the formula’s key anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory agent and jojoba oil hydrates without blocking pores.

8 / 13

Tarte Maracujá Oil ($48)

This vegan and hypoallergenic option aids in balancing skin’s moisture levels as it keeps a finicky complexion from overproducing oil throughout the day. A very helpful bonus: A drop goes on beautifully under makeup.

9 / 13

Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil Light ($49)

Thirsty skin is quenched in this single-ingredient superstar that was formulated to absorb quicker than the brand’s original Argan Oil and leave behind a semi matte finish.

10 / 13

UMA Oils Deeply Clarifying Face Oil ($125)

A luxe cocktail of clove, tea tree and grapeseed oils keep stressed-out skin looking flawless as fatty-acid rich botanicals strengthen the skin’s barrier to keep it that way.

11 / 13

StriVectin S.T.A.R.Light Retinol Night Oil ($99)

Created with three types of retinol, this supercharged dry oil allows for a better absorption of the skin-clearing and wrinkle-erasing ingredient in every nighttime application.

12 / 13

Youth to the People Superberry Hydrate + Glow Oil ($44)

Pages and pages of Sephora reviews preach the same glow-boosting gospel about this antioxidant-packed oil: it leaves skin super soft and, more importantly, clear as ever.

13 / 13

Éminence Organic Skin Care Facial Recovery Oil ($76)

Free of parabens, sulfates, gluten and phthalates, this vitamin E–infused oil tackles heightened oil production and the appearance of fine lines as it deeply hydrates and soothes compromised skin types.