At oSimplicity Herbals, our botanical facial oils are formulated with non-comedogenic oils. 🌸
* Non-comedogenic describes skincare and makeup products specially formulated not to clog pores - reducing the formation of blackheads, whiteheads, and acne.
* Comedogenic Ratings:
Oils are ranked on a scale from 0 to 5; where 0 indicates it is unlikely to clog pores and 5 indicates a high likelihood.
* Non-comedogenic oils are lightweight, typically high in linoleic acid, and have a low comedogenic rating (0–2), making them safe for acne-prone or oily skin without clogging pores.
These types of oils function through several key mechanisms to support skin health:
* Pore Safety: These oils are selected because they do not trigger comedones, which are hair follicles clogged by oil, dirt, and dead skin cells.
They ensure pores can breathe, allowing sweat and sebum to be released uninterrupted.
* Rapid Absorption: Because they are lightweight, they easily penetrate the dermal layer without leaving a heavy, greasy film on the surface.
Role of Linoleic Acid in Skin Health:
* Low linoleic acid makes sebum more viscous and likely to clog pores.
* Acne Reduction: Acne-prone skin often has low levels of linoleic acid in its natural sebum, which can lead to thicker sebum and pore blockages.
* Topical application of linoleic acid can help balance this and reduce the size of comedones.
* Barrier Support: As an omega-6 fatty acid, linoleic acid helps maintain the skin's moisture barrier and prevents water loss.
* Anti-inflammatory: Has properties that help reduce inflammation, which is beneficial for acne.
* Acne-prone skin often lacks this specific fatty acid - applying to your face can help thin out natural sebum, making it less likely to clog pores.
* Natural Balancing: For those with oily skin, these oils can help balance sebum production, preventing the skin from becoming overly glossy.
Facial Oil FAQ: Myths
Q: I have oily or acne-prone skin. Won't adding more oil just cause breakouts?
A: It sounds counterintuitive, but no. Acne-prone skin is actually often deficient in Linoleic Acid, which makes your natural sebum thick and sticky.
Applying a high-linoleic, non-comedogenic oil thins out your sebum so it can flow freely out of your pores instead of getting trapped and forming a clog.
Q: What does non-comedogenic actually mean?
A: Comedo is the technical term for a clogged pore (like a blackhead or whitehead). A non-comedogenic oil is one that has been tested and proven unlikely to clog pores.
We use a professional scale from 0 to 5 to select our ingredients, ensuring every oil in our shop is a 0 or 2, meaning they are pore-safe.
Q: Will these oils leave my face feeling greasy?
A: Not at all. Non-comedogenic oils like ours have a smaller molecular structure, allowing them to absorb quickly into the skin.
Unlike heavy oils that sit on the surface, these sink in to nourish your skin from within, leaving a healthy glow rather than a greasy film.
Q: Can a facial oil actually help reduce the oil my skin already produces?
A: Yes. When you strip your skin with harsh oil-free cleansers, your skin panics and overproduces heavy oil to protect itself.
By applying a balanced, non-comedogenic oil, you send a signal to your skin that it is hydrated, which helps regulate and slow down its natural oil production.
Q: Should I use facial oil if I have normal or dry skin?
A: Absolutely. While these oils are a must for oily types, they are barrier-builders for everyone.
They help lock in moisture, protect against environmental damage, and keep your skin soft and supple without the risk of causing adult acne or congestion.
Bareface Radiance Ingredient Comedogenic Rating, Primary Fatty Acid Best For:
Safflower Oil - 0
High Linoleic (~75%) Oily/Acne-prone; thins out thick sebum.
Argan Oil - 0
Balanced All skin types; deep moisture without clogs.
Red Raspberry Seed Oil - 0-1
High Linoleic Sun protection & anti-aging; extremely lightweight.
Blueberry Seed Oil - 0-1
High Linoleic Environmental protection; repairing the skin barrier.
Maracuja (Passion Fruit) Oil - 1-2
High Linoleic (~70%) Brightening; balancing an oily T-zone.
Rosehip Oil - 1
High Linoleic/Linolenic Scars, fine lines, and dark spots (natural Vitamin A).
Baobab Oil - 2
Balanced Intense hydration for dry areas; high in Vitamin C.
Sea Buckthorn Berry Oil - 1
High Palmitoleic (Omega-7) Skin regeneration; soothing redness and irritation.
Bakuchiol Oil 0-1 N/A (Active)
Natural retinol alternative; smooths lines without irritation.