Plant-based oils are not all the same. One oil feels light and dry, another richer and more nourishing. Which oil suits your skin best depends on your skin type and what your skin needs at this moment. This oil guide helps you get started quickly. For each skin type you will read which oil is a good match, why that is, and what to keep in mind when using it. For the background on skincare with oils, hydrosols and clay, read our article on natural skincare explained.
1. How plant-based oil works on the skin
The skin consists of three layers. The outermost layer, the epidermis, largely determines how the skin feels and looks on a daily basis. This layer consists of skin cells, an acid mantle and a lipid mantle of ceramides, fatty acids and cholesterol. That lipid layer has a crucial function: it holds moisture in and keeps external irritants out.
Plant-based oils work primarily on this outermost layer. They replenish lipids that the skin produces itself or that have been lost through cleansing, weather conditions or aging. By forming a light protective layer, oils limit moisture evaporation and support the skin's barrier function. They do not add moisture themselves, but help retain the moisture that is present.
Oils are most effectively applied to lightly damp skin, after cleansing and an optional hydrosol. On dry skin, oil spreads less well and the effect is smaller. Always apply a small amount and build up as the skin requires.
Natural products can cause a reaction too. With a new oil, always do a patch test first: apply a small amount to the inside of the elbow and wait 24 hours before using the oil on the face.
2. Oil types: drying, semi-drying and non-drying
Plant-based oils are classified based on their fatty acid composition and how they feel on the skin. That classification largely determines which skin type suits an oil best.
| Oil type | How it feels | Characteristic fatty acids | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drying | Light, absorbs quickly, no greasy film | High linoleic acid, polyunsaturated | Oily skin, acne-prone skin |
| Semi-drying | Light to medium, good spread | Mix of linoleic acid and oleic acid | Combination skin, normal skin |
| Non-drying | Richer, more film-forming, nourishing | High oleic acid, monounsaturated | Dry skin, mature skin |
The terms drying and non-drying refer to the skin feel, not to drying out the skin. A drying oil does not dry out the skin. It simply leaves a less heavy finish than a non-drying oil. For oily skin that is pleasant. For dry skin, a richer, non-drying oil is more comfortable.
3. By skin type: which oil suits
Dry skin
Dry skin produces little sebum and loses moisture quickly. The skin feels tight, can flake and has a dull appearance. For dry skin, a non-drying oil is most suitable: it replenishes lipids and supports moisture retention.
Good choices are argan oil, avocado oil, baobab oil and macadamia oil. These oils have a richer texture and, in terms of fatty acid composition, align well with the lipids that dry skin lacks. Castor oil can be used as an additional step on dry areas, always diluted with a lighter oil because of its rich texture. Read more about dry skin in our article on what dry skin is.
Oily skin
Oily skin produces a lot of sebum, gets shiny quickly and is prone to clogged pores and blemishes. The reflex is to avoid oil, but that backfires. Skin that is stripped too much responds with even more sebum production. A light, drying-feeling oil helps restore balance without burdening the pores.
Jojoba oil is the most obvious choice: its composition closely resembles the skin's own sebum, the oil absorbs quickly and leaves no greasy film. Hemp seed oil is another option because of its high linoleic acid content and light texture. Read more about oily skin in our article on oily skin.
Sensitive skin
Sensitive skin reacts quickly to external irritants: temperature changes, wind, strong ingredients or a disrupted skin barrier. The skin turns red, feels tight or itches. For sensitive skin, gentleness is the starting point. Choose an oil with a simple composition and without essential oils.
Jojoba oil is broadly tolerated and a safe first choice. Macadamia oil and baobab oil align well in composition with the skin's lipids and are therefore gentle on the barrier. Black cumin seed oil can be a valuable addition for sensitive skin because of its soothing properties, but it has a pronounced scent and composition that not everyone tolerates well. Start with a small amount diluted in a base oil. Always do a patch test. Read more about sensitive skin in our article on what sensitive skin is.
Combination skin
Combination skin has dry areas, usually the cheeks, and oilier areas on the T-zone: forehead, nose and chin. A semi-drying oil suits it best: light enough for the oilier areas, nourishing enough for the drier areas.
Jojoba oil and rosehip oil are good choices for combination skin. Both have a light to medium texture and a fatty acid composition that suits both drier and oilier areas. Read more about combination skin in our article on combination skin.
Normal skin
Normal skin is in balance: not too dry, not too oily, with an even texture and few blemishes. An oil is not a necessity for normal skin but can be a valuable addition as a final care step.
Jojoba oil is a versatile base oil that suits normal skin well. Argan oil is another option that absorbs quickly and gives a cared-for skin feel without feeling heavy. Read more about normal skin in our article on normal skin.
Mature skin
Mature skin produces less sebum and fewer lipids as the years pass. The skin becomes drier, thinner and loses elasticity. A nourishing, non-drying oil helps replenish the lipid layer and limit moisture loss.
Rosehip oil is a popular choice because of its light texture and high content of essential fatty acids and antioxidants. Argan oil, macadamia oil and baobab oil are richer alternatives for drier mature skin. Bakuchiol oil, cold-pressed from the seeds of the Psoralea corylifolia plant, is a special addition: the oil is photostable and can be used both during the day and in the evening, which is practical for anyone who wants to keep their routine simple. Read more about mature skin in our article on what mature skin is.
Acne-prone skin
For acne-prone skin, the choice of oil is especially important. Heavy, comedogenic oils can clog pores and worsen blemishes. Light, non-comedogenic oils with a high linoleic acid content are a better fit.
Hemp seed oil and rosehip oil are most often chosen for acne-prone skin because of their light texture and high linoleic acid content. Jojoba oil is also non-comedogenic and broadly usable. Black cumin seed oil is a third option: rich in thymoquinone and linoleic acid, with naturally soothing properties that suit skin prone to blemishes and redness. Always do a patch test because of its pronounced scent and composition. Read more about acne-prone skin in our article on what to do about acne.
| Skin type | Recommended oil(s) | Oil type |
|---|---|---|
| Dry skin | Argan oil, avocado oil, baobab oil, macadamia oil, castor oil (diluted) | Non-drying |
| Oily skin | Jojoba oil, hemp seed oil | Drying |
| Sensitive skin | Jojoba oil, macadamia oil, baobab oil, black cumin seed oil (diluted) | Semi-drying to non-drying |
| Combination skin | Jojoba oil, rosehip oil, bakuchiol oil | Semi-drying |
| Normal skin | Jojoba oil, argan oil, bakuchiol oil | Semi-drying |
| Mature skin | Rosehip oil, argan oil, macadamia oil, baobab oil, bakuchiol oil, castor oil (diluted) | Non-drying |
| Acne-prone skin | Hemp seed oil, rosehip oil, jojoba oil, black cumin seed oil (diluted) | Drying |
4. How to use a plant-based oil
A plant-based oil works as the lipid step in the care routine. The order is always: cleanse first, then optionally a hydrosol such as rose water or lavender water, and then the oil as the seal. Oil ends the routine because, as a lipid layer, it works best on top of lightly damp skin.
How much oil do you use
For the face, two to four drops are enough. Warm the oil briefly between the palms and press it gently into the skin rather than spreading it. This way the oil distributes more evenly and absorbs better. Always start with a small amount and build up as the skin requires.
Morning or evening
Most oils are suitable for both morning and evening. Richer, non-drying oils are often used in the evening because they need more time to absorb. Light oils such as jojoba oil are also pleasant to use during the day. During the day, always wear sun protection as the last step.
Oil as a cleanser
A plant-based oil can also be used as a cleansing oil for the evening. Apply a small amount to a dry face, massage gently and remove with a warm, damp washcloth. This method is gentle on the skin barrier and effectively removes make-up and sebum.
This article is intended solely as informative background and does not replace medical advice. With persistent skin complaints, consult a general practitioner or dermatologist.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use oil if I have oily skin?
Yes. Skin that is stripped too much responds with more sebum production. A light, drying-feeling oil such as jojoba oil helps restore balance without burdening the pores. Use a small amount and choose a non-comedogenic oil.
What does non-comedogenic mean?
Non-comedogenic means that an oil does not clog the pores. Oils with a high linoleic acid content and a light texture, such as jojoba oil and hemp seed oil, are considered non-comedogenic. For acne-prone skin these are better choices than heavier oils high in oleic acid.
When do I apply oil in my routine?
Oil is always the last step before sun protection during the day. The order is cleanse, hydrosol, oil, SPF. Apply oil to lightly damp skin immediately after the hydrosol for the best distribution and absorption.
How do I know which skin type I have?
A simple test: cleanse the face, apply nothing and wait an hour. Does the skin shine afterwards: oily skin. Does it feel tight or flaky: dry skin. Does the T-zone shine but the cheeks feel dry: combination skin. Does the skin react quickly to irritants: sensitive skin. Does it feel comfortable and even: normal skin.
Can I combine multiple oils?
Yes. Oils can be mixed to adjust texture and fatty acid composition. A commonly used combination is jojoba oil as a base supplemented with a smaller amount of rosehip oil or argan oil. Always mix in a small amount and do a patch test with a new combination.
How long does a plant-based oil keep?
That varies per oil. Oils high in polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as rosehip oil and hemp seed oil, are more sensitive to oxidation and usually keep for six to twelve months after opening. More stable oils such as jojoba oil and argan oil keep for one to two years. Always store oils cool, dark and well sealed.
Best oil for your face: how do you choose the right one?
The best face oil depends on your skin type. For dry skin: argan oil (daily) or avocado oil (evening). For oily or acne-prone skin: jojoba oil or hemp seed oil. For mature skin: rosehip oil or argan oil. For sensitive skin: jojoba or hemp seed as the safest starting point. Our oil guide helps you find the right match.
Which oil for your skin: what is the best starting point?
If you have never used a pure plant-based oil, jojoba oil is the best starting point: broadly tolerated, light, non-comedogenic and suitable for almost all skin types. From there you can expand: more nourishment (argan oil or avocado), a specific skin condition (rosehip for uneven skin) or hair (argan oil or hemp seed).
Oil guide experiences: how do people find the right oil?
People trying a plant-based oil for the first time describe finding the right oil as a personal process. The most commonly mentioned strategy: start with jojoba or argan oil as a safe base, observe for two to four weeks, then adjust. Consistency over several weeks is more important than the specific choice of oil.
Best skin oil: what makes a plant-based oil suitable for the skin?
A good skin oil has a fatty acid profile that aligns with the skin's lipids, a low to neutral comedogenicity rating, and no added fragrances or essential oils that increase the chance of irritation. The skin consists partly of linoleic acid and oleic acid; oils with a comparable composition are absorbed and tolerated best.
Also take a look at our collection of natural oils and our jojoba oil.
