Non-Comedogenic Oils: Complete List with Ratings
Not every oil is suitable for your face. Some clog pores and cause breakouts, others are completely safe. This complete list helps you choose the right oil. What does comedogenic mean? →
The Comedogenic Scale
The scale runs from 0 to 5:
- 0 - does not clog pores
- 1 - very low chance of clogging
- 2 - low chance of clogging (still considered non-comedogenic)
- 3 - moderate chance of clogging
- 4 - high chance of clogging
- 5 - very high chance of clogging
Oils with a rating of 0-2 are considered non-comedogenic and are safe for use on the face.
Note: The comedogenic scale is a guideline, not a guarantee. The original tests from the 1980s were conducted on rabbit ears, not human skin. Individual reactions can vary.
Complete List: Oils by Rating
Rating 0 - Safest
| Oil | Main fatty acid | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Squalane | Hydrocarbon (no fatty acids) | All skin types |
| Hemp seed oil | Linoleic acid 50-60% | Oily, acne-prone skin |
| Argan oil | Oleic acid 43-49% | Dry, mature skin |
| Sunflower seed oil (high-linoleic) | Linoleic acid 48-74% | Combination skin |
| Shea butter (refined) | Oleic acid 40-55% | Dry skin, body |
Rating 1 - Very Safe
| Oil | Main fatty acid | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Rosehip oil | Linoleic acid 35-50% | Scars, anti-aging |
| Castor oil | Ricinoleic acid 85-95% | Hair growth, lashes |
| Babassu oil | Lauric acid 40-55% | Oily skin (light alternative to coconut) |
| Tamanu oil | Oleic acid 34-41% | Wound healing, scars |
| Grapeseed oil | Linoleic acid 65-75% | Oily, combination skin |
Rating 2 - Still Non-Comedogenic
| Oil | Main fatty acid | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Kukui oil | Linoleic acid 42% + ALA 29% | Sensitive skin, eczema |
| Sweet almond oil | Oleic acid 62-86% | Dry skin, massage |
| Avocado oil | Oleic acid 50-70% | Very dry skin |
| Jojoba oil | Wax ester | All skin types |
| Apricot kernel oil | Oleic acid 58-74% | Sensitive, dry skin |
| Safflower oil (high-linoleic) | Linoleic acid 68-83% | Oily skin |
Rating 3 - Moderate Risk
| Oil | Main fatty acid | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Marula oil | Oleic acid 70-78% | Use with care on face |
| Olive oil | Oleic acid 55-83% | Better for body than face |
| Macadamia oil | Oleic acid 55-67% | Nourishing but risky |
| Sesame oil | Linoleic acid 35-50% | Popular in Ayurveda |
Rating 4 - High Risk
| Oil | Main fatty acid | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Coconut oil | Lauric acid 44-52% | Avoid on face |
| Cocoa butter | Oleic acid 33-39% | Body use only |
| Flaxseed oil | ALA 45-60% | Better as a supplement |
| Soybean oil | Linoleic acid 44-62% | Not suitable for face |
Rating 5 - Avoid
| Oil | Note |
|---|---|
| Wheat germ oil | Extremely comedogenic, body use only |
Tips for Choosing a Safe Face Oil
- Choose rating 0-2 for your face
- Always do a patch test - apply a small amount to your jaw and wait 48 hours
- Check the ingredient list - make sure no comedogenic oils are mixed in
- Cold-pressed is better - refined oils sometimes have a different comedogenic rating
- Start with a small amount - 2-3 drops is enough for your entire face
Tip: Not sure which oil fits you? Start with jojoba oil (rating 2) or squalane (rating 0). Both suit almost all skin types and are rarely poorly tolerated.
Common Misconceptions
“Oil causes breakouts” - Not necessarily. Non-comedogenic oils with a rating of 0-2 do not clog your pores. It is all about which oil you choose.
“Oily skin should not use oil” - Actually it should. Jojoba oil and squalane help regulate sebum production. Adding the right oil can reduce how much oil your skin produces on its own.
“Natural is always safe” - Not true. Coconut oil is 100% natural but scores 4 on the comedogenic scale. Always check.
Want to learn more? Read our full explanation of comedogenic ratings →
Want to know your skin type? Take the free skin type quiz and find out which oil is safe for your skin.
Looking for a specific face oil? Compare the best face oils by skin type →
Want to compare kukui oil with specific other oils? See all our comparisons →
The information on this page is for educational purposes and does not replace medical advice. Consult a doctor or dermatologist for skin concerns.
Frequently asked questions
What does non-comedogenic mean?
Non-comedogenic means an ingredient does not clog your pores. On the comedogenic scale of 0 to 5, oils with a rating of 0-2 are considered non-comedogenic.
Which oil has the lowest comedogenic rating?
Squalane, hemp seed oil, and argan oil score 0 on the comedogenic scale. Jojoba oil and sunflower seed oil score 0-2.
Is the comedogenic scale reliable?
The comedogenic scale is a useful guideline but not perfect. The original tests were conducted on rabbit ears in the 1980s. Everyone reacts differently, so always do a patch test.