If you suffer with acne-prone or reactive skin, you may be familiar with the surge of stress or anxiety that comes with trying new skincare products - hesitating with product in hand pondering “Will this make me breakout?” For some, entire product categories have been sworn off with the fear that they will result in clogged pores. And oftentimes, the exile is oil.

For decades, the beauty industry has supported oil as the enemy for breakout prone skin suggesting oil free cleansers, oil free toners, and oil free moisturizers. The good news? Not all oils are created equal. Some are actually hugely beneficial for reactive skin. These are the most nourishing and high performance non-comedogenic oils (oils that won’t clog your pores) to include in your routine - breakout prone or otherwise. 

Squalane Oil

Squalane is a modified version of squalene - an oil that’s naturally produced by the body, to keep the skin naturally moisturized. Squalane is a biomimetic oil meaning it mimics the skin’s structure and function to be optimally absorbed and used by the skin. Because squalene is notoriously unstable (it oxidizes quickly when exposed to air), it goes through a process to become stable and its name changes to squalane. 

Squalene was originally derived from shark liver, but the industry has now shifted into sourcing squalane (and even squalene) to vegan sources including sugarcane, olives, and sunflower.  The one we use at Veracity is derived from sugarcane and verified microbiome friendly. 

It has a host of benefits from improving skin elasticity to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, boosting skin barrier integrity, increasing cell turnover, and reducing TEWL (trans epidermal water loss) to bring moisture back to the skin.

Camellia Oil 

Camellia, also known as Tea Seed Oil, is rich in nutrients that help nourish skin, maintain and replenish the skin barrier, and protects against aging. This gentle oil is similar in composition to sebum making it able to penetrate into the deep layers of skin without clogging pores. 

Tamanu Oil

This ultra nourishing nut oil is rich in antioxidants and fatty acids that fill micro cracks in your skin, preventing water loss, premature signs of aging, and reinforcing your skin’s moisture barrier. Studies show this exotic oil contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and has been shown to combat the acne-causing bacteria, p. acnes. Other studies show tamanu boosts skin regeneration and wound healing by promoting collagen production and glycosaminoglycan (GAG). Tamanu is often used to brighten dark spots, soothe inflammation caused by breakouts, and improve skin texture. 

Mangosteen Oil

This tropical fruit oil contains natural antibacterial properties which makes it great for breakout prone skin. This nutrient rich oil also contains antioxidants called xanthones, which repair cells damaged by free radicals such as pollution, chemicals, and UV radiation - and promote microcirculation which improves skin vibrancy.

Plum Seed Oil

This lightweight oil contains potent antioxidants and vitamin A and E that boosts skin barrier function, elasticity, and collagen production. Its heavy dose of vitamin C helps to brighten skin and fade dark spots. Plum seed oil has inflammatory properties that help calm breakouts and repair damaged skin cells. Additionally, plum seed oil aids in sebum production without congesting skin. 

Whether you suffer with clogged pores or full blown breakouts, avoiding nutrient rich oils can oftentimes have a counteractive effect stripping your skin barrier of moisture causing sebum production to increase – which can lead to breakouts. Using high performance oils that won’t clog your pores can help your skin repair and radiate.