non-comedogenic oils: what they are, why they matter, and which ones your skin actually needs
written by kelly goodwin, certified aromatherapist and holistic health coach
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here is something most people do not realize about their skincare: the oils in your products might be clogging your pores.
not all oils are created equal. some oils are comedogenic, meaning they block pores, trap debris, and create the exact conditions that lead to breakouts, blackheads, and congestion. others are non-comedogenic, meaning they nourish the skin, maintain hydration, and allow your pores to breathe while they do it.
as a formulator, this distinction is everything. every oil i choose for a mac + mitchell product has to earn its place. it has to feed the skin without suffocating it. it has to deliver real results without creating new problems.
this is what non-comedogenic oils do. and once you understand them, you will never look at your ingredient list the same way again.
what does non-comedogenic actually mean
comedones are clogged pores. they show up as whiteheads, blackheads, or small skin-toned bumps that form when pores become blocked with oil, dirt, and dead skin cells. products that contain comedogenic ingredients can accelerate this process, especially for anyone with oily, combination, or acne-prone skin.
non-comedogenic oils are naturally derived oils that do not clog pores. they absorb into the skin without leaving a heavy, pore-blocking residue. they work with the skin rather than sitting on top of it.
non-comedogenic oils are rated on a scale from zero to five. zero means the oil will not clog pores at all. five means it almost certainly will. the oils i use in mac + mitchell formulations fall at the low end of that scale, typically between zero and two.
the non-comedogenic oils worth knowing
there are dozens of non-comedogenic oils, but these are the ones that have earned their place in my formulations and in my personal skincare practice. each one serves a specific purpose, and several of them appear in mac + mitchell products for that exact reason.
olive oil. olive oil contains squalene, a fat that naturally occurs in human skin cells. it also carries vitamin e and a rare antioxidant called hydroxytyrosol, which has been shown to protect against free radical damage. the best olive oil for skincare is organic, extra virgin, cold-pressed, and unrefined. it works exceptionally well for dry, combination, and aging skin.
olive oil is one of the base oils in oil crush cleansing oil and in nightcap magnesium cream. i chose it because it deeply nourishes without disrupting the skin barrier.
castor oil. castor oil is known for its purging and detoxing properties. it contains ricinoleic acid, an omega-9 fatty acid that makes up roughly ninety percent of the oil, and undecylenic acid, which acts as a natural germicide. together, these compounds address acne, support scar healing, and offer measurable anti-aging benefits by helping the skin maintain collagen production and suppleness.
castor oil is the other foundation of oil crush cleansing oil. when you apply it to your face with a warm cloth, it draws out impurities while the other oils in the formula replenish what your skin needs. that is why your skin never feels stripped after cleansing with it.
one note: castor oil can have a drying effect on its own, which is why it should always be combined with a nourishing carrier oil. in the oil crush formula, it is balanced with olive, jojoba, sunflower, and pomegranate seed oils.
jojoba oil. jojoba is technically a liquid wax, not an oil. its molecular structure closely resembles human sebum, which is why the skin recognizes and absorbs it so readily. it regulates oil production, meaning it helps oily skin produce less oil and dry skin retain more moisture. it is one of the most versatile non-comedogenic oils available and works for virtually every skin type.
jojoba appears in oil crush cleansing oil and oil crush facial serum because of this adaptability.
sweet almond oil. sweet almond oil is high in fatty acids that help dissolve excess sebum, which is what clogs pores and causes breakouts. it is also effective for lightening dark under-eye circles, reducing hyperpigmentation, and improving overall skin tone. it works well on dry, oily, sensitive, and combination skin.
sweet almond oil appears in several mac + mitchell body products including the botanical body polish.
grapeseed oil. grapeseed oil is rich in antioxidants, linoleic acid, and vitamins e, d, and c. it is particularly effective for acne-prone and sensitive skin because its high linoleic acid content helps prevent pore congestion while actively addressing existing breakouts. it absorbs quickly without a heavy or greasy feeling.
sunflower seed oil. sunflower oil is lightweight, packed with vitamin e, and exceptionally gentle. it strengthens the skin barrier and helps the skin retain moisture without adding weight. it is one of the most underrated non-comedogenic oils in clean skincare.
sunflower seed oil is a foundational ingredient in both oil crush cleansing oil and hydration luxe creme.
squalane. squalane is a stable, lightweight oil derived from plants (typically olives or sugarcane). like jojoba, it closely mirrors the skin's own lipid structure, so it absorbs instantly and works well under makeup. it locks in moisture without any heaviness and is suitable for every skin type, including the most sensitive.
squalane is a key ingredient in both oil crush facial serum and hydration luxe creme.
why oil cleansing works
this is the part that surprises people. using oil to clean your face sounds counterintuitive, especially if you have spent years believing that oil is the enemy of clear skin.
but here is the science behind it: oil dissolves oil.
the sebum, makeup, sunscreen, and environmental debris sitting on your skin are oil-based. a water-based cleanser cannot fully dissolve them. an oil-based cleanser can. when you apply a cleansing oil to your face and use a warm cloth to gently lift it away, you are dissolving the impurities and removing them without stripping the skin of its natural moisture barrier.
this is why your skin should never feel tight or dry after cleansing. if it does, your cleanser is taking too much away.
i formulated oil crush cleansing oil specifically for this purpose. the combination of olive oil, castor oil, jojoba, sunflower, and pomegranate seed oil works together to cleanse deeply while leaving the skin soft, nourished, and balanced. it can be used as a single cleansing step or as the first step in a double cleanse method.
oil cleansing is one of the oldest skincare practices in the world. it has endured because it works. and when you use the right non-comedogenic oils, it works without any of the pore congestion that conventional cleansers leave behind.
how to choose the right non-comedogenic oils for your skin
every skin type benefits from non-comedogenic oils, but the best choices depend on what your skin needs most.
if your skin is oily or acne-prone, look for oils high in linoleic acid like grapeseed and jojoba. these help regulate sebum production and prevent the excess oil that leads to breakouts.
if your skin is dry or aging, look for richer oils like olive, argan, and squalane. these deeply nourish, support collagen, and help the skin retain moisture over time.
if your skin is sensitive, jojoba, sunflower, and squalane are the gentlest options. they absorb quickly, rarely cause irritation, and support barrier repair.
if you are not sure where to start, an oil-based cleanser is the simplest entry point. it introduces your skin to non-comedogenic oils in a way that delivers immediate results. most people notice softer, more balanced skin within the first week.
frequently asked questions about non-comedogenic oils
will oil clog my pores?
not if you are using non-comedogenic oils. non-comedogenic oils are rated on a comedogenic scale of zero to five, with zero meaning no pore-clogging risk. oils like jojoba, squalane, grapeseed, and sunflower seed oil fall at the low end of this scale and are safe for acne-prone skin.
can i use oil on my face if i have oily skin?
yes. this is one of the most common misconceptions in skincare. non-comedogenic oils like jojoba actually help regulate sebum production. when your skin receives the right oils, it often produces less of its own excess oil in response.
what is oil cleansing?
oil cleansing is a method of washing the face with a non-comedogenic oil or oil blend. oil dissolves oil, so a cleansing oil can remove makeup, sunscreen, sebum, and environmental debris more effectively than a water-based cleanser. it is followed by gently wiping the face with a warm cloth to lift away impurities.
is oil cleansing good for aging skin?
oil cleansing is excellent for aging skin. many non-comedogenic oils contain antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and vitamins that support collagen production and protect against free radical damage. the cleansing process itself is gentle and does not strip the skin barrier, which becomes increasingly important as skin matures.
what is the best non-comedogenic oil for acne?
grapeseed oil and jojoba oil are among the most effective non-comedogenic oils for acne-prone skin. grapeseed oil is high in linoleic acid, which helps prevent pore congestion. jojoba closely mimics the skin's natural sebum and helps regulate oil production.
how do i know if an oil is non-comedogenic?
check the comedogenic rating. oils rated zero to two are generally considered non-comedogenic and safe for most skin types, including acne-prone skin. always choose oils that are cold-pressed, unrefined, and organic when possible to ensure purity.
the bigger picture
the oils you put on your skin matter. they are absorbed. they interact with your cells. they either support your skin or work against it.
this is why i spend so much time selecting every single oil in every mac + mitchell formulation. nothing is there by accident. every oil is chosen for what it does, how it absorbs, and how it works alongside the other ingredients in the formula.
non-comedogenic oils are not a trend. they are the foundation of clean, effective skincare. your skin already knows what to do with them. you just have to give it the right ones.
kelly goodwin is the founder of mac + mitchell and a certified aromatherapist and certified holistic health coach with over twenty six years in the medical field. she formulates every mac + mitchell product by hand in small batches using ethically sourced, toxin-free ingredients.
it is not just skincare. it is a ritual.