How to Choose a Facial Oil for Oily Skin: Balancing Tips

If you have oily skin, you might think facial oils are off-limits. But the right oil can actually help balance your skin, reduce excess shine, and keep your moisture barrier healthy. The key is choosing a formula that is non-comedogenic and rich in balancing ingredients like squalane or niacinamide.

In this guide, we'll break down what to look for in a facial oil for oily skin, why plant-powered oils can be your best friend, and how to incorporate them into your routine without greasiness.

Why Oily Skin Needs Oil

It sounds counterintuitive, but applying oil to oily skin can actually help regulate sebum production. When your skin feels stripped of natural oils, it overcompensates by producing more oil. By giving your skin the right oils, you signal that it's hydrated enough, which can help reduce excess shine over time.

Look for lightweight, non-comedogenic oils that mimic your skin's natural sebum. Ingredients like squalane, jojoba, and grapeseed are excellent choices. They absorb quickly and won't leave a heavy residue.

• Non-comedogenic oils won't clog pores.
• Squalane is lightweight and mimics skin's natural oils.
• Balancing oils can help reduce excess sebum.

Key Ingredients to Look For

When shopping for a facial oil for oily skin, check the ingredient list for balancing and lightweight components. Squalane is a standout – it's a stable, plant-derived emollient that hydrates without heaviness. Niacinamide is another star, known for regulating oil production and improving skin texture.

Our NOVA Turmeric + Niacinamide Bi-Phase Glow Facial Oil combines turmeric and niacinamide to brighten and balance, making it a great option for oily skin. Similarly, the EMERALD Hemp Seed + Adaptogens Calming Facial Oil uses hemp seed oil, which is rich in linoleic acid – an omega-6 that can help soothe and balance oily skin.

• Squalane: lightweight hydration
• Niacinamide: oil control and brightening
• Hemp seed oil: calming and balancing

How to Apply Facial Oil on Oily Skin

The way you apply oil matters. For oily skin, less is more. Start with just 2-3 drops, warmed between your palms, and press gently onto damp skin. This helps lock in hydration without overwhelming your pores.

You can also mix a drop or two into your moisturizer to lighten the texture. Use facial oil at night, as your skin repairs itself, and skip it in the morning if you feel too shiny.

• Apply to damp skin for better absorption.
• Start with a small amount – you can always add more.
• Use at night to avoid daytime shine.

Our Top Picks for Oily Skin

We've curated a few plant-powered oils that are particularly suited for oily skin. The NOVA Turmeric + Niacinamide Bi-Phase Glow Facial Oil is a bi-phase formula that you shake to activate – it's refreshing and helps control oil while brightening. The EMERALD Hemp Seed + Adaptogens Calming Facial Oil is another favorite; its adaptogens help your skin adapt to stress, which can be a trigger for excess oil.

If you're looking for a complete routine, consider the BALANCING BODYCARE SET, which includes body care products that complement your facial oil routine. While it's for the body, the philosophy of balancing is consistent.

• NOVA Turmeric + Niacinamide Bi-Phase Glow Facial Oil: brightening and balancing
• EMERALD Hemp Seed + Adaptogens Calming Facial Oil: calming and soothing

Choosing the right facial oil for oily skin is all about balance. Look for non-comedogenic, plant-powered oils with ingredients like squalane and niacinamide. Start with a small amount and apply to damp skin. Our NOVA Turmeric + Niacinamide Bi-Phase Glow Facial Oil is a fantastic option to begin your journey – it's designed to brighten and balance without clogging pores.