Oil-based facial moisturizer that won't cause breakouts?

November 25, 2014 6:55 PM

I'd like to switch from creme/lotion facial moisturizers to something oil-based. Any recommendations?

For years I've used DML facial moisturizer which despite being a really nice formulation and feels good, it often left a sheen on my face. Recently I had a facial peel and they gave me a small sample of some sort of oil-based moisturizer which had a much better texture.

Are there types / brands of oil moisturizer I should try? Coconut, rosehip? I definitely have combination skin for what it's worth. I am definitely acne-prone so that is something to keep in mind also.

posted by deern the headlice to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (14 answers total)

I've been using pure Jojoba Oil and I've been very happy with it.

It's super light with no noticeable smell, and absorbs really well.

I have oily acne prone skin and it has not caused any breakouts at all.
posted by Youremyworld at 7:29 PM on November 25, 2014 [2 favorites]

I don't know about oil moisturizer but I cleanse my face with oil. Coconut oil is very rich-- most acne-prone skin won't like it. Here's a decent guide to oils, which are very YMMV. I would probably start with mineral, jojoba, sunflower or safflower if I were you.
posted by acidic at 7:32 PM on November 25, 2014

If you want to use a straight oil, I agree that jojoba is a good place to start. If you have a Trader Joe's nearby, they sell house-branded jojoba oil for a good price (I think it's repackaged Desert Essence).
posted by insectosaurus at 7:49 PM on November 25, 2014

I use straight olive oil. It does not make my skin break out. I do not have very oily skin to start with, but I have heard from others who do, and it has worked for them.
posted by Vaike at 8:07 PM on November 25, 2014

I'm using Argan oil on my face and I really like it. No breakouts.
posted by sockermom at 8:13 PM on November 25, 2014 [1 favorite]

Quench by Kate $omerville.
posted by St. Peepsburg at 8:24 PM on November 25, 2014

Argan oil is great. Rosehip is also good, but I hate how it smells.

Coconut oil is less recommended for the face because it can cause acne.
posted by kinddieserzeit at 8:30 PM on November 25, 2014

Did they give you an oil moisturizer or a serum? I like serums (would recommend Estee Lauder's Advanced Night Repair, but there are many), they absorb fast and don't usually leave a sheen.

You could also call the place and ask what they offered you.
posted by cotton dress sock at 8:37 PM on November 25, 2014

I love L'Occitane's Divine Oil. It's a fairly new product for them and part of their while Divine line. It's beautiful. Leaves my skin feeling soft and hydrated.
posted by PorcineWithMe at 11:32 PM on November 25, 2014

Nthing pure 100% jojoba oil. I have oily, acne-prone skin as well, and I hate the way it gets in the winter when I use traditional moisturizers (alternating between dry/flaky/red and oily). I finally tried pure jojoba oil and it is amazing. I was hesitant to put an oil on my face at first. But it absorbs quickly and doesn't appear oily at all. Best of all, no flakiness or redness - and no breakouts. It only takes about 2 drops to moisturize my entire face.
posted by barnoley at 5:45 AM on November 26, 2014

I am extremely breakout-prone - I will literally break out hours after using the wrong moisturizer once. Dr. Hauschka Clarifying Day Oil (formerly Normalizing Day Oil) has been a godsend for me. It's the only oil that calms my skin down while providing continuous moisturizing that lasts well into the next day.

I've used jojoba oil and while it does not make me break out, it is surprisingly not very moisturizing to my skin long-term. Argan oil makes me break out every single time. Ditto for coconut oil and olive oil.
posted by rada at 6:58 AM on November 26, 2014 [2 favorites]

DHC Olive Virgin Oil.
posted by DestinationUnknown at 9:30 AM on November 26, 2014

Try Reddit Skincare Addiction for ideas. It is important to know what exactly breaks you out. An oil high in linolic acid seems like a good choice. You can also try a cream without fatty alcohols. I break out easily and use Avene Tolerance Extreme.
posted by LoonyLovegood at 9:50 AM on November 26, 2014 [1 favorite]

I haven't had much luck with olive oil or argon oil, but my November Birchbox (or maybe Ipsy) came with tarte's maracuja oil and it's been a revelation.

I've been using it less than a week but my skin looks and feels more hydrated than it has in years and there is ZERO greasiness or stickiness and I've had no reactions to it. Before bed I use just a couple of drops for my face and I use a few more drops on my neck/dec and hands. This past week it's been, like, -150% humidity and the maracuja oil passed the test with flying get colors. I can't vouch for the long-term claims, I'm just glad I finally found a moisturizer that I love.
posted by Room 641-A at 6:00 PM on November 27, 2014 [1 favorite]