Plant Oils in Skincare
Understanding Plant Oils
Many people with oily or acne-prone skin believe they should avoid oils entirely, but the truth is that some plant oils can actually help balance sebum production and improve skin health.
Patch testing is essential—the right oil could be a game-changer for your skin!
What is Comedogenicity?
The comedogenic scale (0-5) ranks how likely an oil is to clog pores. Oils rated 0-1 are generally non-comedogenic and safe for acne-prone skin, while those rated 4-5 may be better for drier skin types.
| Oil Name | Key Benefits | Comedogenic Score |
|---|---|---|
| Aloe Vera Oil | Soothes irritation, hydrates, anti-inflammatory | 0 |
| Apricot Oil | Gentle, lightweight, rich in vitamins A & E | 2 |
| Argan Oil | Rich in antioxidants, nourishes and strengthens skin | 0 |
| Banana Seed Oil | Moisturizing, softens skin, anti-inflammatory | 1 |
| Black Raspberry Seed Oil | High in antioxidants, protects against free radicals | 0 |
| Castor Oil | Deeply hydrating, supports hair growth, antimicrobial | 1 |
| Cloudberry Oil | Vitamin C-rich, brightens skin, protects barrier | 1 |
| Coconut Oil (Raw) | Highly moisturizing, antimicrobial, barrier protection | 4 |
| Fractionated Coconut Oil | Lightweight, non-greasy, better absorption | 0 |
| Grapeseed Oil | Fast-absorbing, anti-inflammatory, balances sebum | 1 |
| Hemp Seed Oil | Omega-rich, soothes irritation, non-clogging | 0 |
| Jojoba Oil | Mimics natural sebum, balances skin, hydrates | 2 |
| Lingonberry Oil | Anti-aging, high in antioxidants, firms skin | 1 |
| Mangosteen Oil | Anti-inflammatory, promotes healing, softens skin | 1 |
| Marula Oil | Rich in antioxidants, deeply nourishing, repairs damage | 1 |
| Moringa Oil | Nourishing, anti-aging, high in oleic acid | 1 |
| Pomegranate Oil | Rich in Omega-5, anti-inflammatory, regenerative | 1 |
| Pumpkin Seed Oil | High in zinc, supports collagen, soothes irritation | 2 |
| Raspberry Seed Oil | Natural SPF, antioxidant-rich, hydrates | 0 |
| Rosehip Oil | High in Vitamin A, brightens, promotes collagen | 1 |
| Safflower Oil | High in linoleic acid, lightweight hydration | 0 |
| Squalane Oil | Non-greasy, locks in moisture, strengthens barrier | 0 |
| Sunflower Oil | High in linoleic acid, strengthens skin barrier | 0 |
| Sweet Almond Oil | Softens skin, high in Vitamin E | 2 |
🧐 Did You Know?
Your skin naturally produces **squalene**, a lipid that keeps it hydrated. **Squalane oil** is a stable derivative that mimics this function, making it one of the most skin-compatible oils!
Understanding the Lipid Barrier & How Our Oils Support It
Your skin’s lipid barrier is its first line of defense, made up of three key components:
- Ceramides – Strengthen the skin barrier and retain moisture.
- Unsaturated Fatty Acids – Essential for hydration, elasticity, and overall skin health.
- Cholesterol – Supports skin barrier function and enhances hydration retention.
The right balance of these lipids is critical for maintaining healthy, resilient skin. At Scrub a Lil Deepa, we formulate our oils in combinations that maximize natural ceramides and unsaturated fatty acids, ensuring that your skin gets the nourishment it needs.
| Lipid Type | Role in Skin Barrier | Key Oils That Provide It |
|---|---|---|
| Ceramides | Strengthen the skin barrier, prevent water loss, and protect against environmental stressors. | Pomegranate Oil, Sunflower Oil, Hemp Seed Oil, Safflower Oil, Wheat Germ Oil |
| Unsaturated Fatty Acids | Improve elasticity, hydration, and skin texture while reducing inflammation. | Rosehip Oil (Linoleic Acid), Hemp Seed Oil (Alpha-Linolenic Acid), Pomegranate Oil (Punicalagin & Omega-5), Argan Oil (Oleic & Linoleic Acids) |
| Cholesterol | Helps maintain the structure of the skin barrier and supports deep moisture retention. | Shea Butter, Argan Oil, Avocado Oil, Jojoba Oil |
Understanding Unsaturated Fatty Acids in Skincare Oils
Unsaturated fatty acids are essential in skin regeneration, hydration, and inflammation control. Different oils contain different ratios, and we combine them strategically for maximum skin benefits.
| Fatty Acid | Role in Skincare | High in These Oils |
|---|---|---|
| Linoleic Acid (Omega-6) | Essential for acne-prone and oily skin; helps maintain a balanced lipid barrier. | Grapeseed Oil, Rosehip Oil, Safflower Oil, Sunflower Oil, Hemp Seed Oil |
| Alpha-Linolenic Acid (Omega-3) | Calms inflammation, soothes irritation, and supports anti-aging benefits. | Hemp Seed Oil, Flaxseed Oil, Chia Seed Oil |
| Oleic Acid (Omega-9) | Provides deep moisture and is excellent for dry or mature skin. | Argan Oil, Olive Oil, Avocado Oil, Moringa Oil, Marula Oil, Jojoba Oil, Castor Oil |
| Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA, Omega-6) | Reduces inflammation, aids in eczema and psoriasis relief. | Hemp Seed Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, Borage Seed Oil |
| Punicalagin (Omega-5) | Powerful antioxidant that helps regenerate and protect the skin barrier. | Pomegranate Oil |
Why Does This Matter?
Many commercial products focus on hydration but lack the right lipid balance to effectively lock in moisture and protect the skin barrier. By blending oils rich in ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids, we ensure that your skin receives a well-rounded lipid profile, keeping it hydrated, strong, and healthy.
- For acne-prone & oily skin – Oils high in linoleic acid & ceramides (e.g., Rosehip, Grapeseed, Sunflower, Safflower, Pomegranate, Hemp Seed).
- For dry & mature skin – Oils rich in oleic acid & cholesterol (e.g., Moringa, Mangosteen, Jojoba, Castor, Coconut).
- For irritated & sensitive skin – Oils with Omega-3s, Omega-5s, and GLA (e.g., Hemp Seed, Pomegranate, Aloe Vera).
