The Truth About Oil and Oily Skin

Madison Ridenour
Aug 14
2 min read

If you have oily skin, you’ve probably heard it a hundred times: “Stay away from oils — they’ll only make it worse.”

It’s advice that sounds logical… until you look at the science. In reality, the right oils can be one of the best things you can use for oily or acne-prone skin.

Why We Think Oil Is the Enemy

The idea that oil causes breakouts is rooted in a simple misunderstanding:

Oily skin produces excess sebum (your skin’s natural oil).
Too much sebum can clog pores.
Therefore, oil must be bad.

The truth? Your skin’s oil production is often a response — it’s trying to protect and hydrate itself. When we strip it with harsh cleansers, foaming washes, or oil-free products, the skin goes into overdrive, producing even more oil to make up for what’s been lost.

How Oils Can Help Oily Skin

Using plant-based, non-comedogenic oils can actually balance the skin’s oil production rather than increase it. Here’s why:

Mimics Skin’s Natural Lipids – Oils like jojoba are structurally similar to sebum, helping regulate overproduction.
Supports the Skin Barrier – A healthy barrier tells your skin it’s hydrated and protected, reducing the need for excess oil.
Delivers Nutrients Without Water – Oils are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids — all without the water (and preservatives) that can irritate oily skin.
Dissolves Excess Oil – The “like dissolves like” principle means oils can gently lift and remove excess sebum and impurities without stripping.

Best Oils for Oily & Acne-Prone Skin

Not all oils are created equal. The right choice can be transformative:

Jojoba Oil – Regulates sebum and supports barrier health.
Rosehip Oil – Lightweight, high in Vitamin A for skin renewal.
Squalane (Olive- or Sugarcane-Derived) – Non-greasy, locks in hydration.
Hemp Seed Oil – Balances moisture, rich in anti-inflammatory compounds.

The Wild Faye Approach

We create facial oils designed to work with your skin, not against it — blending light, non-comedogenic oils with botanical infusions to calm, nourish, and restore balance. For oily skin, this means hydration without heaviness, and nutrients that help your skin find its natural equilibrium.

The Bottom Line

Oil isn’t the enemy — imbalance is.By nourishing the skin with the right oils instead of stripping them away, you can teach your skin to stop overproducing and start functioning the way it’s meant to.

Find your perfect Wild Faye face oil → Shop Face Oils