Your Ultimate Guide to Face Oil

Is the ratio of acids in your face oil causing your breakout?

Not all oils are created equal. Why are some oils great for the skin while others break you out? It all has to do with the ratio of two acids: Linoleic Acid and Oleic Acid.

Oleic Acid is a monounsaturated Omega-9 fatty acid. Linoleic Acid is an unsaturated Omega-6 fatty acid.

When balanced, the natural oils of our skin are nearly an even mix of Linoleic and Oleic Acids. (Jojoba Oil, a popular yet expensive carrier oil, is an even mix of the two, which is why it is a popular carrier oil in skincare products.)

People prone to acne have a higher level of Oleic Acid on their skin then Linoleic Acid. This is why I strongly recommend staying away from oils that are high in Oleic Acid. However, oils high in Oleic Acid are great as body/hair moisturizers!

 OILS HIGH IN OLEIC ACID:

• Avocado Oil

• Hazelnut Oil

• Shea Nut Oil

• Macadamia Nut Oil

• Sweet Almond Oil

• Coconut Oil

OILS HIGH IN LINOLEIC ACID:

• Safflower Oil

• Hemp Seed Oil

• Pumpkin Seed Oil

• Carrot Seed Oil

• Rosehip Seed Oil

• Evening Primrose Oil

• Grapeseed Oil

Don’t see the oil you use on either of these lists? Look again, and see what the oils in each list have in common. Most oils high in Oleic Acid are nut oils, while oils higher in Linoleic Acid are seed oils. If you are still not sure, a simple internet search of “the ratio of linoleic acid and oleic acid in __________ oil” should help you discover the answers your looking for!