10 Best Herbal Essential Oils For Oily Face

Herbal essential oils are natural extracts derived from plants and are commonly used in skincare for their therapeutic properties.
For oily skin, essential oils like tea tree, lavender, and chamomile are particularly beneficial due to their antibacterial and balancing effects. These oils can help regulate sebum production, reduce excess oiliness, and prevent breakouts. When properly diluted with a carrier oil, they can be safely applied to the face to maintain a clear and balanced complexion.
Incorporating these essential oils into a daily skincare routine can offer a natural and effective way to manage oily skin concerns.
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Table of Contents
1. Melaleuca alternifolia

Melaleuca alternifolia, commonly known as tea tree oil, is a popular essential oil derived from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia plant, native to Australia.
It is widely used in skincare for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it particularly beneficial for oily skin. Tea tree oil helps to reduce excess sebum production and can help prevent breakouts by targeting acne-causing bacteria. Due to its potency, it should always be diluted with a carrier oil before applying to the face to avoid irritation.
Its refreshing scent also adds a pleasant sensory experience to skincare routines.
2. Lavandula angustifolia

Lavandula angustifolia, commonly known as English lavender, is a popular herb used in the production of essential oils that are beneficial for oily skin.
The essential oil derived from this plant is known for its calming and antibacterial properties, which can help regulate sebum production and reduce excess oiliness on the face. Its soothing aroma also has a calming effect on the mind, making it ideal for use in aromatherapy alongside skincare routines. When applied topically, lavender essential oil can help prevent breakouts and soothe irritated skin, making it a valuable addition to a skincare regimen for those with oily skin types.
However, it should always be diluted with a carrier oil before application to avoid skin irritation.
3. Rosmarinus officinalis

Rosmarinus officinalis, commonly known as rosemary, is a versatile herb whose essential oil is widely used in skincare, particularly for oily facial skin.
This essential oil is known for its refreshing, woody aroma and its ability to balance sebum production, making it ideal for those with oily or acne-prone skin. Rosemary essential oil contains compounds like cineole and camphor, which have astringent properties that help tighten pores and reduce excess oiliness. It also possesses antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits, which can help prevent breakouts and soothe irritation on the skin.
When used in moderation, rosemary essential oil can be a valuable addition to a skincare routine aimed at maintaining a clear, balanced complexion.
4. Santalum album

Santalum album, also known as Australian sandalwood, is a valuable essential oil that is particularly beneficial for oily facial skin due to its balancing and soothing properties.
This oil contains compounds like santalols and sesquiterpenes, which help regulate sebum production and reduce excess oiliness without stripping the skin of its natural moisture. Its mild, woody aroma makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a calming and aromatic skincare experience. Santalum album essential oil can be diluted with a carrier oil and applied directly to the face to help control oil, minimize shine, and promote a clearer complexion.
Regular use of this oil can contribute to a more balanced, healthy, and radiant skin appearance.
5. Eucalyptus globulus

Eucalyptus globulus, commonly known as Australian eucalyptus, is a popular herbal essential oil known for its refreshing and invigorating properties.
When used for oily skin, it helps to regulate sebum production and reduce excess oiliness due to its astringent and antibacterial qualities. Its cooling effect makes it ideal for soothing inflamed or congested skin, while its ability to open up the pores can aid in cleansing the skin more effectively. However, it should be diluted properly before applying to the face to avoid irritation, as it is quite potent.
Overall, eucalyptus globulus essential oil can be a valuable addition to a skincare routine for those with oily skin, offering both purifying and refreshing benefits.
6. Salvia officinalis

Salvia officinalis, commonly known as sage, is a versatile herb whose essential oil is widely used in skincare, particularly for oily facial skin.
The essential oil of sage contains compounds like thujone and camphor, which have astringent properties that help to reduce excess oil production and tighten pores. It is often incorporated into facial toners or cleansers to help balance sebum levels and improve skin clarity. Due to its potent nature, it should be diluted properly before use to avoid irritation.
Sage essential oil can also promote a refreshed and revitalized complexion, making it a valuable ingredient in natural skincare routines for oily skin.
7. Cymbopogon citratus

Cymbopogon citratus, commonly known as lemongrass, is a popular herb used in the production of essential oils that are beneficial for oily skin.
The essential oil derived from lemongrass is known for its refreshing citrus scent and its ability to balance sebum production, making it ideal for those with oily or acne-prone skin. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties help to reduce excess oil and prevent breakouts, promoting a clearer complexion. When used in facial toners or diluted in a carrier oil, lemongrass essential oil can help tighten pores and improve overall skin texture.
Regular use of lemongrass essential oil can contribute to a more balanced and radiant skin appearance.
8. Chamomilla recutita

Chamomilla recutita, commonly known as German chamomile, is a popular herbal essential oil widely used in skincare for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.
When diluted properly, it can be beneficial for oily skin due to its ability to regulate sebum production and reduce excess oiliness. The essential oil contains compounds like bisabolol and chamazulene, which have calming and antiseptic effects that help in reducing redness and irritation. It is often incorporated into face masks, toners, and serums to provide a gentle yet effective treatment for oily and acne-prone skin.
However, it is important to perform a patch test before using it to avoid potential allergic reactions.
9. Pogostemon cablin

Pogostemon cablin, also known as patchouli, is a popular herb used in the production of essential oils that are beneficial for oily skin.
Its essential oil is known for its ability to regulate sebum production, which can help reduce excess oiliness on the face. The oil has a grounding and calming effect, making it suitable for use in facial massages or as a base for custom skincare blends. It also possesses antibacterial properties that can help prevent acne breakouts commonly associated with oily skin.
When used properly, pogostemon cablin essential oil can contribute to a clearer, more balanced complexion.
10. Citrus aurantium

Citrus aurantium, also known as bitter orange, is a popular source of essential oils that is often used in skincare, particularly for oily skin.
The essential oil derived from its blossoms is known for its refreshing, slightly bitter aroma and its ability to balance sebum production. It contains compounds like limonene and linalool, which have astringent properties that can help tighten pores and reduce excess oiliness. This oil is typically used in diluted form in facial toners or serums to help control shine and prevent breakouts.
Due to its invigorating nature, citrus aurantium essential oil is also believed to improve skin texture and promote a more radiant complexion.