10 best herbal essential oils for oily skin

Herbal essential oils for oily skin are a natural and effective way to balance the production of sebum, reducing excess oil and acne.

These oils work by regulating the sebaceous glands, calming inflammation, and purifying the skin. Examples of herbal essential oils that help with oily skin include lavender, tea tree, and geranium, which can be used individually or blended together for optimal results.

By using these oils, individuals with oily skin can enjoy a reduced appearance of pores, clearer complexion, and improved overall skin health, ultimately improving their self-confidence and daily routine.

The following article describes in detail the most important essential oils for oily skin, including medicinal properties, parts of herbs to use, and recipes for preparations.

1. Melaleuca alternifolia

Tea tree essential oils helps with oily skin because of its natural astringent and antibacterial properties.

It helps to control sebum production, reducing the appearance of pores and leaving skin looking clearer and more balanced. Additionally, tea tree oil has antifungal properties that combat acne-causing bacteria, allowing for a reduction in breakouts and inflammation.

By incorporating tea tree essential oils into your skincare routine, you can say goodbye to greasy complexions and hello to a smoother, healthier-looking complexion.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in tea tree essential oils that aid with oily skin.

• Antibacterial: Tea Tree Essential Oil's antibacterial properties help to combat acne-causing bacteria, reducing inflammation and preventing future breakouts on oily skin.
• Antifungal: The antifungal properties of Tea Tree Essential Oil help to control fungal overgrowth on the skin, which can contribute to oily skin issues such as blackheads and whiteheads.
• Astringent: Tea Tree Essential Oil's astringent properties help to balance and tighten the pores, reducing oil production and excess sebum buildup that can lead to oily skin.

The list below shows the primary parts of tea tree used to make essential oils for oily skin.

• Leaves: The leaves contain a high concentration of cineole, a compound known for its antiseptic and antibacterial properties, making them ideal for regulating oil production in the skin.
• Buds: Tea tree buds have been shown to possess potent anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce redness and irritation associated with oily skin conditions like acne.
• Roots: The roots of the tea tree plant are rich in antioxidants, which can help neutralize free radicals and soothe inflammation in the skin, making them beneficial for calming oily skin.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic tea tree for oily skin.

1. Harvest fresh melaleuca alternifolia leaves in the early morning for optimal oil quality and potency.
2. Dry the harvested leaves in a warm, dry, dark place for at least 7 days to prevent spoilage and oxidation.
3. Steam-distill the dried leaves using 10% w/w water and 1:5 leaf-to-water ratio for 6-8 hours to extract essential oil.
4. Filter the extracted essential oil through a coffee filter or cheesecloth to remove impurities and sedimentation.
5. Bottle the filtered essential oil in dark glass containers, labeling with date, batch number, and recommended usage guidelines of 3-5% dilution for skin care products.

2. Lavandula angustifolia

English lavender essential oils helps with oily skin because it has natural astringent and antiseptic properties that help to balance the skin's natural pH levels, reducing excess oil production.

It also contains antioxidants that help to combat environmental stressors and inflammation, which can contribute to clogged pores and acne.

By using English lavender essential oils on oily skin, you can experience a reduction in shine and an improvement in overall complexion, leaving your skin looking healthy and radiant.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in english lavender essential oils that aid with oily skin.

• Antimicrobial property: English Lavender oil's antimicrobial properties help to control the growth of bacteria and fungi on the skin, reducing inflammation and preventing breakouts caused by bacterial or fungal infections.
• Antioxidant property: The antioxidants in English Lavender oil neutralize free radicals that can cause damage to the skin cells, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation associated with oily skin, while also helping to regulate sebum production.
• Regulatory property: English Lavender oil's regulatory properties help to balance the skin's natural pH and regulate sebum production, reducing the appearance of pores and controlling excess oil production.

The list below shows the primary parts of english lavender used to make essential oils for oily skin.

• Roots: The roots are rich in sesquiterpenes, which help to reduce inflammation and regulate sebum production, making them ideal for balancing oily skin.
• Seeds: Lavender seeds contain a high concentration of camphor, a natural antiseptic that helps to prevent breakouts and calm acne-prone skin.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic english lavender for oily skin.

1. Harvest fresh or dried lavandula angustifolia flowers in sufficient quantity for distillation.
2. Wash the harvested flowers thoroughly with distilled water to remove impurities and debris.
3. Steam-distill the washed flowers using a copper alembic still with 10:1 flower-to-water ratio at 100°c temperature.
4. Collect the resulting essential oil after 30 minutes of distillation and filter it through paper or cloth to remove particles.
5. Store the extracted lavandula angustifolia essential oil in dark glass bottles with tight-fitting lids to preserve its quality.

3. Cymbopogon citratus

Lemongrass essential oils helps with oily skin because of its natural astringent and antiseptic properties.

It has the ability to balance the skin's natural oil production, reducing excess sebum that can clog pores and cause acne. Additionally, lemongrass essential oil contains citral, a compound that has been shown to regulate skin's natural moisture levels, leaving skin looking clearer and more balanced.

When used in skincare products or applied directly to the skin, lemongrass essential oil helps to purify and refine the complexion, making it an effective remedy for oily skin types.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in lemongrass essential oils that aid with oily skin.

• Antimicrobial property: Lemongrass oil has antimicrobial properties that help combat acne-causing bacteria, reducing inflammation and preventing future breakouts, making it an effective treatment for oily skin.
• Astringent property: The astringent properties of lemongrass oil help to tighten pores and reduce excess oil production, leaving the skin feeling refreshed and balanced.
• Inflammation-reducing property: Lemongrass oil has anti-inflammatory compounds that soothe and calm irritated skin, reducing redness and swelling associated with oily skin.

The list below shows the primary parts of lemongrass used to make essential oils for oily skin.

• Stems: The stems of lemongrass contain high amounts of citral, a natural astringent that helps to balance the production of sebum in the skin.
• Roots: Lemongrass roots have been traditionally used to treat various skin conditions, including acne and oily skin, due to their ability to reduce inflammation and antibacterial properties.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic lemongrass for oily skin.

1. Harvest fresh leaves of cymbopogon citratus from the garden or storehouse weighing around 50 grams.
2. Dry the harvested leaves in shade for 24 hours using a clean mesh screen allowing air circulation.
3. Steam distill the dried leaves using a distillation apparatus with 200 ml of water at 100°c for 60 minutes.
4. Separate the essential oil from the distilled mixture by decantation and store it in a dark glass bottle within 1 week.
5. Filter the essential oil again using a coffee filter paper to remove any impurities before final storage.

4. Eucalyptus globulus

Tasmanian blue gum essential oils helps with oily skin because of its unique properties that work to balance and regulate sebum production.

The oil's natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory compounds help to reduce the appearance of pores, while its astringent properties help to tighten and refine the skin, reducing excess oiliness.

Additionally, Tasmanian blue gum essential oils' ability to calm and soothe the skin also helps to reduce redness and irritation associated with oily skin.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in tasmanian blue gum essential oils that aid with oily skin.

• Anti-inflammatory: Eucalyptus Globulus Essential Oil has anti-inflammatory compounds that can help reduce redness and inflammation associated with acne-prone or oily skin.
• Antibacterial: The oil's antibacterial properties can help combat Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) bacteria, which contribute to acne and clogged pores in oily skin.
• Decongestant: Eucalyptus Globulus Essential Oil has natural decongestant properties that can help reduce the appearance of pores and tighten the skin, giving it a more balanced appearance.

The list below shows the primary parts of tasmanian blue gum used to make essential oils for oily skin.

• Roots: The roots contain a high concentration of antimicrobial compounds that help reduce acne-causing bacteria and inflammation, making them effective in treating oily skin.
• Buds: The buds are rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties that soothe and calm irritated skin, reducing redness and inflammation associated with oily skin.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic tasmanian blue gum for oily skin.

1. Harvest fresh eucalyptus globulus leaves in the morning when the dew has evaporated ensuring optimal aromatic content.
2. Dry the harvested leaves in small bunches using a clean and dry cloth to prevent contamination within 24 hours.
3. Steam distill the dried eucalyptus globulus leaves using 10% water concentration for 4 hours to extract the essential oil.
4. Collect and filter the resulting essential oil through a coffee filter or cotton cloth removing any impurities in 30 minutes.
5. Bottle the filtered essential oil in dark glass bottles with tight lids storing it in a cool dry place for up to 6 months.

5. Thymus vulgaris

Thyme essential oils helps with oily skin because of its natural astringent and antibacterial properties.

It effectively reduces sebum production, which is often the root cause of oily skin. The oil's antiseptic properties also help to combat acne-causing bacteria, preventing breakouts and blackheads.

Additionally, thyme essential oil has a clarifying effect on the skin, allowing it to breathe and function more efficiently, reducing the appearance of pores and leaving the complexion looking balanced and refreshed.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in thyme essential oils that aid with oily skin.

• Antibacterial properties: Thyme essential oil has been shown to effectively combat acne-causing bacteria, reducing the risk of infection and inflammation associated with oily skin.
• Astringent properties: The astringent properties of thyme essential oil help to constrict pores and reduce excess sebum production, leaving the skin looking cleaner and more balanced.
• Antifungal properties: Thyme's antifungal properties can help to control the growth of fungus that can contribute to oily skin conditions such as acne and eczema, promoting a healthier skin environment.

The list below shows the primary parts of thyme used to make essential oils for oily skin.

• Roots: Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, thyme roots help to reduce inflammation and soothe acne-prone skin.
• Leaves: Thyme leaves contain rosmarinic acid, a potent antioxidant that helps to regulate sebum production and balance the skin's natural pH.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic thyme for oily skin.

1. Harvest 50g of fresh thymus vulgaris leaves at peak potency for optimal oil extraction.
2. Wash the harvested leaves thoroughly with distilled water to remove impurities and debris.
3. Steam-distill the washed thymus vulgaris leaves in a double boiler setup for 30 minutes.
4. Cool the distillation apparatus slowly by wrapping it in a towel for 20 minutes before separating essential oils.
5. Filter the resulting oil through a coffee filter or cheesecloth to remove any impurities and sediment.

6. Rosmarinus officinalis

Rosemary essential oils helps with oily skin because of its natural astringent and antiseptic properties.

It effectively reduces sebum production, balancing the skin's natural oil levels and tightening pores, leaving the skin looking refined and matte.

Additionally, rosemary oil's antibacterial properties help to combat acne-causing bacteria, reducing inflammation and redness, making it an effective treatment for oily skin prone to breakouts.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in rosemary essential oils that aid with oily skin.

• Antibacterial: Rosemary essential oil has antibacterial properties that help to reduce the growth of bacteria on the skin, which can contribute to acne and oily skin conditions.
• Antifungal: Rosemary essential oil's antifungal properties help to combat fungal infections that can cause skin problems like dandruff, itchiness, and oily skin.
• Astringent: Rosemary essential oil has astringent properties that help to tighten the pores and reduce excess oil production, making it an effective natural remedy for balancing oily skin.

The list below shows the primary parts of rosemary used to make essential oils for oily skin.

• Roots: The roots are rich in sesquiterpenes, which help to regulate sebum production and reduce inflammation associated with oily skin.
• Leaves: Rosemary leaves are high in camphor, a natural antiseptic that helps to control acne-causing bacteria and reduce redness in oily skin.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic rosemary for oily skin.

1. Harvest fresh rosmarinus officinalis leaves and stems for the highest concentration of camphor and borneol compounds.
2. Dry the harvested plant material in a warm place with good air circulation for at least 24 hours.
3. Place dried rosmarinus officinalis in a clean glass jar and cover it with high-proof vodka or ethanol for a ratio of 1 part herb to 4 parts solvent.
4. Store the mixture in a cool dark place for 14 days shaking the jar daily to facilitate extraction of essential oils from the plant material.
5. Strain the liquid through cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass container and discard the solids after allowing the oil to settle for at least 2 hours.

7. Sideritis scardica

Ironwort essential oils helps with oily skin because it has natural astringent and antiseptic properties that help to balance the skin's pH levels, reducing excess oil production.

It also contains antioxidants that combat free radicals, which can cause inflammation and clogged pores. When used in skincare routines, ironwort essential oils can help to tighten pores, absorb excess oil, and leave skin feeling refreshed and matte.

As a result, it is an effective natural remedy for managing oily skin and achieving a healthy, balanced complexion.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in ironwort essential oils that aid with oily skin.

• Antimicrobial activity: Ironwort has been shown to exhibit antimicrobial properties, which can help combat bacterial growth that contributes to oily skin and acne.
• Anti-inflammatory effects: The plant's anti-inflammatory compounds may help reduce redness, swelling, and irritation associated with oily skin and acne.
• Soothing and calming properties: Ironwort has a calming effect on the skin, which can help soothe and calm irritated skin caused by excessive oil production.

The list below shows the primary parts of ironwort used to make essential oils for oily skin.

• Roots: Rich in antimicrobial compounds that help to regulate sebum production and reduce inflammation associated with oily skin.
• Barks: Containing astringent properties that can help to tighten pores and reduce oiliness, making it an effective ingredient for acne-prone skin.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic ironwort for oily skin.

1. Harvest 50g of fresh sideritis scardica leaves at dawn, carefully avoiding any contaminated or damaged leaves.
2. Dry the harvested leaves in a warm dark place for 7-10 days, turning them daily to ensure even drying.
3. Combine 200ml of carrier oil with 20g of dried sideritis scardica leaves in a clean glass jar, covering it tightly.
4. Store the mixture in a cool dark place for 14 days, allowing the herbs to infuse into the carrier oil.
5. Strain the infusion through cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass bottle, discarding the solids and preserving the clear essential oil.

8. Helichrysum italicum

Curry plant essential oils helps with oily skin because of its unique properties that help to regulate sebum production, balance oil levels, and purify the pores.

The oil's antimicrobial and antifungal qualities also prevent bacterial and fungal growth, reducing acne and inflammation.

Additionally, curry plant oil has natural astringent and toning effects that help to tighten the skin and reduce the appearance of pores, leaving the skin looking smoother and more radiant.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in curry plant essential oils that aid with oily skin.

• Antibacterial properties: Curry Plant oil has antibacterial properties that help to control acne-causing bacteria, reducing inflammation and preventing further breakouts on oily skin.
• Anti-inflammatory properties: The oil's anti-inflammatory compounds help to soothe and calm the skin, reducing redness and irritation associated with oily skin, while also promoting healthy skin regeneration.
• Astringent properties: Curry Plant oil's astringent properties help to tighten pores, reduce sebum production, and balance the skin's natural pH, leaving it looking clearer and more even-toned.

The list below shows the primary parts of curry plant used to make essential oils for oily skin.

• Roots: Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, making them effective in regulating oil production and soothing acne-prone skin.
• Leaves: Containing potent volatile oils that help to balance sebum production, reduce inflammation, and combat bacterial growth on the skin.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic curry plant for oily skin.

1. Harvest fresh helichrysum italicum leaves and flowers for distillation.
2. Set up the distillation apparatus using a still or alembic.
3. Begin the steam distillation process by adding distilled water.
4. Collect the essential oil as it separates from the distillate.
5. Store the helichrysum italicum essential oil in a dark place at room temperature.

9. Artemisia absinthium

Wormwood essential oils helps with oily skin because of its natural astringent and anti-inflammatory properties.

The oil's ability to reduce sebum production and tighten pores makes it an effective remedy for controlling excess oil and unclogging pores, leaving the skin looking clearer and more balanced. Additionally, wormwood's antimicrobial properties help combat acne-causing bacteria, reducing inflammation and promoting healthy skin.

As a result, using wormwood essential oils in skincare routines can lead to a more radiant and refreshed complexion.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in wormwood essential oils that aid with oily skin.

• Antimicrobial: Wormwood essential oil's antimicrobial properties help to reduce the growth of bacteria on the skin, which can contribute to acne and inflammation associated with oily skin.
• Astringent: Wormwood essential oil's astringent properties help to constrict pores, reducing their size and minimizing the appearance of pores, making it effective in controlling sebum production and reducing the look of oily skin.
• Anti-inflammatory: Wormwood essential oil's anti-inflammatory properties help to soothe and calm irritated skin, reducing redness and inflammation associated with acne, which can lead to a decrease in oil production and a more balanced skin tone.

The list below shows the primary parts of wormwood used to make essential oils for oily skin.

• Roots: The roots of wormwood contain a high concentration of sesquiterpenes, which have natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, making them effective in controlling oil production and soothing oily skin.
• Buds: Wormwood buds are rich in camphor, a compound that helps to reduce sebum production and has antifungal properties, making it ideal for treating acne-prone and oily skin.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic wormwood for oily skin.

1. Harvest high-quality artemisia absinthium leaves and flowers in the early morning dew.
2. Dry the plant material by spreading it thinly on paper towels for 7-10 days.
3. Steam-distill the dried plant material using a copper still at atmospheric pressure for 4 hours.
4. Monitor the distillation process to collect the essential oil as it separates from the hydrosol at 230-240°f.
5. Transfer the collected essential oil to dark glass bottles and store in a cool, dry place.

10. Foeniculum vulgare

Fennel essential oils helps with oily skin because of its natural astringent and antiseptic properties.

It helps to balance the skin's natural oil production, reducing excess sebum and purifying the pores. The oil also has anti-inflammatory compounds that soothe and calm the skin, reducing redness and irritation associated with acne-prone skin.

Additionally, fennel essential oils have antimicrobial properties that prevent bacteria from multiplying, further reducing inflammation and promoting a healthy, balanced complexion.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in fennel essential oils that aid with oily skin.

• Antimicrobial properties: Fennel oil's antimicrobial properties can help combat acne-causing bacteria, reducing inflammation and preventing breakouts on oily skin.
• Astringent and antiseptic properties: Fennel oil's astringent and antiseptic properties can help tighten pores and reduce sebum production, minimizing the appearance of pores and controlling shine on oily skin.
• Anti-inflammatory properties: Fennel oil's anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe and calm irritated skin, reducing redness and swelling associated with acne and other skin concerns common in oily skin types.

The list below shows the primary parts of fennel used to make essential oils for oily skin.

• Roots: Fennel roots contain a high concentration of sesquiterpenes, which help to balance and regulate sebum production in the skin.
• Seeds: Fennel seeds have been shown to have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, making them effective in reducing acne and redness associated with oily skin.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic fennel for oily skin.

1. Harvest fresh foeniculum vulgare leaves and stems from the garden in the morning after dew has dried off.
2. Wash the harvested plant material with distilled water to remove dirt and debris.
3. Dry the washed plant material using a food dehydrator set at 60 degrees celsius for 24 hours.
4. Steam distill the dried plant material in a clevenger apparatus using 5 kg of foeniculum vulgare per liter of water for 2 hours.
5. Filter the resulting essential oil through a coffee filter paper into a dark glass bottle and store in a cool place.

How to best treat oily skin with herbal essential oils?

The best way to treat oily skin with herbal essential oils is to focus on balancing and regulating oil production.

Use a blend of tea tree oil, known for its antibacterial properties, and lavender oil, which helps to calm and soothe the skin. Mix these oils with a carrier oil like jojoba or grapeseed oil and apply it to the face to reduce shine and minimize pores.

Regular use can lead to a reduction in excess oil production and a more balanced complexion.

What ailments similar to oily skin are treated with herbal essential oils?

Ailments similar to oily skin that are treated with herbal essential oils are acne/essential-oils.html">acne, rosacea, and eczema.

Geranium oil is often used to balance sebum production and reduce inflammation, while lavender oil can help soothe and calm the skin.

Tea tree oil has antiseptic properties, making it effective against acne-causing bacteria, while chamomile oil can help reduce redness and irritation associated with rosacea and eczema.