10 Best Herbal Tinctures For Oily Skin

Herbal tinctures for oily skin are concentrated liquid extracts made from plant-based ingredients that have been used for centuries to balance and regulate the skin's natural moisture levels.

These tinctures help to reduce oil production, soothe acne-prone skin, and tighten pores, resulting in a clearer and more radiant complexion. Examples of herbal tinctures that benefit oily skin include tea tree oil, chamomile, and lavender, which can be applied topically or taken internally as a supplement.

By using these tinctures, individuals with oily skin can enjoy a reduced risk of breakouts, improved confidence, and a healthier-looking glow.

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

1. Teucrium chamaedrys

Germander tinctures helps with oily skin because of its unique ability to balance the body's natural sebum production.

The herb contains compounds that help to reduce inflammation and regulate oil gland activity, resulting in a decrease in excess oil production. Additionally, germander tincture's antioxidant properties help to combat environmental stressors that can exacerbate oily skin, promoting a healthy and radiant complexion.

By using germander tincture topically or internally, individuals with oily skin can experience a reduction in shine and an improvement in overall skin health.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Teucrium chamaedrys tinctures that help with oily skin.

• Rosmarinol and camphor: These terpenes help reduce oil production and inflammation in the skin, making them beneficial for individuals with oily skin.
• Teucrin a and b: As flavonoids and phenolic glycosides, Teucrin A and B have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help control sebum production and prevent clogged pores.
• Campesterol: This triterpenoid saponin has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help regulate oil production, reduce inflammation, and prevent skin conditions associated with oily skin.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of germander used to make tinctures for oily skin.

• Leaves: The leaves of Teucrium chamaedrys are used to create a tincture for oily skin because of their astringent and antiseptic properties, which help to balance the skin's natural oils and reduce inflammation.
• Roots: The roots of Teucrium chamaedrys are used to create a tincture for oily skin because of their ability to detoxify the skin and reduce sebum production, promoting a healthier and more balanced complexion.
• Stems: The stems of Teucrium chamaedrys are used to create a tincture for oily skin because of their astringent and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to tighten pores and reduce the appearance of acne and other skin imperfections.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Harvest 20-30 fresh teucrium chamaedrys leaves and flowers at the peak of their potency and dry them completely.
2. Grind 200g of the dried material into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle for 5 minutes.
3. Combine 200g of the powder with 700ml of 70% ethanol in a glass jar and seal it tightly.
4. Steep the mixture for 2-3 weeks in a cool dark place, shaking the jar every day.
5. Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a glass bottle, discarding the solids.

2. Salvia officinalis

Sage tinctures helps with oily skin because of its unique ability to balance the body's natural oil production.

The antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties in sage help to reduce excessive sebum secretion, while also soothing and calming the skin. Additionally, sage's astringent properties help to tighten pores, minimizing their appearance and reducing shine.

As a result, sage tinctures can effectively regulate oily skin, leaving it looking clearer, smoother, and more balanced.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Salvia officinalis tinctures that help with oily skin.

• Rosmarinic acid: Helps with oily skin by acting as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, reducing the production of sebum and preventing clogged pores.
• Caryophyllene oxide: Contributes to the reduction of oily skin by having anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which help control acne and prevent the spread of bacteria that can exacerbate oily skin conditions.
• Ursolic acid: Exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help reduce the production of sebum, thus contributing to the management of oily skin and acne.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of sage used to make tinctures for oily skin.

• Leaves: The leaves of Salvia officinalis are used because of their astringent and antiseptic properties, which help to reduce oil production and soothe the skin.
• Stems: The stems are used due to their ability to balance oil production and reduce inflammation, making them effective in addressing oily skin.
• Buds: The buds of Salvia officinalis are used for their antiseptic and astringent properties, which help to control oil production and minimize the appearance of pores.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Harvest the salvia officinalis leaves in the morning after the dew has evaporated using a sharp knife.
2. Dry the harvested leaves in a low-temperature oven at 150 degrees fahrenheit for 1 to 2 hours.
3. Chop the dried leaves into small pieces using a sharp knife to increase their surface area.
4. Combine the chopped leaves with 80 proof vodka in a 1:2 ratio by weight in a glass container.
5. Store the mixture in a cool dark place for 2 to 6 weeks shaking the container daily.

3. Aloe vera

Aloe tinctures helps with oily skin because it has natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that help to balance the skin's pH level, reducing excess oil production.

The aloe vera gel absorbs quickly into the skin, soothing and calming clogged pores, while also regulating sebum production. Additionally, aloe tincture contains antioxidants that combat free radicals, which can cause acne and breakouts.

By using herbal aloe tinctures, individuals with oily skin can experience reduced shine, smaller pores, and a more even-toned complexion.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Aloe vera tinctures that help with oily skin.

• Aloe-emodin: This anthraquinone compound helps to reduce sebum production and inhibit the growth of bacteria that can contribute to acne and oily skin.
• Aloin: This anthraquinone glycoside has astringent properties, which help to tighten the pores and reduce oil secretion, thereby controlling oily skin.
• Isorhapontigenin: This phenolic compound has been shown to inhibit the activity of 5-alpha-reductase, an enzyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that can stimulate sebum production and contribute to oily skin.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of aloe used to make tinctures for oily skin.

• Leaves: The gel extracted from Aloe vera leaves is commonly used to create tinctures for oily skin due to its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Leaves (outer skin): The outer skin of Aloe vera leaves is used to create tinctures for oily skin due to its high concentration of aloin, which helps to reduce oil production and promote skin balance.
• Leaves (aloe emodin): Aloe emodin, a compound found in the leaves of Aloe vera, is used to create tinctures for oily skin due to its ability to reduce sebum production and prevent acne.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Harvest 100g of fresh aloe vera leaves on a sunny morning to ensure optimal potency.
2. Chop the aloe vera leaves into small pieces and soak them in 500ml of 80% ethanol for 2 weeks.
3. Strain the mixture through cheesecloth and press the solids to extract as much liquid as possible.
4. Filter the liquid through a coffee filter to remove any remaining impurities or sediment.
5. Store the aloe vera tincture in a dark glass bottle with a tight-fitting lid to preserve its potency.

4. Calendula officinalis

Pot marigold tinctures helps with oily skin because it has natural astringent properties that help to balance sebum production, reducing the appearance of pores and controlling excess oil.

The antibacterial compounds in pot marigold also help to combat acne-causing bacteria, preventing breakouts and inflammation.

Additionally, the antioxidant-rich extract soothes and calms the skin, reducing redness and irritation associated with oily skin conditions, leaving the complexion looking clearer and more radiant.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Calendula officinalis tinctures that help with oily skin.

• Triterpenoids: Help to reduce inflammation and soothe skin irritations, which can contribute to oily skin conditions like acne.
• Flavonoids: Act as antioxidants to neutralize free radicals and prevent oxidative stress, which can lead to skin oiliness and inflammation.
• Carotenoids: Possess anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, helping to control the growth of bacteria that can cause acne and other oily skin conditions.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of pot marigold used to make tinctures for oily skin.

• Flowers: They are used due to their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that help balance and regulate the skin's oil production.
• Leaves: They are used due to their ability to reduce sebum production and calm inflammation, making them effective in treating oily skin.
• Seeds: They are used due to their astringent properties, which help to tighten pores and reduce excess oil on the skin.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Harvest approximately 1 cup of fresh calendula flowers just before or in the early stages of blooming.
2. Dry the calendula flowers in a warm place or using a food dehydrator at 95°f for 8 hours.
3. Combine the dried calendula flowers with 80 proof vodka in a clean glass jar at a ratio of 1:5.
4. Store the mixture in a cool dark place and allow it to steep for 2-3 weeks shaking the jar daily.
5. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a clean glass bottle and discard the solids.

5. Taraxacum officinale

Dandelion tinctures helps with oily skin because of its natural astringent and antiseptic properties, which help to balance and regulate the skin's sebum production.

The tannins present in dandelion roots also possess anti-inflammatory and antibacterial qualities that aid in reducing acne and redness associated with excessive oiliness.

By using dandelion tinctures topically, individuals can experience a reduction in pore size, a decrease in oil production, and an overall improvement in the appearance of their skin, leaving it looking clearer and more radiant.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Taraxacum officinale tinctures that help with oily skin.

• Apolypodin: This sesquiterpene lactone helps with oily skin by reducing sebum production and exhibiting anti-inflammatory properties.
• Taraxasterol: A triterpenoid saponin, taraxasterol has been shown to reduce inflammation and suppress the production of sebum, thus helping to control oily skin.
• Quercetin: A flavonoid phenolic compound, quercetin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce inflammation and improve skin health, thereby alleviating oily skin issues.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of dandelion used to make tinctures for oily skin.

• Leaves: The leaves of Taraxacum officinale are used to make tinctures for oily skin due to their astringent properties, which help to reduce oil production.
• Stems: The stems of Taraxacum officinale are used to make tinctures for oily skin due to their ability to help regulate sebum production and reduce inflammation.
• Roots: The roots of Taraxacum officinale are used to make tinctures for oily skin due to their anti-inflammatory properties, which help to soothe and calm the skin.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Harvest taraxacum officinale leaves and flowers by cutting them just above the soil level to minimize damage.
2. Dry the harvested taraxacum officinale leaves and flowers using a food dehydrator at 95 degrees fahrenheit for 8 hours.
3. Combine 100 grams of dried taraxacum officinale leaves and flowers with 500 milliliters of 95% ethanol in a glass jar.
4. Steep the mixture for 2 weeks in a cool dark place, shaking the jar daily to facilitate extraction.
5. Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth and discard the solids, then transfer the tincture to glass bottles with dropper lids.

6. Melissa officinalis

Lemon balm tinctures helps with oily skin because it contains rosmarinic acid, a natural antioxidant that reduces inflammation and minimizes pores.

The antiseptic properties of lemon balm also help to control the production of sebum, the natural oil produced by the skin. By balancing the skin's natural pH levels, lemon balm tincture helps to regulate oil secretion, leading to a reduction in shine and a more even-toned complexion.

Additionally, its antibacterial properties combat acne-causing bacteria, promoting clear and healthy-looking skin.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Melissa officinalis tinctures that help with oily skin.

• Rosmarinic acid: A phenolic compound that helps to reduce inflammation and prevent the overproduction of sebum, thereby minimizing the appearance of oily skin.
• Luteolin: A flavonoid that has antioxidant properties, which help to regulate the skin's natural oil production and prevent the formation of acne-causing bacteria.
• Geraniol: A terpene that has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce the bacteria that cause acne and inflammation on the skin, thereby minimizing the appearance of oily skin.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of lemon balm used to make tinctures for oily skin.

• Leaves: They are high in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties that can help balance and regulate the skin's natural oil production.
• Flowers: They contain flavonoids and other compounds that can help to reduce sebum production and soothe the skin, making them beneficial for oily skin.
• Stems: The stems contain sesquiterpenes, which have been shown to have a calming effect on the skin and can help to reduce inflammation and oil production.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Harvest melissa officinalis flowers and leaves at peak potency in summer months when in full bloom.
2. Dry the plant material in a warm dark place for 2 weeks to reduce moisture levels.
3. Combine 1 part dried melissa officinalis with 2 parts 80 proof vodka in a clean glass jar.
4. Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 2 to 3 weeks to allow infusion.
5. Strain the tincture through a cheesecloth into a clean glass bottle discarding solids.

7. Thymus serpyllum

Creeping thyme tinctures helps with oily skin because of its natural antibacterial and antifungal properties, which help to balance the skin's pH levels and reduce excess oil production.

The tincture also has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe and calm irritated skin, reducing redness and congestion.

Additionally, creeping thyme contains compounds that have astringent and toning effects, helping to tighten pores and refine the skin's texture, leaving it looking clearer and more radiant.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Thymus serpyllum tinctures that help with oily skin.

• Thymol: Thymol helps reduce oily skin by its antimicrobial properties, which inhibit the growth of bacteria that can contribute to acne and other skin issues associated with excessive oil production.
• Carvacrol: Carvacrol has antiseptic and astringent properties, which help to balance the skin's natural oil production, reduce inflammation, and prevent the occurrence of acne and other skin problems.
• Bornyl acetate: Bornyl acetate, a sesquiterpene, possesses astringent properties that help to regulate the skin's natural oil production, reducing the appearance of oily skin and preventing the formation of acne.

Parts Used

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

• Leaves: Used for their astringent properties to help reduce oil production and tighten pores.
• Flowers: Used for their antiseptic and antifungal properties to help control acne and soothe oily skin.
• Stems: Used for their antioxidant properties to help reduce inflammation and calm oily skin.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Harvest 1 part of fresh or dried thymus serpyllum leaves and flowers by cutting them with scissors at dawn.
2. Steep 1 part of the plant material in 2 parts of 80 proof vodka in a clean glass jar for 2 weeks.
3. Shake the jar containing the plant material and vodka daily for 2 weeks to facilitate extraction.
4. Strain the liquid through a coffee filter into another clean glass jar discarding the solids after 2 weeks.
5. Store the tincture in a cool dark place for 4 weeks before using it as needed.

8. Hypericum perforatum

St John's Wort tinctures helps with oily skin because of its natural ability to reduce inflammation and balance the body's hormonal levels.

The herb's active compounds, such as hypericin and hyperforin, have been shown to inhibit the production of sebum, leading to a decrease in oiliness. Additionally, St John's Wort has antibacterial properties that help to prevent acne-causing bacteria from thriving on the skin.

As a result, using St John's Wort tinctures can lead to clearer, more balanced skin and a reduction in oily patches.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Hypericum perforatum tinctures that help with oily skin.

• Hyperforin: This prenylated phenolic compound has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and sebum-regulating properties, which can help to reduce the production of excess oil in oily skin.
• Hypotensive flavonoids: These flavonoids have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that may help to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress associated with oily skin, promoting a healthier skin balance.
• Naphthodianthrones: These compounds have been found to possess antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce the growth of bacteria that contribute to acne and oily skin conditions.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of st john's wort used to make tinctures for oily skin.

• Leaves: Stabilize skin pH and exhibit anti-inflammatory properties.
• Flowers: High in flavonoids and other compounds that reduce sebum production and soothe the skin.
• Roots: Rich in hyperforin, a compound that has been shown to reduce inflammation and improve skin health.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic st john's wort for oily skin.

1. Gather 50 grams of fresh hypericum perforatum flowers and leaves in early summer.
2. Combine the plant material with 50% vodka in a clean glass jar for a 1:1 ratio.
3. Store the jar in a cool dark place for 2-6 weeks to allow infusion.
4. Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or coffee filter into a clean glass bottle.
5. Label and store the herbal tincture in a cool dark place for up to 2 years.

9. Ginkgo biloba

Maidenhair tree tinctures helps with oily skin because of its ability to balance and regulate sebum production.

The extract from the maidenhair tree contains compounds that have astringent and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce the appearance of pores and control excess oil secretion. As a result, it can effectively soothe and calm oily skin, reducing shine and leaving a matte finish.

Additionally, its antioxidant properties also help to protect the skin from environmental stressors and damage caused by free radicals.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Ginkgo biloba tinctures that help with oily skin.

• Flavonoids: These plant compounds help reduce inflammation and regulate oil production in the skin, potentially leading to a decrease in oily skin symptoms.
• Bilobalide: This triterpene has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help soothe and balance the skin, potentially reducing the appearance of oily skin.
• Quercetin: As a flavonoid, quercetin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help regulate skin health and reduce the production of sebum, a key contributor to oily skin.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of maidenhair tree used to make tinctures for oily skin.

• Leaves: Rich in flavonoids and terpenoids, which help to reduce inflammation and improve skin health.
• Barks: Contain salicylic acid and other compounds that help to reduce oil production and soothe acne-prone skin.
• (adding a third item) seeds: Have anti-inflammatory properties that may help to reduce redness and calm oily skin.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Harvest fresh ginkgo biloba leaves in the morning after the dew has evaporated for optimal potency.
2. Dry the leaves in a single layer at 50 degrees celsius for 6 hours to preserve their medicinal properties.
3. Combine 100 grams of dried ginkgo biloba leaves with 500 milliliters of 80% ethanol in a clean glass container.
4. Steep the mixture for 14 days in a cool dark place with occasional agitation to facilitate extraction.
5. Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth and discard the solids before transferring the tincture to dark glass bottles.

10. Echinacea purpurea

Purple coneflower tinctures helps with oily skin because of its potent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

The herb, also known as Echinacea purpurea, has been traditionally used to soothe and calm the skin, reducing inflammation and redness associated with acne-prone complexions. As a natural remedy for oily skin, purple coneflower tincture helps regulate sebum production, controlling excess oil and leaving the skin looking balanced and healthy.

Additionally, its antibacterial properties combat acne-causing bacteria, promoting a clear and radiant complexion.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Echinacea purpurea tinctures that help with oily skin.

• Iridoid glycosides: These compounds help regulate oil production in the skin by reducing the activity of enzymes involved in sebum production, which can contribute to oily skin.
• Flavonoids: As potent antioxidants, flavonoids help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the skin, which can contribute to oily skin and acne.
• Phenolic acids: These compounds have antimicrobial properties, which can help control the growth of bacteria that can lead to acne and oily skin.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of purple coneflower used to make tinctures for oily skin.

• Roots: They are used to create a tincture for their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which can help reduce inflammation and combat acne.
• Leaves: They are utilized to make a tincture for their astringent and antiseptic properties, which can help to tighten pores and prevent bacterial growth.
• Flowers: They are used to create a tincture for their anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which can help reduce redness and inflammation associated with oily skin.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Harvest 1 pound of fresh echinacea purpurea flowers and leaves on a sunny morning after the dew has dried.
2. Dry the harvested plant material in a single layer at 30-40 degrees celsius for 2-3 hours.
3. Combine 1 part of the dried plant material with 2 parts of high-proof vodka in a clean glass jar.
4. Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 2-6 weeks, shaking the jar daily.
5. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or coffee filter into a separate container, discarding the solids.

What is the best combination of herbal tinctures to use for oily skin?

The best combination of herbal tinctures that help with oily skin is a blend of tea tree oil, lavender, and geranium.

Tea tree oil has antibacterial properties that reduce acne-causing bacteria, while lavender oil helps balance skin pH and reduces inflammation. Geranium oil, rich in antioxidants, helps to regulate hormonal imbalances that can contribute to oily skin.

Together, these tinctures can help to control oil production, reduce acne, and promote a healthy, balanced complexion.

What ailments similar to oily skin are treated with herbal tinctures?

Ailments similar to oily skin that are treated with herbal tinctures are conditions characterized by excess oil production, clogged pores, and inflammation.

These include acne, rosacea, and seborrheic dermatitis.

Herbal tinctures such as tea tree oil, lavender oil, and chamomile have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help to balance the skin's natural pH, reducing acne and redness while soothing irritated skin.