Natural oils (e.g., plant-derived triglycerides and waxes) are used in skincare as emollients and occlusives to soften skin and reduce transepidermal water loss. They form a lipid layer that conditions the skin and can serve as carriers for other ingredients.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Comedogenicity (clogged pores, acne) | Common | More likely with heavier or highly comedogenic oils such as coconut oil in acne-prone skin. |
| Contact irritation | Uncommon | Can occur with oxidized oils or those containing irritant fatty acid profiles. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Uncommon | Botanical oils (e.g., from nuts) may trigger sensitization in predisposed individuals. |
| Folliculitis | Rare | Occlusive oils may contribute to follicular inflammation in some users. |
| Photosensitivity | Rare | Certain oils (e.g., cold-pressed citrus oils) contain furocoumarins that can cause phototoxic reactions. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
Peer-reviewed papers on this ingredient, via PubMed.