In our reference data, Oil can feed Malassezia (fungal acne).
Oils are lipid-based ingredients used in skincare to soften skin, reduce transepidermal water loss, and serve as a base or carrier in formulations. They include plant-derived oils (e.g., jojoba, argan), mineral oils, and synthetic esters.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Comedogenicity (clogged pores, acne) | Common | More likely with heavier or highly comedogenic oils on acne-prone skin. |
Allergic contact dermatitis | Uncommon | Reactions to specific botanical oils or their components are possible in sensitized individuals. |
Irritant contact dermatitis | Uncommon | Some oils or oxidized oils can irritate sensitive or compromised skin. |
Folliculitis | Rare | Occlusive oils may contribute to follicular inflammation in predisposed individuals. |
Photosensitivity reactions | Rare | Certain citrus-derived oils contain furocoumarins that can cause phototoxicity. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
Peer-reviewed papers on this ingredient, via PubMed.