This article looks at the best essential oils for acne prone skin. If you would like to know more about how to use these essential oils in your beauty routine to help clear your acne then check out this post here.

How many beauty products do you use each day? Go on! Count them up. I’m sure you’ll be surprised with your answer. A year ago I asked myself this exact question, and my answer? 12 products were applied to my skin every day! 5 of which would be applied twice morning and evening, the other 4 were foundations, concealers and blushers. Making a grand total of 17 things rubbed into my face throughout the day. Yikes! Even though I was using only natural and organic products I was still shocked by the amount of products I was putting on my skin. Surely all this over-loading of products, natural or not, wasn’t doing my acne-prone skin any favours!?

Over the last 6 months I’ve cut down on the amount of products I use and I now only use 5 products on my face (including make up), 3 skin care products – all without preservatives or other harsh ingredients as they’re either pure oils or homemade in small batches:

So come on, spill! How many products do you apply to your face everyday? Tell me in the comments below!

essential oils for acne prone skin

I’m a massive advocate for making simple, homemade remedies to help fight acne – I think they’re so much more effective than shop bought products as you get to control exactly what goes on your delicate skin. I’ve spent years researching the best essential oils to add to my homemade remedies so I’ve compiled this long list of essential oils and their specific skin healing properties for any of you wanting to make your own anti-blemish concoctions.

Even if you’re not a DIY Beauty Queen, I’d really recommend making your own homemade facial oil – it’s so easy and will do wonders for your complexion – whatever your skin type! Simply add 6-15 (no more!) drops of essential oils (whichever ones you think your skin will benefit from) to a base of 30ml of Rosehip oil. A homemade facial oil can easily be incorporated into your daily skincare routine and is excellent for a nourishing night time boost.

I’ve split the list into two sections. The first section focuses on essential oils for acne healing, and the second section focuses on essential oils for acne scar repair and healing marks left after a breakout. I hope you find this list useful and if any of you natural beauty enthusiasts can think of any that I may have missed out do let me know and I can add it in!

A note on diluting essential oils:

The Aromatherapy standard for drops is 20 drops of essential oil to every mL. However this is just a guide as it all depends on the viscosity (thickness) of an oil, and the size of dropper etc. It’s really important not to use essential oils neat on your skin – they’re extremely potent and could cause further skin issues – stick to this Essential Oil:Base Oil ratio below to avoid such problems:

Sensitive skin: 0.5% to 1% dilution = 3 to 6 drops per 30ml base oil

Normal skin: 1% to 2.5% dilution = 6 to 15 drops per 30ml base oil

Base oils: I recommend using Rosehip, Jojoba or Neem oil as your base.

essential oils for acne fighting:

These essential oils have excellent blemish fighting properties as well as a host of other beauty benefits, I’ve also added snippets on the oils aroma, what they blend well with and whether you need to splash the cash or not. Most can be purchased inexpensively from places like Etsy and eBay but I struggled to find Copaiba, Camellia and Thyme Linalool (not to be mistaken for normal Thyme E.O) so I’ve added some links for those!

£: 1-5GBP   ||   ££: 5-10GBP   ||   £££: 10-15GBP   ||   ££££: 15+GBP

basil for acne:

• Anti-inflammatory – it reduces inflammation when applied topically
• Antiseptic – It reduces the risk of infection in wounds
• Antibacterial – kills many strains of bacteria
• Antioxidant – protects the cells from free radical damage
• Sweet and spicy scent
• Blends well with Peppermint, Clove, Lavender, Rosemary and Tea Tree
• £

bergamot for acne:

• Antibacterial – kills many strains of bacteria
• Encourages wound healing
• Encourages skin regeneration
• Evens skin tone and helps fade scars
• Helps control excessive oil
• Sweet citrus scent
• Blends well with Clary Sage, Frankincense, Cypress,Sandalwood, Rosemary, Ylang-Ylang and other citrus oils
• £

bog myrtle for acne:

• Encourages wound healing
• Prevents free radical damage caused by the skin’s exposure to the sun
• UK pharmaceutical company Boots are currently trialling this oil for use in acne products – this could be the ‘new’ Tea Tree oil!
• Herbal lemony scent
• Blends well with Myrrh and Frankincense
•  £

blue tansy for acne:

• Supports the body’s natural response to irritation
• Antibacterial – kills many strains of bacteria
• Anti-inflammatory – it reduces inflammation when applied topically
• This oil is a magnificent blue colour
• Sweet and herby scent
• Blends well with Cypress, Frankincense and Lavender
•  ££

cajeput for acne:

• Smooths and brightens skin
• Tones and evens skin
• Antiseptic – It reduces the risk of infection in wounds
• Antibacterial – kills many strains of bacteria
• Antioxidant – Protects the cells from free radical damage
• Anti-inflammatory – it reduces inflammation when applied topically
• Helps control excessive oil
• Sweet, fresh scent
• Blends well with Bergamot, Rosemary, Lavender and Thyme
• £

camphor for acne:

• Anti-inflammatory – it reduces inflammation when applied topically
• Antiseptic – It reduces the risk of infection in wounds
• Antioxidant – Protects the cells from free radical damage
• Antimicrobial – can inhibit the growth of acne-forming bacteria
• Sharp, woody scent
• Blends well with Lavender, Basil and Cajeput
• £

carrot seed for acne:

• Antioxidant – protects the cells from free radical damage
• Antiseptic – It reduces the risk of infection in wounds
• Helps retain youthful, glowing skin
• Soft, earthy scent
• Blends well with Bergamot and Lavender
• £

clove for acne:

• Antiseptic – It reduces the risk of infection in wounds
• Antibacterial – Clove oil has been identified to kill more than 60 bacterial species
• Clove oil is one of the most powerful antioxidant on earth
• In low concentrations, clove oil can also reduce inflammation
• Clove oil can instantly lead to skin irritation, contact dermatitis and even chemical burns if used at too higher concentration (see dilution guide in the intro of this post)
• Warm, spicy scent
• Blends well with Basil, Lavender, Sandalwood, Clary Sage
• £

copaiba for acne:

• Boosts secretion of collagen and elastin to make skin firm and taut
• Evens skin tone and helps fade scars
• Anti-inflammatory – widely touted as the best anti-inflammatory
• Reduces redness around the acne if applied directly to the spot
• Uplifting, woody scent
• Blends well with citrus oils, Clary Sage and Ylang Ylang
• £££ (link)

coriander for acne:

• Detoxifies and purifies the blood
• Antibacterial – kills many strains of bacteria
• Anti-inflammatory – it reduces inflammation when applied topically
• Antioxidant – protects the cells from free radical damage
• Also a powerful aphrodisiac!
• Sweet and spicy scent
• Blends well with Bergamot, Clary Sage, Clove, Cypress, Frankincense, Sandalwood and Neroli
• £

cypress for acne:

• Helps control excessive oil
• Anti-inflammatory – it reduces inflammation when applied topically
• Antiseptic – It reduces the risk of infection in wounds
• Styptic – It stops bleeding in open wounds, cuts, scrapes. Also known as haemostatic
• Antibacterial – It kills several species of bacteria
• Woody, spicy scent
• Blends well with citrus scents and Bergamot, Rosemary, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Lavender and Sandalwood
• £

green tea (camellia/tea seed oil) for acne:

• Minimises skin irritation
• Astringent – helps control excessive oil
• Antioxidant – protects the skin from free radical damage due to its antioxidant. Reduces ageing due to the skin and other environmental free radicals.
• Emollient – exceptional moisturising properties – one of the lightest and fast absorbent plant oils
• Helps protect the skin form UV damage
• Virtually odourless, slight herbal scent
• Blends with most other essential oils
• £££ (link)

helichrysum (immortelle/everlasting flower) for acne:

• Promotes regrowth of skin
• Promotes healing of wounds and cuts
• Antiseptic – It reduces the risk of infection in wounds
• Antibacterial – kills some species of bacteria
• Antioxidant – has a mild antioxidant capacity
• Astringent – helps control excessive oil
• Straw-like, fruity scent
• Blends well with Lavender, Oregano, Clove, Coriander, Thyme, Neroli and Ylang Ylang
• ££££

lavender for acne:

• Anti-inflammatory – it reduces inflammation when applied topically
• Antibacterial – kills many strains of bacteria
• Promotes wound healing
• Reduces redness on skin
• Calming, fresh scent
• Blends well with many other essential oils, including Bergamot, Rosemary and Clary Sage
• £

lemongrass for acne:

• Antibacterial – kills some species of bacteria
• Antimicrobial – can inhibit the growth of acne-forming bacteria
• Astringent  – helps control excessive oil
• Sweet, citrus scent
• Blends well with Basil, Cedar Wood, Coriander, Geranium, Lavender and Tea Tree
• £

myrrh for acne:

• Promotes healing of wounds and cuts
• Antiseptic – It reduces the risk of infection in wounds
• Anti-inflammatory – it reduces inflammation when applied topically
• Restores skin cells and revitalises damaged skin
• Warm, spicy scent
• Blends well with Frankincense, Lavender, Sandalwood, Tea Tree and Thyme
• £

niaouli for acne:

• Antiseptic – it reduces the risk of infection in wounds
• Antibacterial – kills some species of bacteria
• Diminishes scars and marks left by acne
• Earthy, musty scent
• Blends well with Coriander, Lavender and Peppermint
• £

oregano for acne:

• Antiseptic – it reduces the risk of infection in wounds
• Antibacterial – kills some species of bacteria
• Antimicrobial – inhibits the growth of acne-forming bacteria
• Reduces pain from cystic acne
• Anti-inflammatory – it reduces inflammation when applied topically
• Antioxidant – protects the cells from free radical damage
• Powerful, spicy aroma
• Blends well with Lavender, Rosemary, Bergamot, Cypress and Tea Tree
• ££

peppermint for acne:

• Anti-inflammatory – cooling property of peppermint oil reduce inflammation
• Antibacterial – kills some species of bacteria
• Nourishes skin and improves texture
• Cool, minty scent
• Blends well with Rosemary, Niaouli, Lavender, Cypress, Basil
• £

parsley for acne:

• Antibacterial – kills some species of bacteria
• Antimicrobial – inhibits the growth of acne-forming bacteria
• Antiseptic – it reduces the risk of infection in wounds
• Sweet, spicy scent
• Blends well with Clary Sage, Coriander, Neroli, Tea Tree, Ylang Ylang and spice oils
• £

rosemary for acne:

• Anti-inflammatory – it reduces inflammation when applied topically
• Reduces redness on skin
• Help control excessive oil
• Anti-inflammatory – cooling property of peppermint oil reduce inflammation
• Antiseptic – It reduces the risk of infection in wounds
• Refreshing, herbal scent
• Blends well with Basil, Bergamot, Niaouli, Oregano, Thyme, Frankincense and Peppermint
• £

tea tree for acne:

• Antibacterial – kills some species of bacteria
• Antimicrobial – inhibits the growth of acne-forming bacteria
• Antiseptic – it reduces the risk of infection in wounds
• Heals wounds and promotes skin healing
• Blends well with Clary Sage, Clove, Lavender, Myrrh, Rosemary and Thyme
• £

thyme linalool for acne:

• Antibacterial – kills some species of bacteria
• Antiseptic – it reduces the risk of infection in wounds
• Evens skin tone and helps fade scars
• Anti-inflammatory – it reduces inflammation when applied topically
• Herbal, woody scent
• Blends well with Bergamot, Clary Sage, Cypress, Lavender and Rosemary
• ££ (link)

yarrow for acne:

• Antioxidant – protects the cells from free radical damage
• Aids the body in healing wounds
• Anti-inflammatory – it reduces inflammation when applied topically
• Antiseptic – It reduces the risk of infection in wounds
• This oil is a magnificent blue colour
• Sweet, floral scent
• Blends well with Bergamot, Clary Sage, Cypress, Lavender, Neroli and Ylang Ylang
• £££

ylang ylang for acne:

• Antiseptic – it reduces the risk of infection in wounds
• Astringent  – helps control sebum production
• Anti-inflammatory – it reduces inflammation when applied topically
• Maintains skin moisture – keeps skin looking young and smooth
• Sweet, floral scent
• Blends well with Clary Sage, Clove, Bergamot, Lavender and Sandalwood
• £

essential oils for acne scar healing:

I like to add one or two of the following essential oils to my DIY recipes as it’s just as important, if not more important to nourish and heal your skin in the aftermath of a breakout. I’m now paying the price of using harsh products containing benzoyl peroxide when I was a teenager. This ingredient – used in many over the counter “spot remedies” – generates free radicals that slows the skins healing process and leaves unsightly red marks that take forever to go away! This list of oils will help heal your skin, reduce scarring and ultimately set you on the path to a clearer complexion.

carrot seed for acne scars:

• Antioxidant – protects the cells from free radical damage
• Antiseptic – It reduces the risk of infection in wounds
• Helps retain youthful, glowing skin
• Soft, earthy scent
• Blends well with Bergamot and Lavender
• £

clary sage for acne scars:

• Balances and regulates the production of natural oils in the skin
• Promotes young, healthy skin
• Anti-inflammatory – it reduces inflammation when applied topically
• Nutty scent
• Blends well with Bergamot, Cypress, Lavender, Sandalwood and Frankincense
• £

frankincense for acne scars:

• Evens skin tone and helps fade scars
• Anti-ageing properties – regeneration of healthy cells and also keeps the existing cells and tissues healthy
• Tones and tightens skin
• Can help reduce sun spots and micro wrinkles round the eyes and mouth
• Sweet, woody scent
• Blends well with Cypress, Neroli, Bergamot, Lavender, Myrrh and Sandalwood
• £

helichrysum (immortelle/everlasting flower) for acne scars:

• Promotes regrowth of skin
• Promotes healing of wounds and cuts
• Antiseptic – It reduces the risk of infection in wounds
• Antibacterial – kills some species of bacteria
• Antioxidant – has a mild antioxidant capacity
• Astringent – helps control excessive oil
• Straw-like, fruity scent
• Blends well with Lavender, Oregano, Clove, Coriander, Thyme, Neroli and Ylang Ylang
• ££££

neroli for acne scars:

• Improves skin health by regenerating cells and retaining skin elasticity
• Evens skin tone and helps fade scars
• Sweet, floral scent
• Blends well with Lavender, Ylang-Ylang, Rosemary and Sandalwood
• ££££

sandalwood for acne scars:

• Antiseptic – it reduces the risk of infection in wounds
• Anti-inflammatory – it reduces inflammation when applied topically
• Anti-ageing properties – regeneration of healthy cells and also keeps the existing cells and tissues healthy
• Tightens and firms skin
• Reduces appearance of scars
• Sweet, woody scent
• Blends well with Bergamot, Clary Sage, Clove, Lavender, Myrrh and Ylang-Ylang
• £

If you want to learn more about blending essential oils there’s a great article over on Aroma Web.

I hope this guide is really helpful when it comes to making your own homemade concoctions. As you can see, these essential oils all have so many fantastic beauty benefits – tonnes more than you’d get from a high-street moisturiser!

What would be the one essential oil you couldn’t live without? Let me know if the comments below! 😉

Peace, Love & Clear Skin