What are the best plant oils for skin?

Beautiful smiling black woman with plant oils for skin running down her face

Choosing Plant Oils for Skin Care

Plant oils can play a vital role in repairing and maintaining a healthy skin barrier—but their benefits vary widely. To prevent irritation or clogged pores, it’s essential to select non-comedogenic oils that actively support barrier restoration.

Fortunately, research has helped identify which oils offer the most therapeutic value, making it easier to choose those that truly nourish, protect, and restore.

The curated lists below highlight oils that are well-tolerated—even by sensitive or reactive skin types.

Pay attention to Meadowfoam Seed Oil. It’s compatible with all skin types, highly stable, and an excellent base for custom formulations thanks to its long shelf life and silky texture.

Fast-absorbing oils are ideal for daytime use, oily/acne-prone skin, and layering under makeup.

Average-absorbing oils offer balanced hydration and are great for most skin types.

Slow-absorbing oils and butters are best for nighttime routines, dry skin, or lip care where occlusion is beneficial.

Recommended Plant Oils for OILY / ACNE-PRONE SKIN

High in linoleic acid, lightweight, and non-comedogenic—ideal for balancing sebum and preventing breakouts.

IngredientSuggested UseAbsorption Rate
Apple Seed OilUp to 100%Average
Grapeseed OilUp to 100%Fast
Hazelnut OilUp to 100%Fast
Hemp Seed OilUp to 100%Fast
Jojoba OilUp to 100%Average
Kokum ButterUp to 10%Slow
Mango ButterUp to 10%Slow
Meadowfoam Seed OilUp to 100%Fast
MCT Oil (Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides)Up to 100%Fast
Rosehip OilUp to 100%Fast
Sunflower Oil (high-linoleic)Up to 100%Fast
Tamanu OilUp to 5% or spot treatmentAverage

Recommended Plant Oils for DRY SKIN and LIPS

Rich in oleic acid and emollients—deeply moisturizing and soothing for flaky or tight skin.

IngredientSuggested UseAbsorption Rate
Almond Oil (Sweet)Up to 50%Average
Apple Seed OilUp to 100%Average
Avocado OilUp to 100%Slow
Babassu OilUp to 50%Average
Baobab OilUp to 30%Fast
Borage Seed OilUp to 20%Slow
Cocoa ButterUp to 50% for lips onlySlow
Macadamia Nut OilUp to 30%Slow
Mango ButterUp to 50% Great for lipsSlow
Meadowfoam Seed OilUp to 100%Fast
MCT Oil (Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides)Up to 50%Fast
Shea Butter (refined)Up to 20% Great for lipsSlow

Recommended Plant Oils for NORMAL / BALANCED SKIN

Light, nourishing oils that maintain hydration and barrier function without overwhelming the skin.

IngredientSuggested UseAbsorption Rate
Apricot Kernel OilUp to 100%Fast
Argan OilUp to 100%Average
Avocado OilUp to 100%Slow
Baobab OilUp to 100%Fast
Camellia Seed OilUp to 100%Fast
Jojoba OilUp to 100%Average
Kokum ButterUp to 50%Slow
Macadamia Nut OilUp to 10%Slow
Mango ButterUp to 50%Slow
Meadowfoam Seed OilUp to 100%Fast
MCT Oil (Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides)Up to 50%Fast
Sesame OilUp to 100%Average
Shea Butter (refined)Up to 20% Great for lipsSlow
Squalane (plant-derived)Up to 100%Fast
Sunflower Oil (high-linoleic)Up to 100%Fast

Recommended Plant Oils for AGING SKIN

Rich in antioxidants and regenerative compounds—supports collagen, elasticity, and skin renewal. Use these oils to supplement your skincare routine.

IngredientSuggested UseAbsorption Rate
Pomegranate Seed OilUp to 20%Average
Prickly Pear Seed OilUp to 100%Fast
Sea Buckthorn OilUp to 10%Average
Green Coffee Seed OilUp to 50%Average

What plant oils are in Corum products?

The oils in Corum products have been carefully chosen to include the best plant oils for skin. Our products are formulated to support the skin barrier while not causing breakouts. That makes our products beneficial for all skin types, even acne-prone or oily skin. Check the ingredients list of each of our products to see how each ingredient benefits the skin.

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