10 Best Essential Oils + Carrier Oils for Clear Skin

Did you know you can use essential oils for clear skin? From breakouts to blemishes, your skin health could be improved without the need for expensive, toxin-filled treatment. This guide covers essential oils, carrier oils, and how-to guide for naturally clear skin.

Why I Use Essential Oils for Clear Skin

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It never fails. Right before that time of the month I get hormonal breakouts. They’re usually on my chin, but I’ll get the occasional zit on my forehead – especially when I’m stressed or don’t get enough sleep. I’ve found that these homemade acne remedies work best in helping to prevent acne from starting, but sometimes the unavoidable happens.

As well as hormones, acne can be caused when sebum clogs pores. These clogged pores become a breeding ground for bacteria which is why a topical, bacteria-killing treatment such as essential oil can work wonders for clear skin.

I used to turn to traditional acne spot treatments with chemicals like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. I thought I needed something harsh to get rid of the oil and dry out my pimples. Boy, was I wrong.

Oil is not the enemy when it comes to acne. In fact, oil is beneficial for the face. I’ve given up on traditional facial cleansers and now use the oil cleansing method (OCM) to “wash” my face at night.

I’ll admit it was really tough for me to do this. I started once and gave up 3 weeks into it because I didn’t see any improvement. Then months later, I tried it again, and WOW. It was worth sticking it through to about 5-6 weeks. I absolutely love the oil cleansing method now.

If you’re also hoping to switch, I’d recommend this tutorial on the oil cleansing method and its benefits. I also have a DIY face wash I use in the morning sometimes – or I just splash with water and follow with my DIY pH balancing toner. Regardless of your routine, these are the best essential oils for clear skin each with their own acne-fighting properties.

Essential Oils for Clear Skin

1. Tea Tree

Tea Tree essential oil is ideal for those seeking clearer skin due to its naturally purifying and cleansing properties. It is known for helping with uneven skin tone and texture, balancing oily skin, and reducing redness. You can add it to your favorite skincare products or follow my tips below on how to use it for clear skin.

I recommend this DIY makeup brush cleaner and using Tea Tree essential oil to break down the oil and dirt on your brushes. Even if you are committed to using non-toxic makeup, product build-up on your makeup brushes can still cause breakouts and congest pores.

2. Lavender

Lavender essential oil has many benefits for skin health. It naturally reduces redness and helps to clean the skin’s surface without stripping its natural oils. Thanks to its antiseptic properties, Lavender essential oil is also one of the best essential oils to help with occasional blemishes. I use it to dab on blemishes as a simple but effective spot treatment.

3. Manuka

Similar to tea tree oil, Manuka essential oil is packed with purifying properties that can help with occasional blemishes. It’s like a toner in a bottle that helps to clear pores. To use, dilute a little Manuka oil with a carrier oil such as sweet almond oil then apply daily.

4. Frankincense

Frankincense is a powerful essential oil to add to your skincare routine. Thanks to it’s natural calming properties it can help soothe as well as even skin tone and texture. It is also an ideal essential oil for clear skin as it helps to fade dark spots. Note, it works slowly so it can take several weeks with daily use to see results.

5. Roman Chamomile

Roman Chamomile is one of my favorite essential oils for baths thanks to its skin soothing properties. By applying Roman Chamomile essential oil to the skin you can also minimize the appearance of occasional blemishes. This is because it is packed with powerful skin-boosting properties. It is another great essential oil for treating blemishes as helps tighten pores and protect the skin against pollution and future breakouts.

6. Patchouli

Patchouli is a favored essential oil for beauty and skincare because it helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines for youthful, glowing skin. Not only does it help for glowing skin, but I’d also recommend using it in DIY beard oil as it helps eliminate irritation and itchiness while protecting the skin.

It does have an earthy aroma, so I like to pair it with a floral such as Geranium or Lavender. When making your own homemade body wash, Patchouli essential oil is a perfect addition as it naturally tones and tightens the skin, leaving your complexion smooth and healthy.

7. Rosemary

Rosemary is one of the best essential oils for clear skin as it is a refreshing astringent that helps tone and decongest. This means it helps with occasional blemishes, as well as helping to decrease redness and puffiness. When applied topically, Rosemary essential oil helps to keep pores clear. This makes it a great addition for a detox bath as it leaves skin feeling clean and revitalized.

8. Sandalwood

For those with sensitive skin, Sandalwood essential oil is a great addition to your skincare routine. It also helps to clear and decongest pores, and helps to calm redness too. It is also renowned as an effective natural method to help naturally fade dark spots from occasional blemishes.

9. Myrrh

Myrrh essential oil has been used for thousands of years for its beauty benefits. Even the Ancient Egyptians recognized its value and applied it topically to maintain healthy skin and boost radiance.

Myrrh essential oil  helps with uneven skin tone and texture, and supports the fading of unwanted blemishes. It is a perfect essential oil for making a DIY makeup remover as it cleans, moisturizes, and helps tighten the skin naturally.

10. Rose

Rose essential oil is one of the best essential oils for clear skin as it boasts so many benefits. This includes soothing the skin, reducing pore size, soothing redness as well as balancing the skin’s PH.

One of the easiest ways to take advantage of these benefits is by adding it to a homemade face toner or even your bath. By using Rose essential oil in your everyday routine you will notice an improvement in your skin’s texture thanks to numerous vitamins and antioxidants.  

How to Use Essential Oils for Clear Skin

Use as a spot treatment

Blend your essential oil of choice with an appropriate carrier oil. You can then apply the mixture to a Q-tip or a cotton pad and apply to individual pimples.

Add to your facial wash or DIY a clear skin face wash

My DIY facial wash is ideal for those craving a clear complexion as it can be easily customized depending on your skin issues. It doesn’t contain any harsh ingredients, so it’s perfect for all skin types.

Make a DIY face mask

These DIY honey face mask recipes are my go-to for all skin ailments. A face mask with essential oils is an inexpensive way to revitalize skin and promote a glowing complexion without harsh chemicals.

Mask a DIY face scrub

Want a quick facial at home? Gently exfoliate your skin naturally with this easy DIY exfoliating facial scrub. It helps to banish blackheads, remove dead skin cells and leaves skin looking radiant – all thanks to just 3 ingredients.

Make a DIY facial serum

This Homemade Facial Serum is packed full of nutrients that your skin will love and will keep your skin glowing. It is ideal for dull, thirsty skin in need of increased hydration, brightening and acne prevention. 

Facial Steaming

Another way to use essential oils for clear skin is facial steaming. Fill a large bowl or basin with steaming water. Add three drops of essential oil. Create a tent over the bowl by placing a towel over your head and face, allowing the steam and essential oil to penetrate your pores.

Best Carrier Oils for Clear Skin

These carrier oils are excellent to help promote clear skin, fade blemish marks, improve skin tone and texture, and help to balance oily skin. My go-to for the face are rosehip seed and jojoba oils.

I like to do an 80/20 of rosehip seed and jojoba and then add the essential oils as needed. You can mix and match any of these carrier oils, or use them solo. Jojoba oil is very thick and usually works better when combined with another carrier oil.

Rosehip Seed Oil
As a lightweight carrier oil it is great for all skin types. Rosehip seed oil is packed with Essential Fatty Acids as well as Vitamins A, & C that are vital for skin renewal and skin cell repair.

Argan Oil
Argan oil is excellent for acne-prone skin as well as improving skin texture and tone. It has a light consistency so can be absorbed quickly. It is rich in vitamin E so is great for fine lines, wrinkles, scars and stretch marks.

Hemp Seed Oil
Hemp seed oil is one of the best carrier oils for mature and acne-prone skin as it is rich in omega fatty and amino acids. It is also ideal for dry skin as it moisturizes without clogging pores.

Sweet Almond Oil
Sweet almond oil is one of the most versatile carrier oils as it is cheap and great for all skin types. It is lightweight and odorless as well as easily absorbed by the skin.

Apricot Kernel Oil
Not only is apricot kernel oil inexpensive, it is rich in vitamins A and E making it great for sensitive and mature skin.

Jojoba Oil
As it is a slightly thicker consistency, jojoba oil is most similar to the skin’s natural oil (sebum.) It is rich in vitamin E making it ideal for those with dry and problem skin.

More Skincare Tips You Might Like

• DIY Eyelash Growth Serum
• 12 Best Essential Oils for Beauty and Skincare
• 10 Best Essential Oils for Baths
• How to Make The Switch to Non-Toxic Makeup

Did you try these essential oils for clear skin? Let me know how it goes. You can also FOLLOW ME on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest to see what other fun things I’m getting up to.