15 Best Essential Oils For Acne And Recipes

(This post contains affiliate links. You can read my full disclosure here.)

Acne is hard to get rid of! I think you would agree to this.

Or is it?

Well, it turns out that you can get rid of them using essential oils. In this post, I am going to tell you the 15 best and most effective Essential Oils for Acne.

Why use Essential Oils For Acne?

Acne-Prone skin? Put Oils On Your Face! Acne-prone skin can be most problematic skin if not cared well. Non-commercial products can exaggerate the situation if they are used for a long-term period. Essential oils for acne can be highly effective at treating acne-prone skin. Fats? Oils? On my skin? No way!

You won’t believe that natural essential oils are boon for every type of skin. They are extracted from the plants and have the essential nutrients to treat skin problems.

Let’s see why to use Essential oils for Acne.

• Essential oils have antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties which kill acne-causing microbes.
• They exfoliate dead cells and unclog blocked pores.
• Many essential oils have anti-inflammatory property and help to relieve pain and redness.
• They provide essential nutrients to your skin and help to solve other problems of the skin.
• Essential oils have the ability to alleviate feelings of stress and anxiety, fight insomnia and sleep deprivation, and balance hormone levels which can be the main causes of acne.

Now the question is, what are the best essential oils for acne prone skin? Let’s find out!

1. Tea Tree Essential Oil For Acne

Tea tree oil for acne is a great natural treatment. It contains antibacterial and antiseptic properties that work together to reduce acne inflammation. It kills acne-causing bacteria and prevents acne. It unclogs pores and exfoliates the dead cells and dirt.

Applying a 5% tea tree oil gel appears to be as effective as 5% benzoyl peroxide (Oxy-5, Benzac AC, and others) for treating acne. Tea tree oil might work more slowly than benzoyl peroxide but seems to be less irritating to the facial skin. When applied twice daily for 45 days, tea tree oil reduces several acne symptoms, including acne severity.

A smaller study published in the Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology in 2007 involved 60 people with mild to moderate acne who were treated with either a gel containing 5 percent tea tree oil or a placebo for 45 days. Researchers found that the tea tree oil was more effective than the placebo in reducing the severity of acne and the total number of acne lesions. (Source) 

Tea Tree Essential Oil Recipe For Acne

Ingredients

• 50 ml witch hazel (Buy From Here)
• 15 drops tea tree essential oil (Buy From Here)

Simply mix tea tree oil with witch hazel and apply the concoction to the affected areas of the skin using a cotton ball twice a day. You can leave it on for several hours, or as long as overnight. Store it in a glass bottle.

2. Lavender Essential Oil For Acne

Acne can be devastating when not managed. Lavender oil can help treat acne breakouts because it has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory properties.  It is also a circulatory stimulant. Lavender oil also has a mild astringent like property, which helps in clearing out the clogged pores and this is most of the time the primary culprit behind the acne breakout.

The Lavender essential oil increases blood flow to the skin tissues because it is a circulatory stimulant. The increase in blood to the skin brings much-needed nutrients to the cells along with oxygen. This means healthier skin cells and a radiant glowing complexion that everyone will notice.

Lavender Essential Oil Recipe For Acne

Ingredients

• 10 drops lavender essential oil (Buy From Here)
• 15 ml rosehip oil (Buy From Here)

Using a funnel, pour rosehip oil in the bottle and add carefully lavender oil. Shake well and apply the serum to your cleansed skin twice a day. Store it in a dark colored glass bottle.

3. Rosemary Oil Essential Oil For Acne

Rosemary essential oil has powerful antibacterial, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and astringent properties that all work together to fight off acne and prevent more from showing up. Its antiseptic properties kill off acne-causing germs and also make it a great solution for popped pimple wounds which can get re-infected by acne germs.

It helps gently detox congested skin by purifying it from deep within the pores and driving out stale sebum, dead cells, dirt, grime, pollution, germs and other impurities.

Rosemary Essential Oil Recipe For Acne

Ingredients

• 7 drops rosemary essential oil (Buy From Here)
• 15 ml jojoba essential oil (Buy From Here)

Using a funnel, pour jojoba oil into the bottle and add carefully rosemary oil. Shake well and apply the serum to your cleansed skin twice a day. Store it in a dark colored glass bottle.

4. Thyme Essential Oil For Acne

Acne patients have become extremely interested in thyme oil as a topical treatment. Increasing numbers of acne patients are being put off by Benzoyl Peroxide’s strong side effects of increased inflammation, dryness of skin, redness and free radical damage. Benzoyl Peroxide and other commercial or drug store face washes don’t offer a long-term solution, they only put a plaster on acne.

A study shows that thyme oil is an absolute treat when it comes to killing acne bacteria. Scientists tested the antibacterial effect of ten different essential oils: oils of lavender, thyme, cinnamon, mint, lemon, grapefruit, jasmine, rose, chamomile, and ginger.

The most effective oils were found to be cinnamon, rose, and thyme. The oils killed p.acne bacteria at only tiny concentrations. A solution of 0.25% thyme oil killed all the p.acnes in just five minutes. (Source) 

Thyme Essential Oil Recipe For Acne

Ingredients

• 50 ml rose hydrosol (Buy From Here)
• 12 drops thyme essential oil (Buy From Here)

Simply mix thyme oil with rose hydrosol and apply the concoction to the affected areas of the skin using a cotton ball 2-3 times a day. You can leave it on for several hours, or as long as overnight. Store it in a glass bottle.

5. Oregano Essential Oil For Acne

The powerful phenols have antibacterial, antiviral, anti-parasitic, and anti-fungal properties. The oil of oregano possesses anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which prevent inflammation and kills acne-causing bacteria. Topical application of this oil in a diluted form is known to treat skin infections, itches, and irritations.

Oregano Essential Oil Recipe For Acne

Ingredients

• 8 drops oregano essential oil (Buy From Here)
• 15 ml safflower oil (Buy From Here)

Using a funnel, pour safflower oil into the bottle and add carefully oregano oil. Shake well and apply the serum to your cleansed skin twice a day. Store it in a dark colored glass bottle.

6. Peppermint Essential Oil For Acne

Peppermint essential oil has Omega-3s which support a healthy skin inflammatory response which is greatly a positive aspect for clearer skin. Fatty acids can act as natural moisturizers that revitalize dry skin. It contains iron, potassium, calcium, magnesium etc which highly beneficial for our healthy skin and improves our skin complexion. It has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties which cure us of acne or heals inflamed acne or small pimples. Vitamin C and Vitamin A removes the dark spots and prevent the skin from aging.

Peppermint Essential Oil Recipe For Acne

Ingredients

• 2 drops peppermint essential oil (Buy From Here)
• cotton ball

Simply apply the oil on the affected area using a cotton ball and leave it for overnight. Do this daily. or you can add 1 drop peppermint oil with your oil-free daily moisturizer.

7. Juniper Berry Essential Oil For Acne

Juniper berry essential oil is great for detoxification of the skin.  It has natural antibacterial and antimicrobial abilities, which proves a natural remedy for fighting skin irritations, acne, rashes, and infections.  It also has mild astringent properties, which means it is a fabulous home remedy for acne and supports your beautiful skin. Detoxifying properties help you to clear the toxins that lead to acne.

Several studies indicate that juniper berry essential oil is a powerful antibacterial agent that fights acne when used topically. (Source) 

Juniper Berry Essential Oil Recipe For Acne

Ingredients

• 2-4 drops juniper berry essential oil (Buy From Here)
• cotton ball

Simply apply the oil on the affected area using a cotton ball and leave it for overnight. Do this daily. or you can add 1 drop peppermint oil with your oil-free daily moisturizer. For sensitive skin, dilute juniper berry with jojoba oil before topical application.

8. Clary Sage Essential Oil For Acne

A natural ingredient in clary sage reduces skin inflammation and works as a natural remedy for acne and skin irritations. It also regulates the production of oil on the skin, a factor that is often associated with breakouts. Clary sage not only halts the growth and spread of bacteria, it also alleviates feelings of stress and anxiety, and supports hormonal balance.

Clary Sage Essential Oil Recipe For Acne

Ingredients

• 30 ml rose hydrosol (Buy From Here)
• 10 drops clary sage essential oil (Buy From Here)

Simply mix clary sage oil with rose hydrosol and apply the concoction to the affected areas of the skin using a cotton ball twice a day. You can leave it on for several hours, or as long as overnight. Store it in a glass bottle.

9. Eucalyptus Essential Oil For Acne

Eucalyptus essential oil is a strong opponent of acne. It’s been shown to inhibit the growth of many strains of bacteria including P. acnes. Research has also shown that eucalyptus oil can decrease the amount of sebum production by reducing the size of sebaceous glands. This plays a big part in controlling acne. It heals scars and also prevents future acne.

Eucalyptus Essential Oil Recipe For Acne

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoon aloe vera gel (Buy From Here)
• 7 drops eucalyptus essential oil (Buy From Here)

Mix all the ingredients and store in a glass container. Apply it twice on your cleansed face as a daily moisturizer.

10. Lemon Essential Oil For Acne

Lemon essential oil has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties which fight bacteria-causing acne and avoiding future acne. The astringent properties of lemon oil shrink and constrict excess oil and dirt from the pores. It has vitamin C  which reduces the appearance of dark spots and other types of sun damage. It helps to fade post-breakout red marks by improving skin’s natural healing response. The citric acid of lemon oil which acts as a chemical exfoliant which removes the dead cells and has an acidic property that eliminates excess oil.

Lemon Essential Oil Recipe For Acne

Ingredients

• 8 drops lemon essential oil (Buy From Here)
• 15 ml calendula oil (Buy From Here)

Using a funnel, pour calendula oil in the bottle and add lemon oil. Shake well and apply the serum to your cleansed skin twice a day. Store it in a dark colored glass bottle.

11. Frankincense Essential Oil For Acne

Frankincense has astringent properties, making it an ideal essential oil to use for your face. It dries out acne, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and tightens the skin.

It helps with wound healing and may decrease the appearance of scars. It also helps to reduce the appearance of dark spots caused by acne blemishes and eczema. It helps to promote the growth of new cells, keep your skin elastic and firm and also helps reducing age spots.

Frankincense Essential Oil Recipe For Acne

Ingredients

• 4 drops frankincense essential oil (Buy From Here)
• 4 drops tea tree essential oil (Buy From Here)
• 15 ml rosehip oil (Buy From Here)

Using a funnel, pour rosehip oil in the bottle and carefully add frankincense and tea tree oil. Shake well and apply the serum to your cleansed skin twice a day. Store it in a dark colored glass bottle.

12. Rose Essential Oil For Acne

It is very helpful in driving away depression, stress, and anxiety which is the main reason for premature aging and acne. Rose essential oil is one of the best essential oils for dry skin. It helps keep your skin moist and is great to use as a moisturizer for your face.

Due to its antioxidant property, it makes the scars, wrinkles, dark spots and after marks of boils, and acne on the skin fade quickly. It also offers antiseptic properties to treat acne, as well as anti-inflammatory properties that help treat redness and inflammation.

Rose Essential Oil Recipe For Acne

Ingredients

• 30 ml witch hazel (Buy From Here)
• 15 drops rose essential oil (Buy From Here)

Simply mix rose oil with witch hazel and apply the mixture to the affected areas of the skin using a cotton ball twice a day as a face toner. You can leave it on for several hours, or as long as overnight. Store it in a glass bottle.

13. Bergamot Essential Oil For Acne

This citrus-based essential oil with its stress-reducing and antibacterial characteristics make it a wonderful ingredient to your acne-fighting regime. Bergamot essential oil reduces blemishes and pimples, promotes skin growth and healing, and minimizes old acne scars.

Experts have stated that inhaling bergamot oil lowers stress and anxiety levels, thereby reducing the stress that triggers acne in those prone to skin breakouts and blemishes.

Bergamot Essential Oil Recipe For Acne

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoon aloe vera gel (Buy From Here)
• 5 drops bergamot essential oil (Buy From Here)
• 2 drops lavender essential oil (Buy From Here)

Mix all the ingredients and store in a glass container. Apply it twice on your cleansed face as a daily moisturizer.

14. Geranium Essential Oil For Acne

Geranium essential oil has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiseptic properties which kill germs and bacteria that cause outbreaks, eczema, and skin rashes. It’s also antimicrobial and antibiotic, which means the oils can help get rid of free radicals before and when they cause infection.

Geranium essential oil can actually balance sebum production which means it’s a great natural alternative for dry, oily, and combination skin. The oil is well known as a natural cicatrizant, which means it heals scars tighten skin and lightens pigmentations.

Geranium Essential Oil Recipe For Acne

Ingredients

• 6 drops geranium essential oil (Buy From Here)
• 4 drops tea tree essential oil (Buy From Here)
• 20 ml calendula oil (Buy From Here)

Using a funnel, pour calendula oil in the bottle and carefully add geranium and tea tree oil. Shake well and apply the serum to your cleansed skin twice a day. Store it in a dark colored glass bottle.

15. Sandalwood Essential Oil For Acne

Sandalwood oil is a highly effective, but gentle essential oil that is used to treat many common skin conditions, such as burns, cuts, rashes, and acne. It is extremely beneficial in controlling acne and breakouts. It is antiseptic, astringent, and helps in locking in moisture.

A by-product of the sandalwood tree, sandalwood oil contains antimicrobial properties that make it a powerful herbal antiseptic. Sandalwood oil battles the bacteria and oil that block pores and cause blackheads and pimples. A 2007 clinical trial published in the February 2008 edition of Food and Chemical Toxicology found that sandalwood oil and its components contain antiviral, anticarcinogenic and bactericidal properties.

Sandalwood Essential Oil Recipe For Acne

Ingredients

• 10 drops sandalwood essential oil (Buy From Here)
• 10 ml hemp seed oil (Buy From Here)

Using a funnel, pour hemp seed oil in the bottle and carefully add sandalwood oil. Shake well and apply the serum to your cleansed skin twice a day. Store it in a dark colored glass bottle.