
Our grandma was right all along—everything the skin needs is already in the kitchen. In India, we all have grown up with coconut oil in our hair, mustard oil on our bodies, and ghee in almost every meal. But somewhere between new trends and modern skincare buzzwords, the true power of natural oils for skin was often overlooked. Now, science is finally validating what Indian households have known for centuries, that is, natural oils can help heal, hydrate, and transform skin better than any chemical-laden cream.1
Wondering which ones are actually worth it? Let’s dive in.
The Comeback Of Natural Oils In Skincare
For the past few years, natural oils like coconut, almond, and jojoba were overlooked amidst the hype of modern, lighter serums and lotions. That’s because many people believed these oils could feel greasy on the skin and might lead to acne breakouts. But over time, many brands realised the benefits of natural oils for the skin and began incorporating them into their formulations. For example, grapeseed and sunflower seed oils are non-comedogenic, meaning they won’t clog pores. They’re also packed with essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins that can help calm irritation and strengthen the skin’s protective barrier. Thus, this has brought plant-based natural oils back into modern skincare routines.1 2 3 4
Are Natural Oils Safe For Your Skin?
Yes, many natural oils are safe for skin. They offer deep nourishment and keep your skin soft and healthy. But not all oils suit everyone. Some, like jojoba or rosehip oil, are light and absorb quickly. They’re great even for oily or sensitive skin. Others, like coconut oil, are heavier. They may clog pores if your skin is acne-prone.5 6
That said, choosing the right oil for your skin type makes all the difference. And when used correctly, natural oils can be a gentle, effective addition to any routine, even during pregnancy.
8 Best Natural Oils For Skin
Now that you know natural oils can be both safe and effective, let’s take a look at the top 8 natural oils for skin:
1. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil contains vitamins E and K, and has antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it great for soothing dry or irritated skin. However, it’s heavier in nature, so if you have oily or acne-prone skin, it’s best to avoid using it on your face. For the most benefits, always opt for cold-pressed, unrefined (virgin) coconut oil.7 8
2. Olive Oil
This is a natural oil your skin will absolutely love, especially if it’s dry or aging. Olive oil is rich in vitamins A, D, and E, which help keep your skin soft, nourished, and healthy. It is generally used in body oils and gentle cleansers. However, if you have oily or acne-prone skin, it’s best to skip regular olive oil. It’s heavier and can clog pores. Instead, go for extra virgin olive oil as it is much gentler on the skin.9 10
3. Grapeseed Oil
When you think of grapeseed, you probably picture delicious grapes, right? But did you know grapeseed oil comes from those very seeds? It’s actually a byproduct of winemaking. This oil is a real treat for skincare lovers!11
Grapeseed oil is packed with powerful natural compounds like flavonoids and antioxidants. It helps reduce dark spots, calm swelling, control extra oil, and minimise the look of pores.12 13
4. Shea Butter
Shea butter is a natural moisturiser that’s perfect for dry or rough skin. It’s packed with fatty acids that help lock in moisture and soothe irritation. It also contains vitamins A and E, which help reduce signs of aging and keep your skin soft and smooth. However, if you have a latex allergy, it’s always recommended to avoid using shea butter on skin.14
5. Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is one of the most versatile natural oils for skin. It’s rich in vitamin E, B-complex vitamins, and antioxidants, which help repair and protect the skin. Since it closely resembles the skin’s natural sebum, it absorbs quickly without clogging pores. It’s great for calming redness, soothing sunburn, and keeping oily or sensitive skin balanced and hydrated.15
6. Sweet Almond Oil
If there is one oil that’s been a quiet hero in skincare for ages, it’s sweet almond oil. Sweet Almond Oil is known for its gentle and nourishing effects. This oil works wonders on dry, irritated, or flaky skin. It’s lightweight, non-sticky, and gets absorbed easily into the skin, making it perfect for everyday use. That’s not all! It is also a go-to for tackling conditions like eczema or psoriasis. That is why it is baby-safe and many moms swear by it for massaging their little ones. 16 17 18
7. Sunflower Seed Oil
This is a light, non-greasy oil that is rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids. It deeply hydrates the skin, reduces irritation, and strengthens the skin’s natural barrier. This makes it a great pick for dry or sensitive skin. Not just that, sunflower seed oil is also gentle on baby’s skin and can soothe diaper rash.19 20
8. Rosehip Seed Oil
When you hear Rosehip, you probably think of rose. But rosehip is something different. It is actually extracted from the seeds of wild rose bushes. This oil has become a skincare favourite for its hydrating and anti-aging properties. Research also suggests it may be effective in soothing inflammatory skin issues such as eczema.12
Now that you know which natural oils are packed with skin-loving benefits, keep reading to discover how to apply them effectively.
The Right Way To Apply Natural Oils To Your Skin
Here’s how to apply natural oils to your skin for maximum benefits:
Use As A Cosmetic Remover
You can use natural oils like coconut oil to remove makeup from your face. Oils are great at breaking down that first layer of foundation, mascara, or sunscreen. Just take a little of it on a cotton pad and gently wipe. But after that, make sure to use a gentle cleanser to wash off your face thoroughly.21
Apply As A Moisturiser
Natural oils act as emollients. That means they help moisturise the skin by filling in tiny gaps between skin cells, making the surface smoother and softer. Unlike humectants, they don’t pull water into the skin; instead, they lock in existing moisture and strengthen the skin’s barrier to prevent dryness.21 22 23
Swipe As A Lip Balm
If you often experience dry or chapped lips, natural oils like coconut oil can be your BFF! They’re packed with vitamin E and healthy fats that help keep your lips moisturised and soothe irritation. All you need to do is take a drop of your favourite oil and gently dab it on your lips.21
Wrapping Up!
When it comes to skincare, sometimes the simplest solutions are the most powerful. As you’ve seen, natural oils for skin are not just traditional fixes; they’re proven by science and loved for being gentle and effective. Whether it’s to soothe irritation or lock in moisture, each oil has something special to offer your skin.
So, at AreoVeda, we trust the goodness of these time-tested ingredients. That’s why our products—made for moms, babies, and pregnancy care, are formulated with natural oils that truly nurture the skin. Because caring for yourself or your little one should feel safe, pure, and free of harsh chemicals.
Explore our full skincare range and help us care for you, the gentle way.