Written by the Plenthera team (orthomolecularly trained). Scientifically reviewed in September 2026. Last updated: 22 September 2026.
Plant-based oils have their own place in skincare — not as a replacement for a cream, but as a simple, single-ingredient addition. At Plenthera you will find pure skin oils from Now Foods: almond oil, apricot kernel oil, avocado oil, grapeseed oil and castor oil (each 473 ml), plus shea butter (207 ml). For those who like to keep their skincare pure and straightforward.
Which skin oil suits you?
An overview of common skin oils. At Plenthera we currently stock almond, apricot kernel, avocado, grapeseed and castor oil and shea butter from Now Foods.
| Oil | Suitable for | Property |
|---|---|---|
| Almond oil (at Plenthera) | Body, massage, dry skin | Mild, versatile base oil |
| Apricot kernel oil (at Plenthera) | Face, normal to sensitive skin | Light, absorbs well |
| Avocado oil (at Plenthera) | Dry, mature skin | Rich and nourishing |
| Grapeseed oil (at Plenthera) | Normal to combination skin | Very light, not greasy |
| Castor oil (at Plenthera) | Eyelashes, eyebrows, hair ends | Thick and syrupy |
| Shea butter (at Plenthera) | Dry patches, hands, lips | Solid butter, melts on the skin |
| Argan | Dry skin, hair | Nourishing |
| Jojoba | All skin types | Liquid wax, not greasy |
| Rosehip | Mature skin | Rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids |
What is skin oil?
Skin oil is a plant-based oil or butter for external application to the face, body and hair. Pure oils consist of a single ingredient and naturally contain fatty acids and fat-soluble substances such as vitamin E.
Skin oils differ greatly in texture. Light oils such as grapeseed and apricot kernel oil absorb quickly and do not feel greasy — suitable for normal to combination skin. Richer oils such as avocado oil and shea butter stay on the skin for longer and suit dry skin or dry patches. Castor oil is so thick that it is mainly used on specific spots.
The production method partly determines what is in the bottle. Cold-pressed oils retain more of their original fat-soluble substances than oils extracted using heat or solvents; refined oils have a more neutral smell and a longer shelf life. If in doubt, check the label.
Black seed oil is generally used as a food or supplement — for that, take a look at our black seed oil category.
What does the science say about skin oil?
Skin oils fall under the European Cosmetics Regulation (EC) 1223/2009, not under the rules for food supplements. Cosmetic products are intended to clean, care for or keep the skin in good condition — not to treat conditions.
Research into plant-based oils focuses mainly on the skin barrier: some oils can reduce moisture loss through the skin and keep the skin supple (Lin et al. 2017). The composition differs per oil, for example in the ratio of linoleic acid to oleic acid, which partly explains why one oil feels lighter than another.
For a complete skin theme, combine external care with nutrition: vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin, and zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal skin.
Skin oils at Plenthera and other oils on the market
Almond oil — at Plenthera
Oil from sweet almonds: mild, low in scent and versatile. A classic base oil for body and massage. Now Foods, 473 ml. Do not use if you have a nut allergy.
Apricot kernel oil — at Plenthera
A light oil from apricot kernels that absorbs well — suitable for face and body. Now Foods, 473 ml.
Avocado oil — at Plenthera
A rich, nourishing oil for dry or mature skin. Can also be added to a body cream. Now Foods, 473 ml.
Grapeseed oil — at Plenthera
One of the lightest oils, rich in linoleic acid, not greasy on the skin. Suitable for normal to combination skin and as a base for massage. Now Foods, 473 ml.
Castor oil — at Plenthera
A thick oil from the seeds of the castor oil plant (Ricinus communis). Traditionally used for eyelashes, eyebrows, hair ends and dry patches. For external use only. Now Foods, 473 ml.
Shea butter — at Plenthera
A solid butter from the nuts of the shea tree that melts at skin temperature. For dry patches such as hands, elbows, feet and lips. Now Foods, 207 ml.
Other oils on the market
Argan oil — a nourishing oil from Morocco, popular for dry skin and hair. Jojoba oil — technically a liquid wax, feels light. Rosehip oil — rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, often chosen for mature skin. Tamanu and marula oil — niche oils with their own scent and texture. We do not currently stock these. Available, however, are the Plent Tallow Balsem based on beef fat, and organic coconut oil from KiKi Health.
How do you use skin oil?
- Apply 2–4 drops to slightly damp skin, after cleansing.
- Massage in gently — without much pressure.
- For the body: straight after showering on still-damp skin.
- For the face, the evening is most popular; during the day, only light oils.
- Test a new oil on a small patch of skin first, especially if you have sensitive skin.
- Store oils in a cool, dark place and close the bottle tightly.
Myths and misconceptions about skin oil
Myth 1: 'Oil is always too greasy for the face.'
Incorrect. Light oils such as grapeseed and apricot kernel oil absorb quickly and do not feel greasy.
Myth 2: 'Coconut oil is good for every face.'
Coconut oil is comedogenic for many people and can lead to blemishes on sensitive skin. For body and hair, it is fine.
Myth 3: 'Natural oils are always safe.'
Usually, yes, but plant-based oils can also cause allergic reactions — almond oil, for example, with a nut allergy. So test first.
Myth 4: 'The more oil, the more hydration.'
Incorrect. Oil retains moisture, but does not add water itself. 2–4 drops on damp skin is enough.
Combining skin oil with other products
- Skincare: for tallow balms and other external care.
- Haircare: castor oil and shea butter are also used in hair routines.
- Collagen: for those who also want to look after their skin from within.
- Vitamin C: contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin.
- Zinc: contributes to the maintenance of normal skin.
Frequently asked questions
Which skin oil suits me?
Dry skin: avocado oil or shea butter. Normal to combination skin: grapeseed or apricot kernel oil. Body and massage: almond oil.
How do I use skin oil?
2–4 drops on slightly damp skin, massaged in gently.
What is castor oil used for?
Mainly for eyelashes, eyebrows, hair ends and dry patches. Because of its thick texture, it is often mixed with a lighter oil.
Which oil for oily skin?
A light oil such as grapeseed oil, used sparingly.
Can I use skin oil during pregnancy?
Pure plant-based oils such as almond and avocado oil are widely used. Avoid essential oils without advice from your midwife or doctor.
Can I use skin oil with eczema?
Eczema is a skin condition; consult your GP or dermatologist. Always test a mild, fragrance-free oil on a small patch of skin first.
Why cold-pressed?
Cold-pressed oils retain more of their original fat-soluble substances. The label states how an oil has been extracted.
Can I use black seed oil on the skin?
Black seed oil is mainly used as a food. Take a look at our black seed oil category.
Sources
- Regulation (EC) 1223/2009 — European Cosmetics Regulation.
- Lin TK., Zhong L., Santiago JL., "Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils", Int J Mol Sci (2017).
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review — assessments of plant-based oils.
Disclaimer: This text is for information purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Skin oil is a cosmetic product. If in doubt or if you have skin complaints, we recommend consulting a doctor or dermatologist first.