Oil combinations that don´t work well togehter
While most oils can be mixed, certain combinations may not work well due to differences in absorption, stability, and skin reactions. Here are oil combinations to avoid and why they don’t work:
1. Heavy vs. Light Oils
Avoid mixing very thick oils with very light oils in high amounts
Example: Castor oil + Grapeseed oil
Why? Castor oil is thick and sticky, while grapeseed oil is very light and fast-absorbing. The result may be uneven absorption, making the blend feel greasy in some areas and too dry in others.
Better Alternative: Mix a small amount of castor oil with a medium-weight carrier oil like Jojoba oil for a more balanced texture.
2. Comedogenic (Pore-Clogging) Oils Together
Avoid combining multiple high-comedogenic oils
Example: Coconut oil + Wheat germ oil
Why? Both oils have a high comedogenic rating (4-5), meaning they are likely to clog pores and cause breakouts, especially for acne-prone skin.
Better Alternative: Pair a heavier oil like Coconut oil with a non-comedogenic oil like Squalane to reduce the risk of clogged pores.
3. Fast-Oxidizing Oils Together
Avoid mixing multiple oils that go rancid quickly
Example: Flaxseed oil + Rosehip seed oil
Why? Both oils are highly unstable and oxidize quickly, meaning the blend will spoil faster. This reduces the effectiveness and may even cause skin irritation.
Better Alternative: Add an antioxidant like Vitamin E oil to slow oxidation or use stable oils like Jojoba or Argan oil as a base.
4. Too Many Active Ingredients in One Blend
Avoid combining multiple oils with strong active compounds
Example: Neem oil + Tamanu oil + Black cumin seed oil
Why? These oils are all highly active, meaning they can cause irritation, especially for sensitive skin. Neem and black cumin are potent antimicrobials, and tamanu is a strong healing oil—together, they may be too harsh.
Better Alternative: Mix only one strong active oil with a gentler carrier oil like Sweet almond or Jojoba oil.
5. Mixing Oils With Different Absorption Rates
Avoid mixing an oil that absorbs too quickly with one that sits on the skin
Example: Squalane + Castor oil
Why? Squalane is ultra-light and absorbs instantly, while castor oil is thick and takes a long time to penetrate. The mix may feel uneven, with squalane disappearing quickly while castor oil lingers on the skin.
Better Alternative: Use a medium-weight oil like Baobab or Marula oil to create a more balanced absorption.
6. Photosensitive Oils in Daytime Blends
Avoid citrus oils in leave-on daytime products
Example: Lemon essential oil + Sweet almond oil (used during the day)
Why? Citrus oils like lemon, lime, and bergamot are phototoxic, meaning they increase the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight, which can cause burns or pigmentation.
Better Alternative: Use citrus essential oils only in nighttime blends or replace them with non-phototoxic oils like Sweet orange or Frankincense for a similar brightening effect.
7. Oils With Conflicting pH Needs
Avoid mixing oils that require different pH levels to be effective
Example: Rosehip oil + Retinol (Vitamin A oil)
Why? Retinol works best in a low pH environment, while rosehip oil contains natural vitamin A but has a more neutral pH. Mixing them can reduce the effectiveness of both and increase the risk of irritation.
Better Alternative: Use Rosehip oil in the morning and Retinol-based oil at night instead of mixing them.
8. Too Many Thick Oils in One Blend
Avoid combining multiple heavy oils unless used in small amounts
Example: Castor oil + Avocado oil + Shea butter-infused oil
Why? These oils are all very thick, making the blend greasy and difficult to absorb.
Better Alternative: Mix a small amount of thick oil with a lighter oil like Jojoba or Grapeseed oil to improve spreadability and absorption.
9. Essential Oils With Similar Strong Properties
Avoid mixing too many essential oils with similar intense effects
Example: Tea tree oil + Eucalyptus oil + Clove oil
Why? All three are strong antimicrobials and can cause skin irritation, dryness, or burning sensations when used together.
Better Alternative: Use only one strong essential oil (e.g., Tea tree) and combine it with a calming essential oil like Lavender or Chamomile.
10. Oils That Don’t Blend Well Due to Texture
Avoid mixing oils with different solubility properties
Example: Water-based serums + Oil-based serums (without an emulsifier)
Why? Water and oil do not mix unless an emulsifier is added. If you simply shake them together, they will separate, making the formula unstable.
Better Alternative: Layer a water-based serum first, let it absorb, and then apply the oil-based serum on top to lock in moisture.
Conclusion: How to Mix Oils Correctly?
Follow these guidelines to create well-balanced oil blends:
- Choose a stable base oil (Jojoba, Argan, or Squalane) to prevent oxidation.
- Avoid mixing multiple comedogenic oils if you have acne-prone skin.
- Balance thick and light oils for even absorption.
- Use active ingredients carefully—only one or two per blend.
- Keep phototoxic oils for nighttime use.
- Use an emulsifier if mixing water and oil.
Disclaimer: All our suggested oil/serum-blendings are compatible and good for use!