Face oils can feel confusing when you're first exploring them — aren't oils just… oily? The truth is, not all oils are created equal. Every plant oil has its own profile of fatty acids, and two of the most important are linoleic acid and oleic acid.
Understanding which oils are rich in each can help you choose the right formula for your skin type. Let's break it down.
Linoleic Acid: Lightweight & Balancing
Linoleic acid is an omega-6 fatty acid that tends to be lighter in texture. It absorbs quickly, making it a favorite for people with oily, combination, or breakout-prone skin. Because acne-prone skin often has lower levels of linoleic acid, replenishing it with the right oils can help balance and calm the skin.
Oils rich in linoleic acid:
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Rosehip Oil
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Grapeseed Oil
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Evening Primrose Oil
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Sunflower Seed Oil
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Hemp Seed Oil
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Safflower Oil
💡 Best for: Oily, congested, acne-prone, or uneven skin
Oleic Acid: Rich & Nourishing
Oleic acid is an omega-9 fatty acid that's richer and more emollient. Oils high in oleic acid are deeply moisturizing and help strengthen the skin barrier, which makes them especially comforting for dry, sensitive, or mature skin.
Oils rich in oleic acid:
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Avocado Oil
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Olive Oil
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Camellia Oil
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Macadamia Nut Oil
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Marula Oil
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Plum Kernel Oil
💡 Best for: Dry, sensitive, or mature skin
Balanced Oils
Some oils have a good mix of both linoleic and oleic acids, making them versatile and suitable for most skin types.
Examples include:
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Jojoba Oil (technically a wax ester, but balances sebum beautifully)
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Peach Kernel Oil
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Argan Oil
💡 Best for: Normal, combination, or anyone wanting balance
Spotlight on Ollie Skincare Oils
At Ollie Skincare, we've designed two complementary blends to provide your skin with what it needs around the clock — carefully balancing linoleic and oleic-rich oils for healthy, glowing skin.
Ollie Skincare Facial Oil (Daytime Glow)
Ingredients: Peach Kernel Oil, Avocado Oil, Camellia Oil, Jojoba Oil, Rosehip Oil, Vitamin E, Essential Oil
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Linoleic-rich oils (Rosehip, Peach Kernel) → brighten & balance.
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Oleic-rich oils (Avocado, Camellia) → soften & support barrOil.
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Jojoba Oill → regulates oil production.
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Vitamin E → antioxidant shield.
Perfect for all skin types, this lightweight formula layers under makeup and protects against daily stressors while keeping skin nourished.
Ollie Skincare Night Oil (Overnight Repair)
Ingredients: Plum Kernel Oil, Jojoba Oil, Vitamin E, Essential Oil
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Oilm KerneOilil → oleic-rich and deeply hydratOil.
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Jojoba Oil → keeps the blend lightweight and balancing.
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Vitamin E → supports overnight skin recovery.
Best for dry, sensitive, or mature skin, this rich blend replenishes moisture and leaves you waking up to soft, supple skin.
How to Use Face Oils
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Apply after cleansing and toning, either on their own or as the last step before moisturizer.
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Use a few drops — a little goes a long way.
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Day: Choose lighter, balanced oils (like Ollie Skincare Facial Oil).
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Night: Opt for more nourishing, oleic-rich oils (like Ollie Skincare Night Oil).
The Takeaway
Linoleic and oleic acids are the building blocks that make face oils so effective. By knowing which fatty acid your skin needs, you can choosthehe righOilil — or better yet, a blenthat's’s thoughtfully balanced for you.
With OlliIe's’s Facial Oil and Night Oil, your skireceivests round-the-clock care — balancing by d andy, replenishing by night.
