What Does ‘Oil-Free’ Really Mean in Skin Care?

As consumers become savvier thanks to an influx of education from media, dermatologists, aestheticians, cosmetic chemists and other skin-care pros, they’re demanding transparency when it comes to ingredients and the formulas they’re featured in. We’ve heard from our readers that one particular marketing term that’s not entirely clear is “oil-free,” and there seems to be some confusion as to what really qualifies a product in this category. To get to the bottom of it, we tapped two experts in the field: a leading dermatologist and cosmetic chemist with keen skin-care insights.

Featured Experts

• Julie Russak, MD is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York
• Ginger King is a cosmetic chemist and president/CEO of Grace Kingdom Beauty

‘Oil-Free’ Is Just a Marketing Term

Cosmetic chemist Ginger King explains that oil-free is strictly a marketing term. “Technically, when the INCI does not have the ‘oil’ wording in the product ingredient list, marketers can choose to claim oil-free. However, there are ingredients like silicone esters that are oily in nature but do not have the word ‘oil’ in there, and this could be misleading for consumers with certain expectations.” In fact, in 2020, a class action lawsuit was filed by a woman who claimed that several products from Johnson & Johnson, Walgreens-Boots, L’Oréal, Maybelline and E.L.F. had falsely advertised their oil-free products. In 2021, the same woman filed another lawsuit against Clinique with the same argument. “Oil-free is not a legally abiding claim—it’s just marketing,” King adds.

New York board-certified dermatologist Julie Russak, MD explains that “originally, ‘oil-free’ described formulations that omitted occlusive or comedogenic oils, thereby preventing pore congestion and excessive shine. But today, the term has become more nuanced. With the rise of biomimetic and gene-ready skin care, we look less at whether a formula contains oil and more at how its lipid components interact with skin natural composition, whether the product supports barrier repair, balances sebum regulation and influences cellular signaling. So, ‘oil-free’ should really mean intelligently formulated to maintain the skin’s natural equilibrium, not simply devoid of oil.”

Where the Confusion Lies

King says that if you see the word “oil” on the INCI list (like mineral oil, for example), the product should not be labeled oil-free. However, some brands take a more nuanced approach. “Many plant-derived lipids, like jojoba or sunflower seed oil, mimic the skin’s own sebum and are non-comedogenic,” adds Dr. Russak. “What matters most is molecular structure and skin compatibility. Many plant-derived lipids, including jojoba and meadowfoam seed oil, replicate the composition of native sebum and have non-comedogenic properties. Therefore, a truly modern approach to skin care focuses on bio-affinity: whether an ingredient can integrate with the skin barrier and support its regenerative function rather than simply categorizing ingredients by origin.” 

Is squalane considered an oil?

Another ingredient that muddies the waters is squalane, which is considered an oil-derived lipid, but is not the same as a traditional oil. “Squalane is skin-identical sebum, so it technically is not a traditional oil that might clog the pores,” King explains. It feels counterintuitive, but skin-care products containing oil can actually benefit oily skin. “Oil-free skin care is really targeted toward people with oily, combination and acne-prone skin types who are scared of additional oil, but want hydration,” adds King. “They usually opt for a water-based serum with actives for hydration only. Additionally, when marketers want to say oil-free, they usually have products for people with acne-prone skin who are afraid of putting excessive oil on top of an oily face. However, some ‘oil’ does cut oil. Ingredients like squalane and ethylhexyl olivate, or any ‘esters’—oils that are esterified and you see them ending in ‘ate’ on an INCI list—can actually cut the greasy feel and are good for skin.”

Dr. Russak adds that squalene and its stabilized form, squalane, are great examples of how innovation has outgrown traditional labeling. “Squalene is a natural lipid found in human sebum, critical for maintaining flexibility and antioxidant defense,” she explains. “Modern biotech allows us to produce bio-identical squalane sustainably from sugarcane or fermentation. It behaves like a skin-compatible emollient, not an ‘oil’ in the traditional sense. This ingredient supports the skin’s lipid metabolism and even influences gene expression related to barrier repair.”

Which skin types benefit most from oil-free skin care?

“Patients with pronounced sebum overproduction, acne or inflammatory skin conditions like rosacea may benefit from formulations free of heavy occlusives or certain mineral oils,” Dr. Russak explains. “But in my practice, especially within regenerative dermatology, I often find that ‘oil-free’ isn’t always necessary. Many people with breakouts actually have a compromised barrier. Restoring balance with the right lipids and ceramides can calm inflammation and improve overall function. It’s about restoring skin homeostasis, not eliminating all oils.” 

Dr. Russak says the future of skin care isn’t about stripping away, but rather teaching the skin how to rebalance and regenerate. “We’re entering a phase where formulations are designed at a cellular, and even epigenetic level, which is what I call ‘gene-ready skin care’—it influences the way skin cells behave. Intelligent lipid design, postbiotic and peptide complexes, and precision delivery systems are redefining how we think about terms like ‘oil-free.’ The focus has shifted from oil avoidance to targeted cellular optimization.”