We Love Oil-Based Skincare… I Think You Will Too

If you grew up in the “oil-free everything” era, you probably learned to be a little afraid of oils in skincare. I did too! It was drilled into us (especially if you had acne). Oil was enemy number one.

But over time, education, and  my own experience, I started to question that idea. Because the truth is… oil was never the problem.

If you're new here, welcome! Let me introduce myself. I'm Laurel - a registered nurse, the founder of Marigold Salve, and the formulator behind every product we make. As a teenager and into my early 20's, I struggled with acne. I tried EVERYTHING to dry it out and control it. Oil-free products, harsh treatments; anything that promised clearer skin. Guess what? They ALL made it worse. 

It wasn’t until I switched to oil-based skincare that things began to change. My skin started to calm down, balance itself, and heal. And the crazy thing? What worked then is still working! I turned 40 this past year. I'm living in Central Oregon’s high desert climate. Life is busy with still working a day a week as a bedside nurse, being a wife, a mom (both human and animal), owning a business, having incredible family and friends...all wonderful things that keep life busy. And in the midst of all this, and all the new trends promising quick miracles, I feel even more strongly about oil based skincare.  Honestly, my skin feels healthy, glowy, and I love that I am 40 and feel more confident than ever!

I’ve seen this over and over again, not just in my own skin, but in others: Oil-based skincare isn’t just for one “type” of skin. It’s for EVERYONE.

For the pre-teen with reactive, easily irritated skin.
For the teenager struggling with breakouts.
For those of us living in dry climates where our skin constantly needs more support.
For aging skin that’s craving nourishment, softness, and resilience.

I have yet to meet someone who didn’t benefit from adding a thoughtfully formulated face or body oil into their routine.

And here’s why it works…

No Preservatives = Less Irritation

One of the biggest differences with oil-based skincare is what’s NOT in it.

Water-based products need preservatives to keep them from spoiling. For many people, especially those with sensitive or reactive skin, those added ingredients can lead to irritation or flare-ups.

Oil-based products don’t require those same preservatives, which means fewer unnecessary ingredients and a gentler experience for your skin. Whether you’re just starting your skincare journey or simplifying it over time.

Dry Skin Needs More Than Water

If you live in a dry climate, or if your skin has changed over time, you’ve probably felt it—those water-based moisturizers that seem to disappear almost as quickly as you apply them. They can feel nice at first, but they don’t always last.

Oils work differently. They help support your skin barrier and lock in moisture, so your skin stays soft and hydrated longer. Not just for a moment, but throughout the day.

This is especially important in dry environments. And especially supportive for skin that’s becoming drier with age.

Not All Oils Are Created Equal

We hear this all the time: “Won’t oils clog my pores?”

The answer…it depends on the oils.

Not all oils are heavy or pore-clogging. In fact, many are considered low comedogenic, meaning they’re much less likely to block pores or cause breakouts. When thoughtfully chosen, these oils are one of the most powerful tools to balance your skin rather than overwhelm it.

Which means oil-based skincare can support acne-prone skin just as beautifully as it supports dry or mature skin.

“Clean” Isn’t Always What It Seems

Dah! This!! “Clean skincare” is everywhere right now. But the label doesn’t always tell the full story. A lot of these products still contain long ingredient lists, fillers, or ingredients that don’t truly support sensitive or reactive skin.

We believe clean should feel simple and honest. Every ingredient should serve a purpose, and your skin should be able to recognize and benefit from it.

A Better Way to Care for Your Skin

Oil-based skincare isn’t about trends. It’s about going back to what works…for ALL of us.

Simple ingredients. Thoughtful formulations. Real results.

Whether your skin is just beginning its journey, navigating breakouts, adjusting to a dry climate, or changing with time, the right oils can meet you where you are.

Truly everyone can benefit. I can’t wait for you to experience it.

Wishing you healthy skin, but more importantly, a healthy life,

Laurel
Founder, Marigold Salve