- Comedogenic
- 3 / 5
- Irritancy
- 0 / 5
- Fungal acne
- Trigger
- Type
- Plant oil
- INCI name
- Oenothera Biennis Oil
- Also listed as
- Evening Primrose Oil
Who should avoid it?
Avoid in leave-on face products if you have oily, combination or acne-prone skin. It is usually fine on the body, in rinse-off products, or on very dry skin that does not break out.
Non-comedogenic swaps
| Swap to | Rating | Fungal acne |
|---|---|---|
| Squalane | 0/5 | Safe |
| Rosa Canina Fruit Oil | 1/5 | Trigger |
Non-comedogenic oils ranked Fungal-acne safe ingredients list
Frequently asked questions
Is Evening Primrose Oil comedogenic?
Yes, it is pore-clogging. Evening Primrose Oil (INCI: Oenothera Biennis Oil) has a comedogenic rating of 3 out of 5. A rich source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), but moderately comedogenic on the face.
Is Evening Primrose Oil safe for fungal acne?
No. Evening Primrose Oil can feed Malassezia yeast, so people with fungal acne usually avoid it.
Does Evening Primrose Oil cause acne?
It can. Ingredients rated 3–5 are frequently linked to clogged pores and breakouts in acne-prone people, especially in leave-on products.
What are other names for Oenothera Biennis Oil?
On labels it can also appear as Evening Primrose Oil.