The Best and Worst Oils to Use After Microneedling
Microneedling often leaves skin feeling tight, dry, and a bit sore. You naturally want to put something soothing on—but should that “something” be an oil?
Short answer: yes, certain gentle oils are fine, but timing matters. Give your skin at least 24 hours after an at-home roller and 48 hours after a clinic treatment before you reach for a light, fragrance-free oil.
This guide shows you which oils to use when the time is right, which to treat with caution, and which to avoid altogether.
Why a Little Oil Helps
Microneedling pokes tiny holes in the skin, so water escapes faster and everything feels very dry. A thin layer of the right, light oil (added after the first 24–48 hours) acts like a soft cover: it slows water loss, calms lingering redness, and keeps your fresh work from flaking. Studies on post-microneedling moisturizers show they cut dryness and redness faster than leaving skin bare.
Best Oils to Apply After Microneedling (start 24–48 h after your session)
1. Rosehip Seed Oil
Rosehip oil is a light, non-greasy oil that’s great for calming the skin and keeping it hydrated after microneedling. It’s full of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that help support skin repair, and it also contains a natural form of vitamin A, which can help fade dark spots and improve skin texture over time.
It absorbs quickly, doesn’t clog pores, and can be used alone or blended with your usual cream for a lighter feel.
2. Squalane
Squalane is one of the safest and most skin-friendly oils you can use after microneedling. It’s super lightweight, absorbs quickly, and doesn’t clog pores, which makes it a safe pick if your skin tends to break out easily. Since it’s almost identical to the natural oil your skin produces, it helps lock in moisture without feeling heavy or greasy.
You can use it on its own or layer it under your moisturiser for extra hydration—just a few drops on damp skin is enough.
3. Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is a great option after microneedling because it’s gentle, soothing, and very easy to apply—no rubbing needed. It’s technically a liquid wax, not a true oil, and its structure is very close to your skin’s natural oil. This helps keep your skin feeling balanced without overloading it.
It’s also known to calm redness and support healing, making it a smart choice if your skin feels irritated or dry. Just make sure to patch-test if you have a ragweed allergy.
4. Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed oil is one of the lightest oils you can use after microneedling, making it a top pick for oily or acne-prone skin. It’s rich in linoleic acid, which helps calm inflammation and won’t clog pores. It also contains antioxidants that can support skin repair and even out skin tone over time.
Grapeseed oil sinks in fast and doesn’t leave behind residue, so it’s ideal if you don’t like the texture of heavier oils. If you’re allergic to grapes, skip this one just to be safe.
5. Hemp Seed Oil
Hemp seed oil is a great choice if your skin feels sensitive or gets red easily after microneedling. It has a well-balanced mix of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, which helps calm irritation and support the skin’s natural barrier.
Unlike heavier oils, it feels light and breathable, making it comfortable to wear even if your skin is still a bit tender. It keeps skin comfortably hydrated without clogging pores, so it works well for both dry and combination skin types.
6. Kiwi Seed Oil
Kiwi seed oil is a gentle, skin-softening option that’s especially good if your skin is feeling extra sensitive after microneedling. It’s rich in alpha-linolenic acid (a type of omega-3) and natural vitamin E, which help strengthen the skin barrier and improve texture.
This oil is lightweight, absorbs well, and adds moisture without feeling greasy. It’s a good pick if your skin tends to get dry and reactive, and it works nicely either on its own or mixed into your moisturiser for a bit of a boost.
7. Green Tea Seed Oil
Another oil worth considering is green tea seed oil, especially if your skin tends to get warm or flushed after microneedling. It’s rich in polyphenols (natural compounds found in green tea) that help reduce inflammation and protect the skin from stress.
One of these, called EGCG, has been shown to calm redness and support healing. This oil is light in texture and works well for most skin types. It’s also a good pick if you want something soothing but not overly oily.
8. Sea Buckthorn Oil
Sea buckthorn oil is a more nourishing option, often used for skin that needs extra help healing. It’s packed with omega-7, a rare fatty acid known for supporting skin regeneration. This oil is a deep orange color and feels richer than the others on this list, so it’s best introduced once any redness has started to settle (possibly around day 3 or 4). Use just a small amount or mix it into your moisturiser to avoid staining and keep the texture light.
Use These Oils Carefully
Some oils have real skin benefits but aren’t always the best choice right after microneedling. They might be too rich, more likely to clog pores, or carry a higher risk of irritation—especially on sensitive or healing skin. If you want to try any of the oils below, wait a few days after treatment and always start with a patch test.
Castor Oil
Castor oil is deeply moisturizing and has anti-inflammatory properties that can support healing after microneedling. However, its thick texture can make it hard to spread without rubbing—something you want to avoid on freshly treated skin. To make it easier to use, mix it with a lighter oil like rosehip or squalane. Wait at least 24 hours before applying, and always patch-test first.
Related: Is Castor Oil Good After Microneedling?
Vitamin E Oil
Vitamin E oil is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, and it’s often used to help dry, irritated, or healing skin. It can support skin repair after microneedling and may help reduce flaking and discomfort, especially if your skin feels very dry.
However, it’s not suitable for everyone. It’s a thicker oil that can clog pores, making it risky for acne-prone or oily skin. It’s also a common allergen—some people experience redness or itching after applying it. If you want to try it, wait until your skin has calmed (around day 3 or later), and always patch-test first.
Argan Oil
Argan oil is rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids, which makes it a nourishing option for dry or mature skin. It can help soften and moisturise the skin after microneedling and may support the healing process. But despite its benefits, it’s not the best fit for everyone.
Argan oil has a slightly heavier texture and can feel too rich for oily or acne-prone skin. If your skin clogs easily, this one might be too much too soon. If you do want to try it, wait a few days post-treatment and patch-test before using it all over.
Avocado Oil
Avocado oil is rich, soothing, and full of nutrients like vitamin E, potassium, and lecithin that support skin repair after microneedling. It’s also been shown to help boost collagen production, which is great for healing.
However, it’s high in oleic acid—a fatty acid that can make the oil feel heavy and create a barrier that traps heat and bacteria if used too soon. This can slow down healing or lead to irritation, especially if your skin is still red or inflamed.
It’s best to wait until your skin is calm and no longer sensitive before introducing avocado oil, and use only a small amount to start.
Sweet Almond Oil
Sweet almond oil is often used to soften skin and improve elasticity, thanks to its mix of vitamin E and fatty acids. It has a light to medium texture and generally doesn’t clog pores. However, it’s not the best choice in the first few days after microneedling.
Because it’s a nut-based oil, there’s a risk of allergic reaction—especially on sensitive, freshly treated skin. If you’re not allergic and want to try it, wait until your skin has calmed down and patch-test first.
Pumpkin Seed Oil
Pumpkin seed oil has anti-inflammatory properties and contains nutrients like zinc and vitamin E that may support healing. Some animal studies suggest it could help repair wounds, but there’s limited research on its use after microneedling.
The oil feels medium in weight and may be too rich for sensitive or oily skin during the early stages of healing. It’s best used later in the recovery process, and only after a patch test.
Black Seed Oil
Black seed oil has strong anti-inflammatory and healing properties, making it a tempting option after microneedling. But it’s very potent and should always be diluted with a gentle carrier oil like jojoba or squalane. Used straight, it can cause stinging or redness—especially on freshly treated skin. Wait until your skin is calm (around day 4), and avoid the eye area completely. Always patch-test first.
Marula Oil
Marula oil is rich in antioxidants and fatty acids, but it’s also very high in oleic acid—over 70%. This makes it a heavier oil that can feel rich or greasy on the skin, especially if you’re prone to breakouts. It’s better suited for very dry or mature skin, and even then, only once the skin has fully calmed after microneedling. If your skin is oily, acne-prone, or still healing, it’s best to skip this one or wait at least a week before trying it.
Oils to Avoid After Microneedling
Some oils can do more harm than good on freshly microneedled skin. Whether they’re too heavy, too irritating, or just not designed for compromised skin, it’s best to leave these out during your recovery:
- Coconut Oil
Highly comedogenic and can clog pores, making it risky for acne-prone skin—especially when skin is more sensitive after microneedling. - Baby Oil / Mineral Oil
Acts as a heavy seal over the skin, which might trap heat and lead to breakouts—especially on oily or acne-prone skin. - Bio-Oil®
Contains fragrance, dyes, and mineral oil. These added ingredients can irritate sensitive post-treatment skin and slow healing. - Rosemary, Peppermint & Tea Tree Oils
These essential oils are highly concentrated and can cause stinging, redness, or inflammation when applied to freshly treated skin. - Lavender Oil
A known skin allergen that’s more likely to cause a reaction when the skin barrier is still healing. - Olive Oil
Studies show it can damage the skin barrier and increase redness, making it unsuitable for use after microneedling. - Emu Oil
One animal study found it may actually delay healing when applied too early, so it’s best avoided during the recovery phase.
Related: Coconut Oil After Microneedling: Yes or No?
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right oil after microneedling can make a big difference in how your skin heals and looks in the days that follow. Stick to light, soothing oils that support the skin without clogging pores or causing irritation—especially in the first few days.
If you’re ever unsure, start with just a drop mixed into your moisturiser and patch-test first. And remember, more isn’t better. A few drops go a long way when your skin is in recovery mode. Listen to how your skin responds and adjust as needed—it’ll tell you what it can handle.
Sources
https://uk.typology.com/library/is-the-topical-use-of-black-seed-oil-dangerous
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5438513
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22995032
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30779160
https://www.hmpgloballearningnetwork.com/site/thederm/site/cathlab/event/what-emu-oil-and-why-are-patients-rubbing-it-their-skin
More Recovery Tips After Microneedling
For additional recovery tips after microneedling, check out these articles:
Can You Use Glycolic Acid After Microneedling?
Applying Vaseline After Microneedling
Itching After Microneedling: What to Expect and How to Soothe
Showering After Microneedling
Is It a Good Idea to Use Arnica After Microneedling?
Acne After Microneedling: Causes & How to Treat It
Understanding Milia After Microneedling
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