Oils to Avoid If You Have a Moody Scalp or Moody Skin

Is your scalp or skin acting up?

Many people turn to different products to keep things balanced, but not all ingredients work the same way. If you’re leaning toward natural options, it's important to know that some oils might not be your best friend. In fact, they could be making things worse.

Why Does This Matter?

A common skin-dwelling element thrives on certain oils and lipids. If you're not careful, you could be feeding the very thing contributing to your scalp or skin concerns.

Before adding a new oil or product to your routine, check the ingredient list. Some oils can throw things off balance and keep your skin in a cycle of frustration.

Oils and Lipids in Skin and Hair Care

Many popular oils—like coconut, jojoba, and olive oil—are praised for their hydrating and soothing properties. But here’s the catch: some oils contain fatty acids that can serve as fuel for unwanted skin imbalances.

Certain oils have fatty acids with carbon chains between C11 and C24, which can contribute to an unbalanced environment. While these fatty acids can be beneficial in some cases, they may not be ideal for everyone.

Oils to Watch Out For

If you're trying to keep your scalp and skin happy, you might want to reconsider using these oils:

Jojoba oil (Eicosenoic acid, C20)
Argan oil (Oleic acid, C18)
Coconut oil (Lauric acid, C12)
Avocado oil (Palmitic acid, C16)
Olive oil (Oleic acid, C18)
Sunflower oil (Oleic and Linoleic acid, C18)
Castor oil (Ricinoleic acid, C18)
Shea butter (Stearic and Oleic acid, C18)
Cocoa butter (Stearic and Oleic acid, C18)
Murumuru butter (Lauric acid, C12)
Mango seed butter (Stearic and Oleic acid, C18)
Beeswax (Palmitic and Oleic acid, C16 & C18)

If you see these in your skincare or haircare products, consider how your skin responds to them before continued use.

Oils That May Be a Better Fit

There are a few oils that don’t contain the fatty acids known to contribute to an unbalanced skin environment.

MCT Oil

MCT oil is a fractionated form of coconut or palm kernel oil. It primarily contains:

Caprylic acid (C8)
Capric acid (C10)

These medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) aren’t used as a food source in the same way as other fatty acids, making them a popular choice for keeping the skin in check.

Squalane Oil

Squalane is a lightweight, non-greasy oil derived from plants. It’s known for its hydrating properties and is made of a different structure that doesn’t contain the problematic fatty acids found in many other oils.

Mineral Oil

Despite the name, mineral oil isn’t actually an oil in the traditional sense—it lacks fatty acids. This makes it less likely to contribute to an imbalanced skin state. However, because mineral oil is thick and occlusive, it can trap other elements on the skin, so using it strategically is key.

Choosing the Right Product

Many products labeled as “gentle” or “balancing” still contain ingredients that might not be ideal for those dealing with a moody scalp or skin. Checking the full ingredient list and patch-testing products before committing to them can help you figure out what works best.

For those looking to simplify their routine, single-ingredient options—like MCT oil or squalane—allow for better control over what’s being applied to the skin.

By choosing the right oils and being mindful of ingredients, you can create a routine that supports happy, balanced skin and scalp care.