With that in mind, you’d think that primrose oil would be the perfect antidote for those with acne prone skin. However, board-certified dermatologist Sheila Farhang, MD, recommended to Byrdie that those with this sort of skin type avoid using primrose oil as it’s thick consistency isn’t the best answer to already oily and acne prone skin. That’s not to say you can’t use it, but according to the dermatologist, it falls in the “middle range of comedogenicity” — which refers to an oil’s pore-clogging potential.
However, there have been studies that suggest primrose oil is a go-to for acne prone skin thanks to its primary ingredient gamolenic acid and its anti-inflammatory properties. But these studies have been few and far between, as Noelani Gonzalez, MD, director of cosmetic dermatology at Mount Sinai West, told Women’s Health. “So, essentially more clinical studies are needed for us to say that it actually is a good acne treatment.” She also recommends that if you were to use primrose oil, it should be in conjunction with a proven treatment like Accutane to balance out the inevitable dryness you’ll experience.
