Do Oils Really Block Pores?

Oils are often blamed for problematic skin, but in fact oil is essential for the proper balance of healthy skin. So clearly and naturally so that the skin creates its own oil.

The idea that oils block pores has been repeated for years, but it oversimplifies how the skin actually behaves. Pore blockage is not caused by oil alone. It is the result of a combination of factors, including dead skin cells, sebum, inflammation and overall skin function. Sometimes unsuitable washing, sometimes unsuitable products too.

Not all oils behave in the same way. Some are heavier, some lighter, and some integrate more easily with the skin. Oils such as jojoba closely resemble the skin’s natural sebum, which is why they are often well tolerated and can help bring the skin back into balance rather than disrupt it.

When the skin barrier is supported, oil production tends to stabilise. When it is compromised, the skin may produce more oil to compensate, often leading to the very congestion people are trying to avoid.This is where well-formulated blends matter.

Within Heior, oils are selected not for trend or marketing value, but for their compatibility with the skin. Ingredients such as apple seed, cloudberry and jojoba are used across the range, especially in Superfruit, Blue Alchemy and Aurea and our targeted formulations, to best support the skin barrier and maintain consistency. Even richer products such as Hero Balm are designed to sit comfortably on the skin, offering protection and support without overwhelming it.

Used correctly, oils do not clog the skin. They help regulate it. The result is skin that feels more balanced, more consistent and easier to manage over time.