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Facial oils have been gaining popularity in recent years for their exceptional ability to enhance one’s skincare routine. They offer many benefits such as hydrating and nourishing the skin, and containing essential fatty acids and other nutrients that help to improve the skin’s barrier function, even out skin tone, and provide much-needed hydration.
With the abundance of facial oils on the market, choosing the right one for your skin type and concerns can be a daunting task. But, worry not! In this blog post, I will take a closer look at the best facial oils for different skin types and concerns. Whether you have sensitive skin, acne-prone skin, or are concerned with anti-aging, there is a face oil that is perfect for you.
How To Choose a Face Oil
When it comes to choosing a facial oil, the first step is to consider your skin type. According to expert esthetician, Bridgette Thomas, those with dry skin types can benefit the most from a facial oil, especially if they experience flaky, dry patches or a tight, dry sensation. However, that doesn’t mean other skin types can’t benefit from using a face oil in their skincare routine.
In fact, almost all skin types can benefit from using a face oil as long as they choose the right one. The trick to using one in your skincare routine correctly and successfully is to select an oil that is well-suited to your particular skin type.
But what about those with acne-prone or easily congested skin? While it’s true that some oils can be pore-cloggers, it doesn’t mean that they should be discounted completely. As Thomas notes, a small amount of a well-chosen oil can even counteract the drying effects of traditional acne medications. Some oils, like tea tree oil and jojoba oil, can work wonders for breakout-prone and easily upset complexions. However, as a general rule, mineral oil, coconut oil, and argan oil should be avoided by those with acne-prone or congested skin.
Jojoba oil is extremely lightweight and helps dissolve sebum, making it perfect for combination skin, while grape seed oil has astringent properties and is suited to oily skin. For drier skin types, heavier oils rich in oleic acid, such as almond and marula oils, are recommended to help seal in moisture. And for those with sensitive skin should look for aloe vera and moringa, which have strong anti-inflammatory properties.
My Top Picks
BEST OVERALL: KORA OrganicsNoni Glow Plumping Face Oil
BEST SPLURGE: True Botanicals Renew Pure Radiance Oil
BEST BUDGET: The Ordinary “B” Oil All-In-One
BEST FOR DRY SKIN: MARA Algae + Moringa® Universal Hydrating Face Oil
BEST FOR COMBINATION SKIN: Biossance 100% Sugarcane Squalane Oil
BEST FOR OILY SKIN: Peach & Lily Pure Beam Luxe Oil
BEST FOR ACNE PRONE SKIN: Pai Skincare Carbon Star Detoxifying Overnight Face Oil
BEST FOR SENSITIVE SKIN: REN Clean Skincare Evercalm Barrier Support Elixir
BEST ANTI-AGING: FaceGym Face Coach Lifting Squalane Face Oil
Best Overall: KORA Organics Noni Glow Plumping Face Oil
Kora Organics Noni Glow Plumping Facial Oil is a natural face oil designed to smooth, nourish, and brighten the skin for a healthy-looking glow. This oil is suitable for all skin types, including dry, combination, and oily skin. The formulation contains Noni fruit, a superfood packed with antioxidants and over 100 vitamins and minerals, rosehip oil with an abundance of antioxidants and fatty acids to soothe the skin, and sea buckthorn, which contains vitamins C and E, and carotenoids.
This lightweight oil absorbs quickly into the skin and helps to minimize the appearance of discoloration and blemishes, while visibly boosting radiance, evening out skin tone, and locking in moisture. Kora Organics Noni Glow Plumping Facial Oil is vegan, gluten-free, and cruelty-free, making it a conscious choice for those seeking to incorporate natural products into their skincare routine. With this powerful antioxidant-packed formula, you can expect smooth, nourished, and visibly brighter skin with a healthy glow.
Best Splurge: True Botanicals Renew Pure Radiance Oil
The True Botanicals Renew Pure Radiance Oil is a game-changing face oil that targets anti-aging concerns. Its clinically proven formula is packed with ceramides, and antioxidants that increase hydration levels and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This oil outperformed a leading anti-aging moisturizer in a study, making it a go-to choice for those looking to combat the signs of aging.
This moisturizing oil is formulated with a revolutionary blend of Omega 3 fatty acids, 14 easily absorbable seed oils, algae extract, and astaxanthin. Together, these ingredients work to deeply hydrate the skin, leaving it visibly plump and youthful-looking. The natural scents of jasmine, neroli, and rose are subtle and luxurious, making this face oil a treat for the senses.
Runner Up for Best Splurge: Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum
At the heart of this transformative face oil serum is Vintner’s Daughter’s proprietary Phyto Radiance Infusion™, a 21-day process that begins with whole plants and, over the course of three weeks, gently infuses their powerful nutrients into the formula. Added to this infusion is a strategic group of botanical and essential oils to amplify performance and effectively address a broad range of skin concerns. This potent concentration delivers 60+ nutrients, including restorative phytoceramides and phytonutrients, balancing minerals, brightening vitamins, free radical-fighting antioxidants, and nourishing omega fatty acids 3, 6, 7 and 9 to revitalize, soothe, and support a healthy, radiant complexion.
The formula’s small particle size allows the skin to easily absorb the plant-derived skin nutrition, and ingredients with naturally occurring compounds promote optimal absorption. Vintner’s Daughter also developed the Push/Press Method™ of application, which further activates the serum and supports circulation within the skin to boost your natural glow.
Best Budget: The Ordinary “B” Oil All-In-One
The Ordinary’s “B” Oil is a game-changer for anyone seeking to enhance their skin’s radiance and achieve a natural glow. This comprehensive blend of micro-algae, squalane, and antioxidant-rich oils such as crambe and jojoba provides excellent protection against natural stressors and supports a more radiant complexion over time.
One of the standout features of this formula is its impressive ability to provide effective surface hydration, leaving the skin looking visibly softer and smoother. The golden green hue of the oil, coupled with its mild herbal odor, are a testament to the high concentration of micro-algae in the formula.
Best for Dry Skin: MARA Algae + Moringa® Universal Hydrating Face Oil
MARA Universal Face Oil is a highly acclaimed face oil. Infused with a unique blend of age-defying algae, plankton extract, and four superfood plant oils, this formula is designed to replenish dry skin. The proprietary algae plankton blend is rich in essential fatty acids, which work to plump up the skin and combat free radical damage, while also improving the overall appearance of skin tone, texture, and firmness.
In addition to the algae plankton blend, this face oil also contains nutrient-rich superfood plant oils, including moringa, bilberry, baobab, and kalahari melon. These plant oils are packed with phytonutrients, antioxidants, and a range of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and F, all of which work together to give your complexion a healthy, radiant glow. Not only does this oil deeply nourish the skin, but it also leaves your skin looking smoother and more youthful.
Runner up for Dry Skin: Mutha Face Oil
Mutha Face Oil is a featherweight face oil that is rich in antioxidants and omega fatty acids. This fast-absorbing formula is designed to protect, hydrate, and soothe your skin, leaving it smooth, supple, and luminous.
Loaded with nourishing seed oils like Kalahari melon seed oil, sea buckthorn oil, and pomegranate seed oil, this face oil offers intense hydration while protecting your skin against environmental stressors. Skin-strengthening squalene helps replenish and lock in moisture, while tsubaki oil helps boost cell turnover to visibly reduce wrinkles and improve elasticity. Additionally, the evening primrose oil in this formula soothes, moisturizes, and reduces redness, while rosehip and sea buckthorn oils help brighten.
Best for Combination Skin: Biossance 100% Sugarcane Squalane Oil
Biossance 100% Squalane Oil is a pure squalane oil that deeply hydrates from head to toe. Formulated with sugarcane-derived squalane, this weightless oil visibly reduces redness, hydrates, and leaves skin feeling exceptionally soft. It is suitable for all skin types, including normal, dry, combination, and oily skin, and addresses concerns such as dryness, redness, and dullness.
At the heart of every Biossance formula lies 100% sugarcane-derived squalane oil. This powerhouse ingredient is bioidentical to the moisture found in human skin, making it easily absorbed and rapidly hydrating. The lightweight oil is perfect for use all over the body and can be used as a multitasking oil to address a range of other skincare concerns.
Best for Oily Skin: Peach & Lily Pure Beam Luxe Oil
The Peach & Lily Pure Beam Luxe Oil provides a lightweight, nutrient-packed formula that benefits all skin types. It contains a blend of superstar ingredients, including jojoba, squalane, grapeseed, camellia japonica Seed, and sea buckthorn oils. This potent combination promotes soft, supple, and nourished skin, combats visual aging effects, and promotes a strong and resilient skin barrier.
This non-greasy formula delivers heavyweight benefits without clogging pores or leaving behind a greasy finish. Natural extracts and clinically proven ingredients are used to deliver visible results, with jojoba seed oil helping to purify and protect against environmental stressors, Squalane rich in antioxidants to fight free radical damage, Grapeseed Oil promoting even skin tone, and Camellia Japonica Seed Oil and sea buckthorn oil reducing visual signs of aging while providing intense moisture.
Best for Acne Prone Skin: Pai Skincare Carbon Star Detoxifying Overnight Face Oil
Pai Skincare Carbon Star Detoxifying Overnight Face Oil is specially formulated for oily, combination, and congested skin types, especially those prone to breakouts. This overnight complexion clarifier is a game-changer for anyone looking to achieve clearer, more balanced skin.
The Carbon Star Detoxifying Overnight Face Oil is powered by black cumin seed oil and vegetable charcoal, which work together to fight acne-causing bacteria, clear imperfections, and control sebum production. These ingredients penetrate deep into the skin to unclog pores, while also soothing inflammation and preventing future breakouts.
Best for Sensitive Skin: REN Clean Skincare Evercalm Barrier Support Face Oil
REN Clean Skincare Evercalm Barrier Support Elixir is a non-greasy facial oil that helps to strengthen and repair the skin barrier in as little as 30 minutes and reduce the seven signs of sensitivity within seven days. Created specifically to combat dryness and sensitivity, this soothing formula is microbiome-friendly and made with 100% natural-origin ingredients, leaving skin feeling supple, comforted, and hydrated.
Enriched with a carefully selected blend of seven natural oils, including calming camellia japonica seed oil, cold-pressed organic inca inchi oil (one of the world’s richest sources of omega 3 and 6), and meadowfoam seed oil (sustainably sourced from local family farms in Oregon), REN Elixir nourishes and helps to strengthen the skin barrier. Its lightweight texture absorbs easily and instantly soothes dry, sensitive skin, providing long-lasting hydration and protection.
Runner Up for Sensitive Skin: M-61 Hydraboost Face Oil
The M-61 Hydraboost Face Oil is a lightweight oil absorbs quickly and is packed with powerful peptides that promote firming and reduce the appearance of fine lines.
The formula also features plant-derived squalane from sugar cane, which acts as an anti-inflammatory and helps to balance oil production while restoring suppleness and preventing moisture loss. This unique combination of ingredients not only deeply hydrates and plumps the skin but also aids in improving elasticity.
Best Anti-Aging: FaceGym Face Coach Lifting Squalane Face Oil
FaceGym’s face oil is the perfect addition to your skincare routine, encouraging your skin to look strong, firm, youthful, and glowing. Suitable for normal, dry, combination, and oily skin types, this oil addresses fine lines and wrinkles, dryness, and loss of firmness and elasticity.
The key ingredients in this oil include mastic tree extract, which visibly tightens and revitalizes skin’s youthfulness, and coenzyme Q10 and carotenoids that protect against free radicals. The plankton extract present in the formulation supports collagen production and visibly reduces expression lines. These ingredients work together to reinforce the skin’s defense barrier and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Runner Up for Anti-Aging: Alpha-H Golden Haze Face Oil
Alpha H Golden Haze is a luxurious blend of 9 botanical oils that is rich in omega fatty acids and is designed to plump, soothe and nourish the skin. This fast-absorbing and non-sticky formula helps to lock in hydration and prevent dehydration by minimising trans-epidermal water loss. It also supports and protects the skin’s natural barrier, keeping skin supple and strong, while antioxidants help protect against free radical damage and environmental stress which cause premature signs of aging.
This facial oil is specially formulated to calm and soothe the complexion, making it perfect for those with dry, dehydrated skin. The potent combination of Vitamin F and jojoba oil helps to lock in hydration, while also strengthening the skin’s natural barrier function. The formula also replenishes essential lipids, helping to restore the appearance of skin firmness and elasticity.
Your Frequently Asked Questions
What is a face oil, and what do they do?
Despite popular belief, face oils are not just moisturizers. They are not considered moisturizers because they are not humectants and cannot pull moisture in from the surrounding environment, which means that they cannot actually hydrate the skin. However, oils are still beneficial for the skin as they can prevent water from leaking out and form a protective layer on the skin’s surface. In this way, they can be considered a good sealant, or ‘occlusive’, for the skin.
Again oils, do not penetrate the dermis and bind water to skin cells like moisturizing creams or ointments. Instead, they sit on the skin’s surface and create a barrier that locks in moisture. This barrier helps to keep the skin hydrated and can also protect it from external irritants. By incorporating a face oil into your skincare routine, you can help strengthen your skin’s natural barrier and maintain a healthy, hydrated complexion.
What is the difference between face oil and moisturizer?
Hydration and moisture are two different things that your skin craves. When your skin is dehydrated, it lacks water, just like our bodies crave water when we feel thirsty. To address this, you’ll want to use products that contain water. Moisturizers are typically water-based and can also contain oils or other water-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid. These products help replenish the skin’s water content on the surface and deeper layers, while also ensuring that your skin can retain the water.
Face oils, on the other hand, are derived from natural ingredients like nuts, seeds, and fruits. They contain fatty acids, vitamins, and nutrients that nourish and repair the skin barrier. Face oils provide long-lasting moisture and can help seal in hydration, preventing water loss.
How do you use facial oil?
The frequency of facial oil use largely depends on your skin type. Those with oily or combination skin may only need to use a face oil once a day, while those with drier or more sensitive skin may benefit from more frequent use. Generally, it’s best to use face oils in the evening as a boost of moisture, but they can also be incorporated into your morning routine. To use, simply apply a few drops and dab or pat onto the skin after applying your thinnest products. Face oils can be used on damp or dry skin, and can even be mixed with your moisturizer to enhance its effects. Ultimately, it’s all about finding the right balance and listening to your skin’s needs.
Where do face oils fit in a skincare routine?
Due to their occlusive nature, facial oils should always be applied as the last step in your skincare routine. Otherwise if you apply a serum on top of an oil, the serum will not be able to penetrate the oil and will be rendered ineffective. However, applying a nurturing oil over the top of a hydrating serum will seal in the serum, ensuring you get the most from your product.
Which oil is the best facial oil?
There is no single “best” facial oil as different oils work for different skin types and concerns. Some popular options include argan oil for dry skin, jojoba oil for oily skin, and rosehip oil for anti-aging benefits. It’s important to consider your skin type and specific concerns when choosing a face oil, and to patch test before applying it to your face. Ultimately, the best face oil is one that works well for your skin and addresses your unique needs.
