The word “oil” has garnered a negative reputation in the cosmetics and beauty industry over the years. But, recently, they’ve made a big comeback and are here to stay, thanks to many of their beneficial qualities. Infused with fatty acids, vitamins, and powerful antioxidants, face oils are a one-stop shop for many skin concerns.
They are widely popular, thanks to viral Instagram and Tik Tok skin enthusiasts’ posts’ that are making the rounds these days. Incorporating them into your daily routine is one of the best things you can do for your skin. So start using it and get ready to be in awe of your glowy complexion, and if you stick to it religiously, the dream of healthy, plump, happier skin is just within reach. And yes, there is a world of options regarding facial oils, meaning there is something for every skin type, dry, normal, combination, mature, and even oily skin.
Below, read about the seven face oils that are topping the charts these days.
Comparing the Top Face Oils
Youth to the People Superberry Hydrate + Glow Facial Oil — Best Overall
Want an out-of-the-world glow? Look no further than this Youth to the People Superberry Hydrate + Glow Facial Oil. This best-seller needs no introduction, as most of you must have heard raving reviews about it unless you’re living inside the rock. But to name a few, it amps your skin with a hydration boost, fights free radicals, and gives an illuminating glow to dehydrated, lifeless skin.
It’s made with prickly pear, vitamin C, omega fatty acids, squalene oil, maqui, and goji that locks in the moisture for softer, supple, smoother skin. The antioxidants in it protect your skin against free radicals, limit damage, and rejuvenate dull, dry skin. It’s vegan and free from toxic chemicals such as parabens, sulfates and phthalates, making it suitable and safer for all skin types.
Pros
- Absorbs quickly into the skin
- Has a sweet, natural pomegranate scent
- Softens the appearance of fine lines
Cons
- Feels a little greasy upon application
Le Prunier Plum Beauty Face Oil — Best for Sensitive Skin
Packed with a nourishing plum-seed oil – this pick’s star ingredient- the Le Prunier Plum Beauty Face Oil has won our hearts. We’re still in awe of how perfectly this product balances, restores, moisturizes, and refreshes the skin. The ultra-short ingredient list makes it great for sensitive skin folks, as this skin type needs room to breathe and is at its best when minimal ingredients exist. Plus, it contains no additional scents, checking all the boxes of being our favorite.
The addition of omega fatty acids ensures protection and healing, thanks to the rich antioxidants like vitamin A, vitamin E, and more, which shield your skin against free radical damage. All you need is a few drops to brighten up your complexion and get that radiance boost you always desire. It’s on the pricier side but is worth splurging, considering its benefits to your skin.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Quick-absorbing formula
- Cruelty-free and vegan
Cons
- Consistency is a little runny
ISDIN Isdinceutics Melatonik Recovery Serum — Best Splurge
There’s a reason why ISDIN Isdinceuticals Melatonik Serum is so widely popular and a favorite of many beauty celebs (hello, luxury skincare). Made with a blend of melatonin, bakuchiol (a gentle retinol alternative, wink wink) and a powerful antioxidant, vitamin C, this pick reinforces the skin barrier, stimulates its natural defences, and boosts elasticity for a firmer-looking, tighter skin.
And don’t be fooled by its name; this one is actually a serum-in-oil combination product and is great for all skin types, especially for dehydrated, parched skin. The three-in-one formula has a lightweight consistency that sinks quickly into the skin, leaving a matte finish behind. So pat a couple of drops onto the tired, stressed skin at night, wake up, feel calm and fresh, and repeat. It’s on the steep side but worth the money, as a little will go a long way, so the bottle will last you forever.
Pros
- Travel-friendly bottle
- Reduce the appearance of fine lines
- Sweet, subtle vanilla scent
Cons
- It’s not cruelty-free
Bio-Oil Skincare Oil — Best for Dry Skin
The secret to glowy, dewy skin? Bio-Oil Skincare Oil. Although it’s famous for preventing stretch marks on the body, the benefits of this pick are endless, as it’s a multipurpose product and can be used on the face, hair and cuticles. The active blend of powerful oils such as vitamins A and E boosts collagen production, improves skin’s elasticity and moisturizes it, keeping it plump and healthy.
It also has rosemary, calendula, chamomile, lavender and sunflower oil, which helps soothe and calm irritated skin. Its lightweight texture of it absorbs quickly into the skin without making it too greasy. We are in love with this wallet-friendly pick, and you’ll, too, once you bask in its sweet scent.
Pros
- Non-comedogenic formula
- Reduces the appearance of scars
- Evens out the complexion
Cons
- Might not be suitable for sensitive skin
Kinship Kinskin Creamier Relief Face Oil — Best for Oily Skin
People have strong opinions about using oil on oily skin, and if you’re one of those, get ready to change your narrative with Kinship Kinskin Ceramide Relief Face Oil. It’s non-comedogenic, light as the airy formula absorbs quickly into the skin and leaves no residue behind. It contains oat ceramides that support the skin’s moisture barrier, vitamin C, and offers antioxidant protection and a blend of essential omega fatty acids that soothe, calm, and restores the skin.
What’s more impressive, this pick is a
clean beauty and is Leaping Bunny certified, which makes it all the more close to our hearts. Plus, it has a reasonable price point, a win-win situation. To maximize its efficacy, mix a couple of drops of this item with your favorite moisturizer, and voila -a happy looking skin is all yours.
Pros
- Subtle fragrance
- Suitable for all skin types
- Nourishes and pampers the skin
Cons
- Doesn’t offer much of a glow
Palmer’s Skin Therapy Oil — Best Budget
Kind to your budget and your face, this Palmer’s Skin Therapy Oil transforms the skin in many ways. Infused with cocoa butter, vitamin C and retinol, this facial oil does a lot more than simple moisturizing. It intensely hydrates and nourishes the skin. Plus, it works to revive the skin, as it smooths the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
As if that was not enough to win our hearts, this power-packed pick also addresses the dark spots. We loved its texture which is super lightweight and disappears quickly into the skin.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic formula
- Non-comedogenic
- Brightens the complexion
Cons
- Not cruelty-free
Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate Moisturizing Face Oil — Best Anti-Aging
Instantly up your glow factor with this Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate Moisturizing Face Oil. Beauty experts, derms, skin enthusiasts, and estheticians swear by this holy-grail product, and you’ll be obsessed with it too, once you try it. Infused with a blend of powerful oils such as lavender, squalene and evening primrose, castor, jojoba and various botanicals, this pick is a straight ticket to smoother, happier, healthier skin.
Its luxurious, unique formula improves the skin’s elasticity, giving you firmer, youthful-looking skin. Before you sleep, just a few drops of this miracle pick are all you need for radiant skin.
Pros
- Improves skin texture
- A little goes a long way
- Glides smoothly onto the skin
Cons
- Expensive
Buying Guide: Face Oil
Face oils are more worthy of the hype than it deserves. But sadly, they are still looked down upon, thanks to the dirtiness thrown on them for years. But, as all good things take their sweet time, the same is true with face oils. Considering their onslaught on the market, the day is not far when facial oil will be on every vanity.
Not only do they offer multiple benefits, as some conditions, while other nourishes, there are also face oils that treat specific concerns, and then we have some that are the all-rounder. But as every skin type is different, so is their interaction with them. No oil is created equally, and the trick is to find the right one for your concerns. Choosing can be difficult alone, so to make things a little easier for you, we’ve created this buying guide to help you pick your next favorite pick.
Things to Look for
These are a few things you should keep an eye out for when buying facial oil.
Skin type
We’ve said it once, and we’re saying it again: not all skin types are equal, and neither are oils. So it’s crucial to find the right oil for your skin type, or else it can cause more harm than good. If your skin tends to be on the oilier side, it’s wise to use oils with squalene, argan, jojoba and grapeseed oil. On the other hand, if you have dry skin, try sunflower, almond, coconut and safflower oil. People with mature skin should buy a pick with rosehip oil.
Type of Oils
It’s all in the oil. So before spending your hard-earned money, it’s better to equip yourself with all the information you can regarding the oils and what it offers to make a perfect choice for yourself or your loved ones.
Rosehip oil: offers anti-aging benefits. It also protects against inflammation and oxidative damage.
Grapeseed oil: a powerful antioxidant and antimicrobial oil that protects the skin against environmental stressors.
Jojoba oil: it’s an anti-inflammatory oil and offers healing benefits.
Sunflower seed oil: it’s an excellent moisturizer and supports the skin’s natural barrier. Coconut oil: it absorbs quickly into the skin and has moisturizing properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much face oil should you apply?
A general rule of thumb is to use a few drops of it. A little goes a long way, so take a couple of drops, pat it on your face and gently massage in an upward motion for better absorption.
When should I apply face oil?
Follow the universal rule of skin care application, the thinnest to thickest consistency. Keeping in mind this, face oils should be used after the moisturizer to seal the product and create a protective barrier over your skin to prevent water loss.