Oils get a bad wrap. The word ‘oil’ in general seems to have a negative connotation, often associated with terms like grease, acne, and dirt. But an oil-based formula may be the product your skincare routine is missing, especially as cooler weather approaches. Not convinced? As Dendy Engelman, M.D., dermatologic surgeon, puts it, “Oils help make the skin supple and pliable.
Since they are quickly absorbed, they help to reinforce the skin barrier, making it stronger and less vulnerable.” And face oils aren’t just desirable for dry skin types either. As counterintuitive as it sounds, using oil on oily skin can actually be beneficial. “For oily skin, if the skin is stripped of natural oils, it will go into overproduction mode and cause more sebum buildup,” Engelman explains. So using an oil can help replenish your skin’s natural oils, which can keep oil levels
balanced and breakouts at bay. That said, not all oils should be used on oily skin. Some ingredients to look for are rose oil, tea tree oil, and magnesium. “Face oils with rose oil have anti-inflammatory properties, which are great for calming redness and sensitive skin,” Engelman explains. “It’s very emollient—meaning it’s good for locking in moisture and hydration.” Then there’s tea tree oil, which is antibacterial to ward off zits, and magnesium, which reduces
inflammation, she says. As for the trendy coconut oil, Engelman says anyone with acne-prone skin should steer clear of it as it’s comedogenic (i.e., it clogs pores). Interested in upgrading to an oil? From drugstore picks to cult favorites, here are the eight best oils for people with oily skin. This ultra-luxe oil absorbs so quickly, it leaves
behind little-to-no trace that it was ever even there. Except, of course, for the fact that you’re left with skin that appears ultra hydrated and lit from within.($58; peachandlily.com) A key word that people with acne-prone skin should look for on the bottle: “clarifying.” This dry oil
is one of the best we’ve tested. Not only does it prevent future breakouts, but it also helps clear up present ones thanks to the 1.5 percent salicylic acid.($80; sephora.com) A blend of sunflower, tamanu, and
ginger root oils make up this product, which, in all honesty, feels more like a serum than an oil—great for anyone who fears that oil-slick feel. Apply it before a moisturizer at night, and you’ll wake up with an even-toned, glowing complexion.($46; kiehls.com) Specifically formulated for oily skin, this lightweight oil helps balance your skin’s natural oil levels. Pores appear smaller thanks to a reduction of sebum, and with less pore-clogging gunk, you’ll see fewer blackheads and pimples too.($42.95;
amazon.com) Argan oil is the opposite of coconut oil, completely noncomedogenic (or non-pore-clogging). That makes it a
no-brainer necessity for oily skin types. This drugstore buy is a multitasker, so you can use it on your face, body, or even in your hair to tame frizz.($8.99; sheamoisture.com) For a luxe but more affordable clarifying option, this fan-favorite calms redness while also reducing and balancing oil
production. In other words, it immediately improves skin and provides long-term results.($45; dr.hauschka.com) We already know argan oil is a great option for those who suffer from breakouts, but this one is more than just a
face treatment oil. It also primes your skin with a dewy base for makeup. The result? A subtle, iridescent glow that makes skin look highlighted, without any of the complicated contouring stuff.($48; sephora.com)Femmue Ideal Oil
Sunday Riley U.F.O. Ultra-Clarifying Face Oil
Kiehl’s Daily Reviving Concentrate
Manuka Doctor Normalising Facial Oil
Shea Moisture 100% Pure Argan Oil
Dr. Hauschka Clarifying Day Oil
Josie Maran Argan Moonstone Drops
FARSÁLI Rose Gold Elixir
With actual specks of gold in the formula, this oil makes you feel like royalty, for one, but it also absorbs quickly, leaving behind nothing short of a genuine, nongreasy glow. Oh yeah, and it smells as heavenly as it looks. Ahhh.($54; sephora.com)
The skincare market has become awash with face oils in recent years; whether you’re after firmer skin, a brighter glow or deeper hydration, there’s a formula promising to deliver.
Yet the very notion of applying oil to the skin still strikes fear in some – surely, more oil equals more problems? Even if you’re already on-board with face oils, mystery surrounding how to use them correctly (bigger still, how they actually work) abounds.
Here, we call on the experts to divulge the truth on face oils, from how they should be harnessed to the skin types that should be slathering them on. Read on for everything you need to know...
What is a face oil, and what do they do?
Contrary to popular belief, face oils are not simply mega moisturisers – in fact, they aren’t classed as moisturisers at all. As oils are not humectants, they can’t pull moisture in from the surrounding environment, and therefore cannot actually hydrate the skin.
As Dr Bibi Ghalaie, founder of British Aesthetics explains, oils should not be billed as moisturisers, “as they do not sink into the dermis and bind water to skin cells like moisturising creams or ointments do.” Instead, they sit on the skin’s surface (the epidermis) and prevent water from leaking out.” In this way, they can be considered a good sealant (an ‘occlusive’) for the skin, helping to form a protective layer.
Where do face oils sit in a routine?
It’s because of this occlusive nature that oils must be applied as the last step in your skin routine: slather a serum on top, and it won’t penetrate the oil, rendering it useless. However, applying a nurturing oil over the top of a good hyaluronic acid treatment, for example, will seal the deal, ensuring you get the most from your product.
“For me an oil is a booster product that can be used when needed, rather than an everyday staple – unlike a hydrator, which should be used every day” says Debbie Thomas, advanced skin and laser expert at D. Thomas Clinic. “A few drops of oil could be a better option than constantly switching moisturisers when you feel you need a little more of a boost.”
Which skin types do face oils suit?
According to Thomas, dry skin types will benefit most from a face oil: “especially skin with flaky dry patches, or a tight, dry sensation,” she says.
However, Dr. Ghalaie believes that almost every skin type can benefit from an oil - the key is simply using the right one. “Actually, all skin types can potentially benefit from an oil. 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” she says.
Acneic and easily congested skin should approach face oils with caution – but there's no need to discount them completely. Some oils are notorious pore-cloggers – as a general rule, avoid mineral oil, coconut and argan oils on the skin – but others, like tea tree and jojoba can work wonders for breakout-prone and easily upset complexions. As Thomas adds, a small amount of a well-chosen oil can even work wonders in counteracting the drying effects of traditional acne medications. There is no hard and fast rule - the key is to find the formula that works for you, and stick to it.
“The heaviness of an oil is determined by its molecular weight and this will affect which skin type it can be used on,” says Dr. Ghalaie. For example, jojoba oil is extremely lightweight and helps dissolve sebum, so it’s perfect for combination skin, while grape seed oil has astringent properties and is suited to oily skin. Drier skin needs a heavier oil and particularly ones rich in oleic acid, which is very hydrating and helps to seal in moisture – try almond and marula oils. And for sensitive skin, Dr. Ghalaie recommends aloe vera and moringa, which have strong anti-inflammatory properties.
Are essential oils good for skin?
Much has been made of the use of essential oils – such as tea tree, lavender and peppermint – due to their tendency to react on especially sensitive skin. Not all face oils contain essential oils, but some brands use them heavily, thanks in no small part to their aromatherapeutic powers.
“Essential oils, which are fragranced, are not the same as non-fragranced oils,” says Thomas. “Essential oils do have some benefits but are much more likely to cause irritation and reactions, so it’s best to avoid them.”
As Ghalaie adds, some essential oils – she namechecks tea tree and lavender – are generally extremely well tolerated (and beneficial) to skin, but others should be avoided, as “they are considered high risk in terms of causing sensitivity and adverse reaction on the skin.” The main offenders? “Cinnamon, clove, lemongrass and black pepper oil are notorious for causing skin reactions,” she says, and should never be used around the eye area or on inflamed, broken skin. Thankfully, these oils are very rarely found in skin products today.
What’s more, individuals with nut allergies should never use oils derived from nut trees, and certain citrus oils can cause increased sun sensitivity.
Below, discover the very best face oils to try now, from a fragrance-free soother for sensitive skin, to the ultimate hydrator for eternally dry complexions.
The 13 best face oils for every skin type
Best luxury face oil
The Face Oil
Augustinus Bader
Best retinol face oil
Super Elixir
Verso
Best face oil for all skin types
Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil
Drunk Elephant
Best face oil for oily skin
Good Skin Face Oil
Disciple
Best face oil for all skin types
Jumbo 100% Squalane Oil
Biossance
Best face oil for mature skin
Cell Repair Night Oil
Aurelia London
Best face oil for sensitive skin
Rosehip Bioregenerate
Pai
Best sustainable face oil
Kaya Anti-Aging Face Oil
Costa Brazil
Best face oil for irritated skin
Nourishing CBD Face Oil
CBII
Best face oil for dull skin
Protect Oil
Esse
Best face oil for breakouts
Carbon Star
Pai
Best face oil for pregnancy
MUTHA
Face Oil
Best face oil for dry skin
Black Rose Precious Face Oil
Sisley Paris