The 13 Best Face Oils for Healthy, Balanced Skin

Face oils are on a redemption tour, and not a moment too soon. After years of taking the blame for clogged pores and a shiny finish, the category’s latest round of entries aims to be all things to all people: clarifying for those prone to breakouts, nourishing to parched complexions, and balancing for everyone who falls somewhere in between. 

The reason why a well-chosen face oil has such versatility across skin types comes down to a natural affinity with skin composition. “Part of the skin barrier is composed of the lipid layer, which is made up of ceramides, cholesterols, and essential fatty acids,” says San Francisco-based aesthetician Kristina Holey. “Therefore, using facial oil [with a similar profile] can be really strategic in replenishing that protective layer and balancing skin function.”

One reason for their comeback is that there’s now much more nuance within the face oil realm. “Not all oils are created equal,” says Marisa Garshick, M.D., a dermatologist in New York City. “Oils with a larger molecule size can be considered comedogenic—meaning they clog pores—but those with smaller molecule size, such as squalane and argan oil, penetrate the skin a bit better.”

While one school of thought advises face oil in lieu of moisturizer, instead consider it a complement to your face cream. Oil can actually help maintain good hydration, addressing dry areas and imparting a soft, smooth texture. “In general, our skin needs water and oil, and moisturizers can help boost water content in the skin,” says Garshick of those emulsified formulas. “But when oil is applied after moisturizer, it helps to prevent water evaporation, ultimately keeping that moisture locked in.”

For the best results, apply a few drops of oil as the final step in your routine. “I warm it between the palms, then spread evenly across face, neck, and chest, and then massage it into the skin for three to five minutes,” says Holey, who recommends an intuitive approach. “Follow what feels best.” These 13 options—geared toward parched, combination, or sensitive skin, as well as dry oils for those wary of shine—are a good place to start. 

Face Oils for Sensitive Skin

Pai The Light Fantastic ceramide face oil

While oils often contain fatty acids, this stands out for its supply of ceramides, a lipid native to the skin barrier. It’s also formulated with grapeseed oil, which is popular for good reason. “It contains linoleic acid, making it a good option for those with dry skin, as well as antioxidant benefits for someone who is also looking for anti-aging and skin brightening benefits,” says Garshick.

Saint Jane Beauty The C-Drops oil

This face oil packs powerful ingredients in every drop. Not only does it deliver vitamin C at a 20 percent concentration—paired with ferulic acid to enhance its absorption—but it also contains CBD to help soothe skin and offset any irritation.

True Botanicals Calm Pure Radiance oil

Even those with the most reactive skin can find comfort in this gentle face oil, which actively soothes with a nourishing blend of calendula, ginger root, and cucumber seed oils. Together, they quell inflammation and keep skin calm.

Amanda Lacey Oils of Provence

Created by Amanda Lacey, a London-based facialist who tends to Emily Blunt and Gwyneth Paltrow, this nighttime oil helps ease redness and relieve dryness. Its herbal scent draws upon lavender, sage, and eucalyptus. 

Hydrating Face Oils

Joaquina Botánica Orquídea + Vitamin C hydrating glow oil

Like a vacation in a bottle, this South American newcomer serves up a blend of superfruit seed oils—including maracuja, papaya, camu camu, and sacha inchi—along with an antioxidant-rich orchid extract. For a boost of vitamin A, there is also bakuchiol, a gentle botanical alternative to retinol.

Biography Golden Ray face oil

Dullness proves no match for this oil, which offers a blend of skin-nourishing fruit and carrot seed oils; the latter alone provides vitamins A, C, and E. The formula also boasts French marine algae, which is clinically proven to spur collagen production.

Farmacy Honey Grail ultra-hydrating face oil

This lightweight formula pairs buckwheat honey (with natural humectant and antioxidant properties) with a collection of flower-derived oils for supple, nourished skin. A few drops mixed into moisturizer or foundation can offer a customized hydration boost; it can also multitask as a hair oil to smooth flyaways.

Face Oils for Combination Skin

Mara Evening Primrose + Green Tea Algae Retinol face oil

As beloved as retinol may be for its ability to speed cell turnover and clarify skin, it can be drying for some. Enter this formula, which cleverly buffers that effect with a blend of botanical oils and nutrient-rich seaweed.

African Botanics Neroli Infused Marula oil

Fast to absorb, this face oil features cold-pressed marula wild-harvested by collectives in Africa. “As it is rich in fatty acids, marula helps to moisturize the skin without leaving it feeling greasy,” says Garshick. This formula is particularly good for combination skin types, with clarifying and brightening effects thanks to neroli oil. 

54 Thrones Nejma balancing night oil

This two-pronged formula is especially good for blemish-prone skin. Moroccan blue tansy, rich in azulene, has a calming effect, while kigelia africana extract helps clear pores and minimize excess oil—not to mention offers its own antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Dry Face Oils

Sisley Paris Black Rose Precious face oil

This category of oils manages to feel dry immediately upon application, requiring no time to sink in—and this one is especially luxurious. The formula’s fatty acids act to replenish the barrier, while the eponymous black rose extract helps smooth out lines and wrinkles.

Mutha face oil

Designed to hydrate, repair, and protect skin, this botanical blend achieves all of the above without feeling heavy. Star ingredients include squalene and kalahari melon seed oil for sealing in moisture, while sea buckthorn and rosehip work to boost radiance over time. 

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Oat & Hemp Seed dry oil

Colloidal oatmeal is a powerful anti-inflammatory ingredient, and research shows that it can alleviate dryness and itchiness alike. In this lightweight oil, it’s paired with hemp seed oil, jojoba oil, and other super-soothers to nourish and calm skin.

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