The best face oils are like a beautiful drizzle to add the finishing touch on a delicious meal. Needed all the time? Not quite. An added bonus whenever your complexion is feeling particularly prone to dullness? Absolutely. These luscious formulas act as a humectant seal on your skin barrier, locking in the cosmetics products layered below it (think hydrating serums, collagen-rich moisturizers, and more).
Vogue’s Favorite Face Oils
Featured in this article
The biggest misconception surrounding face oil is that it’s only suitable for people with dry skin. But in fact, the best face oils can work on all skin types to achieve glowing skin. Another misconception? All face oils feel heavy on the skin, when in actuality, plenty are fast-absorbing and non-greasy. These formulas do more than just amp up much-needed hydration—there’s options that boost skin elasticity, anti-aging picks that soften fine lines, and even ones that help to even overall skin tone by brightening dark spots.
You just need to find the right facial oil for you—and that’s what we’re here for. Scroll for a look at our favorites, in an effort to help you discover the one for your skin concern.
In This Story
Best with Superfood Ingredients: Elemis Superfood Hydrating and Nourishing Facial Oil
- Why We Love It: This nutrient-rich daily facial oil gives your skin the appearance of someone who starts every morning with fresh celery juice and eats from across the entire food pyramid. It’s lightweight, so you don’t have to wait for it to sink in, and it layers nicely underneath makeup. Plus, it’s a go-to of senior fashion news editor Laia Garcia-Furtado, who uses it as an overnight treatment on her combination skin. “I put a few drops on before I go to bed and do a quick massage (I used to do it with a gua sha but now I just use my fingers), go to sleep, and no longer wake up with an arid desert landscape on my face. Win-win,” she previously said.
- Key Ingredients: Flaxseed oil, daikon radish, broccoli seed oil, grape seed oil
- Skin Types: All skin types
- Non-Comedogenic: No
- Fragrance: No
- Size: 0.5 oz
Best Multipurpose: Chanel Huile De Jasmine Revitalizing Facial Oil
- Why We Love It: As if the bottle weren’t chic enough on the counter, Chanel’s oil is beautifully lightweight and blends well into or on top of any face cream for an added boost. Plus, aside from amplifying hydration, it offers a few additional benefits. “The scent is delectable—I often use Chanel oils before applying perfume for a longer-lasting scent or sometimes in lieu of perfume altogether on days I treat clients,” says facialist Samantha Susca. You can even use it in your hair as a finishing oil. “Jojoba, camellia seed, and squalane are all great options for skin that tends to be congested or acne-prone, making this suitable for most skin types.”
- Key Ingredients: Jasmine extract, camellia oil, limnanthes alba oil, jojoba oil
- Skin Types: Normal to dry
- Non-Comedogenic: No
- Fragrance: Yes
- Size: 1.7 fl.oz.
Best for Mature Skin: La Mer The Renewal Oil
- Why We Love It: La Mer’s lightweight oil feels as indulgent as it looks. This multifunctional finishing elixir can be used on the skin, hair, and nails. A favorite of Vogue‘s Kiana Murden, it’s “clean” in many ways—free of mineral oil, parabens, and formaldehyde, and is vegan, gluten-free, and cruelty-free. Plus, as with most La Mer best sellers, this pick features the brand’s signature Miracle Broth (a blend of ant-oxidant rich, fermented ingredients that fight against signs of aging). Susca praises it, saying it “makes a great finishing touch on skin that can double as a highlighter.”
- Key Ingredients: Miracle broth, lime tea concentrate, meadowfoam seed oil
- Skin Types: Mature skin, normal to dry skin
- Non-Comedogenic: No
- Fragrance: Yes
- Size: 30 mL
Best Fast-Absorbing: Augustinus Bader The Face Oil
- Why We Love It: Those who prefer a dry oil should consider this option by Augustinus Bader. “Without being too slick, it provides just the right amount of slip to use with a tool like gua sha or to boost the glow of its signature moisturizing creams,” per esthetician Raquel Medina-Cleghorn. Like all of its products, it’s packed with the patented TFC8, a potent blend of antioxidant vitamins, minerals, and peptides designed to boost the skin cells’ natural regeneration capacity. Best of all, this pick won’t clog pores, thanks to its non-comedogenic formula.
- Key Ingredients: TFC8, vitamin E, babassu oil, argan oil, hazelnut oil, karanja oil, pomegranate seed extract
- Skin Types: All skin types
- Non-Comedogenic: Yes
- Fragrance: No
- Size: 30 mL
Best Plumping: Osea Essential Hydrating Oil
- Why We Love It: Clean beauty brand Osea is celebrated for its oceanic- and botanically-derived formulations. In this particular salve, fourteen antioxidant-rich oils mingle with microalgae to deliver a skin-plumping, radiance-boosting effect—all the anti-aging benefits without a trace of harsh chemicals. Lightweight and silky, it melts into the skin, leaving a luminous, dewy finish, making it a crowd-favorite, even former One Directioner Niall Horan is a fan.
- Key Ingredients: Safflower seed oil, sweet almond oil, jojoba seed oil
- Skin Types: Dry, dull skin types, mature skin
- Non-Comedogenic: No
- Fragrance: Yes, floral
- Size: 1 fl oz
Best Retinol-Like: Tata Harper Retinoic Face Oil
- Why We Love It: Retinol might be too harsh for some users, which is why we recommend this oil for those with sensitive skin. Esthetician Sarah Akran agrees, saying, “Its all-natural ingredients mimic retinol but in a way that can work well for sensitive skin.” The essential fatty oils help to heal, nourish, and moisturize in combination with their potent actives. But it isn’t limited to just the oil—Tata Harper’s entire line is stacked with complex, botanical-driven skincare and body care products.
- Key Ingredients: Rosehip seed oil, neroli, jojoba seed oil, oilive oil
- Skin Types: All skin types, even sensitive skin
- Non-Comedogenic: No
- Fragrance: Yes, naturally derived
- Size: 30 mL
Best Naturally Derived: Kiehl’s Since 1851 Midnight Recovery Concentrate Moisturizing Face Oil
- Why We Love It: We have a lot of positive things to say about this oil: it’s lightweight, can be used day or night, and smells amazing. Susca echoes our sentiments, adding that she loves to add a drop of this into any face cream before bed to give it a little extra boost, noting it’s 99% naturally derived. If you don’t want to commit just yet, there are a few sizes to choose from, including a travel-sized option at a less invested price point.
- Key Ingredients: Squalane, rose oil, jojoba seed oil, lavender oil
- Skin Types: Normal-to-dry skin types
- Non-Comedogenic: No
- Fragrance: Yes, naturally derived
- Size: 50 ml
Best for Extra Dry Skin: U Beauty The Super Intensive Face Oil
- Why We Love It: We discovered this oil through celebrity esthetician Sofie Pavitt, who loves it not only because it feels super weightless but also because it goes beyond the usual functions of a face oil to actually hydrate the skin. She says, “I like to use it on damp skin on its own or with a layered lightweight moisturizer underneath when skin is feeling drier.” It imparts a gorgeous glow while keeping it deeply hydrated.
- Key ingredients: Natural astaxanthin, botanical extract, avocado oil, vegan squalane, hyaluronic acid, vitamins C + E, peptides
- Skin Types: All skin types
- Non-Comedogenic: No
- Fragrance: No
- Size: 30 mL
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Clearstem Golden Hour Watermelon Barrier Oil
- Why We Love It: If you’re like Vogue’s beauty commerce writer Conçetta Ciarlo, acne-prone skin and face oils don’t always align. Sure, there are some non-comedogenic options, but it takes hyper vigilance of ingredient reading. Thankfully, Clearstem’s line is full of acne-safe, non-comedogenic, and fragrance-free formulas for even the most breakout-prone and reactionary complexions. “I only use a face oil when my skin is particularly parched, say after a treatment or during harsh weather—this pick never clogs my pores and gets my skin from sand paper to supple overnight,” Ciarlo tells.
- Key Ingredients: Watermelon seed oil, sunflower seed oil, safflower seed oil, squalane
- Skin Types: Acne-prone to sensitive skin types
- Non-Comedogenic: Yes
- Fragrance: No
- Size: 1.0 fl oz
Best Simple Formula: Pai Rosehip Bioregenerate Rejuvenating Overnight Face Oil
- Why We Love It: This no-nonsense formula features just five ingredients—all of which happen to be highly concentrated with vitamins and omegas. “It feels like a dry oil and works nicely on both face and body,” says Susca, who notes the formula’s potency. It smells pleasant without being overpowering and sinks into the skin almost immediately upon application. At a price point under $50, this is a great option for those looking to dip their fingers and toes into the world of skin-care oils.
- Key ingredients: Rosehip seed extract, vitamin E
- Skin Types: Acne-prone to reactive skin types
- Non-Comedogenic: Yes
- Fragrance: No
- Size: 30 mL
Best Biphase: Furtuna Skin Biphase Moisturizing Oil
- Why we love it: “The Furtuna Biphase Oil is unlike any other,” raves Medina-Cleghorn. “It’s a serum, an oil, and a treatment all in one.” She explains, “Give it a shake and watch as the olive oil and olive leaf water phases combine, then feel it sink into the skin, hydrating, moisturizing, and protecting all at once.” And if that’s not enough, the scent of the wild-foraged ingredients is absolutely intoxicating—crush-bait material.
- Key ingredients: Olive oil, calendula, blackberry
- Skin Types: Normal to dry skin types
- Non-Comedogenic: No
- Fragrance: Yes (naturally derived)
- Size: 30 mL
Best Oil Serum: The Beauty Sandwich Secret Sauce Face Serum
- Why We Love It: Iván Pol is one of the most acclaimed facialists in the world, known for treating some of Hollywood’s biggest stars—Salma Hayek and Kim Kardashian, to name a few—and for creating the “Beauty Sandwich” technique, which is renowned for its ability to contour, lift, and firm the skin. But if booking a session at his exclusive clinic isn’t in the cards, you can still experience his signature approach with his “Secret Sauce” collection. These potent elixirs are designed to nourish and balance the skin, or as Pol puts it, “feed” its specific needs. The best-selling SS01 is a powerful blend of vitamins, fatty acids, ceramides, and phytocholesterol, making it the perfect remedy for particularly dry skin.
- Key Ingredients: Rosehip oil, rosehip fruit extract, rosehip seed extract, sea buckthorn oil, red raspberry seed oil, camellia seed oil, prickly pear, calendula, squalane, vitamin E
- Skin Types: Mature skin, dry skin types
- Non-Comedogenic: No
- Fragrance: No
- Size: 30 mL
Best Antibacterial: Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum
- Why We Love It: On days when our skin is begging for better care, we reach for this botanical serum (which really has the consistency of an oil). The founder has a background in fine winemaking, so everything is crafted with care and consistency, with sustainability at the forefront. It’s an investment, but if you want to streamline your routine, this is an all-in-one product that illuminates the skin and helps you radiate good vibes, peace, and blessings—the whole shebang. A blend of cell-regenerating and detoxing dandelion, alfalfa, and nettle), plus brightening plant extracts makes up this pro-biotic broth. Still not convinced? Celebrity facialist Joanna Czech previously called this formula genius, noting it’s ability to impart “tremendous balance.”
- Key Ingredients: Phytonutrients, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, omega oils
- Skin Types: Acne-prone, reactive skin
- Non-Comedogenic: No
- Fragrance: Yes, naturally-derived
- Size: 30 mL
Everything You Need to Know
What are the benefits of using a face oil in your skin-care regimen?
In most skin-care regimes, a moisturizer is usually the final step. But many people are now expanding their routines to incorporate an oil, given their ultra-nourishing and skin-softening properties. This is particularly relevant as the colder months approach, as a drop in temperature often leads to increased dryness as oils can help mitigate some of that water loss.
“Oils are generally made up of large molecules that are occlusive,” says Dr. Rabia Malik, founder of skincare brand Skin W1. “They seal moisture into the outermost layer of the skin and act as an emollient, keeping skin soft and smooth.”
Is an oil more hydrating than a moisturizer?
The two products play different roles in skincare and can support each other. While moisturizers and serums deliver hydration and active ingredients into the skin, oils are there, sitting on the top, for nourishment and conditioning. So if you’re wondering whether to swap your serum for a face oil, the answer is no. If you have a drier skin type, in particular, they are a great last step after moisturizer.
“Depending on the formulation, certain oils can be added to existing serums and moisturizers for a hydration boost,” says Malik. “For example, a drop of the oil can be added to your serum or moisturizer in the palm of your hand, mixed together and applied.”
“Facial oils can be used as and when required, and are easy to incorporate into most skin-care routines,” says Malik. “In general, face oil should be applied as the last step in a skin-care routine (after serum and/or moisturizer if they are being used), but before sunscreen and makeup in the morning, and as the last step at night.” However, when using an oil during the day, you do need to be careful about how it interferes with your SPF, as oils have the ability to break down or dilute your sun protection. To be on the safe side, it’s best to wear it overnight instead.
While oils can certainly be used daily, one also needs to be mindful that the skin doesn’t become overly reliant on them. “Skin can become reliant on this coating making it lazier,” says skin expert Debbie Thomas. “So the skin feels like it doesn’t have to work as hard at staying hydrated.” This is why you might want to switch your oil out occasionally for an equally nourishing combination of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
The beauty of a face oil is that it is a great product to be used in conjunction with facial massage techniques, plus, it often has sense-soothing aromatherapeutic benefits. “I use two to three drops of our Rosehip Bioregenerate Oil most nights after a thorough cleanse,” says Brown. “It’s best applied after using a face mist. It makes for a more even application, and has the added benefit of trapping in extra moisture.” Massage your oil into the face using upward and outward motions to help with lymphatic drainage and sculpt. You can also use your oil anywhere that needs extra nourishment, whether that’s the ends of your hair or your cuticles.
The Face Oil for Every Skin Type
“Oils can be feared by those with combination and oily complexions,” explains Sarah Brown, founder of skincare brand Pai. “As counterintuitive as it might seem to apply oil to oily skin, they can actually work well for this skin type, playing a rebalancing role, especially after the use of products that strip away natural sebum (like foaming cleansers).”
That said, dermatologist Sharon Wong suggests that oily skin types should approach it with caution. “Oils are all comedogenic [meaning they can block your pores] to varying extents,” she says. “Acne-prone skin, in particular, is naturally oily, producing excess sebum in the affected areas, so it does not need nor benefit from the use of face oils, whether as cleansers or moisturizers. On this type of skin, they have a tendency to block pores and bring on comedonal acne (whiteheads and blackheads).” However, there are a few types of oil that might, for some people, benefit the skin, which is why it is so important to keep a close eye on the key ingredients or actives in the formula.
“If you’re using a face oil for the first time, start slowly, as you should with any new product,” says Brown, who recommends applying a few drops once or twice a week, then observing how the skin responds for a good gauge of whether you’ve found the right oil for you. The key is to listen to your skin—it will tell you if it doesn’t like what has been put on it—but below is an at-a-glance guide to finding the best oil for your skin type.
- Dry: “Look for face oils that contain a greater percentage of essential fatty acids and vitamin E,” says Dr. Wong. Since dry skin types tend to suffer skin barrier issues, omegas, fatty acids, and ceramides can help fortify it and prevent water loss. Other great ingredients to look out for include grape seed, squalane, marula, rose, and jojoba oils.
- Oily: Most dermatologists agree that face oils aren’t great for oily skin. That said, everyone’s skin is different, so if you do want to try one, it needs to be chosen with care. Brown recommends looking for a high-quality oil that is light in texture and which contains ingredients with antibacterial or antioxidant properties, while Dr. Wong says that tea tree oil can be helpful in treating individual spots in mild cases of acne, “at a stretch”. Other ingredients to look out for are salicylic acid and retinoids, and omega 6 can help to regulate sebum production, too. Avoid thicker, more unctuous types, like coconut oil, like the plague. If the oil doesn’t work for you? Get right back to that moisturizer.
- Sensitive: “Despite the fact that most face oils are plant-based, they can still cause irritation in those with sensitive skin,” says Dr Wong. “It’s always best to try the product a few times with a small test patch before applying it to a larger area. Stop immediately if any irritation starts to appear.” Essential oils have a habit of wreaking havoc on sensitive skin, so look to formulas that promise to calm and protect. Think squalane, marula, vitamin E, rosehip and jojoba.
- Sarah Akram is a D.C.-based celebrity esthetician.
- Dr. Rabia Malik is an aesthetic doctor, general practitioner, and founder of skincare brand Skin W1.
- Raquel Medina-Cleghorn is a New York–based esthetician and founder of Raquel New York.
- Sofie Pavitt is a New York–based celebrity aesthetician.
- Samantha Susca is the lead esthetician at Casa Cipriani New York Spa.
- Debbie Thomas is a skin expert based in Chelsea, London.
- Dr. Sharon Wong is a consultant dermatologist and hair specialist.
- Sarah Brown is the founder of skincare brand Pai.