The 30 Best Face Oils for Every Skin Type and Concern
If you’re still debating whether face oils are worth the hype, let me clear this up for you: they’re a skincare game-changer. Whether you’re trying to hydrate dry skin, balance oily skin, cleanse without stripping, or level up your gua sha routine, there’s a face oil for that. But not all oils are created equal. Here’s your ultimate guide to the 30 best face oils, how to use them, and why they deserve a spot in your skincare lineup.
Why Face Oils Are a Skincare Must-Have
Face oils are packed with fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants that nourish, protect, and restore your skin. They can lock in moisture, reduce redness, fight breakouts, and even help with anti-aging. Plus, they’re versatile. You can use them for cleansing, massaging, or just adding a glow to your makeup look.
The 30 Best Face Oils
1. Jojoba Oil
- Best For: Oily and acne-prone skin
- Why It’s Great: Jojoba oil is lightweight and mimics the skin’s natural sebum, which helps regulate oil production.
- How to Use: Apply 2-3 drops after moisturizer or use it as a face oil cleanser.
- Personal Tip: I use jojoba oil to calm my T-zone when it’s throwing a tantrum.
2. Rosehip Oil
- Best For: Anti-aging and brightening
- Why It’s Great: Packed with Vitamin A, it boosts cell turnover and reduces scars and hyperpigmentation.
- How to Use: Massage 3-4 drops into damp skin at night. This is my secret weapon for that ‘I woke up like this’ glow.
3. Argan Oil
- Best For: Dry and sensitive skin
- Why It’s Great: Rich in Vitamin E, it soothes and hydrates without clogging pores.
- How to Use: Add a drop to your foundation for a dewy finish or use it for facial massage.
- Pro Tip: Moroccan argan oil is gold for gua sha.
4. Almond Oil
- Best For: Dark circles and uneven skin tone
- Why It’s Great: Packed with Vitamin E, it lightens dark spots and deeply hydrates.
- How to Use: Gently pat it under your eyes before bed.
- Personal Note: My grandma swears by this for keeping her skin soft.
5. Coconut Oil
- Best For: Dry skin and makeup removal
- Why It’s Great: An excellent natural cleanser, it melts away makeup and locks in moisture.
- How to Use: Massage onto your face to remove makeup, then rinse with warm water.
- Warning: Not ideal for oily or acne-prone skin—it can clog pores.
6. Castor Oil
- Best For: Deep cleansing and hydration
- Why It’s Great: Antibacterial and deeply moisturizing, it’s perfect for the oil cleansing method.
- How to Use: Mix with a lighter oil like jojoba for a balanced cleansing oil. This is my go-to for those ‘my pores feel clogged’ days.
7. Olive Oil
- Best For: Sensitive skin and anti-aging
- Why It’s Great: High in antioxidants and fatty acids, it smooths fine lines and strengthens the skin barrier.
- How to Use: Use a few drops to massage your face or mix into DIY masks.
- Pro Tip: Make sure to use extra virgin olive oil for the best results.
8. Vitamin C Face Oil
- Best For: Brightening and reducing dark spots
- Why It’s Great: Boosts collagen, reduces pigmentation, and adds instant radiance.
- How to Use: Apply in the morning under sunscreen for a bright, glowing look.
- Personal Tip: Look for a stable formula to avoid oxidation.
9. Vitamin E Face Oil
- Best For: Dry and aging skin
- Why It’s Great: Helps repair skin and reduce fine lines while providing deep hydration.
- How to Use: Mix with your night cream or apply as the final step in your routine.
- A little goes a long way for that plump, youthful feel!
10. Bio-Oil
- Best For: Scars and stretch marks
- Why It’s Great: This cult favorite improves texture and tone while hydrating deeply.
- How to Use: Massage into scars or uneven areas daily.
- Pro Tip: Works wonders as a body oil too!
11. Kumkumadi Face Oil
- Best For: Dull and uneven skin
- Why It’s Great: This Ayurvedic blend includes saffron and sandalwood for a natural glow.
- How to Use: Apply a few drops at night for radiant skin by morning.
- Personal Experience: It smells like a spa and works like magic.
12. Squalane Oil
- Best For: Hydration without greasiness
- Why It’s Great: Lightweight and fast-absorbing, it locks in moisture without clogging pores.
- How to Use: Press into damp skin as a hydrating step.
13. Grapeseed Oil
- Best For: Acne-prone skin
- Why It’s Great: Balances oil production and has astringent properties.
- How to Use: Use it solo or mix with your moisturizer.
14. Marula Oil
- Best For: Dry and aging skin
- Why It’s Great: High in antioxidants and amino acids, it restores elasticity.
- How to Use: Apply before makeup for a smooth, glowing base.
15. Tamanu Oil
- Best For: Scars and redness
- Why It’s Great: Known for its healing properties, it’s great for post-acne marks.
16. Blue Tansy Oil
- Best For: Sensitive and irritated skin
- Why It’s Great: Blue tansy oil calms redness, reduces inflammation, and has antibacterial properties.
- How to Use: Add a few drops to your moisturizer or use as a standalone treatment.
- Tip: The calming scent is a bonus for stressed-out skin and minds.
17. Camellia Seed Oil
- Best For: Mature and dry skin
- Why It’s Great: Rich in oleic acid and antioxidants, it deeply hydrates and improves elasticity.
- How to Use: Massage into your skin before bed for overnight hydration.
18. Hemp Seed Oil
- Best For: Oily and acne-prone skin
- Why It’s Great: Balances sebum production while soothing inflamed skin.
- How to Use: Apply a thin layer after cleansing to calm breakouts.
19. Sea Buckthorn Oil
- Best For: Dull and aging skin
- Why It’s Great: Loaded with Vitamins C and E, this oil brightens skin and boosts collagen.
- How to Use: Use 1-2 drops with your serum or moisturizer for added radiance.
20. Calendula Oil
- Best For: Sensitive and dry skin
- Why It’s Great: Its anti-inflammatory properties make it perfect for soothing irritation and redness.
- How to Use: Apply directly to irritated areas or mix into your favorite cream.
21. Avocado Oil
- Best For: Dry and flaky skin
- Why It’s Great: Rich in Vitamin E and fatty acids, it nourishes and repairs damaged skin.
- How to Use: Apply it as a mask or mix a drop into your daily moisturizer.
22. Evening Primrose Oil
- Best For: Hormonal acne and redness
- Why It’s Great: Its high gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) content helps regulate sebum production.
- How to Use: Massage into your skin before bed to calm hormonal breakouts.
23. Pomegranate Seed Oil
- Best For: Anti-aging and firming
- Why It’s Great: Packed with antioxidants and Vitamin C, it boosts skin elasticity and firmness.
- How to Use: Dab onto fine lines and wrinkles before applying your moisturizer.
24. Neem Oil
- Best For: Acne and blemishes
- Why It’s Great: Its antibacterial properties make it a powerful spot treatment for acne.
- How to Use: Use sparingly as a spot treatment or dilute with a carrier oil.
- Warning: Neem oil has a strong smell, but it’s worth it for the results.
25. Sesame Oil
- Best For: Dry and mature skin
- Why It’s Great: High in zinc and antioxidants, it strengthens the skin barrier and prevents moisture loss.
- How to Use: Use it as a massage oil for face and body hydration.
26. Baobab Oil
- Best For: Dull and tired skin
- Why It’s Great: Rich in omega fatty acids, it restores radiance and repairs skin.
- How to Use: Mix a few drops into your foundation for a glowing finish.
27. Moringa Oil
- Best For: Dry and aging skin
- Why It’s Great: Moringa oil is lightweight yet deeply hydrating, making it perfect for plumping fine lines.
- How to Use: Apply as a final step in your evening routine.
28. Carrot Seed Oil
- Best For: Anti-aging and sun protection
- Why It’s Great: Known for its SPF-boosting properties, it also reduces fine lines.
- How to Use: Mix with your daily sunscreen for added protection.
29. Raspberry Seed Oil
- Best For: Sun damage and redness
- Why It’s Great: High in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, it soothes and protects sensitive skin.
- How to Use: Use it as a morning face oil under your sunscreen.
30. Tamanu Oil
- Best For: Acne scars and discoloration
- Why It’s Great: Its antibacterial and healing properties reduce acne scars and promote even skin tone.
- How to Use: Spot-treat scars or apply it all over for a more even complexion.
Pro Tip for Choosing a Face Oil
- Patch Test First: Always test new oils on a small patch of skin to avoid irritation.
- Layer Smartly: Apply face oils after serums but before sunscreen for maximum effectiveness.
- Less Is More: Start with 1-2 drops; you can always add more if needed.
Table: Face Oils for Different Uses
| Face Oil | Best For | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Jojoba Oil | Oily skin, acne | Balances oil production |
| Rosehip Oil | Anti-aging, scars | Boosts collagen |
| Argan Oil | Dry, sensitive skin | Hydrates and soothes |
| Vitamin C Oil | Brightening, dark spots | Adds radiance |
| Coconut Oil | Makeup removal, dry skin | Locks in moisture |
FAQs About Face Oils
Q1: Can face oils work for oily skin?
A: Absolutely! Lightweight oils like jojoba and grapeseed help balance your skin’s natural oil production without clogging pores.
Q2: What’s the best face oil for gua sha?
A: Argan or squalane oil are great options—they’re lightweight and allow the tool to glide smoothly.
Q3: Can I use face oil as a cleanser?
A: Yes! Oils like castor and olive oil are perfect for oil cleansing. They remove dirt and makeup without stripping your skin.
Q4: How do I layer face oil in my routine?
A: Apply face oil as the last step in your skincare routine (or before sunscreen in the morning) to lock in hydration.
