15 Best Face Oils for Every Skin Type and Concern (2024)
Unlock your most radiant skin of 2024 with editor-tested face oils for every concern, from dryness to acne-prone and sensitive complexions.
15 Best Face Oils for Every Skin Type and Concern in 2024
Face oils have evolved from being a niche skincare step to a must-have staple for achieving hydrated, glowing skin. Whether your skin is dry, oily, acne-prone, or sensitive, there’s a blend crafted to deliver targeted nourishment, lock in moisture, and support a dewy complexion. In 2024, our beauty editors thoroughly tested and reviewed the industry’s best face oils—from cult-favorites to new breakthroughs—to bring you an authoritative list. You’ll find formulas for facial massage, affordable gems, luxury picks, and everything in between.
What Are Face Oils? Why Should You Use Them?
Face oils are concentrated formulations, often composed of botanical and natural plant extracts, designed to hydrate, nourish, and protect the skin. They are typically used as the last step in a skincare routine to lock in moisture, thanks to their occlusive properties. That means they create a barrier to prevent water loss, helping your other products work harder and skin stay supple longer.
- They don’t always hydrate on their own—most oils seal in, rather than add, moisture.
- One exception is squalane, a skin-mimicking oil that genuinely hydrates and works on virtually all skin types.
- Many face oils boast antioxidants, fatty acids, and vitamins that soothe, balance, and repair skin.
If you’re new to face oils, start slow: 2-3 drops pressed gently onto your face (never rubbed aggressively) as the final layer after moisturizer. Oily and sensitive skin needn’t shy away—the right lightweight formula might transform your routine.
How We Picked the Best Face Oils
- Tested dozens of best-selling, editor-favorite, new, and cult face oils, evaluating texture, ingredient lists, effects, and price-performance ratio.
- Considered all skin types: dry, oily, acne-prone, mature, sensitive, and combination.
- Emphasized customer reviews, dermatologist recommendations, and ingredient innovation.
- Feature honest pros and cons for each oil.
The 15 Best Face Oils to Try in 2024
Every pick below was thoroughly vetted, tested, and reviewed by beauty editors, ensuring real results for real skin concerns.
1. Naturium Plant Squalane Face Oil 100%
- Key Ingredient: Squalane
- Best for: All skin types
- Pros: Ultra-lightweight, non-greasy, hydrates and smoothes, suitable for every skincare routine.
- Cons: May not be rich enough for those wanting a heavier overnight oil.
This editor-favorite squalane oil mimics your skin’s own sebum, making it exceptionally gentle and versatile. It’s perfect for locking in hydration after your moisturizer, leaving skin bouncy and—critically—never greasy. Even the most acne-prone testers saw smoother, clearer results without breakouts.
“Leaves your face feeling hydrated and fresh… If you’re looking for a dewy glow that isn’t greasy or fades quickly, I highly recommend.”
2. Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Luxury Face Oil
- Key Ingredient: Marula oil
- Best for: All skin types, especially dry
- Pros: Absorbs rapidly, antioxidant-rich, excellent for mixing with moisturizer.
- Cons: Higher price point compared to some alternatives.
Beloved by editors and dermatologists, this marula oil is packed with antioxidants, fatty acids, and vitamins to nourish and shield skin. Users rave about softer, brighter complexions and how well it layers under makeup. Luxury worth the investment, especially for dry or mature skin.
What others are reading
“My face truly looks like it’s glowing from within…a gem in my routine.”
3. Herbivore Lapis Blue Tansy Face Oil
- Key Ingredients: Jojoba oil, kukui nut oil, blue tansy oil, squalane
- Best for: Oily, acne-prone skin
- Pros: Lightweight, calms redness, absorbs fast with no greasy finish.
- Cons: Distinctive herbaceous scent (a pro for some, a con for others).
Formulated specifically for oily and acne-prone skin, this oil combines light, non-comedogenic oils with soothing blue tansy to help reduce visible redness and inflammation. It plumps skin while keeping oiliness and breakouts at bay.
“Feels light and absorbs easily…calming and soothing without clogging pores.”
4. Olivier Midy Éclat Midy Face Oil
- Key Ingredients: Sea buckthorn, evening primrose, rooibos extract, 24 plant oils
- Best for: Dry, tired, mature skin
- Pros: Luxurious blend, boosts elasticity, antioxidant-rich, anti-inflammatory.
- Cons: Premium pricing reflects its luxury formulation.
This editor-acclaimed French pharmacy-export packs 24 seed oils and extracts for a high-powered, overnight boost to skin’s radiance and resilience. The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory blend rejuvenates, firms, and nourishes without a heavy finish. Regular use helps visibly boost youthfulness over time.
“My skin has never been dewier. Dew try it.” – Neil Patrick Harris, Wondercade
5. The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil
- Key Ingredient: Rose hip seed oil
- Best for: Dull, scar-prone, and uneven textured skin
- Pros: Affordable, helps fade dark spots, high in essential fatty acids.
- Cons: Slightly heavier texture than squalane-based oils.
A budget-friendly hero lauded for brightening, evening skin tone, and fading hyperpigmentation. Rose hip oil is rich in vitamin A and trans-retinoic acid, gently helping with signs of aging and sun damage over time. A cult-favorite for younger and mature skin alike.
6. Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum
- Key Ingredients: 22 active botanicals, including avocado, rose, nettle, and evening primrose
- Best for: Dull, mature, or sensitive skin
- Pros: Multi-correctional, deeply nourishing, balances skin tone over time.
- Cons: Luxury-level pricing, strong natural fragrance.
This cult oil-serum hybrid is packed with a complex blend of cold-pressed botanicals, delivering visible results in skin tone, clarity, and resilience. Beloved by celebrities and estheticians, it layers beautifully and quickly soothes irritation or dryness.
7. Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate Universal Face Oil
- Key Ingredient: Rosehip oil (high in carotenoids and omegas)
- Best for: Sensitive and reactive skin
- Pros: Extra gentle, supports barrier repair, fragrance-free.
- Cons: Naturally earthy scent.
Specially formulated for those with sensitive complexions, Pai’s signature oil repairs, soothes, and strengthens the skin’s barrier. It’s certified organic and free of unnecessary additives, making it a top pick for those who react easily to fragrance or synthetic ingredients.
8. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil
- Key Ingredients: Vitamin C (THD Ascorbate), turmeric, evening primrose oil
- Best for: Dull, uneven, or tired skin
- Pros: Illuminates, fights free radicals, helps with firmness.
- Cons: Slight herbal tint (from turmeric), very active formula may not suit super sensitive skin.
Designed for massage and instant radiance, this multitasking oil visibly brightens and energizes lackluster skin. Vitamin C and turmeric together help reduce signs of fatigue and pigmentation for a firmer, more even-toned look.
9. Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate
- Key Ingredients: Lavender essential oil, evening primrose oil, squalane
- Best for: Overnight renewal, mature skin
- Pros: Overnight results, calming scent, replenishes skin’s barrier as you sleep.
- Cons: Contains essential oils, so patch test for sensitivities.
Perfect as a nighttime finisher, this blend restores and recharges bedraggled skin while you rest. Expect visibly more luminous and freshly hydrated skin each morning, with a zen-like lavender aroma to boot.
10. Biossance 100% Squalane Oil
- Key Ingredient: Squalane (sugarcane-derived)
- Best for: All skin types—including sensitive
- Pros: Universally tolerated, non-comedogenic, featherlight texture.
- Cons: Minimalist formula may not provide added actives.
A pure, single-ingredient option beloved by ingredient purists and derms alike. Derived from sustainable sugarcane, this squalane replenishes the skin’s lipid barrier for smooth, balanced skin—no fillers or fragrances included.
11. Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Therapy Oil for Face
- Key Ingredients: Cocoa butter, retinol, vitamin C
- Best for: Dry to normal skin on a budget
- Pros: Brightens, firms, budget-friendly, pleasant scent.
- Cons: Slightly richer texture; not ideal for extremely oily skin.
Drugstore fans love this formula for its blend of cocoa butter and vitamins, which provide rich hydration without skimping on brightening actives. Great for those looking to address discoloration, loss of firmness, or dehydration at an affordable price.
12. Indie Lee Squalane Facial Oil
- Key Ingredient: Olive-derived squalane
- Best for: Combination and sensitive skin
- Pros: Balances oiliness, calms without clogging pores, lightweight.
- Cons: Best results seen over time with consistent use.
This clean, gentle squalane absorbs in a flash for comfortably hydrated skin that isn’t left shiny. Lightweight and suitable for unpredictable combination types, those with occasional flakiness, or reactive complexions.
13. True Botanicals Pure Radiance Oil
- Key Ingredients: Chia, kiwi and passion fruit oils, algae extract
- Best for: Anti-aging benefits, mature skin
- Pros: Tackles fine lines, plumps, calms irritation, high in omega-3 and antioxidants.
- Cons: Pricier, natural scent may linger.
This sophisticated formula targets aging concerns like fine lines and uneven skin tone, supporting skin’s structure while delivering a healthy glow. Rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants, it’s a go-to for mature or environmentally stressed skin.
14. Acure Radically Rejuvenating Rose Argan Oil
- Key Ingredients: Argan oil, rose oil
- Best for: Dull, uneven, stressed skin
- Pros: Brightening, evens tone, fast absorption for day or night use.
- Cons: Subtle fragrance; may want to patch test initially.
This oil combines the reparative potential of argan with the balancing, soothing power of rose oil for visibly brighter skin. Effective for fading dark spots, smoothing texture, and supporting everyday radiance without clogging pores.
15. Youth to the People Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Oil
- Key Ingredients: Maqui, açai, goji, prickly pear
- Best for: Customizable routine boosting glow and moisture
- Pros: Plant-powered antioxidants, non-greasy finish, can be layered with serums or moisturizer.
- Cons: May not be enough on its own for extremely dry types.
A modern, flexible oil-essence hybrid ideal for boosting dewiness and supporting overall skin resilience. Meant to complement your regular regimen, it provides an antioxidant boost and strengthens the skin’s outer barrier for a healthier look.
How to Choose the Right Face Oil for Your Skin
- For Oily/Acne-Prone Skin: Choose lightweight, non-comedogenic oils like squalane, rosehip, or jojoba. Blue tansy and kukui nut oil are soothing.
- For Dry Skin: Seek retaining oils like marula, argan, or sea buckthorn. Look for added vitamin E and omega-rich botanicals.
- For Sensitive Skin: Opt for fragrance-free, minimal-ingredient oils. Rosehip and squalane are generally safe bets.
- For Anti-Aging: Choose antioxidant, vitamin-rich oils—think marula, sea buckthorn, or blends with retinoids and vitamin C.
Patch test new oils, especially those with essential oils or new botanicals, to ensure compatibility. Remember, a few drops go a long way.
How to Apply Face Oil for Glowing Skin
- Dispense 2–4 drops onto clean palms.
- Warm up the product, then gently press into your face and neck as the last step of your skincare routine.
- Use morning or evening, or both, depending on your skin’s needs.
- For facial massage or Gua Sha, apply a little extra for smooth slip.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Face Oils
Can I use face oil if I have oily, acne-prone skin?
Yes. The right oils—such as squalane, rosehip, blue tansy, and jojoba—can balance sebum, soothe inflammation, and reduce breakouts. Look for lightweight, non-comedogenic options designed for problem-prone skin.
Should I apply face oil before or after moisturizer?
Always apply face oil after or mixed with your moisturizer. Oils help lock in moisture and prevent water loss; applying them first would block beneficial hydrators from reaching the skin.
How often should I use a face oil?
Most people benefit from using a face oil once or twice daily, especially as a final step at night. Adjust the frequency based on your skin type and response.
Can face oils replace moisturizer?
Face oils do not supply sufficient hydration alone for most people. They’re designed to seal in moisture provided by creams or serums, not replace it. Layer oils as a booster, not a one-step solution.
Will face oils make my skin break out?
They won’t if you choose a formula suited for your skin type and applied properly. Avoid comedogenic (pore-blocking) ingredients if you’re breakout-prone. Always patch test new products and introduce slowly.
Final Thoughts on Face Oils in 2024
With more research, innovation, and options than ever, face oils have proven that they’re not just a passing trend but a customizable skin health essential. Find a texture and formula that matches your skin’s needs, and you might discover your smoothest, brightest complexion yet. For an instant skin boost, a nourishing overnight treatment, or a key step in your facial massage routine, there’s an oil here to complete your glow-up in 2024.
References
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/g46972631/best-face-oils/
- https://oliviermidy.com/en-gb/pages/press
- https://katiniskin.com/blogs/press/cosmopolitan-the-holy-grail-acne-awards
- https://intothegloss.com/2019/12/carly-cardellino%20beauty%20routine/
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/great-skin-guide/
- https://www.cosmopolitanme.com/gallery/facial-oils-for-mega-hydration
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p62MAZkA-lg
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