The 14 Best Face Oils of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

These are the only ones worth buying.

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Face oils we recommend on a white tray and white towel

Byrdie/ Jhett Thompson

It wasn’t long ago that skincare experts and beauty enthusiasts alike campaigned against using products with the inclusion of oils in them. From repairing a damaged skin barrier, to producing a long-lasting radiant complexion, and more, we now know that choosing the right face oil to suit your wants and needs is the key to garnering the benefits.

So we tested 36 face oils, taking into account key ingredients, consistency, absorption, and overall results. Here are the best face oils we tested for different skin types, concerns, and budgets.

Best Overall

Le Prunier Plum Beauty Oil

Le Prunier Plum Beauty Oil

Le Prunier

Our Ratings
  • Consistency
    5/5
  • Absorption
    5/5
  • Feel
    4/5
  • Skin Glow
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Lightweight texture

  • Fast-absorbing

  • Creates radiant glow

What We Don't Like
  • The packaging could be more luxe to align with the pricetag

Skin Type: All skin types | Key Ingredients: Organic prunus domestica seed oil, omega fatty acids | Size: 30ml  | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Formulated with a blend of nourishing plum oils, this product maintains a lightweight consistency while moisturizing the skin and creating a natural-looking, radiance. The ultra-short ingredient list—it’s literally made from just 100% organic plum oil—makes it a great option for people who are sensitive to skincare ingredients (so long as plum oil isn’t one of them). 

If you’re new to face oils, you might envision a thick or greasy texture, but the best ones—this included—aren’t that. In fact, we found it to have a bit of a runny consistency, making it best to apply just a few drops in order to avoid a mess. We loved how hydrated skin felt, but even better was the beautiful glow it gave her complexion. And considering the price tag, we really appreciate that just a tiny bit of product goes a long way.

Best Splurge

Isdin Isdinceutics Melatonik Serum

Isdin Isdinceutics Melatonik Overnight Recovery Serum

Isdin

Our Ratings
  • Consistency
    5/5
  • Absorption
    5/5
  • Feel
    5/5
  • Skin Glow
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Non-greasy finish

  • Lightweight texture

  • Moisturizing feel on the skin

What We Don't Like
  • Some people might desire more glow out of a face oil

Skin Type: All skin types | Key Ingredients: Melatonin, bakuchiol, vitamin C | Size: 30ml  | Cruelty-Free: No

Finding a great nighttime serum to care for your skin while you rest is our ideal version of beauty sleep. This one is formulated with a blend of melatonin, bakuchiol, and vitamin C to provide antioxidant protection and help restore skin elasticity. It also feels moisturizing on the skin. 

We enjoyed the subtle vanilla scent and appreciated that the texture was light and fast-absorbing. In terms of the finish, it appeared almost matte on the skin during testing. So if you have oily or combination skin, or you prefer non-greasy products, especially at night, this could be an excellent choice. However, if you have very dry skin or you’re looking for an oil to add a noticeable glow to your complexion, keep this in mind.

Best Budget

Bio-Oil Skincare Oil

Bio-Oil Skincare Oil

Ulta

What We Like
  • Lightweight texture and feeling on skin

  • Fast-absorbing

  • Moisturizing

What We Don't Like
  • Overpowering scent

Skin Type: All skin types | Key Ingredients: Vitamin A, vitamin B, sunflower, lavender and chamomile oils | Size: 60ml | Cruelty-Free: No

This popular facial oil is known for its ability to help prevent stretch marks on the body, but it’s also a great option for moisturizing the face and helping to even out the complexion—all for an affordable price, which is why it's our best budget pick. Its formula—which contains vitamin A, vitamin E, chamomile, sunflower, and lavender oils—also works to repair skin damage, meaning it's a great choice if you have post-acne scarring.

We were impressed with how quickly it absorbed and that it never felt greasy. We appreciated how effectively it moisturized without creating a thick or sticky residue, too. However, be advised that this product contains synthetic fragrance and the scent from the lavender oil may be too intense for some people. Still, this product earns a place on our list for its effectiveness, lightweight feel, and excellent value.

Best Budget, Runner-Up

The Ordinary Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil

The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil

Ulta

What We Like
  • Lightweight texture

  • Simple ingredient list

What We Don't Like
  • Takes some time to absorb

Skin Type: Oily, Dry, Combination | Key Ingredients: Rose hip seed oil | Size: 30ml  | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Rosehip oil has a variety of skin benefits, like anti-inflammatory properties, collagen stimulation, and moisturizing, just to name a few. It’s rich in vitamin A, which can help stimulate collagen and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as fatty acids, which work to keep the skin hydrated.

This affordable serum is made with 100% pure rose hip oil that is organic and sustainably sourced. It comes in UV-protected packaging to protect the integrity of the formula, and it comes at an affordable price tag, which earns it extra points in our book. We found that it takes some time to absorb into the skin, but the formula has a soft feel and it works to moisturize the skin and provide a dewy glow. It's slightly too greasy to wear underneath makeup, so if you have oily skin or struggle with your makeup slipping and sliding around, we recommend using this face oil at bedtime.

Read Full Review: The Ordinary's Rose Hip Seed Oil Rejuvenated My Dry, Dull Skin

Best Nourishing

Palmer's Skin Therapy Oil

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Therapy Face Oil

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Consistency
    5/5
  • Absorption
    5/5
  • Feel
    5/5
  • Skin Glow
    4/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Non-greasy finish

  • Fast-absorbing

  • Quickly quenches dry skin

What We Don't Like
  • People with oily skin might find it to be too heavy

Skin Type: Mature, dry, and sensitive skin | Key Ingredients: Retinol, vitamin C | Size: 30ml  | Cruelty-Free: No

This oil includes retinol and vitamin C to address fine lines and dark spots—and if you’re typically sensitive to retinol, it could be a great option as the oil formula helps to counteract the potential drying effects of the powerful ingredient. In addition to the inclusion of active ingredients, we love that this oil works to deeply nourish and hydrate the skin. It quickly moisturizes dry skin without feeling overly heavy, and the skin feels soft to the touch after application. One thing to keep in mind is that some online reviewers with oily skin found it to be too heavy for them, so we recommend this option for dry or mature skin types.

Best Lightweight

Ghost Democracy Softglow Facial Oil

Ghost Democracy Softglow Facial Oil

Verishop

Our Ratings
  • Consistency
    4/5
  • Absorption
    5/5
  • Feel
    5/5
  • Skin Glow
    4/5
  • Value
    4/5
What We Like
  • Weightless texture

  • Adds beautiful glow to the skin

What We Don't Like
  • Not accessible at multiple retailers

Skin Type: All skin types | Key Ingredients: Cloudberry, cottonseed, and meadowfoam oils | Size: 30ml  | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you’re intimidated by the idea of applying oil to your face, or you detest the feeling of heavy skincare products, this is a great choice for you. It provides moisture and glow while maintaining a lightweight feel, and it sinks into the skin quickly. The formula contains a blend of vitamins and fatty acids to provide antioxidant protection, help calm inflammation, and strengthen the skin’s protective barrier. Aside from absorbing into the skin quickly, we noticed that the skin felt moisturized and soft right after application. And in terms of a glow, it provided just the right amount of radiance without bordering on greasy. If we could change one thing about it, it wouldn’t be about the product itself, but rather where it’s sold. We would love to see it available at more retailers to make it more accessible.

Best Drugstore

Burt's Bees Facial Oil with Rosehip Seed Extract

Burt's Bees Facial Oil with Rosehip Seed Extract

Walmart

Our Ratings
  • Consistency
    5/5
  • Absorption
    3/5
  • Feel
    5/5
  • Skin Glow
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Provides pretty glow to the skin

  • Rich texture

  • Deeply moisturizing

What We Don't Like
  • Not much product in the bottle

Skin Type: All skin types | Key Ingredients: Rose hip seed extract | Size: 15ml | Cruelty-Free: Yes

While your mind might immediately jump to lip balm when you think of Burt’s Bees, don’t sleep on their skincare (but feel free to sleep in it). This affordable formula contains rosehip oil, essential fatty acids, and vitamins to nourish the skin and provide moisture. We appreciate how it gives skin a healthy-looking glow, but it takes some time to fully absorb. Because of this, we recommend it for nighttime use. Regardless, we liked the way it looked and felt on our skin, and could see it as a winter skincare staple. While it has a relatively affordable price tag and is accessible at several drugstores, the bottle only contains 15ml making it a bit pricey compared to other drugstore options.

Best for Oily Skin

Aesop Face Oil

Aesop Fabulous Face Oil

Nordstrom

Our Ratings
  • Consistency
    4.5/5
  • Absorption
    5/5
  • Feel
    5/5
  • Skin Glow
    4/5
  • Value
    4/5
What We Like
  • Fast-absorbing

  • Great for layering

  • A little bit goes a long way

What We Don't Like
  • Some people might find the scent to be too strong 

Skin Type: Normal, combination, congested skin | Key Ingredients: Juniper berry, macadamia seed oil, sweet almond oil | Size: 27ml  | Cruelty-Free: Yes

People with oily skin will want to look out for face oils that aren’t thick or greasy in texture to avoid contributing to excess oil. This one is formulated with a blend of botanicals that work to balance and soften the skin, and it has a lightweight consistency that maintains a hydrating feel. It made our skin look and feel soft, and we appreciated that it didn’t create a greasy finish on our faces. Just a couple of drops is all you need to evenly coat the skin—honestly, just one drop would get the job done. Perhaps the best part is that it fully absorbs in under a minute, leaving behind a subtle glow that doesn’t border on looking oily. Keep in mind that because it contains a blend of botanical extracts, it has a very green scent while some people might find it to be slightly overpowering.

Best for Dry Skin

Epara Balancing Face Oil

Epara Balancing Face Oil

Nordstorm

Our Ratings
  • Consistency
    5/5
  • Absorption
    4/5
  • Feel
    4/5
  • Skin Glow
    5/5
  • Value
    4/5
What We Like
  • Non-greasy feel

  • Recyclable packaging

  • Subtle radiance

What We Don't Like
  • Could add even more glow

Skin Type: All skin types | Key Ingredients: Moringa, marula, and ylang-ylang oils | Size: 30ml  | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This face oil has what we believe to be the perfect consistency for dry skin—it’s rich without being heavy. It contains a combination of nourishing ingredients to help soften the skin, add moisture, and restore elasticity. Despite the rich texture, this oil doesn't leave skin looking or feeling greasy. It worked to provide moisture and add a subtle glow without creating a film or pilling. While she would have liked to see even more glow from this oil, the fact that it provides just a subtle radiance makes it a great option for layering with more glow-inducing moisturizers and primers.

Best for Combination Skin

Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil

Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Consistency
    4.5/5
  • Absorption
    5/5
  • Feel
    4.5/5
  • Skin Glow
    3.5/5
  • Value
    4/5
What We Like
  • Fast-absorbing

  • Comfortable feel on skin

What We Don't Like
  • Some online reviewers find that the performance doesn’t justice the price

Skin Type: All skin types | Key Ingredients: Marula oil | Size: 15ml, 30ml  | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you have combination skin, then you know how challenging it can be to care for oiliness and dry patches. If this sounds like you, give this luxe oil a try. Formulated with 100% unrefined marula oil, this formula contains antioxidants and omega fatty acids that help moisturize the skin and protect it from environmental stressors. It has a lightweight texture that sinks into the skin quickly, leaving it with a silky, soft feel. It’s decadent enough to make a noticeable difference in hydration, while not so rich that it creates any greasiness. We also love that it provides the most subtle glow that truly looks like an authentic, “glowing from within” look.

Read full review: My Skin Hasn't Stopped Glowing Since I Started Using This Oil

Best for Sensitive Skin

Kora Organics Noni Glow Face Oil

Kora Organics Noni Glow Face Oil

Sephora

Our Ratings
  • Consistency
    5/5
  • Absorption
    5/5
  • Feel
    5/5
  • Skin Glow
    5/5
  • Value
    4/5
What We Like
  • Lightweight texture

  • Gentle on sensitive skin

  • Fast-absorbing

What We Don't Like
  • Higher price tag

Skin Type: All skin types | Key Ingredients: Noni extract, rose hip, pomegranate, and sea buckthorn oils | Size: 10ml, 30ml  | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Miranda Kerr, KORA Organics founder, says this oil is her holy grail travel companion as it works to hydrate her skin and maintain her glowing complexion. This nourishing oil contains noni extract (noni is a fruit-bearing plant found in Southeast Asia), as well as rosehip and pomegranate oils to create a blend of antioxidants and essential fatty acids. She also shares that it’s excellent for all skin types, especially sensitive skin—and many online reviewers can attest to that. As for us, the light texture sunk into our skin within seconds, and the formula imparted a gorgeous radiance sans a greasy finish.

Read Full Review: Reviewed: Does the Kora Organics Noni Glow Face Oil Live Up to the Test?

Best for Acne-Prone Skin

Acure Radically Rejuvenating Rose Argan Oil

Acure Radically Rejuvenating Rose Argan Oil

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Consistency
    5/5
  • Absorption
    5/5
  • Feel
    5/5
  • Skin Glow
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Rich texture that absorbs quickly

  • Affordable price

  • Does not clog pores

What We Don't Like
  • Some people might find the texture to be too rich

Skin Type: All skin types | Key Ingredients: Cold pressed argan and rose oils, | Size: 30ml  | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This is a great option for those with acne-prone skin because it provides adequate moisture without a thick, pore-clogging texture. This simple, affordable oil contains a blend of rose and argan oils which are packed with antioxidants and fatty acids to nourish and protect the skin. We also appreciate that it can be used on the hair and skin on the body, making it an even better value. Those of us with sensitive skin loved that the rich texture provided noticeable hydration and suppleness while absorbing into the skin quickly. While we appreciate the consistency, if you have very oily skin, we recommend going with another more lightweight choice.

Best for Wrinkles

Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Face Oil

Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate Moisturizing Face Oil

Kiehl's

Our Ratings
  • Consistency
    5/5
  • Absorption
    5/5
  • Feel
    5/5
  • Skin Glow
    4/5
  • Value
    4/5
What We Like
  • Comes in a variety of sizes

  • Weightless texture

  • Fast-absorbing

What We Don't Like
  • Someone online reviewers say it could be more moisturizing

Skin Type: Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily | Key Ingredients: Squalane, lavender essential oil, evening primrose oil | Size: 15ml, 30ml, 50ml, 100ml  | Cruelty-Free: No

This nighttime oil is formulated with evening primrose oil and a blend of replenishing oils to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and skin texture while also providing moisture and boosting radiance. It comes in a dark bottle that is recyclable, protecting the formula and making it environmentally friendly, and we love that it comes in a variety of sizes at different price points. We found the consistency to be incredibly lightweight and comfortable on the skin; so much so that we felt like we could layer it on to reach our desired level of hydration. The silky texture, fresh scent, and soft feeling on our skin made it a luxurious experience. 

Best Anti-Aging

Youth to the People Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Oil

Youth to the People Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Oil

Sephora

Our Ratings
  • Consistency
    3.5/5
  • Absorption
    5/5
  • Feel
    5/5
  • Skin Glow
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Deeply Moisturizing

  • Recyclable packaging

What We Don't Like
  • Can feel greasy until fully absorbed

Skin Type: Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily | Key Ingredients: Maqui, prickly pear, acai | Size: 30ml  | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Formulated with a blend of prickly pear, acai, squalane, and maqui (a plant native to Chile and Argentina), this oil combats free radicals, supports collagen production and cell renewal, and moisturizes the skin. We found the consistency to be a bit thick and greasy upon initial application, but after waiting a few minutes, it absorbed into the skin, leaving it feeling soft and smooth. We also appreciated that despite the rich texture, it wasn’t greasy-looking, rather it greeted a natural-looking luminosity.

What to Look for in a Face Oil

  • Skin concerns: Board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD recommends shopping for face oil based on what will target your specific skin concerns. “For example, certain oils may be better for anti-aging, such as argan oil or rose hip oil, while other oils may be best for dry skin such as maracuja, olive oil, and coconut oil,” she says.
  • Texture: While oily skin can benefit from lightweight textures, dry skin can handle options with more dense consistencies. But aside from just your skin type, don’t be afraid to consider your preferences. If you have dry skin and can’t stand heavy formulas, don’t feel like you need to choose a super-dense oil. You can opt for something with a lighter texture and simply layer it as part of your overall routine to ensure your skin is getting the appropriate amount of hydration. 
  • Fragrance: Dr. Garshick also recommends shopping for face oils that are fragrance-free whenever possible, avoiding both added synthetic fragrances and natural fragrances such as essential oils if your skin is especially sensitive. “Many oils contain natural fragrance and extracts, and those with sensitive skin need to remember that some of these fragrances may be irritating on the skin,” she says.
FAQ
  • Can you use face oil on oily skin?

    Believe it or not, you can use face oils on oily skin—it just depends on the type of oil. “It’s important to select an oil that won’t clog the pores or worsen breakouts,” says Garshick. “Oils with a larger molecule size can be considered comedogenic, but those with a smaller molecule size, such as squalene and argan oil, penetrate the skin a bit better.”

  • Do face oils cause acne?

    According to Garshick, face oils don’t necessarily cause acne. “A concern around facial oils has been that, as the name states, they contain oil which traditionally is thought to clog pores and lead to breakouts—however, not all oils are created equal,” she says. “There are oils that won’t clog the pores and, as such, won’t cause acne. Additionally, oils such as tea tree oil may even have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits and may be helpful for those with acne.” So the idea that oil is a no-no for the skin? It’s not always the case. 

  • When should you apply face oil?

    Garshick says it’s best to apply face oil after a moisturizer—and more importantly, not necessarily treat it as a replacement for your traditional cream and lotion moisturizers. “It’s important to note that face oil does not necessarily replace a moisturizer, especially for those with dry skin,” she says. “Moisturizers may help to draw moisture in, while the oil helps to create a barrier for the skin to trap moisture in, creating a seal. Although oils may have a thinner consistency than a moisturizing cream or lotion, it’s generally best to apply them after moisturizer as they'll help seal in moisture. If oils are applied too early in a routine, they may even prevent subsequent products from getting absorbed.”

Why Trust Byrdie

Alyssa Kaplan is an experienced writer in the beauty industry and product tester specializing in cosmetics. She has experience working in marketing and product development at skincare companies, and has tons of first-hand experience using facial oils. She’s even tried several products on this list. Alyssa has been a commerce writer at Byrdie since 2022, where she covers all things beauty. For this article, she interviewed the following expert:

  • Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD is a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS: Medical Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery Centers and is the Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Cornell University.
Updated by Jill DiDonato
Article Sources
Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
  1. Lin TK, Zhong L, Santiago JL. Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils. Int J Mol Sci. 2017;19(1):70. Published 2017 Dec 27. doi:10.3390/ijms19010070

  2. The Benefits of Rose Hip Oil. Cleveland Clinic. March 11, 2022

  3. Mármol I, Sánchez-de-Diego C, Jiménez-Moreno N, Ancín-Azpilicueta C, Rodríguez-Yoldi MJ. Therapeutic Applications of Rose Hips from Different Rosa Species. Int J Mol Sci. 2017;18(6):1137. Published 2017 May 25. doi:10.3390/ijms18061137

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