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
Lightweight texture
Fast-absorbing
Creates radiant glow
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
Non-greasy finish
Lightweight texture
Moisturizing feel on the skin
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
Lightweight texture and feeling on skin
Fast-absorbing
Moisturizing
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
Lightweight texture
Simple ingredient list
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
Non-greasy finish
Fast-absorbing
Quickly quenches dry skin
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
Weightless texture
Adds beautiful glow to the skin
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
Provides pretty glow to the skin
Rich texture
Deeply moisturizing
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
Fast-absorbing
Great for layering
A little bit goes a long way
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
Non-greasy feel
Recyclable packaging
Subtle radiance
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
Fast-absorbing
Comfortable feel on skin
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
Lightweight texture
Gentle on sensitive skin
Fast-absorbing
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
Rich texture that absorbs quickly
Affordable price
Does not clog pores
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
Comes in a variety of sizes
Weightless texture
Fast-absorbing
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
Deeply Moisturizing
Recyclable packaging
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.
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.