What Are Face Oils?
Facial oils are skincare products that typically include plant-based botanical and essential oils which are deeply hydrating and high in antioxidants. These face oils formulas moisturize the complexion, get rid of dryness, repair damage to the skin barrier, decrease inflammation, and promote a glowing complexion.
The best face oils for anti-aging plump the complexion, smoothing wrinkles, creases, and fine lines for a more youthful appearance. This article presents the dermatologist-recommended best face oil brands available today, as evaluated by our team of board-certified experts.
- Beverly Hills MD Brighten + Tighten Restorative Facial Oil
- Palmer’s Skin Therapy Oil
- Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate
- La Mer The Renewal Oil
- Burt’s Bees Facial Oil
- Sunday Riley U.F.O. Ultra Clarifying Face Oil
- Farmacy Honey Grail Ultra-Hydrating Face Oil
- Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil
- Le Prunier Plum Beauty Oil
- The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil
- Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Oil
- Elemis Superfood Facial Oil
- Herbivore Phoenix Cell Regenerating Facial Oil
Our Top 12 Face Oils
Best Face Oil | Beverly Hills MD Brighten + Tighten Restorative Facial Oil |
Best Affordable Option | Palmer’s Skin Therapy Oil |
Best for Wrinkles | Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate |
Best Luxury Face Oil | La Mer The Renewal Oil |
Best Drugstore | Burt’s Bees Facial Oil |
Best for Acne-Prone Skin | Sunday Riley U.F.O. Ultra-Clarifying Face Oil |
Best Cruelty-Free Option | Farmacy Honey Grail Ultra-Hydrating Face Oil |
Best For Combination Skin | Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil |
Best for Sensitive Skin | Le Prunier Plum Beauty Oil |
Best Face oIL For Oily Skin | The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil |
Best Face Oil with Retinol | Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Oil |
Best Lightweight | Elemis Superfood Facial Oil |
Best Face Oil for Dry Skin | Herbivore Phoenix Cell Regenerating Facial Oil |
It’s important to note that not every face oil will work for everyone, and your results may vary.
Which Face Oil Should I Use?
Are you ready to hear about some of the best face oils on the market? We’ve researched numerous brands to seek out the most promising products in the industry. Here we present the best facial oil available today.
Beverly Hills MD Brighten + Tighten Restorative Facial Oil
Beverly Hills MD is a skincare brand that is well known for its high-quality skincare lines. Brighten + Tighten Restorative Facial Oil help reduce the look of sagging skin, dark spots, and dullness. This face oil uses advanced skin-firming technology to deliver a visible ‘tightening’ effect, as well as deep-penetrating antioxidants to reactivate your youthful radiance.
The Reviewers Say:
Best face oil that feels great on the skin and actually brightens and tightens! ~Gayle Tilles
Key Facts
Container Type: Bottle | Skin Type: For All Skin Types | Size: 1 fl oz (30 ml) | Form: Oil | Brand: Beverly Hills MD
Palmer’s Skin Therapy Oil
Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Therapy Oil is a multi-purpose skin perfection product used all over the body. Its lightweight formula contains an exclusive blend of key ingredients designed to help improve the appearance of scars, stretch marks, dry, damaged skin, uneven skin tone, aging skin, and fine lines and wrinkles. This unique, non-greasy, non-staining formula makes skin feel instantly soft and smooth.
The Reviewers Say:
I’ve been using it for a month and most of my scars have faded. I’m so glad I bought this facial oil. ~Kennedi
Key Facts
Container Type: Bottle | Skin Type: For All Skin Types | Size: 5.1 fl oz (150 ml) | Form: Oil | Brand: Palmer’s
Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate Moisturizing Face Oil
This moisturizing facial oil is formulated with lavender essential oil and evening primrose oil. This ingredient helps restore skin overnight for radiant, younger-looking skin in the morning which makes skin soft, supple, and hydrated, hence, is the best face oil for night time. It’s also free of parabens and alcohol.
The Reviewers Say:
This face oil has significantly reduced my pores and fine lines. I’ve only been using this product for three weeks, but it’s already made a noticeable difference in my skin! ~Letune
Key Facts
Container Type: Bottle | Skin Type: Normal, Dry, Combination, and Oily | Size: 1.0 fl oz (30 ml) | Form: Oil | Brand: Kiehl’s
La Mer The Renewal Oil Face Oil
La Mer The Renewal Face Oil is designed to hydrate and rejuvenate the skin, leaving it look more radiant and youthful. Like other La Mer products, it is infused with Miracle Broth™, which is a powerful ingredient that helps renew and nourish the skin.
This hydrating facial oil contains a precious oil blend, including nutrient-rich sea-sourced ingredients like eucalyptus, sesame, and sunflower seed oils. These oils combine to hydrate and soothe the skin as well as improve the texture and tone.
The Reviewers Say:
I’ve been using this renewal oil for several years and it has significantly reduced fine lines. My skin is soft, lifted, and moisturised. It truly works like magic, the best face oil! ~Sheryl
Key Facts
Container Type: Bottle | Skin Type: All Skin Types | Size: 0.5 fl oz (15 ml) | Form: Oil | Brand: La Mer
Burt’s Bees Facial Oil
Burt’s Bees Facial Oil is a lightweight facial oil that promotes healthy, glowing skin by hydrating and nourishing the skin. It includes ingredients like rosehip, jojoba, and evening primrose, all of which work together to moisturize and soothe the skin.
It is especially beneficial for people who have dry or aging skin as it helps to hydrate and plump the skin, by reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The Reviewers Say:
I’ve been using this oil for about 4 years. I use it both in the morning and at night. I have combination skin. This oil gives my skin a healthy glow and keeps it hydrated all day. I am 40 years old and have no wrinkles or crow’s feet on my face, and this is the only product I use on my skin. ~Dorothy
Key Facts
Container Type: Bottle | Skin Type: All Skin Types | Size: 0.5 fl oz (15 ml) | Form: Oil | Brand: Burt’s Bees
Sunday Riley U.F.O. Ultra Clarifying Face Oil
This fast-acting, quick-drying oil helps clear acne and blackhead-causing buildup and debris from congested pores for smoother blemish-free skin. It contains a blend of salicylic acid, tea tree oil, and chamomile extract to help unclog pores, reduce the appearance of blemishes, and calm the skin.
The Reviewers Say:
I am a huge Sunday Riley fan and have blemish-prone skin. I’ve been using a couple of drops of this oil as the final step in my routine, and the difference is incredible! ~Katiem
Key Facts
Container Type: Bottle | Skin Type: Oily, Combo, Normal Skin | Size: 1.8 fl oz (35 ml) | Form: Oil | Brand: Sunday Riley
Farmacy Honey Grail Ultra-Hydrating Face Oil
This fast-absorbing, non-comedogenic face oil focuses on providing deep hydration and nourishment to the skin. It also helps to smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This is face oil with honey, sea buckthorn oil, and a variety of plant-based oils, which help improve skin texture and suppleness.
The Reviewers Say:
Honey Grail Ultra-Hydrating Face Oil is fantastic! I’m not sure how my skin got by without it! I use it both in the morning and at night. ~Stacy
Key Facts
Container Type: Bottle | Skin Type: Oily, Combo, Normal Skin | Size: 1 fl oz (30 ml) | Form: Oil | Brand: Farmacy Beauty
Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil
Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil is a skincare product made with 100% pure marula oil extracted from the kernels of the Southern African marula fruit. This luxurious facial oil nourishes and hydrates the skin while improving texture, elasticity, and radiance.
The Reviewers Say:
I love how this face oil feels and absorbs so quickly. It really works for me to keep me hydrated and to reduce fine lines and dryness. ~Kristine
Key Facts
Container Type: Bottle | Skin Type: All Skin Types | Size: 1 fl oz (30 ml) | Form: Oil | Brand: Drunk Elephant
Le Prunier Plum Beauty Oil
Le Prunier Plum Beauty Oil is a skincare product that is based on cold-pressed plum oil. This oil is rich in antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and vitamins, making it an excellent choice for moisturizing and nourishing the skin. It contains ingredients that help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, improve skin elasticity, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The Reviewers Say:
This face oil is fantastic! My skin had never looked or felt better. Even when I’m exhausted at the end of the day and want to get to sleep, I can’t! Regardless of how tired I am, I never miss using Le Prunier. ~Lynn L
Key Facts
Container Type: Bottle | Skin Type: All Skin Types | Size: 1 fl oz (30 ml) | Form: Oil | Brand: Le Prunier
The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil
It’s made from 100% organic rosehip seed oil that naturally hydrates skin to help address signs of aging by brightening and balancing uneven skin tone, promoting supple, more radiant-looking skin, and supporting skin elasticity.
This oil is suitable for all skin types, but it may be particularly beneficial for those with dry or sensitive skin. It is also one of the best facial oils for mature skin.
The Reviewers Say:
This is most likely my holy grail skin care product. It has completely transformed my skin, brightening and evening out the texture! ~Joey
Key Facts
Container Type: Bottle | Skin Type: Normal, Dry, Combination, and Oily | Size: 1 fl oz (30 ml) | Form: Oil | Brand: The Ordinary
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Oil
This anti-wrinkle retinol oil serum helps reduce the signs of skin aging. The manufacturer states that it can reveal visible results in just one week. Its powerful formula, enriched with 0.3% retinol, nourishes the skin and helps reduce the look of deep wrinkles and corrects dark spots.
The Reviewers Say:
This face oil serum is mild, but it brightens the skin. People think I’m ten years younger than I am, despite the fact that I’m in my late sixties. ~Margie
Key Facts
Container Type: Bottle | Skin Type: Normal, Dry, Combination, and Oily | Size: 1 fl oz (30 ml) | Form: Oil | Brand: Neutrogena
Elemis Superfood Facial Oil
Elemis Superfood Facial Oil is a lightweight, nourishing facial oil formulated with a plant-based oil and extract blend that includes broccoli seed oil, flaxseed oil, and daikon radish oil. The product is intended to hydrate and nourish the skin while also providing a boost of antioxidants and nutrients to aid in the protection against environmental stressors and the support of healthy skin function.
The Reviewers Say:
Oh my goodness, it hydrates my skin like no other. This is a good face oil and will continue to buy it. I wish the bottle was a little bigger. ~Jill B
Key Facts
Container Type: Bottle | Skin Type: All Skin Types | Size: 0.5 fl oz (15 ml) | Form: Oil | Brand: Elemis
Herbivore Phoenix Oil
A luxurious botanical oil and CoQ10 blend that visibly revitalizes dry skin or any skin that requires replenishment and moisture renewal. It is designed to moisturize, soothe, and revitalize the skin, leaving it smoother, brighter, and more radiant.
The Reviewers Say:
I put it on in the morning and evening. I love how it just melts into my skin, leaving it feeling wonderfully soft! It’s not greasy or tacky. ~Lourdes V.
Key Facts
Container Type: Bottle | Skin Type: All Skin Types | Size: 1.7 fl oz (50 ml) | Form: Oil | Brand: Herbivore
How Do They Work?
Facial oils contain deeply hydrating ingredients which help restore the skin’s natural moisture barrier. This eliminates dryness, and it plumps the complexion to give it more volume, smoothing wrinkles and fine lines.
The oils for skincare include a formula that can brighten your skin and provide it with a radiant glow. In addition, they are high in anti-inflammatory agents which reduce redness and swelling and soothe the complexion.
An article published in the International Journal of Molecular Science by Tzu-Kai Lin, Lily Zhong and Juan Luis Santiago explored the anti-inflammatory and skin barrier properties and benefits of some plant oils [1].
In addition, good face oils contain a wealth of antioxidant power which can destroy free radicals, lowering levels of oxidative stress on the skin, repairing damage to the skin barrier, and reversing signs of age. They also protect from environmental agents like pollution and UV rays.
A review article by Ruža Pande, et al published in International Scholarly Research Notices discussed the efficacy of antioxidants in healing photoaging damage [2].
What Are The Key Ingredients in Face Oils?
These are some of the key ingredients that you should look for in a facial oil:
Vitamin C
This is a powerful antioxidant which repairs damage to the skin barrier, protects the skin from UV rays and other environmental agents, decreases inflammation, and brightens the complexion.
It decreases the production of the pigment melanin in the skin, which lightens it and helps fades age spots and areas of hyperpigmentation. A review of the research by Pumori Saokar Telang published in the Indian Dermatology Online Journal discussed the benefits of Vitamin C in dermatology [3].
Argan Oil
Derived from the kernels of the argan tree, this oil provides deep hydration and can alleviate and soothe dry, irritated skin. It has antioxidants which protect and repair the skin barrier, and it improves the texture of the complexion.
Argan oil also has powerful anti-inflammatory agents which reduce facial redness and swelling and can help heal skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema.
A 60-day study published in Clinical Interventions in Aging by Kenza Qiraouani Boucetta, et al showed that daily application or consumption or argan oil improved skin elasticity and offered anti-aging benefits [4].
Grape Seed
Derived from the seeds of grapes, this oil is rich in nutrients and antioxidants like Vitamins C and E. It repairs and protects the skin barrier, offers anti-aging benefits, decreases inflammation, and provides the complexion with added moisture. Hence, it is also used in various skin enhancement products like the ReActivate supplement.
A 4 week study by Kan Tao, et al published in Cosmetics demonstrated the anti-aging, hydration, and brightening benefits of grape seed oil [5].
Jojoba Oil
This rich oil from the jojoba tree is high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. It decreases redness and swelling, helps heal dermatological conditions, repairs damage to the skin barrier, and protects it from damage.
It’s also a deeply hydrating oil which eliminates dryness and plumps to help smooth wrinkles and lines. A review published in Giornale Italiano di Dermatologia e Venereologia by Nader Pazyar, et al discussed the application and benefits of jojoba oil in dermatology [6].
Pros and Cons of Face Oils
Pros
- Facial oil serum can deeply hydrate the skin and eliminate dryness.
- These formulas can plump the completion to smooth wrinkles and lines.
- The best facial oil products can repair damage to the skin barrier.
- Face oils can decrease redness and inflammation.
- These products promote a glowing, radiant complexion.
Cons
- Facial oils are not suitable for people with open wounds or lesions.
- The results may differ for individual users.
- The most popular brands may be low in stock at times.
How Did We Evaluate Face Oils?
Our team of experts, including leading board certified dermatologists, assessed the market to determine the best facial oil formulas. We looked at the products according to a set of criteria which includes some of these key points. You should use the same process when evaluating brands on your own.
Manufacturer Reputation – There are less well-known brands that produce quality skincare, but generally speaking it’s best to go with the larger, well-regarded companies which have a reputation for producing high level, safe, quality products.
Ingredients – Look for products with rich, all-natural ingredients that have scientific studies supporting their benefits and are free of chemical or synthetic additives. You should always select a face oil which is non-comedogenic to prevent your pores from getting clogged.
Value For Price – When assessing different facial oil brands, look at features such as the size of the bottle, ingredients, and safety against the cost, and compare with other brands.
Customer Reviews – Reading through the user feedback for brands that interest you is a good way to get an idea of the customer experience and the pros and cons of each product.
Safety – A quality manufacturer will produce their products in an FDA registered facility following strict safety guidelines, and will engage in third-party testing to ensure quality and purity. Check the safety standards and certifications for any facial oils you are considering.
Return Policy or Guarantee – The guarantee is an important feature, as it tells you how much time you have to try out the product to see if it works for you. Any reputable manufacturer that believes in their product will give you at least 30-60 days for returns.
How Do You Use Face Oils?
For most facial oils, you should begin by cleansing and toning and applying your moisturizer. Wait a minute or two and then apply 2 or 3 drops of the oil to your face and massage into your skin gently.
For better results, combine your facial oil application with face massage techniques to promote circulation and relaxation.
Do not use more than the recommended amount. You can apply facial oil for glowing skin as part of your morning and evening routine if your complexion requires extra hydration.
FAQs
Q: Are Face Oils Good For Your Skin?
A: Facial oils for dry skin can provide hydration, repair, and anti-inflammatory benefits and are good for your skin if not overused. It’s important to make sure that you choose a brand which is non-comedogenic, meaning it will not clog your pores and possibility lead to breakouts.
In addition, use it in limited amounts so as not to suffuse your complexion with oil. Facial oils for oily skin should include lightweight ingredients like jojoba, squalane, argan, or rosehip oil.
Q: Is Facial Oil Better Than Moisturizer?
A: Facial oil and moisturizer are not interchangeable. While adding a facial oil to your routine can provide a great boost in hydration, it’s not a replacement for your daily moisturizer, and using it instead may leave your skin without the rich hydration it requires.
Do you put on face oil or moisturizer first? Begin by using your regular moisturizer, then wait about a minute and add a few drops of facial oil to lock in the powerful benefits.
Q: Is It OK to Use Face Oil Every Day?
A: You can apply facial oil to your skin daily if it’s very dry, but not as a replacement for your moisturizer. Add 2-3 drops to your morning routine, and apply the same amount at night when your skin can absorb it more deeply and rapidly.
Q: Which Oil is Best For Face Anti-Aging?
A: While there are a number of excellent products on the market, our experts recommend Beverly Hills MD Brighten + Tighten Restorative Facial Oil as the best formula for both hydration and anti-aging benefits. It’s high in antioxidants which repair damage and it deeply plumps the complexion to smooth signs of age. It also leaves your skin with a radiant glow.
Q: Do You Really Need a Face Oil?
A: Not everyone needs to use these products, but we recommend facial oil for dry skin. If your complexion suffers from lack of moisture, adding a facial oil to your routine is an excellent way to boost hydration levels, brighten, protect from environmental damage, and smooth signs of age like fine lines and wrinkles.
Quick Comparison Table
Product | Rating | Key Ingredients | Return Policy |
---|---|---|---|
Beverly Hills MD Brighten + Tighten Restorative Facial OilPrice. $130 | Dermaxyl, BV-OSC, L22, Acquacel®, Neodermyl® | 60-Day Money Back Guarantee | |
Palmer’s Skin Therapy OilPrice. $13.49 | Cocoa Butter, Vitamin E, Rosehip Oil, Canola Oil, Sesame Oil | Open Full Refund | |
La Mer The Renewal OilPrice. $145 | Miracle Broth™ & Miracle Broth Oils, Lime Tea Concentrate | 60-Day Return Policy | |
Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery ConcentratePrice. $42 | Lavender Essential Oil, Squalane, Evening Primrose Oil | 100% Money Back Guarantee |
Conclusion
A good quality facial oil can add a lot to your morning and evening skincare routine if your complexion is in need of extra moisture and repair benefits beyond your regular moisturizer. This article has presented the leading dermatologist recommended face oil products according to our team of experts, to help you choose the best brand for you.
The evaluation employed criteria like the quality of the ingredients and the research backing their benefits, the manufacturer’s reputation, the safety, and other features such as value for cost and the return policy. Use these same standards when assessing products on your own.
While Beverly Hills MD Brighten + Tighten Restorative facial oil is without a doubt the best product in this category, there are other options you can consider when making your purchasing decision. With the information we have provided, you should have no trouble finding the best facial oil for aging skin to suit your needs.