If you find yourself despairing about your dry, dehydrated or dull complexion, your skin could be crying out for a facial oil to restore its luminosity and rejuvenate its appearance. The rich, nourishing properties of face oils are an easy way to achieve smooth, radiant skin and there’s a whole host of them for every skin type and need. If you’re liking the sound of this so far, carry on reading to find out about 8 of the best facial oils for glowing skin.
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An essential oil traditionally used in aromatherapy, tea tree oil has antibacterial and antiseptic properties which can effectively fight infections. This makes it one of the best face oils for combatting breakout-causing bacteria. One study found that tea tree oil gels and face washes reduced facial acne by 50% - that’s a lot! It’s also an effective treatment for eczema, psoriasis and dry skin, soothing the irritated areas and helping to reduce itching and inflammation. You’ll love this oil for your skin troubles.
Main skin types: oily, acne-prone and combination
How to use: you can use it as a topical treatment, but always dilute it with a carrier oil first (like coconut oil) to avoid irritation, or add it to your moisturiser for a tea tree hit - either way, make sure to do a patch test 24 hours before your first use. There are also various tea tree oil-enriched products on the market, ranging from facial washes to masks - so, take your pick!
2. Jojoba oil
Jojoba oil, derived from the jojoba shrub, is a multi-purpose face oil which is a great go-to for all skin types. This gem is even perfect for oily complexions since it’s lightweight, non-comedogenic (doesn’t clog pores) and balances oil production. Yes, face oils for oily skin do exist! It’s very similar to the skin’s natural oil (called sebum) so it’s a good option for providing some natural-feeling hydration. It’s safe for acne-prone skin too, with the ability to repair the skin’s top layer.
Main skin types: all skin types
How to use: apply to the face in small, circular motions to nourish the skin, or add to your existing skincare products like moisturiser. It is also an effective makeup remover.
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3. Squalane (not to be confused with squalene)
For a lightweight face oil that feels ‘barely there’ on the skin, squalane is your best friend. The perfect match for oily, acne-prone skin, this plant derivative provides replenishment without blocking pores. Better yet, squalane targets oily skin by stopping it from over-producing sebum and replacing your skin’s own production of oil. The result? Beautiful, re-balanced skin. It also facilitates a firmer, youthful complexion by encouraging the production of collagen and preventing signs of premature ageing.
Main skin types: all skin types
How to use: gently pat all over the face in its pure form or add to your moisturiser, both morning and night. Use alongside vitamin E oil to help protect the skin from environmental damage.
4. Rosehip seed oil
Hailed as the queen of antioxidant facial oils, rosehip seed oil is extracted from rose bush seeds and your skin will love it - it’s even gentle enough for sensitive skin (yay!). It’s a dry oil (non-greasy), fast-absorbing and will leave your skin smooth, soft and supple. Your skin will feel refreshed and polished as the oil encourages cell turnover, meaning that it acts as a natural exfoliator. It’s also effective for eliminating hyperpigmentation which can be notoriously difficult to get rid of. Get a bright, even-toned complexion with increased collagen by incorporating this oil into your daily routine.
Main skin types: mature, oily and sensitive
How to use: use as a topical treatment up to two times a day or add to moisturiser. It can even be taken in powder form if you really want an extra boost of skin-loving goodness (but, speak to your GP about this first). Rosehip seed oil can also be used to treat irritations such as eczema, rosacea and dermatitis.
5. Marula oil
If you’re after youthful, radiant skin, marula oil’s anti-ageing benefits make it a must for mature skin. From marula fruit trees in South Africa, it’s a trusty product for smoothing fine lines and wrinkles. It’s also a great facial oil for dry skin, leaving it feeling soft and smooth. This is because it has a high oleic acid content (a fatty acid) which helps restore moisture in skin that’s on the drier end of the spectrum. It also helps to prevent future moisture loss. Get ready to fight your dry and ageing skin woes with this facial oil saviour.
Main skin types: mature and dry
How to use: marula oil can be used both in the morning and the evening by applying a few drops to the whole face or by adding it to another skincare product. Its fast absorption means that it can be applied before makeup without leaving a greasy residue on the skin. If you’ve had a chemical peel, marula oil can also help calm the skin.
Top tip: double it up as a lip balm to keep your lips soft and hydrated.
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6. Coconut oil
This is one of the best facial oils for dry skin. A longstanding beauty favourite, coconut oil is an excellent thirst-quencher. If you’re suffering from a dry complexion, coconut oil’s richness is great for adding an intense shot of hydration back into your skin to relieve flakiness. According to a study, the penetrable nature of virgin coconut oil is also highly effective for treating dermatitis, more so than other oils. It’s also a great oil for reducing the redness and itching associated with eczema. So, if you’re looking for a natural, anti-inflammatory remedy, you might want to give this a try. But, steer clear if you often experience breakouts; this highly comedogenic (pore-clogging) oil is acne-prone skin’s worst nightmare.
Main skin types: dry
How to use: if using it in its solid form, work it between the fingers to slightly melt it and apply directly to the dry patches of your skin. It’s also a good carrier oil to add other skincare products (like tea tree oil) to. If you’re looking for a natural makeup remover, try using coconut oil to gently melt away everything from foundation to mascara.
Top tip: use coconut oil on the ends of your hair to help with dryness and add shine.
7. Argan oil
Argan oil has been a favourite for what feels like forever, and rightly so! Originating from argan trees in Morocco, this versatile oil works well for all skin types - everything from very dry to very oily. It helps to reduce inflammation whilst staying out of your pores, making it a great facial oil for soothing acne. But, it also works wonders for ageing skin by tackling wrinkles and repairing the skin, thanks to its antioxidant powers.
Main skin types: all skin types
How to use: argan oil can be used in its pure form all over the face (1-2 drops) and is suitable for both daytime and nighttime use. For even more of an argan oil boost, supplements can also be taken to improve skin health from the inside - but always talk to a healthcare professional first.
8. Camellia oil
Derived from tea plant seeds, camellia oil should be a principal element of your skincare if you want a smooth, youthful complexion. Containing oleic acid, this oil will provide your skin with rich nourishment, whilst still sinking into the skin quickly. It’s also a natural anti-inflammatory, with the ability to calm unhappy and irritated skin. It rivals most other oils for its high number of antioxidants, so your complexion will be plump and glowing in no time.
Main skin types: dry, mature and sensitive
How to use: apply a couple of drops straight to the face for instant hydration and apply more liberally to drier patches of skin for intense hydration.
And that’s 8 facial oils for glowing skin! Whether you’re looking to add nourishment back into your skin, fight acne-causing bacteria or target signs of ageing, these oils have got you covered. Want to find out more about what face oils can do for your skin? Have a look through our guide for all the info. And for the low-down on how to properly apply facial oils, check out our 10 top tips.
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