The Best Face Oils—And How to Use Them—For Every Skin Type

The biggest misconception surrounding face oil is that it’s only suitable for people with dry skin. But in fact, the best facial oils can work on all skin types. You just need to find the right facial oil for you.

Vogue’s Top Picks

• Best Scented: Chanel Huile De Jasmine Revitalizing Facial Oil, $125
• Best Overall: La Mer The Renewal Oil, $295
• Best for Sensitive Skin: Kiehl’s Since 1851 Midnight Recovery Concentrate Face Oil, $135
• Best Dry Oil: Augustinus Bader The Face Oil, $255
• Best Multipurpose: Bio-Oil Skincare Oil, $39
• Best Vitamin C: Sunday Riley C.E.O Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil, $40
• Best Korean: Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Facial Oil, $15
• Best for Mature Skin: True Botanicals Renew Pure Radiance Oil, $66
• Best Retinol Alternative: Tata Harper Retinoic Face Oil, $165

In This Story

• What are the benefits of using a face oil in your skincare regime?
• Is an oil more hydrating than a moisturizer?
• When should I apply facial oil and should I use it every day?
• How to apply face oil
• What face oil to use for what skin type
• Meet The Experts

Chanel Huile De Jasmine Revitalizing Facial Oil

• Why we love it: As if the bottle weren’t chic enough on the counter, this oil is beautifully lightweight and blends well into or on top of any face cream for an added boost. “The scent is delectable—I often use Chanel oils before applying perfume for a longer-lasting scent or sometimes in lieu of perfume altogether on days I treat clients,” says Susca. You can even use it in your hair as a finishing oil. “Jojoba, camellia seed, and squalane are all great options for skin that tends to be congested or acne-prone, making this suitable for all skin types.”
• Key ingredients: Jasmine extract, camellia oil, limnanthes alba oil, jojoba oil
• Size: 1.7 fl.oz.

La Mer The Renewal Oil

• Why we love it: La Mer is synonymous with luxury skincare, and its lightweight oil feels as indulgent as it looks. This multifunctional finishing oil can be used on the skin, hair, and nails. It’s “clean” in many ways—free of mineral oil, parabens, and formaldehyde, and is vegan, gluten-free, and cruelty-free. Facialist Samantha Susca praises it, saying it “makes a great finishing touch on skin that can double as a highlighter.”
• Key ingredients: Lime tea concentrate
• Size: 30 mL

Augustinus Bader The Face Oil

• Why we love it: This is the perfect oil for those who dislike traditional oils, as it is almost a dry oil. According to esthetician Raquel Medina-Cleghorn, “Without being too slick, it provides just the right amount of slip to use with a tool like gua sha or to boost the glow of its signature moisturizing creams.” Like all of its products, it’s packed with the patented TFC 8, a potent blend of vitamins, minerals, and peptides designed to boost the skin cells’ natural regeneration capacity.
• Key ingredients: TFC 8, phytic acid, vitamin E
• Size: 30 mL

Elemis Superfood Hydrating and Nourishing Facial Oil

• Why we love it: This nutrient-rich daily facial oil gives your skin the appearance of someone who starts every morning with fresh celery juice and eats from across the entire food pyramid (or is it a food plate now? Michelle Obama, let us know). It’s lightweight, so you don’t have to wait for it to sink in, and it layers nicely underneath makeup. Don’t be surprised when everyone starts using words like “plump,” “glowy,” “smooth,” and “healthy” to describe your skin.
• Key ingredients: Flaxseed oil, daikon radish, broccoli seed oil
• Size: 0.5 oz

Tata Harper Retinoic Face Oil

• Why we love it: Retinol might be too harsh for some users, which is why we recommend this oil for those with sensitive skin. Esthetician Sarah Akran agrees, saying, “Its all-natural ingredients mimic retinol but in a way that can work well for sensitive skin.” The essential fatty oils help to heal, nourish, and moisturize in combination with their potent actives. But it isn’t limited to just the oil—Tata Harper's entire line is stacked with complex, botanical-driven skincare and body care products.
• Key ingredients: Rosehip seed oil, neroli
• Size: 30 mL

Sunday Riley C.E.O Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil

• Why we love it: As a South Asian woman, I spent many years mixing turmeric into yogurt to create a homemade mask. However, the DIY approach became too much (and would occasionally stain my face), so I switched to this Sunday Riley oil formulated with turmeric. It’s easy to go overboard, so less is definitely more, but it sits nicely under makeup and gives a radiant glow. It also layers well into your existing skin-care routine, so you don’t need to revamp every single step.
• Key ingredients: Vitamin C, golden turmeric, ginger root extract, bisabolol.
• Size: 35 mL

Kiehl's Since 1851 Midnight Recovery Concentrate Moisturizing Face Oil

• Why we love it: We have a lot of positive things to say about this oil: it’s lightweight, can be used day or night, and smells amazing. Susca echoes our sentiments, adding that she loves to add a drop of this into any face cream before bed to give it a little extra boost. “I find it works really well with acneic skin and sensitive skin. It is also 99% naturally derived.” If you don’t want to commit just yet, there are a few sizes to choose from, including a travel-sized option at a less invested price point.
• Key ingredients: Botanical blend
• Size: 50 ml

True Botanicals Renew Pure Radiance Oil

• Why we love it: Rich in ceramides, antioxidants, and fatty acids, True Botanicals’ oil is a great option for those with mature skin, as its ingredients’ mix works to deliver plump, hydrated, more youthful-looking skin. It also smells like jasmine, neroli, and rose, so it’s easy to go overboard, but 3-8 drops will do.
• ts: Chia seed oil, kiwi seed oil, papaya seed oil, algae extract, astaxanthin
• Size: 30 mL

U Beauty The Super Intensive Face Oil

• Why we love it: We discovered this oil through celebrity esthetician Sofie Pavitt, who loves it not only because it feels super weightless but also because it goes beyond the usual functions of a face oil to actually hydrate the skin. She says, “I like to use it on damp skin on its own or with a layered lightweight moisturizer underneath when skin is feeling drier.” It imparts a gorgeous glow while keeping it deeply hydrated.
• Key ingredients: Natural astaxanthin, botanical extract, avocado oil, vegan squalane, hyaluronic acid, vitamins C + E, peptides
• Size: 30 mL

Bio-Oil Skincare Oil

• Why we love it: Originally formulated as a stretch mark and scar oil in the eighties, Bio-Oil still has cult appeal. Pavitt says she used it during both of her pregnancies and always keeps a little bottle of it in her medicine cabinet. Do what she says as well as what she does! Formulated for all skin types, this oil contains no added fragrance, dyes, additives, or chemicals, so you’re in good hands no matter how sensitive your skin might be.
• Key ingredients: Rosemary oil, vitamin A, vitamin E, chamomile oil. lavender oil, PurCellin oil
• Size: 4.2 fl.oz.

Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum

• Why we love it: On days when my skin is begging for better care, I reach for this botanical serum (which really has the consistency of an oil). The founder has a background in fine winemaking, so everything is crafted with care and consistency, with sustainability at the forefront. It’s an investment, but if you want to streamline your routine, this is an all-in-one product that illuminates the skin and helps you radiate good vibes, peace, and blessings—the whole shebang.
• Key ingredients: Phytonutrients, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, omega oils
• Size: 30 mL

Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Facial Oil

• Why we love it: We turn to K-beauty every time we have a problem, and on days when we need extra moisture, this vegan facial oil is one of the first things we reach for. It’s quite watery, so be sure to rub it into your hands before applying. Thankfully, it’s fast-absorbing and doesn’t leave behind any stickiness. For city girls, it also contains a good amount of fermented black rice extract, a key fighter against environmental stressors.
• Key ingredients: Black rice bran oil
• Size: 30 mL

Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Face Oil

• Why we love it: This oil is pretty simple, focusing on one key ingredient—marula seed—which is credited with moisturizing, nourishing, and imparting a youthful-looking glow. If your skin-care concerns include fine lines, wrinkles, dullness, or dryness, give this straightforward oil a try. It’s a great starter before you dive into more complex treatments.
• Key ingredients: Marula seed oil
• Size: 30 mL

Pai Rosehip Bioregenerate Rejuvenating Overnight Face Oil

• Why we love it: With only four ingredients, Susca says this oil is highly concentrated. “It feels like a dry oil and works nicely on both face and body,” she notes. It smells pleasant without being overpowering and sinks into the skin almost immediately upon application. At a price point under $50, this is a great option for those looking to dip their fingers and toes into the world of skin-care oils.
• Key ingredients: Rosehip seed extract, vitamin E
• Size: 30 mL

Furtuna Skin Biphase Moisturizing Oil

• Why we love it: “The Furtuna Biphase Oil is unlike any other,” raves Medina-Cleghorn. “It’s a serum, an oil, and a treatment all in one.” She explains, “Give it a shake and watch as the olive oil and olive leaf water phases combine, then feel it sink into the skin, hydrating, moisturizing, and protecting all at once.” And if that’s not enough, the scent of the wild-foraged ingredients is absolutely intoxicating—crush-bait material.
• Key ingredients: Olive oil, calendula, blackberry
• Size: 30 mL

Monastery Gold Restorative Face Oil

• Why we love it: Everyone has one chic friend they turn to for all their skincare questions. Mine introduced me to this botanical oil serum, which has been a game-changer this summer after spending a bit too much time in the sun. It contains a potent amount of rare sandalwood nut oil to plump the skin and soothe any irritation. It also features some of India’s most precious and best-smelling flowers: rose, jasmine, and magnolia.
• Key ingredients: Sandalwood nut oil, red raspberry oil, rosehip oil, magnolia oil, rose oil, jasmine oil
• Size: 30 mL, 60 mL

In most skin-care regimes, a moisturizer is usually the final step. But many people are now expanding their routines to incorporate an oil, given their ultra-nourishing and skin-softening properties. This is particularly relevant as the colder months approach, as a drop in temperature often leads to increased dryness as oils can help mitigate some of that water loss.

“Oils are generally made up of large molecules that are occlusive,” says Dr. Rabia Malik, founder of skincare brand Skin W1. “They seal moisture into the outermost layer of the skin and act as an emollient, keeping skin soft and smooth.”

The two products play different roles in skincare and can support each other. While moisturizers and serums deliver hydration and active ingredients into the skin, oils are there, sitting on the top, for nourishment and conditioning. So if you’re wondering whether to swap your serum for a face oil, the answer is no. If you have a drier skin type, in particular, they are a great last step after moisturizer.

“Depending on the formulation, certain oils can be added to existing serums and moisturizers for a hydration boost,” says Malik. “For example, a drop of the oil can be added to your serum or moisturizer in the palm of your hand, mixed together and applied.”

“Facial oils can be used as and when required, and are easy to incorporate into most skin-care routines,” says Malik. “In general, face oil should be applied as the last step in a skin-care routine (after serum and/or moisturizer if they are being used), but before sunscreen and makeup in the morning, and as the last step at night.” However, when using an oil during the day, you do need to be careful about how it interferes with your SPF, as oils have the ability to break down or dilute your sun protection. To be on the safe side, it’s best to wear it overnight instead.

While oils can certainly be used daily, one also needs to be mindful that the skin doesn’t become overly reliant on them. “Skin can become reliant on this coating making it lazier,” says skin expert Debbie Thomas. “So the skin feels like it doesn’t have to work as hard at staying hydrated.” This is why you might want to switch your oil out occasionally for an equally nourishing combination of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.

The beauty of a face oil is that it is a great product to be used in conjunction with facial massage techniques, plus, it often has sense-soothing aromatherapeutic benefits. “I use two to three drops of our Rosehip Bioregenerate Oil most nights after a thorough cleanse,” says Brown. “It’s best applied after using a face mist. It makes for a more even application, and has the added benefit of trapping in extra moisture.” Massage your oil into the face using upward and outward motions to help with lymphatic drainage and sculpt. You can also use your oil anywhere that needs extra nourishment, whether that’s the ends of your hair or your cuticles.

“Oils can be feared by those with combination and oily complexions,” explains Sarah Brown, founder of skincare brand Pai. “As counterintuitive as it might seem to apply oil to oily skin, they can actually work well for this skin type, playing a rebalancing role, especially after the use of products that strip away natural sebum (like foaming cleansers).”

That said, dermatologist Sharon Wong suggests that oily skin types should approach it with caution. “Oils are all comedogenic [meaning they can block your pores] to varying extents,” she says. “Acne-prone skin, in particular, is naturally oily, producing excess sebum in the affected areas, so it does not need nor benefit from the use of face oils, whether as cleansers or moisturizers. On this type of skin, they have a tendency to block pores and bring on comedonal acne (whiteheads and blackheads).” However, there are a few types of oil that might, for some people, benefit the skin, which is why it is so important to keep a close eye on the key ingredients or actives in the formula.

“If you’re using a face oil for the first time, start slowly, as you should with any new product,” says Brown, who recommends applying a few drops once or twice a week, then observing how the skin responds for a good gauge of whether you’ve found the right oil for you. The key is to listen to your skin—it will tell you if it doesn’t like what has been put on it—but below is an at-a-glance guide to finding the best oil for your skin type.

1. Dry: “Look for face oils that contain a greater percentage of essential fatty acids and vitamin E,” says Dr. Wong. Since dry skin types tend to suffer skin barrier issues, omegas, fatty acids, and ceramides can help fortify it and prevent water loss. Other great ingredients to look out for include grape seed, squalane, marula, rose, and jojoba oils.
2. Oily: Most dermatologists agree that face oils aren’t great for oily skin. That said, everyone’s skin is different, so if you do want to try one, it needs to be chosen with care. Brown recommends looking for a high-quality oil that is light in texture and which contains ingredients with antibacterial or antioxidant properties, while Dr. Wong says that tea tree oil can be helpful in treating individual spots in mild cases of acne, “at a stretch”. Other ingredients to look out for are salicylic acid and retinoids, and omega 6 can help to regulate sebum production, too. Avoid thicker, more unctuous types, like coconut oil, like the plague. If the oil doesn’t work for you? Get right back to that moisturizer.
3. Sensitive: “Despite the fact that most face oils are plant-based, they can still cause irritation in those with sensitive skin,” says Dr Wong. “It’s always best to try the product a few times with a small test patch before applying it to a larger area. Stop immediately if any irritation starts to appear.” Essential oils have a habit of wreaking havoc on sensitive skin, so look to formulas that promise to calm and protect. Think squalane, marula, vitamin E, rosehip and jojoba.

• Dr. Rabia Malik is an aesthetic doctor, general practitioner, and founder of skincare brand Skin W1.
• Debbie Thomas is a skin expert based in Chelsea, London.
• Dr. Sharon Wong is a consultant dermatologist and hair specialist.
• Sarah Brown is the founder of skincare brand Pai.
• Samantha Susca is the lead esthetician at Casa Cipriani New York Spa.
• Sarah Akram is a D.C.-based celebrity esthetician.
• Sofie Pavitt is a New York–based celebrity aesthetician.
• Raquel Medina-Cleghorn is a New York–based esthetician and founder of Raquel New York.