The 15 Best Face Oils for Every Skin Type

I credit this oil with curing my out-of-whack, ultra-sensitive skin a few years back. The formula is extremely rich in fatty acids, which helps keep the moisture barrier in a healthy state. In my particular experience, it regulated my oil production so my skin looked glowy and no longer greasy. Perhaps the best part about this oil though is the unmatched glow. I like to go heavy on the oil in the evenings and use just a few drops in my foundation in the morning for an extra bit of shine. 

Pros: Fragrance-free; Good for sensitive skin; Editor-approved 

Cons: Some say it sits on the skin

When your skin is extra dry, having a good glow seems out of the question. Any sign of radiance has been nullified by dead skin cells and an overarching dull appearance. But trust me when I say that this face oil will reboot your skin in just a few uses. The hydrating formula, which is fortified with antioxidants and vitamins (including vitamin C!), will quench your skin and give you a sheer shine in no time. Pro tip: You can also use this on your cuticles or even as a hair oil.

Pros: Good for dry skin; Lightweight; Gives glow 

Cons: Expensive 

If you’re a fan of the brand’s Face Cream, Face Cream Rich, or even the Essence, I promise you’ll fall in love with the luxe Face Oil. It contains a specially formulated blend of amino acid-rich oils (think: argan oil, hazelnut oil, babassu oil, and more) that are designed to trap moisture in the skin. The result? Increased hydration, a healthier barrier, and stronger skin. Of course, it also includes the brand’s proprietary TFC8 complex, which is packed with vitamins and nutrients that promote renewal. 

Pros: Doesn’t feel greasy or oily
Cons: Might pill with certain products 

I never thought I would be able to forgo a moisturizer—my skin gets pretty dry. But this deeply hydrating face oil completely changed my outlook. It’s powered by the brand’s signature Bio Renewal Peptide, along with a complex of rosehip seed oil, sweet almond, and evening primrose, all of which have nourishing, moisturizing properties. I’m able to apply this as the final step in my routine—sans moisturizer—and remain glowy and hydrated all day. It doesn’t just focus on hydration though; the oil is also fortified with antioxidants and vitamins to protect against environmental aggressors. 

Pros: Deeply hydrating; Provides environmental protection
Cons: Might be too heavy for some 

Hate the feel of face oil? I get it—they can be greasy, sticky, and, well, oily. If texture is your main objection, I challenge you to try this face oil from Beekman. It absorbs at the speed of light, has a texture reminiscent of a milky serum, and won’t leave a tacky texture on your face. Instead, the formula’s great ingredients like niacinamide and vitamin C are going to sink into the skin to provide softness and an even tone. It’s also worth noting that this does not contain any mineral oils, which makes it an ideal option for sensitive or acne-prone skin types. 

Pros: Great texture; No mineral oil

Cons: Has a slight smell 

As your skin ages, you’ll notice that it’s A) drier, and B) more prone to sun spots, discoloration, and fine lines. Enter the Petty Grudges Face Oil. It not only has a fabulous name, but it’s also wildly effective at increasing the rate of cell turnover so you can have a more even-toned, smoother, and youthful-looking complexion. This particular product was whipped up with a trio of oils: Rosehip seed oil, evening primrose oil, and rose geranium leaf oil, all of which lighten dark spots, reduce inflammation, and brighten skin. 

Pros: Good for all skin types; Highly active 

Cons: Has a strong scent 

A great face oil doesn't have to break the bank. Take this option from The Ordinary for example. It costs just $11 and gets the job done thanks to its rosehip seed oil formulation. It’s simple and fuss-free, but the natural-origin oil is highly effective at hydrating the skin and reducing signs of photoaging. It does have a scent, but just take it as a sign that it’s potent and working. 

Pros: Affordable; Hydrating 

Cons: Takes a bit of time to dry 

Retinol and backuchiol, the natural alternative, join forces in this powerful serum. It's a two-for-one deal that will give you gorgeous, glowing skin in just four weeks' time. It has a silky texture that feels heavenly going on and, because the genius women-run lab decided to add soothing ingredients like squalene into the mix, you shouldn't experience any irritation. 

Pros: Non-irritating; Powerful

Cons: Can't use while pregnant 

You could say this face oil is somewhat of a cult-favorite—it has nearly 1,000 five-star reviews on Sephora. It does all the normal face oil things (think: hydration, radiance), but it also has the ability to smooth out uneven texture, firm, and soothe an irritated complexion thanks to ingredients like lavender oil and squalane. A little does go a long way, so use just three to four drops to start. 

Pros: Great reviews; Firming abilities 

Cons: Slightly fragrant 

Some face oils run on the heavier side and should be reserved for nightly use. This one? Lather it in on during the a.m.—it’s packed with loads of ingredients designed to protect your skin from environmental aggressors like pollution, blue light, and free radicals. I’ll spare you the nitty-gritty ingredient details, but you should know this contains a high concentration of vitamin C, along with magnolia oil, which is responsible for giving your skin a plumped-up appearance. 

Pros: Protects against the environment; Not greasy

Cons: Herbaceous fragrance 

Face oils offer hydration—yes. But, they can also be very effective at treating specific skin concerns, ranging from hyperpigmentation to large pores. Case in point? Indie Lee’s Daily Vitamin Infusion Face Oil is designed to even out discoloration thanks to a high concentration of vitamin C, vitamin A, and vitamin E. It’s also incredibly soothing for stressed-out skin courtesy of a high concentration of ceramides, along with squalane and rosemary leaf. 

Pros: Affordable; Treatment 

Cons: Not ideal for acne-prone skin (contains coconut oil) 

Calling all combination skin types! Don’t be scared of oil; it might be the missing piece to your skincare routine. This particular option from True Botanicals can take the place of your moisturizer and provide thorough albeit lightweight hydration that will keep your temperamental skin in check. As an added benefit, it also has plumping and smoothing abilities that will decrease the look of fine lines and wrinkles in mature skin types. From a scent perspective, you can expect a mix of neroli and jasmine. 

Pros: Treatment; Dry oil 

Cons: Fragrant 

“It's not cheap, but I love this do-it-all face oil. Let me count the ways: Number one, it has retinol—and not just a little, either, but a whopping 1.2% (that's a lot of retinol, so go easy if your skin isn't used to higher concentrations). Number two: When it's not promoting skin turnover with its concentrated retinol, it's soothing with algae and green tea. Number three: It's clean, vegan, and cruelty-free. (Get the non-retinol version if you have sensitive skin.)” — Jenny Hollander, Content Strategy Director 

Pros: Contain retinol; Calming 

Cons: Scented 

“Joanna Vargas' Rescue Serum is an oil-based formula that replenishes the skin yet somehow applies with a smooth finish, so on a makeup-free day, you can apply it to a freshly cleansed face anytime and not worry about looking too oily. (But of course, it's best to apply at night, after cleansing and before your night cream). Made with vitamin C, squalane and antioxidants, this powerful mix boosts radiance, revs up dull skin, and evens out tone and texture. The cruelty-free formula also contains fruit extracts, so it has a sweet and subtle elderberry scent.” — Tanya Klich, Senior Editor 

Pros: Dry texture; Brightening 

Cons: Not ideal for acne-prone skin

“Okay, yes, this face oil is expensive but it works. My skin is dry and dehydrated to begin with, and the winter weather combined with my apartment’s heater is no help. I also spent two weeks in Los Angeles (a famously dry place) with just this face oil and my regular moisturizer and made it through with flying colors. It instantly makes my skin feel plumper, soft, and soothed. I chalk it up to the inclusion of Vitamin E, which helps heal skin and protect it from free radicals. Rosehip oil also is great soothing redness in the skin as well as making it more resilient. I even apply it under makeup on the coldest, driest days and it adds a lovely glow. I can’t get enough.” — Julia Marzovilla, E-Commerce Editor 

Pros: Great for dry skin; Plumping; Environmental protection

Cons: Smells herbaceous

“This little bottle from Farmaesthetics is great for travel. I use one pump as the very last step in my nighttime routine and it’s great at locking in moisture. Plus, the glow is insane. It’s a bit too heavy for me to wear under makeup or in the daytime, but that hasn’t stopped me from using it religiously. It also smells great and takes a minute to settle into my skin so I don’t wake up feeling dry. With that being said, I haven’t noticed any residue left behind.” — Julia Marzovilla, E-Commerce Editor

Pros: Glowy; Plays well with makeup

Cons:  Slightly tacky