The Best Face Oils By Skin Type
Face Oils Natural Beauty Natural Skincare
Facial oils belong in every natural skincare routine, but they’re not one-size-fits all! Let’s take a look at the best face oils for each different skin type — acne-prone, oily, aging, and sensitive skin — plus the benefits of oils and how to include them in your natural beauty routine.
So maybe you’ve heard about how amazing face oils are for your skin…
How they’re naturally rich in the vitamins and antioxidants necessary for healthy skin.
How they provide unparalleled moisture.
How they help keep skin clear.
And it’s SO true!
According to Forbes Magazine:
Face oils are totally worth the hype. And the benefits of adding face oils to your daily beauty regimen is well worth the effort.
It’s surprising at first given all of the skincare products out there that tout “oil-free” on their packaging, making us feel like any oil on our skin whatsoever will turn us into giant walking, talking blackheads… at least that’s what I once thought.
But oils were actually key in helping me clear my acne and continue to be a very important part of my all-natural skincare and beauty routine.
I even recently took my obsession for face oils and bottled it up! The Body Unburdened Beauty Blends are made with the highest quality organic ingredients… and so much love by yours truly just for you.
What does a face oil do? What’s all the hype about!?
The benefits of face oils span every skin type and goal. Because…
Face oils provide skin with AH-MAZING moisture
Made of fatty acids and lipids, facial oils moisturize skin. They also lock hydration a.k.a. water into your skin and prevent transepidermal water loss. This translates to soft, supple, glowing skin.
Moisturized skin also appears more youthful than dry skin, and heals more quickly.
Face Oils are jam-packed with antioxidants, which fight the signs of aging AND blemishes
“How?” you ask!?
- Antioxidants neutralize aging free radicals
- Antioxidants help stimulate collagen production
- Antioxidants prevent sebum oxidation
They really lead the army when it comes to the fight against acne and blemishes
But oils are not one-size-fits-all — it’s important to choose the best face oil for your unique skin type and needs!
So which facial oil is best? What is the best oil for your face?
The answer will vary based on skin type and skincare goals.
The Best Face Oils for Acne & Blemish-Prone Skin
PUMPKIN SEED OIL
Rich in skin-loving nutrients vitamin A, vitamin C, and zinc, pumpkin seed oil is one of my newest favorite face oils, and one that benefits all skin types. It is especially fantastic for blemish-prone skin since the antioxidant vitamins A and C help prevent the sebum oxidation behind many outbreaks.
Pumpkin seed oil is also high in linoleic acid, making it a great choice for blemish-prone skin, which has been shown to often be too high in oleic acid — the linoleic acid in the blend helps to bring skin back to a state of balance (source).
GRAPESEED OIL
A very light oil that absorbs into the skin quickly, grapeseed oil is filled with antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Like pumpkin seed oil, grapeseed oil is also high in linoleic acid. These benefits make it ideal for blemish-prone skin.
HEMP SEED OIL
Hemp seed oil is rich in the antioxidant vitamins A and E, as well as skin-loving zinc. It is also high in linoleic acid, helping to bring blemish-prone skin back into balance.
A dry oil, hemp seed oil is best blended with a more moisturizing oil.
TAMANU OIL
Tamanu oil has been thoroughly researched and found to greatly heal damaged skin and prevent scarring. Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, tamanu oil is great for blemish-prone skin.
NOTE: If you have a tree nut allergy, you may need to avoid tamanu oil or check with your doctor before using it.
The Best Face Oils for Oily Skin
JOJOBA OIL
Actually a liquid wax, jojoba oil is very similar to the skin’s own sebum. For this reason, it helps balance oil production in those with oily skin by “tricking” the skin to produce less oil. It’s also packed with antioxidants and fatty acids to protect and moisturize skin.
GRAPESEED OIL
Since it is so light and absorbs so quickly, grapeseed oil is great for those with oily skin. Again, it’s filled with antioxidants and has anti-onflammatory properties, brining added banefits to the skin.
Best Face Oils for Dry Skin
ALMOND OIL
Almond oil is a light oil that absorbs quickly yet moisturizes deeply. If you’re sensitive to scent, almond oil is for you since it virtually odorless!
APRICOT KERNEL OIL
Like almond oil, apricot kernel oil absorbs quickly and is extremely moisturizing. It also has little to no, scent. (Really, I have yet to discover any big differences between almond and apricot kernel oils!)
Best Face Oils for Anti-Aging / Mature Skin
ARGAN OIL
Referred to as “liquid gold”, argan oil is fast-absorbing and known for increasing cell regeneration, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Argan oil is also rich in phenols and carotenes, antioxidants that protect the skin from aging free-radical damage.
ROSEHIP SEED OIL
A dry oil that penetrates the skin quickly, rosehip seed oil is rich in the antioxidant vitamin C and has been linked to increased collagen production. Rosehip seed oil is also high in retinoic acid, which studies show reduces the appearance of wrinkles and scars, and generally brightens skin.
SEABUCKTHORN OIL
Rich in carotenes, tocopherols, and phytosterols, seabuckthorn oil is an antioxidant powerhouse that helps to combat aging inflammation and free-radicals.
POMEGRANATE SEED OIL
Rich in the antioxidants flavonoids, pomegranate seed oil prevents aging by neutralizing collagen-damaging free-radicals and reducing inflammation.
Best Face Oils for Sensitive Skin
BORAGE SEED OIL
Borage seed oil contains gamma linolenic acid (GLA), which has been shown to significantly decrease inflammation in the skin when applied topically. Though borage oil is a popular dietary supplement to support skin health, topical application of borage oil has been shown to effectively preventing and treat inflammatory conditions like acne as well as eczema and dermatitis.
AVOCADO OIL
A richly moisturizing oil, avocado oil is packed with B vitamins as well as the antioxidant vitamins A and C. It’s especially great for those with sensitive or easily irritated skin.
HEMP SEED OIL
Hemp seed oil is great for chapped, broken skin. For this reason, it is often used in skincare formulas that target eczema and psoriasis.
How to use face oils in your natural skincare routine
Now that you know which oils are right for your unique skin’s needs, you may be wondering…
How do you apply face oil?
When it comes to face oils, a little goes a long way. Dispense just 4-8 drops of oil onto the palm of your hand, rub your hands together to warm then oil, then gently pay the oil into your skin.
When should you apply face oil?
You can apply face oils in both the morning and evening.
However, if you tend an oily skin type, you may prefer to only apply them in the evening.
Do you put face oil on before or after moisturizer?
You want to apply your face oil as the last step in your routine, after applying any water-based serums or moisturizers.
How can I make a homemade DIY face oil blend?
If you’d like, you can blend one or a few different face oils with some essential oils to create a custom face oil blend.
See How to Make a Custom Face Oil Blend (perfect for YOUR skin!) for all the details!
How do I wash my face with you?
Follow the Oil Cleansing Method to cleanse learn how to “wash” your face with oils.
Do you have a favorite face oil?
Please share with us in the comments below!
What about sunflower seed oil? Can anyone tell me about this oil? What kind of skin is it good for if any?
That’s so great to hear! My bet’s on all the vitamin C – that’s one of the main benefits of vitamin C serum!
I have just started on using rosehip oil for a month now fir hyperpigmentation, the oil is amazing. I can see a great difference.
Great! I’m so glad to hear it 🙂
Hi,I have extremely sensitive skin which gets irritated by anything ,sometimes even by water .I have tried argan oil and is amaizing ,it makes my skin very soft and shiny and it calms my irritations.
Yes! That is a good call 🙂
In my hot and dry California home, I keep my cosmetic oils and concoctions in the fridge, assuming this will extend their shelf life. Is this correct?
My adult daughter and I just made several of the skin care recipes in your book and so far love them. I’m placing an order on Mt Rose so we can make the kokum eye cream and a facial wash.
I just read your Best Oils for mature skin. My skin is in good shape for my age, but I want to tackle the sagging that has started. I’m trying to choose between ordering Pomegranate or Seabucthorn–neither of which is in Glowing. Or should splurge on both?? Would you please help me decide? Thanks so much for your great website.
Well the good thing about face oils is that they moisturize AND regulate your skin’s own oil production! They kind of do it all 🙂 Based off what you’re saying, I would probably just try one single oil right now to see what works for your skin before you make the investment in a few different oils or try to get fancy with essential oils – though essential oils are fantastic and very helpful, they can also irritate your skin if it’s very sensitive (which is seems is the case right now).
This is a very helpful summary! I’ve just been through a round of prescription acne treatments that have worsened the problem, so I’m looking for ways to implement a gentler, natural routine.
My face is currently irritated/sensitive, broken out with blemishes, and dry/flaky, though I usually tend toward normal/oily rather than dry. Do you find that it’s beneficial to mix oils helpful for each issue into a blend that hopefully addresses all problems, or to experiment with one at a time? If I try to correct the current dryness (which seems to be a reaction to acne products), is that likely to make my usual slight oiliness return with a vengeance?
SO happy to have you as a new reader, Grace!! 🙂 Grapeseed is great for preventing blemishes and very light – good for teens (and anyone I’d say!). But if you’re at all looking for anti-aging, I’d go with rosehip seed – prized for anti-aging and very light/dry.
Hi Nadia just came across your blog & love it! I live in area with high humidity. What are the dry oils suitable for different types of skin? I have combi-mature skin and have teen/young adult kids and want to pick oils to help our skins. Thanks!
Hi Nadia! If I purchase grape seed oil shoul it be especially formulated for skin or can I get it in the oils section at my local grocer?
YAY so happy you’re here 🙂
It depends if it has vitamin E in it as a natural preservative to help the oil from oxidizing. And some oils are more delicate and so spoil more quickly than others. I say as soon as you start noticing a change in odor, get a new bottle. You can also use it on your neck and body!
Hi! I am a growing fan 🙂 Just wondering what is the shelf life of the oils? I recently purchased mine and the way we use it seems like the oil will not be used up until at least a year? Would it be ok to store them and use for a long period of time?