15 Hydrating Face Oils That Deeply Nourish and Boost Skin's Radiance

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There once was a time when layering oil on your face was considered a big fat no-no. "Apply to your skin, and you're begging for clogged pores and an extra greasy T-zone" is something along the lines the experts would say. These days, though, face oils have made a major resurgence in the skincare industry—and rightfully so! Packed with natural concentrates and extracts, these nourishing elixirs can help pump up hydration, calm redness and irritation, and reverse common signs of aging.

While you might be thinking that's what serums and moisturizers are for, face oils actually do more than just intensely condition skin. "Face oils retain water and lock in hydration," explains Dr. Margarita Lolis, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon with Skin Laser & Surgery Specialists. "Unlike moisturizers, they do not bring more water to the skin, they just seal in what is already there." Serums, meanwhile, are "water based and less viscous," Dr. Lolis continues, "so they are absorbed more quickly and only offer short term hydration."

Perhaps most notably, face oils are for most skin types—yes, even oily complexions. "People with oily skin can absolutely use face oils," says Dr. Lolis. "Just because somebody has oily skin does not mean their skin is hydrated."

To help with your search, we tapped Dr. Lolis for her top picks and sprinkled some of our tried-and-true (and new!) favorites we've been relying on. Ahead, the best face oils to incorporate in your skincare routine as the temps begin to drop.

Superfood Facial Oil

Behold, the mother of all oils. Formulated with a blend of nine antioxidant-rich superfood oils, Elemis's exquisite elixir does it all, from brightening a dull complexion to smoothing uneven texture to plumping skin. Aside from that? It gets Dr. Lolis's stamp of approval, too.

One shopper says: "This is the most perfect facial oil. It smells so spa like and leaves your skin feeling glowy and moisturized without feeling sticky. This is a must have in my routine now and couldn’t live without it."

Key Ingredients: Broccoli, Rosehip, Flaxseed and Daikon Radish Oils

Skin Type: Dull, Dry

Retinoic Nutrient Face Oil

Tata Harper makes some of the best skincare products on the market, and her luxe facial oil is no exception. The lightweight, non-greasy formula boasts a highly-concentrated blend of botanical retinol alternatives that address signs of aging (think: fine lines and wrinkles, sallow skin, and dark spots) without unwanted side effects, while simultaneously locking in moisture and boosting skin's glow.

One shopper raves: "One of the best oils I've ever tried, with a honey like texture that is weightless and easy to apply (I like to warm up two to three drops in between my hands and press all over my face and neck). It nourishes your skin while reducing dehydration lines and providing a beautiful radiance that lasts all day."

Key Ingredients: Black Jack Plant, Bisabolol, and Burti

Skin Type: Aging, Mature

Size: 1 fl oz

Active Botanical Serum™ 30ml

Vintner's Daughter has had cult-following in the last decade, and for good reason. The serum-like oil contains a blend of over 20 botanical and essential oils that team up to intensely nourish dry skin, calm redness, balance the complexion, protect against free-radicals, and provide an unmatched glow.

The brand is celebrating its 10 year anniversary this year and have launched a special-edition bottle designed by artist MarSha Yi Robinson that will not only stand out on your vanity, but make the application process even more enjoyable.

One shopper raves: "My skin is glowing!!! Also fine lines are less visible - I'm 38 and don't have botox or any procedures. I wanted something natural to wake up my face and the Botanical Serum did the trick."

Key Ingredients: Calendula, Lavender, and Lemon Peel Oils

Skin Type: All

Size: 30 ml

Plant Squalane Face Oil

Also Dr. Lolis-approved, this Naturium face oil contains 100% squalane, which is a high-quality sugarcane-based ingredient known for its moisturizing benefits. It's also lightweight, non-greasy, non-comedogenic, and perhaps most notably, under $20.

One shopper says: "One of the best affordable skincare products I’ve come across in a while. I like a lot of this brand’s products. I think think one is truly worth the hype particularly for people who often struggle with dull looking skin. It’s light and not oily at all. Leaves your face feeling hydrated and fresh. If you’re looking for a dewy glow that isn’t greasy or fades quickly then I highly recommend."

Key Ingredients: Squalane

Skin Type: All

Size: 1 fl oz

Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil

A long-time T&C favorite, this face oil boasts a highly effective ingredient list that includes vitamin C, squalane, and Damascus rose extract that work together to boost elasticity, increase radiance, and plump up skin.

One reviewer says: "Works as advertised. I noticed a difference immediately on my forehead and under my eyes. The other day I was at an appointment and the person helping me thought I was 50 and I am 67, so something must be working!"

Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, Squalane, Damascus Rose Extract

Skin Type: All

Size: 1.01 oz / 30 mL

More: The Best Vitamin C Serums

Black Rose Precious Face Oil

If you're familiar with Sisley Paris's cult-favorite Black Rose Cream Mask, you know what to expect here: a sumptuous formula that hydrates and restores suppleness, while providing anti-aging benefits.

One shopper writes: "Remarkable results as promised, this is my 3rd bottle. My dermatologist can’t believe how healthy my skin looks and well nourished on mature skin."

Key Ingredients: Black Rose Extract, Plum Oil, Camelina Oil

Skin Type: Dry, Mature

Size: 25 ml

Vitamin C Serum C20

OK, this is technically a serum, but it has the texture of an oil. The formula feels unbelievably lightweight on skin and absorbs instantly, but it's also super firming and ups the luminosity thanks to a potent 20% concentration of stabilized vitamin C.

One shopper writes: " I've used many different Vitamin C serums before and have been disappointed with the results. Fortunately, this one worked well for my mature, combination skin! This vitamin C serum cleared up the dry patches beneath my eyes and gave my face a dewy glow! It doesn't have SPF so I reserved it for the evening but now I'm considering using in the morning as well because people have commented on how much younger I look!"

Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, Native Turmeric & Pomegranate Cells

Skin Type: All

Size: 1.01 fl oz

Pure Radiance Oil

When it comes to combating signs of aging, this stuff is golden. A powerful blend of omega 3 fatty acids, 14 seed oils, algae extract, and astaxanthin work wonders to hydrate, plump, and deliver younger-looking skin.

One reviewer raves: "Age spots have lightened, skin feels and looks softer, soaks in quickly, non greasy, wrinkles are less noticeable and it smells wonderful."

Key Ingredients: Chia Seed Oil, Passion Fruit Oil, Algae Extract, Astaxanthin

Skin Type: Aging, Mature

Size: 1 fl oz

Plum Beauty Oil

A miracle worker for all skin types, Le Prunier's internet-viral plum oil contains a combination of antioxidants, omega fatty acids 6 & 9, and polyphenols to help protect against environmental stressors, while vitamins A and E boost hydration.

One reviewer writes: "I have been using Le Prunier Plum Oil for about a year now. Hands down, the only oil I have enjoyed. It leaves my skin feeling plump and healthy. It has never caused a breakout and it doesn't have a greasy feeling. It is simply lovely!"

Key Ingredients: Plum Oil

Skin Type: All

Size: 1 fl oz

All-in-One Super Nutrient Face Oil

Powered by retinol-alternative bakuchiol and organic amla, Gwyneth Paltrow's botanical-rich formula is the product to use to put more pep into skin. Not only does it seal in moisture, but it also erases lines and wrinkles, visibly plumps, smoothes texture, and imparts a dewy finish.

Key Ingredients: Bakuchiol, Organic Amla

Skin Type: Aging, Mature, Dry

Size: 1 fl oz

Nourish

Dry skin is no match for this avocado oil-infused that locks in hydration and enhances skin's radiance, while boosting elasticity. Dr. Lolis is a fan, but warns that avocado oils is one of lowest on the comedogenic scale, so people with oily skin should steer clear.

One shopper says: "I’m an estethician. I’ve had my hands in tons of skin care. This is the best facial oil I have ever used! It’s plumping properties are awesome and it’s light weight yet penetrates. Leaves your sling smith and soft! I will use this every night forever! Awesome product!"

Key Ingredients: Avocado Oil, Jojoba Oil, Olive Fruit Oil

Skin Type: Dry

Size: 1 fl oz

Luxury Beauty Serum

Sensitive skin types will soak up this serum-meets-oil infused with CBD, a cannabis-derived ingredient known for its anti-inflammatory benefits, that reduces redness and irritation and detoxifies pores. We also love how the formula is super silky and brightens instantly.

One shopper says: "THE HYPE IS REAL! This serum is everything I wanted it to be and more! It's super hydrating yet not heavy on the skin. I use it at night along with the SJ Sacred Sleep Overnight Repair and that combo is *chef's kiss*...I wake up every morning with plump, smooth and glowing skin!"

Key Ingredients: Immortelle, Calendula, & Sandalwood Concentrates

Skin Type: Dry, Dull, Mature

Size: 1 fl oz

Midnight Recovery Concentrate Moisturizing Face Oil

With nourishing ingredients like lavender essential oil and evening primrose oil, Kiehl's top-selling overnight elixir will have you waking up with a dewy, glassy, and refreshed complexion.

One reviewer writes: "This makes my skin feel AMAZING after just one use! Will definitely be buying more! It absorbs into the skin so easily and it's not greasy like most serums or face oils! Trust me, this is exactly what you're looking for. All natural ingredients = all natural looking skin."

Key Ingredients: Squalane, Rosehip Oil, Evening Primrose Oil

Skin Type: All

Size: 1 fl oz

Organics Noni Glow Plumping Face Oil

Miranda Kerr's face oil is great on its own but is even better when used in tandem with her rose quartz heart facial sculptor. In just a few moments, you can expect a puffy-free, more lifted visage.

One shopper writes: "I’ve really enjoyed using this face oil both morning and night. Does wonders for an actual glow to the skin and making your skin look more hydrated and plump. It is an oil so for day use it might be better for ones with dry or normal skin but I love using this as a night mask and as a makeup primer. It really works well with all of my foundations!"

Key Ingredients: Noni Fruit, Rosehip Oil, Sea Buckthorn

Skin Type: All

Size: 1 fl oz

Phyto-Active Conditioning Oil Drops

Another Dr. Lolis-favorite, this dry oil is loaded with plant stem cell technology, squalane, and botanical oils to deeply condition, diminish fine lines and wrinkles, and leave you with a just-got-a-facial look.

One shopper says: "These are the best drops I have used to date. They actually hydrate dry skin and make your makeup go on smooth. They provide hydration without being greasy. These are a must have for dry aging skin."

Key Ingredients: Plant Stem Cell, Squalane, Jojoba + Argan Oil Blend

Skin Type: All

Size: 1 fl oz

What oil is best for your face?

"Face oils can be made from various ingredients and derived from a variety of sources, including avocado, nuts, and fruit," explains Dr. Lolis, adding that "oil contains high amounts of antioxidants, vitamins A, minerals, and fatty acids" which are also great for skin.

Popular oils include, but are not limited to:

• Rosehip Oil: Known for its anti-aging and brightening benefits.

• Sunflower Oil: Noncomedogenic and known for its nourishing and protective benefits.

• Grapeseed Oil: Great for oily, acne-prone skin that is dry and inflamed.

• Jojoba Oil: Known to be sebum regulating.

Do dermatologists recommend face oils?

Dermatologists recommend face oils for their hydration and anti-aging benefits. When shopping for the best face oil, Dr. Lolis recommends looking for ones that target your skin type, condition, and areas of concern.

For those with oily skin, "look for facial oils that are not comedogenic, meaning they nourish and hydrate your skin without clogging your pores," says Dr. Lolis. "These include grapeseed oil, sesame oil, argan oil, and evening primrose oil."

But if you suffer from sensitive skin, Dr. Lolis advises erring on the side of caution: "Facial oils can exacerbate conditions such as seborrhea, rosacea, or an allergic contact dermatitis."

What oil is best for aging face?

According to Dr. Lolis, face oils loaded with retinols and powerful antioxidants are best for aging skin. "Look for ingredients such as retinol, vitamin C, bakuchiol, and turmeric," says Dr. Lolis. "Raspberry and evening primrose oil are also great options because they provide a soluble form of vitamin C, which fights against hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and wrinkles."

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