The 17 Best Face Oils for Smoother and Brighter Skin

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We’ll get straight to the point here: No matter your skin type, face oils are a major way to step up your skin care game. You might be under the impression that oils are only for dry skin—and it’s true that parched skin needs more of a hydration boost, whether that’s in the form of the best peptide moisturizers, face serums, or Korean face masks. But maintaining a healthy balance of moisture is imperative for everyone, including those with oily skin. In fact, excess sebum production can be an indication that your skin is dehydrated and overcompensating to make up for it.

“Face oils are an excellent way to create a protective barrier on the skin, especially in the cold winter months. They help lock in moisture, protect against environmental aggressors, and—depending on the formulation—may provide additional benefits, like brightening dull skin and balancing sebum levels,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Ashley Magovern. She emphasizes, however, that you do need to layer a moisturizer underneath. Oil can never replace a moisturizer, but it does seal all that hydration in so that it doesn’t just evaporate away from your face and into the air.

All in all, a face oil can help you maintain skin health and bestow an unmistakable glow. We spoke to four and an aesthetic physician, pored over customer feedback, and asked around the ELLE office to compile the 16 best face oils to supplement your skin care routine.

Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil

There’s a reason this has top billing on FYPs everywhere. Derived from marula fruit, the formulation is packed with antioxidants that shield the skin from environmental damage; it’s hydrating and softening and is safe for sensitive skin. Dr. Garshick understands the hype: “It helps to moisturize and nourish the skin while also improving overall skin tone and texture and leaving the skin glowing,” she says. “It can also help to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.”

Key ingredients: 100 percent unrefined marula oil

Size: 1 fl oz

Drunk Elephant rating: 4.7/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “I have dry skin, and in the winter, a moisturizer alone just doesn’t cut it. I always layer face oil on top of my nighttime moisturizer during drier months, and I’ve gone through multiple bottles of this face oil. I like it because it doesn’t make me break out, it’s super hydrating, and it sinks into skin really well.” —Katie Berohn, ELLE beauty editor

Collagen Superfusion Face Oil

A blend of essential oils creates a dreamy, spa-like scent for the oil, which only adds to its facial-mimicking effects.“This works to moisturize the skin while also delivering a collagen matrix to help firm and plump,” notes board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick. “By creating a barrier, it helps to reduce water loss to keep the skin looking healthy and hydrated.”

Key ingredients: plant-derived collagen complex, vitamins A and E

Size: 1 oz

Nordstrom rating: 4.2/5 stars

A Nordstrom reviewer says: “A little goes a long way with this oil, which always enhances my skin with a subtle glow. I like to use it in the winter months either over my moisturizer to lock in hydration and the goodness from my serums or by itself in the summer. The smell is pleasant and relaxes me after a long day. Even with frequent use, my bottle lasted a few months.” —Danielle James, digital beauty director

Daily Hydration Overnight Face Oil

At around $11, this product delivers a lot of bang—or rather, glow— for your buck. “This face oil contains a blend of coconut oil and coconut milk to help soften and smooth the skin while also incorporating grapeseed oil, which can hydrate while also delivering antioxidant benefits,” Dr. Garshick notes.

Key ingredients: coconut oil, acacia senegal, coconut milk

Size: 1 oz

Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I love how reliable this product is. It always gives my skin a glow.”

The Face Oil

Glowing is easy with this face oil from Augustinus Bader. Packed with amino acids, vitamins, and nourishing oils like argan oil, babassu oil, and hazelnut oil, the antioxidant-rich formula sinks into the skin to plump and soften the skin. Over time, it can even reduce the appearance of fine lines and help your complexion look more even.

Key ingredients: Babassu oil, argan oil, hazelnut oil, karanja oil

Size: 1 fl. oz.

Dermstore rating: 4.5/5 stars

A Dermstore reviewer says: “I tried this on a whim since my usual face oil was out of stock, and I’ve heard good things about this brand. The price point is high, but it’s worth it! The oil isn’t greasy, and a little bit goes a long way. I mix one to two drops with my moisturizer at night, and I wake up with hydrated and glowing skin. I’ve also used a drop before applying makeup as a primer. If you have dry skin, then this is worth every penny. I will buy again!”

Miracle Facial Oil

Every miracle product has a secret ingredient. In this case, it’s bakuchiol, the natural retinol alternative that can boost collagen production for a plumper, more youthful complexion. It’s also made with a patented Healing Concentrate, which can reduce cellular inflammation. “It’s a great option for someone looking to improve the signs of aging while also dealing with dry skin,” says Dr. Garshik.

Key ingredients: sweet almond and apricot oils, bakuchiol, winged kelp extract, Healing Complex

Size: 30 ml

Nordstrom rating: 4.3/ 5 stars

A Nordstrom reviewer says: “Well-named because this is a miracle product. I’ve been using it for years and my skin is fabulous (dewy, plump, vibrant.) Please never change the formula.”

Vitamin C Glow Face Oil

Looking for a quick glow-up? “The Derma E Vitamin C Brightening Glow Face Oil has the benefit of vitamin C and mica, which help brighten skin,” notes board-certified dermatologist Dr. Anna Karp. Indeed, the vegan formulation has a luminous touch—and sustainable brand packaging, to boot.

Key ingredients: Turmeric, sea buckthorn, red raspberry

Size: 1 fl oz

Ulta rating: 4.4/5 stars

An Ulta reviewer says: “I like it for my dry skin. It gives me a nice dewy glow and feels very hydrating.”

Antioxidant + Superfood Face Oil

Made without synthetic fragrance, essential oils, or preservatives, the plant-based formula is safe for sensitive skin—and it’s concocted with a zero-waste oil process. “This blend of oils is rich in antioxidants and hydrating ingredients,” notes Dr. Garshick. It’s formulated with blackberry-seed oil, which is rich in vitamin C; it also has blueberry-seed oil, which brings in Vitamin E and omega-3s. “It absorbs easily while also giving the skin a nice glow,” Dr. Garshick says.

Key ingredients: Blackberry seed, blueberry seed, and red raspberry seed oils

Size: 1.18 fl oz

Sunday Riley rating: 4.7/5 stars

A Sunday Riley reviewer says: “This stuff is magic! It makes my skin so soft. And smooth. I actually get excited to put it on my face everyday.”

Noni Glow Face Oil

This organic oil—which Kora founder Miranda Kerr credits for her preternatural glow—is packed with antioxidants from the tropical superfruit noni. “It’s ultra calming, not too greasy, and not too fragranced,” notes board-certified dermatologist Dr. Alicia Zalka. “Plus, a tiny amount goes a long way.”

Key ingredients: Rosehip, jojoba, and sunflower oils, noni fruit

Size: 1.01 fl oz

Kora Organics rating: 4.9/ 5 stars

A Kora Organics reviewer says: “My skin looks plumper since it is fully moisturized. The smell and the feel of the oil are wonderful!”

Absolute Anti Aging Face Oil

Laced with orange and sandalwood essential oils, this fragrant salve has pomegranate-seed oil as its base. “It’s a remarkably lightweight and absorbent oil, which allows it to deliver nutrients more rapidly to the subcellular epidermis,” UMA founder Shrankhla Holecek tells ELLE.com. The formulation also contains frankincense, which she calls “nature’s retinol.” The ingredient promotes natural skin cell turnover and regeneration, and it’s gentle on sensitive skin.

Key ingredients: Pomegranate oil, vitamins A, D, K, and E, frankincense

Size: 1 fl oz

Amazon rating: 4/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “Expensive face creams don’t hold a candle to this ultra-luxurious face oil. There is no oily residue, it feels very lightweight, and a few drops go a long way.”

100% Squalane Oil

The generously sized face oil contains just one ingredient —squalane— but it offers countless perks for dry skin. “This sustainable, plant-based option is light, quickly absorbed, and provides intense hydration,” says triple-board-certified physician and aesthetic physician Dr. Gendai Echezona, MD. Plus, “its versatility allows for use on the entire body and hair.”

Key ingredient: Squalane

Size: 3.3 oz

Biossance rating: 4.8/5 stars

A Biossance reviewer says: “Delicious! My skin and hair just eat it up, especially at this time of year when everything is dry.”

Australian Blue Cypress Face Nectar

The nectar lives up to its name, tending to dry skin oh-so-sweetly. Light enough for everyday wear—including under makeup—it’s formulated with a blend of botanical oils that refresh the complexion with dewy hydration. It can be used both day and night, and it mixes beautifully with foundation to create a more radiant makeup look.

Key ingredients: Australian blue cypress, camellia, jasmine flower, jojoba

Size: 1 oz

Detox Market rating: 5/5 stars

A Detox Market reviewer says: “Makes my skin very smooth, hydrated, and glowy.”

Midnight Recovery Concentrate Moisturizing Face Oil

Think of this as a soothing lullaby in oil form. With a lavender scent, the formulation has a gossamer-light feel. But don’t be fooled: it works hard. “Featuring squalane oil, this lightweight formula replenishes the skin overnight, enhancing moisture, texture, and radiance,” notes Dr. Echezona.

Key ingredients: Lavender essential oil, evening primrose oil

Size: 1.0 fl oz

Kiehl’s rating: 4.6/5 stars

A Kiehl’s reviewer says: “It’s gentle but effective, and quite literally works overnight. Skin drinks this up. The scent is heavenly, too.”

Retinoic Nutrient Face Oil

Tata Harper’s flower-powered oil is just the thing to revive a dull complexion. The lightweight formulation has 15 botanical ingredients—including camellia oil—that improve radiance. It’s also packed with antioxidants that work glow-boosting magic on tired, dry skin.

Key ingredients: Squalane, botanicals including camellia oil

Size: 1 fl oz

Tata Harper rating: 4.8/5 stars

A Tata Harper reviewer says: “I notice a huge difference in my skin when I use this before bed. I wake up with soft, glowing skin and my complexion is more even.”

Plum Beauty Oil

Powered by plums, the hand-harvested oil has Vitamins A and E to balance allergy-prone and congested skin. Used twice a day, it unveils a more even and radiant complexion. Many users compare the scent to marzipan or almond cake; if you don’t mind fragrance, the aroma is a sweet perk.

Key ingredients: Plum oil

Size: 1 fl oz

Credo rating: 4.9/5 stars

A Credo reviewer says: “I’m obsessed with this oil. I’ve been using it every day for the past two years and it keeps my skin moisturized and glowing.”

Facial Recovery Oil

Dr. Magovern recommends this botanical blend for patients with dry skin. “The formula includes olive oil, sesame oil, and rosemary,” she explains. The organic ingredients not only soothe irritated skin — they can also diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Key ingredients: Clary sage oil, olive oil, sage leaf extract, ylang-ylang oil

Size: 0.5 oz

Dermstore rating: 4.8/5 stars

A Dermstore reviewer says: “My Aunt enjoys using this oil. Anytime I overnight at her home, I always sneak a little of this on my face. It leaves my skin feeling oh-so soft. It’s a gentle formula making it great for sensitive skin.” —Danielle James

Due Alberi Biphase Moisturizing Oil

“This oil has stabilized Vitamin C to help brighten and even skin tone,” Dr. Magovern notes. Brightening is but benefit of this splurge-worthy oil, which also plumps up the skin and protects against digital blue light and UV radiation. (Of course, you should still use SPF.) Thanks to its wild-foraged magnolia oil, the product has a light, blossomy aroma.

Key ingredients: Organic olive oil, organic olive leaf water, organic magnolia oil, Vitamin C concentrate

Size: 1 fl oz

Bluemercury rating: 4.9/5 stars

A Bluemercury reviewer says: “I am obsessed with this oil! Forget facial treatments. My whole complexion has changed and you only need a few drops.”

Éclat Midy Face Oil

Tired, damaged skin always shows signs, from dullness to dryness. Olivier Midy's face oil coats the skin in a luscious, lightweight formula that strengthens the skin's barrier and improves elasticity and tone for a smoother, brighter surface.

Key ingredients: BA106 complex, vitamins C and E

Size: 1.7 oz

Olivier Midy rating: 4.9/5 stars

An Olivier Midy reviewer said: “I absolutely love this facial oil. It has a nice fragrance and texture. It is easily absorbed into the skin leaving it soft and well hydrated. I highly recommend it!”

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Meet the Experts

Dr. Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD is a board-certified dermatologist and a clinical assistant professor at Cornell University.

Dr. Anna Karp, DO, is a board-certified dermatologist at the Skin Institute of New York.

Dr. Alicia Zalka, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Surface Deep.

Dr. Gendai Echezona, MD, is a triple-board-certified physician and aesthetic physician.

Dr. Ashley Magovern is a board-certified dermatologist and medical advisor for Dermstore.

Should everyone with dry skin use face oil?

Though face oils can be beneficial for most dry skin types, there are some instances that warrant caution. “For someone with dry skin that is also sensitive, it may be best to avoid oils that may contain fragrance,” Dr. Garshick cautions. “Instead, those with sensitive skin should stick with a gentle moisturizing cream.”

Dr. Magovern adds, “Those with skin conditions that cause the skin to flake, such as seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis, should consult their dermatologist before using a face oil, as the ingredients may cause sensitive skin to flare up.”

Can you use face oil all year?

“A face oil may be used all year,” Dr. Garshick says. She recommends using one daily, in conjunction with a moisturizer.

Dr. Karp echoes that the product is evergreen — but with a caveat. “You can use a face oil year round,” she notes. “But you definitely will be drier in the winter and may notice more benefits then.”

How should I incorporate face oil in my skincare regime?

“A face oil should always be layered with moisturizer, not in place of one,” Dr. Magovern says. “Typically, skincare is applied from thinnest product to thickest; however, I recommend applying face oil as the final step of your evening routine, and as the second-to-last step in your morning skincare regime. SPF application should always be the last step in your morning routine.

“For an optimal one, two punch of dry skin relief, use a humectant first, such as hyaluronic acid, and layer a tiny amount of an occlusive—like face oil—right on top,” adds Dr. Zalka.”The humectant attracts moisture and the occlusive locks it in.”

Why Trust Elle Beauty

As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, ELLE.com contributor Jenny Berg interviewed top dermatologists and a medical aesthetician about the most hydrating, plumping, and radiance-boosting face oils for dry skin. She also personally tested several of the products and read hundreds of reviews to find the face oils that have transformed the complexions of real users.

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