Whether you’re oily or dry, these picks make all skin types glow instantly.
If you want to do everything you can to combat dry skin (or you want to use a gua sha), consider adding a facial oil to your routine. “Facial oils are a good way to complement everyday skincare products (like your daily moisturizer or night cream) for an extra moisturization boost, especially during dry winter months,” says Institute Beauty Lab Chemist Danusia Wnek. “The benefits include leaving skin feeling soft, smoothing texture and improving radiance.”
Face oils “should be applied on clean skin by gently pressing onto the face and the décolleté rather than rubbing it in,” Wnek says. After using a face wash, try applying “when your face is damp, as applying it on wet skin will lock in moisture.” Use a small amount to start (think a drop or two) and build up if you need more. You can even try adding a drop to your moisturizer, and then apply it to your skin.
The Institute Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab has tested thousands of skincare products, including the best face oils. In the Lab’s most recent face oil test, our scientists started with 56 face oils, narrowing it down to the top 16 products. At the end of extensive in-Lab and consumer testing, consumer testers answered 18,904 survey questions collectively and 1,800 Corneometer measurements (a device used to calculate moisturization) were tallied to find the winners. Ahead, we’ve rounded up the best face oils for all skin types and needs, including drugstore picks and natural formulas for anti-aging, extremely dry skin, oily and acne-prone skin, according to GH Beauty Lab testing and experts. Here are the best hydrating face oils for glowing skin.
You can read more about how we evaluate face oils in our Lab and consumer tests — plus everything you need to know to shop for your perfect hydrator — at the end of this guide. Looking for more ways to moisturize your skin? Check out our guides to the best hyaluronic acid serums and the best natural face moisturizers for your money.
1
Best Overall Face Oil
Laura Mercier Nourishing Rose Oil
A combination of 10 natural oils, including sunflower and rose, increased skin’s hydration 12% over six hours in the GH Beauty Lab’s test, earning this Laura Mercier facial oil high marks. “It gave me back that dewy look I haven’t seen in so long,” one tester said. “My face has a healthy glow and looks younger, with fewer wrinkles,” another said. But note that this does have a rose scent that was polarizing among users.
Skin type | Dry, normal, combination |
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Key ingredients | Rose water, starflower oil and a cocktail of several other oils |
2
Best Value Face Oil
Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Therapy Oil Face
A winner of the GH Beauty Lab’s face oil test, 2022 GH Beauty Award winner and Seal star, this bargain-priced drugstore buy rivals high-priced standouts. The formula boasts a mix of oils like argan, camelina and coconut, which led it to rate highest among testers for immediately moisturizing skin so it looked “plumper and smoother.” Note that this oil contains retinol, which has anti-aging benefits, but some testers did report some irritation, likely due to this ingredient.
Skin type | All, including aging skin |
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Key ingredients | 10 oils, retinol, vitamin C |
3
Best Face Oil for Oily Skin
Indie Lee Squalane Facial Oil3
There’s just one ingredient in this face oil from Indie Lee: 100% olive-derived squalane. If a single oil (rather than an oil blend) makes your skin happiest, this silky smooth option hydrates and evens skin tone. Even oily skin can tolerate this pick, says GH’s Beauty Assistant who uses it every day. “I apply this oil both morning and night,” she says. “My oily skin loves it, absorbing quickly; it’s been my go-to for about five years now. It gives me a healthy, moisturized radiance without looking greasy.” She only pats on a few drops, as a little can go a very long way (and overuse can cause a greasy look).
Skin type | All |
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Key ingredients | Squalane oil |
4
Best Luxury Face Oil
La Mer The Renewal Oil
For a little bit of luxury to start and end your day, turn to this splurge from La Mer. The formula is super hydrating thanks to a blend of several oils (but because of this, may be too heavy for oily or acne-prone complexions). “It’s become my go-to for when my skin feels lifeless and I need some extra moisture and plumpness,” GH’s Beauty Director raves. “I apply it on top of my night cream before bed and in the morning, my face looks revived and there’s no trace of dryness.” Though it’s an expensive option, a small amount goes a long way.
Skin type | Normal, dry, combination |
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Key ingredients | A mix of several oils, including meadowfoam, jojoba, sunflower and cranberry |
5
Best Natural Face Oil
Jurlique Purely Age-Defying Firming Face Oil
Jurlique’s botanically-based face oil was a high performer in the GH Beauty Lab’s test for not irritating, thanks to gentle extracts of safflower, macadamia and avocado oils. It also raised skin’s moisture levels by 9%. Testers said the plant oil blend “diminished red, splotchy areas” and made skin “balanced, even and clear.” Some testers also noted that it was a bit difficult to control the drops when they came out of the bottle, so it may be a bit messy to apply.
Skin type | All, including aging |
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Key ingredients | Safflower, macadamia and avocado oils |
6
Best Moisturizing Face Oil
Skyn Iceland Arctic Face Oil
Made of 99% camelina oil, plus sunflower oil and vitamin E, GH Beauty Lab testers thought this Skyn Iceland oil moisturized well and made their skin softer. “It moisturized my skin so much better than my regular moisturizer,” said one tester. But go easy with this one — a little goes a long way. Some testers found it to be a little too oily and heavy.
Skin type | Dry, normal, combination |
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Key ingredients | Camelina oil, sunflower oil, vitamin E |
7
Best Face Oil for Acne-Prone Skin
Dermalogica Retinol Clearing Oil
Yes, face oil can actually be good for acne-prone skin. Case in point: This Dermalogica formula, infused with breakout-fighting active ingredients like salicylic acid and retinol. “My skin feels so smooth after using it and I really feel like it’s helped clear my skin and given me a brighter look,” a Dermstore reviewer said. However, it is a pricier choice.
Skin type | Acne-prone |
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Key ingredients | Jojoba, salicylic acid, argan oil, rosehip seed oil, pro-retinol |
8
Best Face Oil for Glowing Skin
Tatcha Gold Camellia Beauty Oil
For boosting skin’s radiance and glow, Tatcha’s camellia oil was top-rated among GH Beauty Lab testers. “The oil was light and my skin absorbed [it] right away,” one shared. The floral scent was also a hit; people pointed out that it was “very light” and a “clean, natural fragrance.” Note that this oil is pricey (though it can be used on face, body and hair, so it’s a multitasker).
Skin type | Sensitive, mature |
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Key ingredients | Camellia oil, gold flakes |
9
Best Face Oil for Fighting Wrinkles
Darphin Jasmine Aromatic Care Essential Oil Elixir
Soften the look of fine lines with Darphin’s luxurious face oil formula, based on floral essential oils like jasmine, rose and evening primrose. Though it’s a splurge, “this oil soaks into crepey skin and makes it feel plump and look dewy,” GH’s Beauty Director says. “And the scent is gorgeous, like walking in a field of flowers in the French countryside.”
Skin type | Aging |
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Key ingredients | Jasmine, essential oils |
10
Best Face Oil for Extremely Dry Skin
Chelsey Wang Restoring Facial Oil
This infusion of plant oils (argan, carrot, jasmine, pomegranate) from Chelsey Wang is like a coddling blanket for the driest skin. “My dehydrated, eczema-prone skin drank up this thick, rich oil, and the beautiful jasmine scent doubles as aromatherapy,” GH’s Beauty Director says. “I have access to endless amounts of face oils, and this is one I used to the very last drop.” However, this formula may be too rich for oilier skin types.
Skin type | Dry |
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Key ingredients | Argan, carrot, jasmine, pomegranate oils |
11
Best Face Oil for Brightening Skin
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil
Give your complexion vibrancy with this Sunday Riley face oil, a GH beauty editor go-to. “It’s perfect to layer over moisturizer at night for super bright skin in the morning,” says former GH Beauty Assistant Katie Berohn. “The oil is not heavy at all and sinks into skin easily.” The formula also works with makeup: “Sometimes I mix a few drops with my makeup in the morning if I want to look super dewy,” she adds. Note that it’s a more expensive choice.
Skin type | All |
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Key ingredients | Pomegranate seed oil, vitamin C, turmeric, evening primrose oil |
12
Best Multi-Use Face Oil
Osmia Nectar Vital Rose Drops
A twofer, this concentrated rose-scented face oil from Osmia can be dropped into other skincare products as a nourishing booster or used alone. “The decadent blend of oils like argan, pumpkin, rosehip and sandalwood are perfect for sealing moisture in and reviving tired skin,” GH’s Beauty Director says. At nearly $100, it’s definitely an investment.
Skin type | All |
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Key ingredients | Argan, pumpkin, rosehip oils |
13
Best Pure Face Oil
Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil
For the ingredient minimalist, this Drunk Elephant face oil contains just one: marula oil. “I like that this oil has no added ingredients,” Berohn notes. “It absorbs really well and is so hydrating, perfect for days when skin is extra dry.” Some reviewers, however, find that the oil caused breakouts for them.
Skin type | All |
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Key ingredients | Marula oil |
14
Best Antioxidant Face Oil
Eminence Organic Skin Care Rosehip Triple C+E Firming Oil
Eminence’s cocktail of organic oils is laced with antioxidants for extra skincare benefits. “This sinks so well into skin and has vitamins C and E, so you also get the benefits of a serum,” Berohn says. “It’s one of the few products that I’ve actually used to the last drop.” This pick costs more than $100, making it pretty pricey.
Skin type | Combination, normal, aging |
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Key ingredients | Rosehip oil, jojoba oil, vitamin C, vitamin E |
How we test the best face oils
In the GH Beauty Lab’s category test, 56 face oils across price points were label-masked and then tested by 1,112 volunteers of various skin types to narrow the field to the top 16 products.
Next, testers used the products at home in their regular skincare routines, evaluating them for effects on skin including hydration, softening, radiance-boosting, firming, wrinkle reduction, texture smoothing, irritation and breakouts. They also took note of attributes such as scent, dispensing, texture and absorption.
In the Lab, scientists used the Corneometer device to measure the moisturization effects of each formula over six hours after application. When all was said and done, consumer testers answered 18,904 survey questions collectively and 1,800 Corneometer measurements were tallied to find the winners.
What to look for when shopping for the best face oils
To find the face oil that’s best for you, consider the following factors:
✔️ Applicator: When perusing your face oil options, look for the newer-style “push-button” droppers. They feature a bulb top, and “our consumers overwhelmingly favored these devices for dosing a proper amount of oil,” Wnek reports.
✔️ Fragrance: While some consumers like fragrance in their skincare products, others don’t. Before purchasing, confirm whether or not your face oil is scented. “It is a good practice to sniff your facial oil before you buy it as many of them incorporate natural and synthetic fragrances that may be overwhelming for some,” she advises.
✔️ Bottle: Many face oils come in a glass bottle. Both the GH Beauty Lab and some of the testers suggest caution when handling them with oily hands. To avoid dropping the bottle and risking breaking it, “pipette a small amount of oil and place it on the top of your hand, close the bottle and then proceed to apply it on the face,” Wnek says.
Can you skip a moisturizer or serum if you use face oil?
No. While face oils are a great supplement to your skincare routine, they should not be your primary or sole source of moisturization. GH Beauty Lab testing has found that they don’t provide the same level of hydration that moisturizers like lotions and creams do. In addition, if you’re searching for additional benefits such as anti-aging, many face oils aren’t the best choice. “Most facial oils lack sunscreen protection and/or anti-aging ingredients, which is something that is typically found in serums and/or moisturizers,” Wnek says.
Can you use a face oil if you have oily skin?
Yes! In addition to our Beauty Assistant using a face oil even though she has oily skin, Wnek shares that GH Beauty Lab testing showed that many face oils are non-greasy. Test winners “had a nice texture that wasn’t too heavy, greasy or tacky,” Wnek says. “Additionally, on average, consumers found that facial oils weren’t irritating to skin.”