8 Of The Best Facial Oils To Slather On Your Skin For Next-Level Nourishment

Best for: Retinol lovers

For those looking for more from their retinol, La Prairie’s Skin Caviar Night Time Oil is the perfect solution. A revolutionary night time oil, the product introduces a new kind of retinol—a natural iteration made from Caviar. A unique blend of caviar-derived retinol and caviar lipids, the ingredient harnesses the line-smoothing potential of caviar science, beyond lifting and firming. Both generous and silky—a couple drops are more than enough—the product’s formula soothes and cushions skin, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, firming skin and sealing in moisture, all while you sleep.

Key features:

• Reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles
• Strengthens skin barrier function, helping to prevent water loss
• Silky formula that sinks into skin

Also available at:

• $885 from David Jones

Best for: Instant skin-soothing

Created with minimal ingredients and a sensitive skin-friendly formula, this soothing Calendula face oil from Jurlique is a balm for skin in need of soothing. The formula targets skin stressors, helping to calm and relieve discomfort with a mix of calendula, manuka leaf and chia seeds forming the ultimate barrier-repair combination. Enriched with a botanical blend of plant oils and vitamin E, the lightweight oil is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive or eczema-prone.

Key features:

• Suitable for sensitive skin
• Non-comedogenic
• 100% natural origin ingredients

Best for: Vitamin C stans

Dry and combination skin types, allow us to introduce the new love of your life. Prepare to be plumped and soothed from first contact as hero ingredient squalane provides moisture, while vitamin C brings a bucket full of radiance. If you thought oils were only for night time, a pre-makeup massage with this will leave you changed forever.

Key features:

• Suits combination, dry, normal and oily skin types
• Works to brighten, firm and hydrate skin
• Helps to lock in moisture and deliver a glowing complexion

Best for: A lightweight layer

Ideal for those who don’t like the idea of oil at all (mark our word you’ll be converted), this lightweight formula lets you reap the nourishing benefits without even feeling it. Unlike other oils, this one should be applied before your moisturiser due to its watery texture. But even though it feels invisible, the evening out of skin tone and softening of lines is something you will notice.

Key features:

• Skin Type: Combination, Dry, Normal, Oily
• Use: Every day, morning and/or night before heavier creams
• Glycolic acid targets dullness and skin texture

Also available at:

• $244 from David Jones

Best for: Budget-friendly glow

The Ordinary is known for its effective formulas that are kind to your wallet. And when it comes to the best facial oil packed with hydrating ingredients is no different. The blend of micro-algae, squalane and antioxidant-rich oils, including marula, argan, rosehip and borage, work to enhance radiance by protecting your complexion from natural stressors and boosting surface hydration.

Key features:

• Designed to target dryness
• Defends against free radicals
• Vegan, cruelty-free formula

Also available at:

• $18.50 from Adore Beauty
• $18.50 from Look Fantastic

Best for: Youthful glow

All rosehip oils boast incredible hydrating, youth-regenerating and pigmentation-clearing benefits, but there’s a reason this one is a cult favourite. It’s extracted through natural CO2 processes to help ensure an unusually stable and potent rosehip oil. So if it’s results you’re after, look no further.

Key features:

• All skin types, including sensitive and oily
• Certified organic formula
• Fragrance-, alcohol-, paraben-free and vegan

Also available at:

• $49 from Sephora

Best for: Blemish-prone skin

Blemished skin and facial oil? You better believe it’s a good idea. Combining clear skin superstar salicylic acid with clarifying plant oils, UFO helps to diminish current breakouts, while preventing new ones. Even inflamed spots will be calmed, soothed and comforted making it one of the best facial oils for acne-prone skin.

Key features:

• 1.5% salicylic acid exfoliates and eliminates spot-causing dirt and bacteria
• Tea tree and black cumin seed oil target hyperpigmentation, scarring and dullness
• Dry-touch finish

Best for: All-over hydration

In a twisted turn of events, marula oil is both great for oily and acne-prone skin, as well as dry and mature skin types. It’s rich in antioxidants and omegas 6 and 9, to seriously hydrate and replenish the skin, but it’s also a natural anti-microbial, so it’s able to benefit congested skin too without clogging pores.

Key features:

• Lightweight formula absorbs into skin quickly
• Marula oil is a natural antimicrobial, which can benefit congested skin without clogging pores
• Can also be used on cuticles, elbows and any other bits of skin in need of hydration

What is the most nourishing oil for your face?

Look for ingredients that target moisture-loss, work to protect the skin barrier and support overall glow, such as squalane, marula, rosehip and jojoba. The right oils can help to rebalance skin, which means they’re beneficial even if you think you have an oily skin type.

Do you put face oil on before or after moisturiser?

The best rule of thumb is layer products thinnest to thickest. Oils are generally best applied as the last step in your routine but it also depends on the content of your moisturiser. For water-based products, apply your moisturiser first and then oil. But if you’re using more emollient creams and serum-inspired oils, you might want to reverse the order.

Can I use a facial oil daily?

The best facial oils can be used daily for most skin types. Often people prefer to apply a face oil at night, especially if the formula leaves the skin feeling tacky or greasy – two things you won’t want to layer with SPF and makeup. If your face oil includes actives like retinol or AHAs/BHAs, it might be best to use on alternative days while your skin adjusts.

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