Oils and oily skin are often blamed for clogged pores and breakouts, but it really isn’t that simple. Face oils can be a part of your skincare regimen because while face oils aren’t for everyone, not all will lead to clogged pores. “On the right skin types, facial oils not only look and feel luxurious but work to protect and rebuild the skin,” says Dr. Lian Mack, Board Certified Dermatologist at GlamDerm, a cosmetic, medical and surgical skin care center.
In fact, many of the best skin oils, especially those that are plant or fruit-based, are naturally rich in antioxidants which can help to protect the skin from the free radicals and pollutants that we come into contact with daily. “Oils penetrate the skin more effectively than creams or lotions, readily delivering these benefits,” she says.
To that end, we have rounded up some of the best skin oils that can give you a healthy glow.
1. Supergoop! Glow Oil SPF 50
While sunscreen may not be your first thought when it comes to face oils, Supergoop! Glow Oil SPF 50 is just what you need when hitting the outdoors. It works well on all parts of the body and as it reduces your exposure to the sun it also helps to hydrate your skin with ingredients such as grape seed, radish seed, meadowfoam seed and coconut oils.
2. Pure Prickly Pear Seed Oil
“Currently, I am obsessed with Beauty Nut’s Pure Prickly Pear Seed Oil,” says Mack. “I use it nightly over my retinoid to help to combat dryness and enhance the delivery of the retinoid into my skin,” she says. Prickly pear seed oil contains vitamin E which is touted as a beneficial vitamin for the skin. It also contains antioxidant-rich belatains and fatty acids, as well as omega 6 and 9, which can mitigate sun damage.
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3. No7 Replenishing Facial Oil
If you think that you need to drop big bucks to get an effective skin oil, you would be wrong. No7 Replenishing Facial Oil is a lightweight formula that can leave your skin looking hydrated and feeling softer. It is made with rose-hip seed oil, which some research shows may help to reduce signs of aging. It is lightly scented, vegan, silicone, sulfate and paraben-free.
4. DHC Pore Cleansing Oil
Acne-prone skin can be tricky when it comes to finding the right product that won’t irritate it. “I do not recommend using an oil if you have acne-prone skin,” says Mack. DHC Pore Cleansing Oil is formulated specifically for acne-prone skin and can remove dirt and grime without leaving behind an oily residue.
5. Elina Organics Skin Renewing Oil Blend
Elina Organics Skin Renewing Oil Blend works well on dry and sensitive skin made phytonutrients and antioxidants from ingredients like white truffle, sea buckthorn, rosehip and grapeseed oils. You can use it either alone or mixed into your moisturizer once daily.
6. Eminence Facial Recovery Oil
If your skin seems stressed and in need of a little TLC Eminence Facial Recovery Oil made with clary sage and olive oil and ylang-ylang can soothe and help calm your irritated skin. It can help to even out your complexion and give a smoother appearance.
7. Weleda Awakening Oil
Pomegranate has been touted as a super fruit, and that is the main ingredient in Weleda Awakening Oil. Use this skin oil alone for light finish and moisture, or mix it into your favorite moisturizer for deep hydration. You can also use it before using a jade roller to ensure that it glides with ease and won’t aggravate the skin.
8. Inna Organic Frankincense Revitalizing Face Oil
If your skin is dry and dull in appearance and you have been using a lotion, you can give it a boost with Inna Organic Frankincense Revitalizing Face Oil. It contains frankincense essential, jojoba seed, camellia, Moroccan Argan and macadamia nut oils and vitamin E. It is vegan, cruelty- and gluten-free. Plus it is made sans parabens, phthalates, silicones, sulfates (SLS/SLES) and artificial fragrances.
9. Jojoba Facial Oil from Imperfect Foods
Imperfect foods is known for selling fruits and veggies online but now the brand has added face and body care items, included in this launch is Jojoba Facial Oil. It makes for a good all around product because it is a humectant that works well on your face and neck it also can be used on your knees, elbows. And, on the days that your hair is unruly, it can tame your flyaways.
10. Nyakio Maracuja and Yangu
If you noticed that your skin has been looking ignored, take this time to nourish and restore it with a plant-based face oil like Nyakio Maracuja and Yangu. While it is a lightweight formula, it is jam-packed with oils such as Maracuja, Yangu, sourced from Brazil and South Africa, respectively, safflower, passion fruit and grape seed oils, plus shea butter. It goes and light and quickly absorbs into the skin.
11. Botanics All Bright Brightening Bi-Phase Facial Oil
For the times your skin tone looks uneven, you need a product that can brighten and even out its texture. Botanics All Bright Brightening Bi-Phase Facial Oil, which combines vitamin E and safflower oil, is a lightweight bi-phase oil — a hydrating serum and oil combination — with a water-soluble acid to enhance your skin’s appearance and even out its tone.
12. Versed Sunday Morning Antioxidant Oil-Serum
Some people like to use a serum and then an oil, well, Versed Sunday Morning Antioxidant Oil-Serum is a hybrid of the two. It is not just lightweight but it also manages to be hydrating all the while disappearing into your skin quickly. It is made with camellia oil and sea buckthorn extract to help keep skin calm, plus chamomile extract, vitamin E and sodium hyaluronate for hydration.