The Best Face Oils Experts Love for Glowing Skin

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Even the best face oils can have a bad rep when it comes to keeping your skin hydrated and supple. Contray to what some may believe, face oils typically don't clog your pores, cause breakouts, or feel overly greasy on skin. Instead, these routine favorites make it a breeze to help it seal in moisture while leaving your face extra dewy and bright. And if you're naturally oily, pressing a few drops of the essential into your skin won't cause your skin to overproduce it.

Plus, the best face oils are also extremely versatile: In cooler months, they layer perfectly under a heavier cream, and in seasons like spring and summer, an oil is a great option for lightweight hydration. Ahead, find our favorite oil picks for all skin types, along with expert advice from celebrity facialist, Candace Marino.

Related: The 25 Best Face Serums of All-Time

Algae + Moringa Universal Face Oil

Get an instant glow with this best-seller, packed with vitamin-rich moringa and baobab oils, as well as the brand's proprietary algae for antioxidant benefits.

One satisfied customer writes:

"I’m chronically congested but since using this oil, my pores have opened up, the texture of my face is completely changed, and I’m hydrated all day. I love it!" —Jaclyn

Crème Ancienne Face Oil Elixir

This luxe oil from Fresh—which is handmade in a literal monastery—is a favorite of Marino's, "for its ability to quickly penetrate and deeply nourish the skin without feeling greasy or heavy," she notes. "It's packed with antioxidants and omega rich fatty acids to both protect and repair the skin."

One satisfied customer writes:

"This is one of my favorite products I’ve ever used. I use alongside the rest of the line and have seen such an incredible difference in my skin. Really amazing product." —Aer4

Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil

A blend of sugarcane-derived squalane and oil-soluble vitamin C make this oil a one-two punch of brightening, moisturizing goodness for nearly all skin types.

One satisfied customer writes:

"I use this lightweight oil in the daytime. It leaves my skin feeling hydrated and looking radiant. Perfect combination for healthy looking skin!" —jen101

Pure Beam Luxe Oil

With squalane, sea buckthorn oil, jojoba seed oil, and more skin-loving ingredients, this face oil is a universal winner that won't clog pores.

One satisfied customer writes:

"This is a light oil and it works really well on my combination/oily skin. At first I was really afraid to add oil to my T-zone but it turns out it only moisturizes and not cause more oil production (who knew). So far my skin is even more hydrated and even looking. I wish I had started using this sooner, the results have been amazing! Normally I get dry spots on my skin been since starting the k-beauty routine and adding this oil, dry flakes are non-existent!" —Holly

Serum C20

This serum-oil hybrid contains 20 percent vitamin C, courtesy of superfoods like turmeric and pomegranate, while apricot and sweet orange help to reduce irritation and give the formula a delightful orange scent.

Virgin Marula Luxury Face Oil

Marula seed oil is packed with antioxidants like vitamin E, omega-6, and nine fatty acids—so this is like a daily multivitamin for your face. Great for sensitive skin, we love to wear this oil alone or add a few drops into our moisturizer.

One satisfied customer writes:

"I love this face oil. Lightly scented, gentle on the skin. Gives you a natural glow!" —Pamani

The Face Oil

Over 30 years in the making, this face oil from Augustinus Bader absorbs quickly, so you can apply SPF and makeup within minutes. The blend of luxurious natural oils are packed with amino acids and potent vitamins to keep skin looking healthy and radiant.

One satisfied customer writes:

"I don’t normally believe the skin care hype, but this product lives up to all the accolades." —Ann M.

Midnight Recovery Concentrate

This fan-favorite oil uses squalane, evening primrose, and lavender to not only lull you to sleep—but to restore your skin overnight. The next morning your skin looks totally refreshed.

One satisfied customer writes:

"I can’t live without this Kiehl’s face oil! I apply every night and my skin is beautiful the next morning. It reduces redness a lot and is moisturizing." —gabiec377

Honey Grail Ultra-Hydrating Face Oil

The blend of honey, sea buckthorn, and five flower oils help restore lost moisture and soften fine lines and wrinkles. Plus, we love that you can also run it through your hair.

One satisfied customer writes:

"I was gifted a bottle of this well over a year ago. I knew after a month I wouldn't be able to live without it! This one bottle lasted me over a year, so it's definitely an investment for soft, plump, radiant skin!" —Ashlee T.

Active Botanical Serum

Don’t be confused by the name; Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum is the only face oil you’ll ever need. Boasting 22 nutrient-rich botanicals and cold-pressed botanical and essential oils, it’s the ultimate restorative blend. Use it last in your skin care routine to seal in moisture and ensure a serious glow.

One satisfied customer writes:

"This serum combined with the essence is life-changing. My skin is on the dryer, sensitive side and this is so soothing, my skin drinks it up. This is a new staple in my skincare routine!" —cwil217

Black Diamond Retinol Oil

The fine black diamond powder in this face oil allows your skin to easily absorb the key ingredients in the formula, such as a retinol blend to aid cell turnover and eight natural oils to nourish skin.

C.E.O Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil

Why use both an oil and a vitamin C serum when you can combine the two? That's the genius of Sunday Riley's C.E.O Glow, which also includes turmeric to help brighten and soothe.

One satisfied customer writes:

"I have been using this product for a month as I had some dark spots and have truly been impressed! The product has been amazing. I was nervous about it being an oil, but it's not heavy at all, absorbs nicely and leaves my skin so smooth. In the month of usage, my spots have faded tremendously, my skin is more radiant and have happily ordered my second bottled to continue use." —sweetki91

Noni Glow Face Oil

This popular face oil pick gets points for feeling lightweight while bringing dry, flaky skin back to life. That's thanks to the organic noni extract, rosehip oil, pomegranate oil, and sea buckthorn oil.

One satisfied customer writes:

"The most luxurious face oil I've ever used. I usually keep it simple and use sweet almond oil but once I tried this I was obsessed. Just a few drops and my skin looks and feels so good." —Carolyn S.

Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Oil

This face oil is all about the antioxidants. Maqui (the most antioxidant-rich fruit in the world), acai, prickly pear, and goji berry help support skin-healing.

One satisfied customer writes:

"I add a few drops of this into my moisturizer. A little bit goes a long way. And has never caused me any breakouts. I absolutely love this stuff." —keli

100% Organic Cold Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil

Fans of The Ordinary's 100% Organic Cold Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil say it helps keep skin healthy without causing any irritation or breakouts.

One satisfied customer writes:

"I've been using this in my night time routine and it has made me wake up with the most hydrated and glowy skin! Love this product. I have sensitive skin and it does wonders." —Liz

Black Rose Precious Face Oil

Bulgarian rose, camelina, plum, and avocado oils give skin an instant glow. Press a few drops into your skin after applying a serum or moisturizer.

One satisfied customer writes:

"I use this product day and night under my moisturizers, it absorbs beautifully and smells divine. It has improved the texture of my skin, I absolutely love it." —Loretta P.

What kinds of oils are best for the face?

According to Marino, a few low-comedogenic ingredients to look for include jojoba oil, marula oil, squalane, rosehip seed oil, sea buckthorn oil, black currant seed oil, and olive oil.

Which oils are best for anti-aging?

"Antioxidant-rich oils are going to be the best for anti-aging because they fight off the free radical damage that breaks down the skin, causing wrinkles, pigmentation and other aging concerns," Marino notes.

Will using a face oil cause clogged pores?

Using one of the best facial oils—primarily those that are non-comedogenic—should not clog pores, but Marino advises regular skin exfoliation prior to application.

"It’s important to remember that exfoliation plays a key role in the skin's overall health and appearance," she says. If the skin is not properly exfoliated, congestion is likely to build up within the pore when you add hydrating or moisturizing ingredients like oils. The dead cells and the oil will stick together forming a glue-like substance, creating a layer which will actually prevent moisture retention, and may lead to breakouts."

Meet the Experts

• Candace Marino is a celebrity facialist based in Beverly Hills, California.

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