15 Best Face Oils for Moisture, Massage, and More

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If you're not smearing face oil all over your skin, WYED? Trust me: I have oily skin that's prone to cystic acne and blackheads, and even I sing the praises of the best face oils from the rooftops. Nothing has made my skin bouncier, softer, and more ~supple~ than an oil loaded with antioxidants, fatty acids, and moisturizers. And don't even get me started on the magic of facial massage for depuffing my skin (and, idk, just relaxing the hell outta me). But! Facial oils aren't a one-size-fits-all kinda thing, and choosing a product that's geared toward your skin type and goals is key. For this reason, I tested dozens of formulas over the years to determine the absolute best face oils, whether you've got acne-prone skin, want to smooth fine lines, or need major moisture. Here are my absolute top picks:

Ready to commence your face oil journey? I gotchu. Peep my favorites below (including picks for dry, oily skin, acne-prone, and sensitive skin types), then read on for your need-to-know guide to moisturizing with face oils.

Plant Squalane Face Oil 100%

Fact: Face oils aren't always necessarily hydrating (oils are occlusives that can lock in hydration, but usually don't penetrate your skin enough to hydrate on their own). But (!) the one exception to that rule is squalane, an oily liquid that's actually found in your skin's natural sebum, which happens to be the MVP of this oil by Naturium. It's excellent for legit every single skin type, because it's so lightweight, but also makes your skin supple, smooth, and hydrated. When in doubt, I always reach for this oil because it's not going to break out my acne-prone skin or leave behind a greasy film. Truly, it's the GOAT of all face oils.

• Key ingredients: Squalane

• Skin type: All

Glowing customer review: "One of the best affordable skincare products I’ve come across in a while. I think this one is truly worth the hype, particularly for people who often struggle with dull-looking skin. It’s light and not oily at all. Leaves your face feeling hydrated and fresh. If you’re looking for a dewy glow that isn’t greasy or fades quickly then I highly recommend."

Skincare Oil

Listen, I grew up in a household that worshipped Bio Oil. Any scar, stretch mark, or bump that popped up on my body? Just slather it in Bio Oil, an affordable, easy-to-find drugstore staple. However, the O.G. formula is way too heavy for my face, leading me to test (and since, fall in love with) this lighter version. The MVPs of this oil mixture are sunflower, safflower, and jojoba oil—all of which are fairly lightweight and great for all skin types.

• Key ingredients: Sunflower seed oil, bisabolol, safflower seed oil, jojoba oil

• Skin type: All

Glowing customer review: "I love Bio Oil. I have very sensitive skin and can’t even look at perfume without breaking out. Then, I saw this for your face and thought I’d give it a try. I have found the ultimate facial product! It has faded scars from blemishes, smoothed fine lines, and left my face silky soft. I don’t spend hundreds of dollars anymore on face creams and serums."

Cocoa Butter Formula Moisturizing Skin Therapy Oil

Sometimes, you just need a go-to product you can quickly order on Amazon when you run out. For my puffy-AF face that requires daily facial massages and 30,000 five-star reviewers, the choice is always this oil from Palmer's. It's v inexpensive, but really helps lock in the moisture on my skin with sweet almond, rosehip, and grapeseed oils. Plus, it's a lil soothing too, courtesy of a dose of anti-inflammatory centella asiatica, which is great for calming down any swelling in my face (from, idk, eating my weight in popcorn at the movies).

• Key ingredients: Sweet almond oil, rosehip oil, grapeseed oil, centella asiatica

• Skin type: All* (*but might be a bit too heavy for oily skin)

Glowing customer review: "I actually see a difference in my skin, especially the neck area that was starting to look a little questionable. As an added bonus, the price is perfect. I even recommended it to my mother who has very sensitive skin and she loves it. I'm currently on my 4th bottle and my skin looks brighter, tighter, and well moisturized. I wear it alone and under makeup. I can't say enough good things about this product."

Virgin Marula Luxury Face Oil

The face oil that's got beauty editors, TikTok teens, and skincare experts alike all in a tizzy? This pick from Drunk Elephant. Why, though? Well, because it uses marula oil, a luxe, rich oil that's fast-absorbing and loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, and fatty acids that majorly nourish your skin.

Yup, it's fully worth the hype, IMO. I mix it in with my moisturizer at night, and in the morning, my skin feels so silky and supple. My face truly looks like it's glowing from within after I've used this, because it adds such a subtle sheen without feeling heavy on my face.

• Key ingredients: Marula oil

• Skin type: All* (*though it's especially great for dry skin)

Glowing customer review: "I love this product, it makes my skin feel good and look good too! Gives a healthy and fresh appearance to the skin; I started to see results after two weeks of use. Be patient. A gem in my routine."

Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Firming Oil

"Since I have oily skin, incorporating oil into my routine was terrifying," says associate shopping editor Daisy Maldonado. "But this oil is one of the only ones I trust, and I recommend to legit everyone!" she explains. Why? "The way the vitamin C instantly brightens and adds a glow to my skin is next level. It literally melts in, and I can feel like absorb into my skin instead of just sitting on top. It looks great under makeup and is especially a game-changer during colder seasons when my skin needs some extra TLC." You heard it here first, folks!

• Key ingredients: Squalane, vitamin C

• Skin type: All

Glowing customer review: "I've been using a different vitamin C serum, and once I switched to this, I legit noticed the difference in ONE USE. My skin was so much softer, my other products absorbed better, and the smell wasn’t overbearing like some."

U. F.O. Salicylic Acid BHA Acne Treatment Face Oil

I am living, breathing proof that you can use face oil on your acne-prone skin. But my go-to formula when my skin is giving me grief? This salicylic acid-spiked oil from Sunday Riley, which helps exfoliate dead skin to reduce zits. But it's also got antibacterial tea tree oil to prevent pimples, as well as brightening licorice root extract. And (!) if my skin is feeling inflamed, soothing rosemary, chamomile flower, and black cumin oils help calm my irritated, red skin. It has a thick texture when I first spread it on my face, but as I start massaging it in, it practically disappears as it sinks into my skin.

• Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, tea tree oil, licorice root extract,

• Skin type: Acne-prone, oily skin

Glowing customer review: "This product smoothed out my forehead bumps completely, and I haven't had any big pimples anywhere in months!!! The oil feels thick/heavy for a couple minutes, but it penetrates into skin and dries and you cant even tell its there. I typically put a few drops onto clean finger tips, and tap all over clean face especially trouble spots, and after about 1-2 weeks my skin was fully clear. This product layers well, and does not affect my makeup at all. Smells like tea tree oil, and the smell does not linger. This product is amazing and even though it's expensive, I will buy it over and over again."

100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil

What's the deal with rosehip oil? Well, it's gentle and lightweight, making it a dream for pretty much every skin type, including sensitive. It's full of antioxidants that can help soften skin texture and soothe an irritated skin barrier, according to cosmetic chemist Krupa Koestline in a past Cosmo article. I constantly have this bottle from The Ordinary on hand since it's organic, cold-pressed, and less than $11. Steal.

• Key ingredients: Rosehip oil

• Skin type: All

Glowing customer review: "My skin was dry from my weekly exfoliation and this was exactly what I needed to get it back to normal. I use it morning and night."

Bakuchiol Firming Oil

"The first time I used this oil from Allies of Skin, my skin looked brighter, more moisturized, and was soft to the touch—it was like magic," says Cosmo editor Olivia Truffaut-Wong, who swears by mixing this in with her nighttime moisturizer for an extra dose of smoothing and firming. This oil is actually incorporates 1 percent bakuchiol, a plant-based ingredient that replicates a similar result to retinol to help tighten skin and increase collagen and elastin production (without the harsh drying and flaking).

"I swear, my skin has never looked this good," Truffaut-Wong adds. "I love it so much—I bought two more during a sale because I knew I'd want to repurchase. I've now moved onto my second bottle and I couldn't be more pleased!"

• Key ingredients: Bakuchiol, vitamin C, rosehip seed oil, Cucurbita pepo seed oil, seabuckthorn oil

• Skin type: All* (*but might be a bit too strong for very sensitive skin)

Glowing customer review: "I've noticed a significant improvement in the texture and appearance of my skin since incorporating it into my regimen. Not only does it help diminish fine lines and wrinkles, but it also promotes a more radiant complexion. Plus, its gentle nature makes it suitable for even the most sensitive skin types."

Lapis Blue Tansy Face Oil

Coating my already-oily skin in more oil? Not a chance...Or so I thought before I tried this cult fave from Herbivore. It features only the lightest-weight oils, like jojoba oil and kukui nut oil, both of which sink into my skin fast without leaving behind any residue whatsoever. But it's also loaded with squalane to help moisturize my skin, which leaves my face plump and supple without the heaviness of other moisturizers.

If you're hesitant to smother your face in oil (especially for a facial massage) because you don't want to load up your skin with heavy oils, pls try this one. It's been my go-to oil every summer since it launched.

• Key ingredients: Jojoba oil, kukui nut oil, blue tansy oil, squalane

• Skin type: Oily, acne-prone skin

Glowing customer review: "I've been using this oil for about 2 months for my sensitive skin. I also have an oily T-zone and prone to acne in that area. As a tretinoin user, I was in search of a calming soothing oil that wouldn't clog my pores. This has been very nice so far. It has an herbaceous scent, it feels light and absorbs easily on my skin."

Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Oil

I also love how glowy it makes my skin look. Normally, I reserve facial oils for nighttime use to avoid looking like the inside of a frying pan, but I love how a few drops of this patted on my cheekbones looks under foundation. It adds a luminous glow, but because the formula is so thin, it doesn't get greasy or make my makeup slide all over the place.

• Key ingredients: Sunflower seed oil, prickly pear extract, acai extract, vitamin E

• Skin type: All

Glowing customer review: "This is a staple in my routine! I have tried a lot of oils and this one in my opinion is the best. I have dry skin and it helps to balance it out and give me a nice glow to my skin. It’s great under makeup too."

The Super Intensive Face Oil

Face oils aren't necessarily my first choice when it comes to drenching your skin in moisture. However, when a formula is chock-full of moisturizers like this one from U Beauty, it's genius for both hydrating and sealing in moisture. This oil is filled with urea, squalane, and hyaluronic acid—all of which actually hydrate your skin—along with a slew of oils to prevent moisture loss.

Don't just take my word for it, though. Cosmo beauty editor-at-large Julee Wilson is a huge fan, noting how well it sinks into her skin without leaving any greasy residue behind.

• Key ingredients: Sweet almond oil, urea, squalane, hyaluronic acid, avocado oil

• Skin type: Dry, sensitive

Glowing customer review: "I didn’t think I needed anything else in my skincare routine but brought the sample size along with me on a trip. Omg, no more dehydration from flying. This is luxurious and a dream to apply it soaks right in and my skin felt immediately plump and soothed. I also love massaging it into my face at night before applying my moisturizer."

Love 31 Botanical Facial Oil

Whether I'm gliding an ice roller, gua sha, jade roller, or my fingers over my skin, I almost always have this face oil underneath. It has a lightweight yet viscous texture that is really easy to spread across my skin with only a few drops. Once I smooth it onto my skin, it also takes a lil time to sink in, which is great for massaging. FWIW, too, the oils featured in thsi blend are also top-notch. Grapeseed oil, for example, is filled with antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, and linolenic acid that help moisturize and nourish your skin, dermatologist Ife Rodney, MD, previously told Cosmo.

• Key ingredients: Grapeseed oil, jojoba oil, hemp seed oil, argan oil

• Skin type: All

Glowing customer review: "Love 31 oil is the BEST I have tried so far!! I have used many oils out there in the past but this one is AWESOME! Now for me I just need 1 drop to cover my entire face and then another drop for my neck! A little product goes a long way!"

Active Botanical Serum

Hey, if you're down to spend some cold, hard cash on a super-luxe face oil, make it this new one from Vintner's Daughter. It's stacked with some of the best oils out there for your skin—we're talkin' grapeseed, hazelnut seed, carrot seed, avocado, and many more. It's called a serum, because it's so quick to absorb into your skin, but it's actually a luxe-AF facial oil you can massage in. She's spensy, but so dreamy to use.

• Key ingredients: Grapeseed oil, hazelnut seed oil, avocado oil, carrot seed oil

• Skin type: Oily, dry, acne-prone

Glowing customer review: "My aesthetician suggested this serum more than 10 years ago and I have used it every day for the last 10 years. No other serum comes close to feeling so soothing, hydrating, and healthy and I have tried dozens over the years. Leaves my skin glowing and radiant."

Lightweight Daily Face Moisturizer

Meet the face oil for people who think they hate face oils. Instead of a rich, slippery consistency, this oil is featherlight, absorbing into my skin as I massage it in. But don't let that fool you—it's shockingly moisturizing considering the thin texture, thanks to meadowfoam seed oil which gives my skin a smooth, silky feeling without any greasiness.

• Key ingredients: Cloudberry oil, meadowfoam seed oil, cottonseed oil

• Skin type: All* (*but might be a bit too light for some dry skin types)

Glowing customer review: "Very lightweight, scentless oil that doesn’t irritate my face. I’ve got rosacea, and this makes me feel moisturized all day."

Pure Radiance Oil

FYI: Moisturizing your skin to the max is the key to smoothing fine lines and wrinkles. Every night as the last step of your routine, slather your face with nourishing oil that's filled with hydrating squalane and sealing grapeseed, camelia, and chia seed oils. It'll help keep your skin as moisturized as possible, plumping up any lines and reducing them from forming in the first place. Also, important to know: Jessica Chastain legit swears by this oil and always preps her skin with it before awards shows.

• Key ingredients: Grapeseed oil, chia seed oil, squalane, camelia seed oil

• Skin type: Sensitive, dry

Glowing customer review: "BEST oil I have tried!! My go to that I use daily! This leaves my face, soft, smooth and hydrated. Soaks into my skin quickly. LOVE everything about this oil!!!"

Is it okay to use oil on your face every day?

Yes, it's okay to use face oil on your face every single day. “Face oils are occlusive, meaning they seal in all the ingredients and moisture you just applied to your face to keep them from evaporating as quickly,” dermatologist Shereene Idriss, MD, previously told Cosmo. So if you have dry, dehydrated, or sensitive skin, coating your skin in oil as the final step of your routine (more on this below) can help keep your skin from losing hydration.

The only caveat is that if you have oily or acne-prone skin, slathering on an occlusive layer every single night might be a bit too occlusive for your skin. In this case, opt for a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer every night, only layering on a face oil once or twice a week. You also can try short-contact therapy by smoothing on your face oil, massaging it in for 10 to 15 minutes, then washing it off. This is also key if you hate the oily, sticky feel on your skin against your pillow at night (see: slugging).

Do you put oil or moisturizer first?

You should put moisturizer on first, then layer face oil on top. “Oils can easily penetrate moisturizers, serums, and treatments, but no products can penetrate an oil, which means they need to be applied last,” dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD, once told Cosmo. Because of this, oils on their own don't really moisturize your skin; instead, they increase your moisturizer's efficacy when layered on top.

How to choose the best face oil for you:

Consider your skin type.

Not every oil is right for your skin type, so check the ingredients accordingly (or peek above!). For example, some facial oils are more moisturizing and rich, making them ideal for dry skin types. Based on everything I tested, the best formula I found for dry skin was the U Beauty Super Intensive Face Oil. However, oily and acne-prone skin should look for lightweight oils, like my favorites from Sunday Riley and Herbivore.

If you've got acne-prone skin, you should definitely prioritize face oils with non-comedogenic ingredients. Unfortunately, an oil that clogs my pores could be amazing for you, while something that makes me dewy and plump breaks you out—making it difficult to discern which pore-clogging ingredients to avoid. However, as a baseline, opt for jojoba oil, rosehip seed oil, and argan oil if you're prone to breakouts. Marula oil, coconut oil, and olive oil, on the other hand, are pretty high on the comedogenicity scale, so they can potentially clog your pores.

Research where it's coming from.

When you're deciding on a face oil, make sure that the oil is cold pressed, Dr. Rodney previously told Cosmo. Cold-pressed oils have the most nutrients in them (think of like eating raw veggies versus cooked veggies). FWIW, every single face oil on this list is filled with cold-pressed oils. Generally, opting for a face oil that's a blend of a few different oils is the easiest way to achieve this.

Meet the experts:

• Krupa Koestline is a clean cosmetic chemist and the founder of KKT Consultants where she consults with brands on clean guidelines, as well as new and eco-friendly manufacturing processes. Cosmo previously interviewed her about rosehip oil.

• Shereene Idriss, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and clinical instructor in dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Dr. Idriss is also the founder and medical director of Idriss Dermatology in New York, New York. She was previously interviewed about skincare routine order.

• Mona Gohara, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Hamden, Connecticut. Dr. Gohara is an associate clinical professor at Yale School of Medicine and president of the Women’s Dermatologic Society. Her areas of expertise include medical and surgical dermatology and skin of color. She's also been interviewed about skincare routines.

• Ife Rodney, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist, dermatopathologist, and founding director of Eternal Dermatology + Aesthetics in Fulton, MD. Dr. Rodney has previously spoken to Cosmo on the topic of jojoba oil for hair.

Why trust ‘Cosmopolitan’?

Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan with five years of experience researching, writing, and editing skincare stories that range from sunscreen for oily skin and acne spot treatments. She’s an authority in all skincare categories, but is an expert when it comes to face oils, thanks to years of testing dozens of brands on her own oily, acne-prone skin and constantly polling other Cosmo staffers on their favorites.

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