16 Best Face Oils for Smoother and Brighter Skin
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."
The best face oils for dry skin feel decadent in the most delicious way. They’re hydrating and glistening, and deliver a relaxed glow that makes you look fresh from the hammam spa. Plus, some of them just smell divine. That said, face oils aren’t a mere luxury—particularly for those of us with dry skin.
According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Ashley Magovern, “Face oils are an excellent way to create a protective barrier on the skin, especially in the cold winter months. They help lock in moisture, protect against environmental aggressors, and—depending on the formulation—may provide additional benefits, like brightening dull skin and balancing sebum levels.” She adds that oil should never be used in place of a moisturizer, but layered on top of it. In that way, face oils are the cherry on top of a moisture-boosting skincare regime.
To whittle down the selection, I interviewed four board-certified dermatologists and a medical aesthetician. After perusing my own stash and poring over customer reviews, the 15 below represent the best of my quest.
Collagen Superfusion Face Oil
Key ingredients: plant-derived collagen complex, vitamins A and E
Size: 1 oz
A blend of essential oils creates a dreamy, spa-like scent for the oil, which only adds to its facial-mimicking effects.“This works to moisturize the skin while also delivering a collagen matrix to help firm and plump,” notes board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick. “By creating a barrier, it helps to reduce water loss to keep the skin looking healthy and hydrated.”
Nordstrom rating: 4.2/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer says: “My skin feels tighter, plumped, and nourished. I like how soft it feels after a single use.”
Collagen Superfusion Face Oil
nordstrom.com
$30.00
Courtesy of the brandsOvernight Face Oil for All Skin Types 100% Virgin Coconut Oil for Daily Hydration 1 oz
Key ingredients: coconut oil, acacia senegal, coconut milk
Size: 1 oz
At around $11, this product delivers a lot of bang—or rather, glow— for your buck. “This face oil contains a blend of coconut oil and coconut milk to help soften and smooth the skin while also incorporating grapeseed oil, which can hydrate while also delivering antioxidant benefits,” Dr. Garshick notes.
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I love how reliable this product is. It always gives my skin a glow.”
Overnight Face Oil for All Skin Types 100% Virgin Coconut Oil for Daily Hydration 1 oz
amazon.com
$10.49
Courtesy of the brandsVirgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil
Key ingredients: 100 percent unrefined marula oil
Size: 1 fl oz
There’s a reason this has top billing on FYPs everywhere. Derived from marula fruit, the formulation is packed with antioxidants that shield the skin from environmental damage; it’s hydrating and softening and is safe for sensitive skin. Dr. Garshick understands the hype: “It helps to moisturize and nourish the skin while also improving overall skin tone and texture and leaving the skin glowing,” she says. “It can also help to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.”
Drunk Elephant rating: 4.7/5 stars
A Drunk Elephant reviewer says: “This is the best face oil I’ve ever used. It absorbs quickly and does a great job locking in hydration.”
Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil
drunkelephant.com
$38.00
Courtesy of the brandsMiracle Facial Oil
Key ingredients: sweet almond and apricot oils, bakuchiol, winged kelp extract, Healing Complex
Size: 30 ml
Every miracle product has a secret ingredient. In this case, it’s bakuchiol, the natural retinol alternative that can boost collagen production for a plumper, more youthful complexion. It’s also made with a patented Healing Concentrate, which can reduce cellular inflammation. “It’s a great option for someone looking to improve the signs of aging while also dealing with dry skin,” says Dr. Garshik.
Nordstrom rating: 4.95/ 5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer says: “Well-named because this is a miracle product. I’ve been using it for years and my skin is fabulous (dewy, plump, vibrant.) Please never change the formula.”
Miracle Facial Oil
omorovicza.com
$28.00
Courtesy of the brandsAntioxidant + Superfood Face Oil
Key ingredients: Blackberry seed, blueberry seed, and red raspberry seed oils
Size: 1.18 fl oz
Made without synthetic fragrance, essential oils, or preservatives, the plant-based formula is safe for sensitive skin—and it’s concocted with a zero-waste oil process. “This blend of oils is rich in antioxidants and hydrating ingredients,” notes Dr. Garshick. It’s formulated with blackberry-seed oil, which is rich in vitamin C; it also has blueberry-seed oil, which brings in Vitamin E and omega-3s. “It absorbs easily while also giving the skin a nice glow,” Dr. Garshick says.
Sunday Riley rating: 4.7/5 stars
A Sunday Riley reviewer says: “This stuff is magic! It makes my skin so soft. And smooth. I actually get excited to put it on my face everyday.”
Antioxidant + Superfood Face Oil
sundayriley.com
$36.00
Courtesy of the brandsVitamin C Glow Face Oil
Key ingredients: Turmeric, sea buckthorn, red raspberry
Size: 1 fl oz
Looking for a quick glow-up? “The Derma E Vitamin C Brightening Glow Face Oil has the benefit of vitamin C and mica, which help brighten skin,” notes board-certified dermatologist Dr. Anna Karp. Indeed, the vegan formulation has a luminous touch—and sustainable brand packaging, to boot.
Ulta rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer says: “I like it for my dry skin. It gives me a nice dewy glow and feels very hydrating.”
Vitamin C Glow Face Oil
ulta.com
$19.99
Courtesy of the brandsUMA Absolute Anti Aging Face Oil For Wrinkles & Dryness | 100% Natural, Non-toxic, and free from all synthetics | Daily Ayurvedic Moisturizer for youthful skin (1fl oz | 30ml)
Key ingredients: Pomegranate oil, vitamins A, D, K, and E, frankincense
Size: 1 fl oz
Laced with orange and sandalwood essential oils, this fragrant salve has pomegranate-seed oil as its base. “It’s a remarkably lightweight and absorbent oil, which allows it to deliver nutrients more rapidly to the subcellular epidermis,” UMA founder Shrankhla Holecek tells ELLE.com. The formulation also contains frankincense, which she calls “nature’s retinol.” The ingredient promotes natural skin cell turnover and regeneration, and it’s gentle on sensitive skin.
Amazon rating: 4.2/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “Expensive face creams don’t hold a candle to this ultra-luxurious face oil. There is no oily residue, it feels very lightweight, and a few drops go a long way.”
UMA Absolute Anti Aging Face Oil For Wrinkles & Dryness | 100% Natural, Non-toxic, and free from all synthetics | Daily Ayurvedic Moisturizer for youthful skin (1fl oz | 30ml)
amazon.com
$175.00
Courtesy of the brandsNoni Glow Face Oil
Key ingredients: Rosehip, jojoba, and sunflower oils, noni fruit
Size: 1.01 fl oz
This organic oil—which Kora founder Miranda Kerr credits for her preternatural glow—is packed with antioxidants from the tropical superfruit noni. “It’s ultra calming, not too greasy, and not too fragranced,” notes board-certified dermatologist Dr. Alicia Zalka. “Plus, a tiny amount goes a long way.”
Kora Organics rating: 4.2/ 5 stars
A Kora Organics reviewer says: “My skin looks plumper since it is fully moisturized. The smell and the feel of the oil are wonderful!”
Noni Glow Face Oil
$72.00
Courtesy of the brandsAustralian Blue Cypress Face Nectar
Key ingredients: Australian blue cypress, camellia, jasmine flower, jojoba
Size: 1 oz
The nectar lives up to its name, tending to dry skin oh-so-sweetly. Light enough for everyday wear—including under makeup—it’s formulated with a blend of botanical oils that refresh the complexion with dewy hydration. It can be used both day and night, and it mixes beautifully with foundation to create a more radiant makeup look.
Detox Market rating: 5/5 stars
A Detox Market reviewer says: “Makes my skin very smooth, hydrated, and glowy.”
Australian Blue Cypress Face Nectar
thirteenlune.com
$38.00
Courtesy of the brands100% Squalane Oil
Key ingredients: Squalane
Size: 3.3 oz
The generously sized face oil contains just one ingredient —squalane— but it offers countless perks for dry skin. “This sustainable, plant-based option is light, quickly absorbed, and provides intense hydration,” says triple-board-certified physician and medical aesthetician Dr. Gendai Echezona. Plus, “its versatility allows for use on the entire body and hair.”
Biossance rating: 4.8/ 5 stars
A Biossance reviewer says: “Delicious! My skin and hair just eat it up, especially at this time of year when everything is dry.”
100% Squalane Oil
biossance.com
$34.00
Courtesy of the brandsMidnight Recovery Concentrate Moisturizing Face Oil
Key ingredients: Lavender essential oil, evening primrose oil
Size: 1.0 fl oz
Think of this as a soothing lullaby in oil form. With a lavender scent, the formulation has a gossamer-light feel. But don’t be fooled: it works hard. “Featuring squalane oil, this lightweight formula replenishes the skin overnight, enhancing moisture, texture, and radiance,” notes Dr. Echezona.
Kiehl’s rating: 4.6/ 5 stars
A Kiehl’s reviewer says: “It’s gentle but effective, and quite literally works overnight. Skin drinks this up. The scent is heavenly, too.”
Midnight Recovery Concentrate Moisturizing Face Oil
$57.00
Courtesy of the brandsRetinoic Nutrient Face Oil
Key ingredients: Squalane, botanicals including camellia oil
Size: 1 fl oz
Tata Harper’s flower-powered oil is just the thing to revive a dull complexion. The lightweight formulation has 15 botanical ingredients—including camellia oil—that improve radiance. It’s also packed with antioxidants that work glow-boosting magic on tired, dry skin.
Tata Harper rating: 4.8/ 5 stars
A Tata Harper reviewer says: “I notice a huge difference in my skin when I use this before bed. I wake up with soft, glowing skin and my complexion is more even.”
Retinoic Nutrient Face Oil
tataharperskincare.com
$165.00
Courtesy of the brandsPlum Beauty Oil
Key ingredients: Plum oil
Size: 1 fl oz
Powered by plums, the hand-harvested oil has Vitamins A and E to balance allergy-prone and congested skin. Used twice a day, it unveils a more even and radiant complexion. Many users compare the scent to marzipan or almond cake; if you don’t mind fragrance, the aroma is a sweet perk.
Credo rating: 4.9/5 stars
A Credo reviewer says: “I’m obsessed with this oil. I’ve been using it every day for the past two years and it keeps my skin moisturized and glowing.”
Plum Beauty Oil
credobeauty.com
$72.00
Courtesy of the brandsFacial Recovery Oil
Key ingredients: Clary sage oil, olive oil, sage leaf extract, ylang-ylang oil
Size: 0.5 oz
Dr. Magovern recommends this botanical blend for patients with dry skin. “The formula includes olive oil, sesame oil, and rosemary,” she explains. The organic ingredients not only soothe irritated skin — they can also diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Dermstore rating: 4.8/5 stars
A Dermstore reviewer says: “This oil is a miracle worker. It helps with my sensitive/combination skin, keeping it baby-soft. It’s very gentle on the skin.”
Facial Recovery Oil
dermstore.com
$76.00
Courtesy of the brandsDue Alberi Biphase Moisturizing Oil
Key ingredients: Organic olive oil, organic olive leaf water, organic magnolia oil, Vitamin C concentrate
Size: 1 fl oz
“This oil has stabilized Vitamin C to help brighten and even skin tone,” Dr. Magovern notes. Brightening is but benefit of this splurge-worthy oil, which also plumps up the skin and protects against digital blue light and UV radiation. (Of course, you should still use SPF.) Thanks to its wild-foraged magnolia oil, the product has a light, blossomy aroma.
Bluemercury rating: 4.9/5 stars
A Bluemercury reviewer says: “I am obsessed with this oil! Forget facial treatments. My whole complexion has changed and you only need a few drops.”
Due Alberi Biphase Moisturizing Oil
bluemercury.com
$225.00
Éclat Midy Face Oil
Key ingredients: BA106 complex, vitamins C and E
Size: 1.7 oz
Tired, damaged skin always shows signs, from dullness to dryness. Olivier Midy's face oil coats the skin in a luscious, lightweight formula that strengthens the skin's barrier and improves elasticity and tone for a smoother, brighter surface.
Olivier Midy rating: 4.86/5 stars
An Olivier Midy reviewer said: “I absolutely love this facial oil. It has a nice fragrance and texture. It is easily absorbed into the skin leaving it soft and well hydrated. I highly recommend it!”
Éclat Midy Face Oil
oliviermidy.com
$146.00
Courtesy of the brandsMeet the experts
Dr. Marissa Garshick is a board-certified dermatologist and a clinical assistant professor at Cornell University.
Dr. Anna Karp, DO, is a board-certified dermatologist at the Skin Institute of New York.
Dr. Alicia Zalka, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Surface Deep.
Dr. Gendai Echezona is a triple-board-certified physician and medical aesthetician.
Dr. Ashley Magovern is a board-certified dermatologist and medical advisor for Dermstore.
Should everyone with dry skin use face oil?
Though face oils can be beneficial for most dry skin types, there are some instances that warrant caution. “For someone with dry skin that is also sensitive, it may be best to avoid oils that may contain fragrance,” Dr. Garshick cautions. “Instead, those with sensitive skin should stick with a gentle moisturizing cream.”
Dr. Magovern adds, “Those with skin conditions that cause the skin to flake, such as seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis, should consult their dermatologist before using a face oil, as the ingredients may cause sensitive skin to flare up.”
Can you use face oil all year?
“A face oil may be used all year,” Dr. Garshick says. She recommends using one daily, in conjunction with a moisturizer.
Dr. Karp echoes that the product is evergreen — but with a caveat. “You can use a face oil year round,” she notes. “But you definitely will be drier in the winter and may notice more benefits then.”
How should I incorporate face oil in my skincare regime?
“A face oil should always be layered with moisturizer, not in place of one,” Dr. Magovern says. “Typically, skincare is applied from thinnest product to thickest; however, I recommend applying face oil as the final step of your evening routine, and as the second-to-last step in your morning skincare regime. SPF application should always be the last step in your morning routine.
“For an optimal one, two punch of dry skin relief, use a humectant first, such as hyaluronic acid, and layer a tiny amount of an occlusive—like face oil—right on top,” adds Dr. Zalka.”The humectant attracts moisture and the occlusive locks it in.”
Why Trust Elle Beauty
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, ELLE.com contributor Jenny Berg interviewed top dermatologists and a medical aesthetician about the most hydrating, plumping, and radiance-boosting face oils for dry skin. She also personally tested several of the products and read hundreds of reviews to find the face oils that have transformed the complexions of real users.
You Might Also Like
