If simple pleasures in life are important to you, you'd be hard pressed to find a more luxurious, self-pampering beauty product than face oil. And, while these moisturizing concoctions may exude spa-level decadence, they are also surprisingly reasonably priced, at around $20 or less.

And, while some of us are just now catching on to the face oil trend, turns out we're actually several thousand years behind. These oils were thought to be used by the ancient Egyptians for medicinal and cosmetic purposes, with their usage dating back to as early as 4,500 BC.

But now that you know their history, you may be wondering "what exactly do face oils do?" Face oils are essentially the fruit stand of the skincare department, in that they come in many different flavors and each offers its own unique benefits and usage. They are different than, say, night creams or other moisturizers and will give you a completely new set of benefits.

But with the bevy of choices available, how can you be sure you're choosing the right face oil for your complexion? Let's explore the best face oils we've found as we tackle some of our most common skincare gripes.

If quick results are important to you, you'll appreciate the immediate change provided by Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Oil.

This wrinkle fighting oil is fast absorbing and, once applied, will immediately go to work reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and provide noticeable results in as little as one week.

Neurtrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Oil uses a highly concentrated form of retinol to deeply penetrate skin to repair deep set lines and wrinkles. Additionally, this retinol oil will smooth and brighten your complexion for skin that is even-toned and balanced, and leave you with a youthful glow.

As this product will increase sun sensitivity, it's recommended to use the Neutrogena Retinol Oil as part of your nighttime skincare routine. Just 4-5 drops followed by your normal night cream is all you need, and you'll be on your way to smooth, glowing skin.

Just keep in mind that retinol is not for everyone, and should be started gradually to allow your skin time to adapt. Those with sensitive skin may find the retinol oil leaves them red, burned and irritated, so you'll want to proceed with caution until you know how your skin will react.

Key Features
  • Retinol oil drastically reduces appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in as little as one week
  • Concentrated, deeply penetrating formula
  • Proven to visibly reduce signs of aging
Specifications
  • Product Dimensions: 1.6 x 3 x 3.9 inches
  • Product Weight: 1 ounce
  • Organic: No
  • Vitamin Types: Retinol
  • Brand: Neutrogena
Pros
  • Powerful wrinkle reducer
  • Fast acting
  • Proven results
Cons
  • Harsh, irritating
  • Product contains synthetic ingredients

While we’ve reviewed the separate benefits of vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, most product contain either one or the other. However, TruSkin has introduced a formula that combines the moisturizing, antioxidant benefits of vitamin C with the skin plumping, healing benefits of hyaluronic acid, in their wrinkle fighting serum.

Designed to increase collagen production, vitamin C works synergistically with hyaluronic acid to provide an advanced formula to specifically target many signs of aging including fine lines, wrinkles and sun spots.

TruSkin also contains added botanicals including Aloe Vera, and organic Jojoba oil to provide additional moisturizing benefits.

However, despite all its many benefits, the TruSkin serum is surprisingly gentle and contains no unnecessary fragrances or dyes. Because of this, your formula may appear cloudy due to variations in batches. The company assures its customers, however, that this cloudiness has no effect on the product’s effectiveness, but exists only due to its lack of dyes.

Key Features
  • Contains Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid for a powerful yet moistruizing wrinkle-fighting combination
  • Improves skin tone and clarity while reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots
  • Free from synthetic dyes, fragrances and additives
Specifications
  • Product Dimensions: 1.2 x 1.2 x 3.5 inches
  • Product Weight: 1 oz
  • Organic: Yes
  • Vitamin Types: Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid
Pros
  • Combines Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid to fight wrinkles
  • Organic, botanical based
  • No unnatural dyes or fillers
Cons
  • Lack of dye makes product appear cloudy

While Jojoba oil is known for its moisturizing properties, the cold-pressed, organic version will yield the best results. Cliganic offers cold-pressed, USDA certified organic Jojoba Oil, that is 100 percent pure and free from all other ingredients.

Besides its primary use as a facial oil, the benefits of Jojoba oil are plentiful including as an all-over body moisturizer and in your nail care routine to hydrate nail beds and cuticles. 

Jojoba oil also works wonderfully as a non-greasy massage oil and makeup remover. And, if you have dandruff, a bit of Jojoba oil will heal and moisturize your scalp, leaving you with flake-free hair without the greasiness caused by chemical products. 

And if you like to make your own fragrances, Jojoba is an ideal carrier oil to mix with essential oils, as it most closely mimics the skin's natural oils.

However, if you have sensitive skin, Jojoba oil has been known to cause allergic reactions and sensitivity. Therefore, you should begin by applying only a small amount of product to gauge your skin's reaction to the oil.

Key Features
  • USDA Certified Organic Jojoba Oil
  • 100% pure Jojoba Oil is free of chemical additives or fragrances
  • Suitable for face, hair and body
  • Lightweight, unrefined, fast absorbing
Specifications
  • Product Dimensions: N/A
  • Product Weight: 4 oz
  • Organic: Yes
  • Vitamin Types: Jojoba
Pros
  • Suitable for all skin types
  • Can be used all-over body
  • 100% organic
Cons
  • May cause allergic reaction or irritation on sensitive skin

If you’re just as concerned with your face oil’s ingredients as you are with its results, you’ll appreciate Tree of Life Beauty’s natural approach to skincare with their Vitamin C serum.

Tree of Life Vitamin C serum contains no parabens, animal byproducts, or sulfates, yet is still remarkably effective at warding off fine lines and wrinkles. Foregoing the use of harsh chemicals, Tree of Life harnesses the power of Vitamin C and Vitamin E in their serum that acts as a powerful antioxidant.

Vitamin C is known to fight off sun damage and prevent the formation of free radicals, while leaving you with skin that is smooth and glowing. Besides Vitamin C, Tree of Life’s serum also uses Vitamin E and Jojoba Oil for added moisture.

The only downside to this product is it does contain astringents, including alcohol and witch hazel, which may be too harsh for those with sensitive skin. However, despite the addition of astringents, most skin types will find that this product is surprisingly gentle, yet effective at smoothing away wrinkles and warding off future damage.

Key Features
  • Two drops is all you need each day to help obtain younger looking skin
  • Vitamin C oil contains all natural and organic ingredients
  • Reduces sunburn cells by up to 96 percent and helps fight free radicals
Specifications
  • Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 2 x 1.9 inches
  • Product Weight: 2 ounces
  • Organic: Yes
  • Vitamin Types: Vitamin C
Pros
  • Organic, natural, vegan
  • Cruelty-free
  • Vitamin C delivers powerful antioxidant benefits
Cons
  • Alcohol content may irritate skin

Dry skin is caused by a lack of sebum production in your body. As we age, sebum production naturally decreases, leaving us with drier, wrinkle-prone skin.

Squalene is an extract from shark liver, meant to mimic the production of sebum in our skin. However, while this is an effective treatment, not all of us would prefer to apply shark liver oil to our faces.

Thanks to Squalane from Timeless Beauty, your skin can now enjoy natural sebum production, from a plant-derived source. Timeless Beauty's squalane oil uses only olive extract as the basis for their oil, which still delivers effective, skin moisturizing benefits.

Prior to first using Squalane, you'll need to apply a small, test-sized amount to gauge your skin's reaction to the product, as it may cause an allergic reaction on some skin types.

Once you've confirmed Squalane doesn't cause a rash or skin sensitivity, you can proceed with regular usage, and enjoy the skin moisturizing benefits of increased sebum production.

Key Features
  • Vegan derived Squalane sourced from olives
  • No shark liver utiilzed in this form of Squalane
  • All natural, paraben free
  • Mimics human sebum
Specifications
  • Product Dimensions: N/A
  • Product Weight: 2 ounces
  • Organic: No
  • Vitamin Types: Squalane
Pros
  • Natural
  • Vegan friendly
  • Olive-derived Squalane
Cons
  • May cause allergic reaction and rash

Vitamin E is a key ingredient in many skincare products, due to its healing, moisturizing properties. vitamin E Oil by Kate Blanc Cosmetics offers 100 percent pure vitamin E, without any fillers or fragrances.

However, while this product is 100 percent pure, be advised that it is not organic. And, due to its thick consistency, you'll need to dilute Vitamin E with other oils, such as rosehip or Jojoba, as it may be too harsh straight from the bottle.

Those with sensitive skin may experience breakouts or red, irritated faces from the undiluted use of vitamin E oil. However, once diluted, this oil acts as a powerful anti-aging product and provides skin brightening and smoothing benefits.

Besides working to combat wrinkles and even skin tone, Vitamin E can also be added to hair products as an additional moisturizer. However, Vitamin E should not be used alone, as its thick, honey-like consistency will feel like applying tar to your hair and leave it sticky instead of smooth. Therefore, you should dilute the Vitamin E with a complementary oil or use as an addition to your bottles of hair products.

Key Features
  • Softens, brightens and smooths skin
  • Anti-inflammatory to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
  • Combined with rosehip oil, make a powerful anti-aging combo
Specifications
  • Product Dimensions: N/A
  • Product Weight: 1 oz
  • Organic: No
  • Vitamin Types: Vitamin E
Pros
  • Moisturizing
  • Healing
  • Anti-inflammatory
Cons
  • Thick, tar-like consistency
  • Needs mixing with other oils such as rosehip or Jojoba

Hyaluronic acid is a botanical source of wrinkle and fine line reduction. Used alone or with a moisturizer, hyaluronic acid can effectively remove years from your face.

Cosmedica has introduced a Hyaluronic Acid serum that does not contain any harsh chemicals or animal byproducts. Instead, it is a 1 percent hyaluronic acid solution distilled in alcohol and provides effective skin tightening benefits while diminishing the signs of aging including dark spots and fine lines.

However, this serum is best used by those in a humid climate as Hyaluronic acid works by pulling moisture from the air and infusing it into your skin. For those who live in a dry climate, hyaluronic acid is ineffective and may instead pull moisture from your skin instead of the air.

Since the Cosmedica formula is pure Hyaluronic acid, it doesn’t contain any additional vitamins or moisturizers. Therefore, if you have extremely dry skin, you’ll want to combine this serum with a moisturizer, or it may leave you feeling dried out. However, despite its climate limitations, Cosmedica’s Hyaluronic acid delivers powerful wrinkle reducing benefits in a natural formula that is free from unnecessary fillers or byproducts.

Key Features
  • Contains natural and organic Hyaluronic Acid for intense moisturization
  • Formula fills in wrinkles and plumps skin
  • Gentle formula is vegan friendly and free from parabens and sulfates
Specifications
  • Product Dimensions: 2.6 x 3.4 x 7.5 inches
  • Product Weight: 2 ounces
  • Organic: No
  • Vitamin Types: Hyaluronic Acid
Pros
  • Powerful anti-aging benefits of Hyaluronic acid
  • Gentle yet effective formula
  • Free from dyes or harsh chemicals
Cons
  • No additional vitamins or moisturizers
  • Hyaluronic acid only effective in humid climates

Argan oil is a rare cosmetic oil that has often been dubbed "liquid gold". And, with all its benefits and uses, it's no wonder this oil has such a great rep!

Pura D'Or Moroccan Argan Oil is USDA certified and 100 percent cold pressed premium grade Argan oil. When used on the face, this oil serves as an antioxidant and adds a layer of protection to your skin from environmental toxins.

Besides its use as a facial oil, Argan Oil can also be used to combat split ends and frizz as a heavy hair moisturizer, and as a scalp treatment to combat dryness.

Argan oil is also a mild anti-inflammatory and a natural source of Vitamin E and essential fatty acids which work to combat dry, itchy, and irritated skin.

And finally, Argan Oil helps restore elasticity to skin and acts as a plumping agent to fill in fine lines, wrinkles, and fade scars.

With all its uses, it's easy to see why Argan Oil is so highly praised in the beauty industry. The only drawback to the Pura D'or Argan Oil is the strong scent, due to the company's foregoing the use of synthetic fragrances.

And, while Argan Oil is a wonder-product that will work with most skin types, it's not great for oily skinned folks as, due to its heavy weight, it isn't well absorbed into their skin.

But, if you are looking for all over deep moisturizer and would like an oil that is completely natural, Pura D'Or Moroccan Argan Oil will be your perfect match!

Key Features
  • 100% pure, 100% organic cold-pressed Argan Oil
  • Effectively treats dry skin, eczema, and psoriasis
  • Reduces blemishes and fades scars
  • Non-greasy formula
  • Good treatment for dry, damaged Skin
Specifications
  • Product Dimensions: 2.2 x 1.2 x 6 inches
  • Product Weight: 4 ounces
  • Organic: Yes
  • Vitamin Types: Argan Oil
Pros
  • Healing, reduces blemishes, fades scars
  • Anti-aging
  • Dry skin treatment
Cons
  • Strong scent
  • Doesn't absorb well in some skin types

If you're looking for a natural acne fighter, Rosehip Oil may be your best choice. While it may seem counterproductive to rub oil on your skin when you're trying to fight oil, rosehip can effectively combat greasiness and ward off blemishes.

Aria Starr Rosehip Oil is a great choice, as it contains only 100 percent cold pressed rosehip oil, with no synthetic fillers, fragrances or byproducts.

Besides its use as a blemish fighter, rosehip oil can diminish the signs of aging, including sun spots, fine lines, and scars, and is a soothing treatment for sunburnt skin.

And, if you have dandruff or a dry, itchy scalp, rosehip oil can provide moisturizing relief and heal cracked, damaged skin. Beyond the scalp, rosehip oil can turn dry, frizzy hair into smooth and shiny locks by simply combing through after washing.

The downside to rosehip oil is, well it doesn't smell like roses, but rather has a strong odor. While some companies add synthetic fragrances to give their rosehip oil a pleasant smell, Aria Starr keeps theirs completely naturally and foregoes any scent. Therefore, if you are adverse to strong smells, you may want to skip rosehip oil.

However, if you'd like a product that works wonders on your acne and dandruff, while balancing your complexion and leaving your skin smooth and supple, you'll want to give rosehip oil a try!

Key Features
  • Contains 100% pure cold pressed rosehip oil
  • Combats acne, dark spots, and scars
  • Evens and balances skin tone
  • Moisturizes dry scalp
  • Soothes sunburns
Specifications
  • Product Dimensions: N/A
  • Product Weight: 4 oz
  • Organic: No
  • Vitamin Types: Rosehip
Pros
  • Soothing
  • Balancing
  • Skin-clearing
Cons
  • Strong odor

For those in need of an intense wrinkle fighter, Eva Naturals Vitamin C serum may be your ideal product.

Besides the healing powers of vitamin C, Eva Naturals serum also contains hyaluronic acid to moisturize and plump skin, and retinol, the most effective wrinkle filler on the market.

Eva Naturals serum is one of the strongest wrinkle fighters  on our list and provides dramatic and effective results. 

But beyond its effectiveness as a wrinkle fighter, Eva Naturals serum also combats acne and cleanse pores, through the combination of retinol and salicylic acid. Once pores are cleansed, they not only hold less dirt but also shrink in size and appearance, leaving behind skin which is smooth and even-toned. 

However, due to its retinol content, Eva Naturals serum is not for everyone. Retinol has the potential to cause irritation, especially to those with sensitive skin. Retinol also increases sensitivity to sunlight and ups your chances of burning, so you'll need to apply a separate SPF if you plan on using this product during the daytime.

Despite its potential for irritation, Eva Naturals serum is a great choice for those with fine lines and wrinkles and those with oily, acne-prone skin.

Key Features
  • Protects against and reverses sun damage
  • Reduces appearance of large pores
  • Provides a smooth and radiant complexion
  • Hydrates and nourishes skin
  • Contains retinol, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid, MSM, vitamin C
Specifications
  • Product Dimensions: 4.8 x 3.6 x 1.1 inches
  • Product Weight: 1 ounce
  • Organic: Yes
  • Vitamin Types: Vitamin C, Retinol, Hyaluronic Acid
Pros
  • Contains Retinol, Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid
  • Smoothing, hydrating
  • Reduces pore size
Cons
  • Harsh, may irritate sensitive skin

Here's a breakdown of some of the most common skin concerns along with their corresponding face oils.

Best Face Oils for Oily Skin

If you've shied away from face oils because you fear they'll cause excess grease or pimples on your already oily skin, think again!

While it may sound surprising, some face oils are actually targeted for acne or blemish prone skin, and are fast absorbing and non-greasy. So, as it turns out, the right face oil can not only help you ditch the blemishes but also balance your complexion and leave you with smooth, even skin, sans greasy shine.

However, you'll need to ensure you're selecting the right face oil — one specifically designed for use on oily skin — as some heavier oils may cause breakouts and clog pores. They make a great alternative to moisturizers for oily skin.

Some great ingredients for skin-balancing, acne-clearing oils include Jojoba, Tea Tree and Rosehip oils.

Best Face Oils for Mature or Dry Skin

Beyond balancing an oily complexion, the right face oil can also provide a much-needed drink of hydration to dry, parched skin.

For instance, Squalane, which feels like an oil but is actually a fatty acid, mimics sebum production in your body to leave you face naturally hydrated and moisturized.

And Vitamin C oil works to clear and fade the signs of sun damage on skin including sun spots and discoloration.

Retinol, which comes from Vitamin A, is the most effective treatment for deep set lines and wrinkles. While typically sold as a cream or as an ingredient in an eye cream, Retinol can now be found in certain anti-aging face oils.

Some face oils also pull double-duty, not only as a complexion healer, but also as an all over body moisturizer. Argan oil is one such oil that provides intense hydration to the face and body, and also smooths and tames dry, frizzy hair.

Face Oil Precautions

But before you jump right in and slather yourself with a bottle of face oil, you need to know about potential safety hazards. This applies to those with sensitive skin or those who are allergic to certain essential oils.

Some face oils like Squalane and Vitamin E can cause an allergic reaction such as bumps and rashes, while face oils that contain Retinol may increase sun sensitivity and cause redness and irritation.

When you test out a new face oil, always start with a small amount to ensure your skin can tolerate the particular oil you've selected. While some of the face oils on our list are synthetic blends and serums, others are pure, 100 percent concentrates. Though you may tolerate certain oils in blended form, pure concentrates are a whole different story so always gauge your skin's reaction before the first use.

Resources — NCBI, Self , Allure

Share this Buyers Guide About The Author