Face oils "should be applied on clean skin by gently pressing onto the face and the décolleté rather than rubbing it in," Wnek says. "Try it when your face is damp, as applying it on wet skin will lock in moisture." Use a small amount to start (think a drop or two) and build up if you need more. You can even add a drop to your moisturizer, and then apply it to your skin.
How we test face oils
In the GH Beauty Lab's largest category test ever, 56 face oils across price points were label-masked, then tested by 1,112 volunteers of various skin types to narrow the field to the top 16. Our testers used the products at home in their regular routines, evaluating them for effects on skin including hydration, softening, radiance-boosting, firming, wrinkle reduction, texture smoothing, irritation, and breakouts, and attributes such as scent, dispensing, texture, and absorption.
In the Lab, scientists used the Corneometer device to measure the moisturization effects of each formula over six hours after application. In total, consumer testers answered 18,904 survey questions and 1,800 Corneometer measurements were tallied to find the winners.
So, what are the best oils for your face? Here, the best face oils you can buy for all skin types according to GH Beauty Lab testing and experts, including natural formulas for anti-aging, extremely dry skin, oily and acne-prone skin, including hydrating drugstore picks for the glowiest skin ever:
A combination of 10 natural oils, including sunflower and rose, increased skin's hydration 12% over six hours in the GH Beauty Lab's test, earning this Laura Mercier facial oil high marks. "It gave me back that dewy look I haven't seen in so long," one tester said. "My face has a healthy glow and looks younger, with fewer wrinkles," another said.
A winner of the GH Beauty Lab's face oil test, this bargain-priced drugstore buy rivals high-priced standouts. The formula boasts exotic oils like argan, camelina and coconut, which led it to rate highest among testers for immediately moisturizing skin so it looked “plumper and smoother.”
Jurlique's botanically-based face oil was a high performer in the GH Beauty Lab's test for not irritating, thanks to gentle extracts of safflower, macadamia and avocado oils. It also raised skin's moisture levels by 9%. Testers said the plant oil blend “diminished red, splotchy areas” and made skin “balanced, even and clear.”
This high-end La Prairie face oil is a splurge, but one that works, especially for aging skin. The "very luxurious," "not greasy," "easily absorbed" formula got a top score for diminishing fine lines (including crow's feet) and improving texture. It also boosted skin's moisture by 12%. One tester pled to know: "What is it?! I need it in my life."
Made of 99% camelina oil, plus sunflower oil and vitamin E, GH Beauty Lab testers thought this Skyn Iceland oil moisturized well and made their skin softer. "It moisturized my skin so much better than my regular moisturizer," said one tester. But go easy with this one — a little goes a long way.
Yes, face oil can actually be good for acne-prone skin. Case in point: This Dermalogica formula, infused with breakout-fighting active ingredients like salicylic acid and retinol. "My skin feels so smooth after using it and I really feel like it’s helped clear my skin and given me a brighter look," a Dermstore reviewer said.
Oily skin can benefit from a face oil, too, like this overnight formula from Caudalie, made with balancing essential oils."I have occasional stress-related and hormonal breakouts," an Amazon reviewer reported. "I've noticed my skin is smoother with less breakouts, and has a healthy sheen without looking greasy."
For boosting skin's radiance and glow, Tatcha's camellia oil was top-rated among GH Beauty Lab testers. "The oil was light and my skin absorbed right away," one shared. The floral scent was also a hit, people pointed out that it was "very light" and a "clean, natural fragrance."
Soften the look of fine lines with Darphin's luxurious face oil formula, based on floral essential oils like jasmine, rose, and evening primrose. "This oil soaks into crepey skin and makes it feel plump and look dewy," GH's beauty director says. "And the scent is gorgeous, like walking in a field of flowers in the French countryside."
This infusion of plant oils (argan, carrot, jasmine, pomegranate) from Chelsey Wang is like a coddling blanket for the driest skin. "My dehydrated, eczema-prone skin drank up this thick, rich oil, and the beautiful jasmine scent doubles as aromatherapy," GH's beauty director says. "I have access to endless amounts of face oils, and this is one I used to the very last drop."
Give your complexion vibrancy with this Sunday Riley face oil, a GH beauty editor go-to. "It’s perfect to layer over moisturizer at night for super bright skin in the morning," says GH beauty assistant Katie Berohn. "The oil is not heavy at all and sinks into skin easily." The formula also works with makeup: "Sometimes I mix a few drops with my makeup in the morning if I want to look super dewy," she adds.
This concentrated rose-scented face oil from Osmia can be dropped into other skincare products as a nourishing booster or used alone. "The decadent blend of oils like argan, pumpkin, rosehip, and sandalwood are perfect for sealing moisture in and reviving tired skin," GH's beauty director says.
For the ingredient minimalist, this Drunk Elephant face oil contains just one: Marula oil. "I like that this oil has no added ingredients," Berohn notes. "It absorbs really well and is so hydrating, perfect for days when skin is extra dry."
Eminence's cocktail of organic oils is also laced with antioxidants for extra skincare benefits. "This sinks so well into skin and has vitamins C and E, so you also get the benefits of a serum," Berohn says. "It's one of the few products that I’ve actually used to the last drop."
Danusia Wnek, Good Housekeeping InstituteChemist, Health, Beauty & Environmental Sciences LabDanusia Wnek is a chemist in the Health, Beauty & Environmental Sciences Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she evaluates haircare, skincare, cosmetics and beauty and health tools.
April FranzinoBeauty DirectorApril Franzino is the Beauty Director at Good Housekeeping, part of the Hearst Women’s Lifestyle Beauty Group.
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