Move over moisturizers, facial oils are here – and they rock.
Oils are an excellent natural substance containing everything your skin needs – fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Some oils are better than others and the best natural oils for skin care will be those that offer truly exceptional skin-healing qualities.
Yes, we could slather canola oil on our skin and get some benefits from the fatty acids it contains, but I would rather find a non-gmo, highly potent oil that comes from an organic or wild-harvested plant, rather than a mass-produced, probably rancid, vegetable oil.
I especially love seed oils because they absorb so well into the skin.
Why Are Oils Awesome?
- Oils Contain Potent Antioxidants – Oils such as Marula and Argan contain high amounts of Vitamin E and other antioxidants that fight free radical damage and skin aging.
- Oils Can be Anti-Inflammatory – Triterpenoids and phytosterols in oils have anti-inflammatory effects.
- Oils Plump the Skin – Because of their fast absorption, the skin is left soft and supple.
- Oils Increase Absorption of your Actives – Oils carry active ingredients (such as vitamin C) deeper into your skin, they also reduce surface irritation that these actives can cause.
- Oils Protect the Skin – Oils defend the skin’s acid mantle, rebuild and sustain the skin’s lipid barrier, and speed up healing.
People are often intimidated by oils, as was I when I first started hearing about them, “why would I want to put an oil on my face, when my skin is already oily?” But the fact is – many oils will not clog your pores, and can actually help regulate your skin’s oil production.
Oils are an amazing addition to your skin care routine. Oils are so good that in fact, many people have opted out of using moisturizers all together and have replaced their skin’s hydration needs with facial oils.
The key is to find the right oil for your skin, and to learn how to use it for the best results.
Tips on Buying Oils
It is best to buy oils that are:
- organic and unrefined (sometimes you can’t find “certified organic” oils but you can often find natural and unrefined.)
- free of preservatives and fillers
- “cold-ressed” or “expeller-pressed” to make sure the oil has not been extracted with chemical solvents.
With oils, you get what you pay for. Cheap oils are cheap for a reason – they are overly-processed or have fillers added.
Expensive oils are generally higher quality. This is especially true with labor-intensive oils such as Argan. If you see a cheap bottle of Argan oil, avoid it, it is not going to be a high enough quality to do any benefit to your skin.
The Best Natural Oils for the Skin
Below we have listed the best oils for your skin’s needs.
Hemp Oil: Best Oil for Acne
Hemp oil is an amazing moisturizer for acne-prone skin because it has a zero comedogenic rating – this means that it will not clog your pores and create breakouts. Hemp oil is high in linoleic acid, which has been shown to be deficient in the skin of people with acne.
It is best to keep you hemp oil stored in the fridge, as it can go rancid quickly.
I have used hemp oil in my face and I like to use it in my salad dressings, to get a boost of omega 3’s.
–>We Recommend: Nutiva Organic Hemp Seed Oil – this is a high-quality hemp oil that is highly recommended on Amazon. It is cold pressed and certified organic. It comes in a dark glass bottle.
Grapeseed Oil: Best Oil for Oily Skin
Grapeseed is a lightweight oil that penetrates the skin quickly, not leaving an oily residue behind. It effectively moisturizes the skin, balancing oily and dry patches. It fights free radicals and helps restore collagen, making it an excellent anti-aging oil.
Grapeseed oil fights inflammation, reduces itching and improves skin elasticity.
I love to use grapeseed oil as a massage oil, because it is so lightweight and absorbs well.
–>We Recommend: Herbal Choice Mari Organic Grape Seed Oil – A high quality, certified organic grapeseed oil (important because grapes are highly pesticided.) This oil comes in a dark glass bottle and is hexane free.
Argan Oil: Best Oil for Anti-Aging
Argan oil is all the rage, and for a good reason. It is high in vitamin E and other antioxidants. It is another oil that will not clog pores. Poly-phenols in Argan oil actually stimulate new cell growth and increases cell turnover, thus exfoliating and clearing pores.
Argan oil is an excellent anti-aging oil because it restores the skin’s lipid barrier, softens and plumps the skin, and mops up free radicals.
I use argan oil on my face and hair. I love mixing it with my water-based serum for added hydration.
–>We Recommend: Gio Organic Argan Oil – Certified organic, unrefined, and cold-pressed Argan oil in an amber glass pump bottle. This is an affordable, yet high-quality oil.
Rosehip Seed Oil: Best Oil for Discoloration
Rosehip Seed oil is a superstar at repairing sun damage and discoloration. This oil contains vitamin C and vitamin A (retinol). Rosehip is an excellent rejuvenating oil, it reduces the appearance of scars, stretch marks, age spots, and hyper-pigmentation like no other oil can.
I use rosehip seed oil on my face to help get rid of acne scars. I love it’s dark orange color and sweet smell.
–>We Recommend: Voila Ve Organics Rosehip Oil – a top of the line, high-quality rosehip seed oil. This oil is certified organic, cold-pressed and unrefined. It comes in an amber glass bottle with a pump dispenser.
Marula Oil: Best Oil for Dry/Mature Skin
Marula oil deeply nourishes and hydrates the skin, repairs dry and damaged skin, and reduces the look of fine lines.
Marula oil is a powerhouse of antioxidants, containing more antioxidants than Argan oil. It is thicker than some other oils, but it still absorbs well into the skin. Marula oil gives your skin a youthful glow.
I have not used Marula oil on it’s own but it is a part of one of my favorite facial oils – Lina Hanson Global Face Serum.
–>We Recommend: Slice of Nature Marula Oil – 100% pure, wild-harvested marula oil that has been ethically traded.
Red Raspberry Seed Oil: Best for Irritated Skin
Red Raspberry seed oil has exceptional anti-inflammatory properties and works well on eczema and other skin rashes. It moisturizes the skin and contains an abundance of antioxidants.
Raspberry seed oil has been shown to offer some UVB and UVC protection (it’s SPF has been calculated to be between 28 -50) . Ellagic acid contained in raspberry seed oil has been shown to inhibit skin cancer in animals.
I love that one of my favorite facial oils (Laurel Whole Plant Organics Antioxidant Serum) for everyday wear contains this lovely seed oil.
–>We Recommend: Berry Beautiful Red Raspberry Seed Oil – 100% pure and natural, cold-pressed oil. This oil is in a glass bottle with dropper.
Sea Buckthorn Oil: Best Oil for Sensitive Skin
Sea Buckthorn oil contains an omega 7 fatty acid that rejuvenates and promotes healing in the skin. It is excellent for dryness, redness, eczema, and rosacea. It is moisturizing, gentle, soothing, and anti-aging.
High in vitamins C and E, making it an excellent free radical scavenger. It nourishes the skin, repairing inflammation and boosting elasticity.
I have only tried this oil in a blend and not all on it’s own. After researching all of it’s benefits, I really want to give it a try.
–>We Recommend: SeaBuck Wonders Sea Buckthorn Berry Oil – A certified organic, 100% pure sea buckthorn oil. This is a berry oil, rather than a seed oil. It is a deep orange color. There is lots of amazing info about this oil on seabuckwonders.com.
Pomegranate Seed Oil: Best Oil for Flakey Skin
Pomegranate seed oil is an intense hydrator and moisture retainer. It enhances skin texture by encouraging dead skin cells to slough off. It promotes collagen and elastin production and brightens and evens skin tone.
Punicic acid in pomegranate seed oil reduces inflammation and aids in skin repair, while having anti-microbial and wound healing properties.
I have used this oil only in facial oil blends and have not tried it by itself.
–>We Recommend: Leven Rose Pomegranate Seed Oil – 100% pure and unrefined oil in a dark amber bottle with dropper.
Black Current Seed Oil: Best Oil for Traumatized Skin
If your skin has suffered trauma, from wind-burn to laser treatment, black current seed oil is a great friend. It is rich in gamma-linolenic acid, a potent antioxidant.
Black current seed oil is an excellent anti-inflammatory oil with skin regenerating properties.
I have not personally used this oil, but it is on my list of “must-trys”.
–>We Recommend: Au Natural Organics Black Current Seed Oil – pure, cold pressed oil with no fillers. This oil is not extracted using chemical solvents.
How to Use Face Oils
Using your face oils properly will ensure they last a long time and you don’t get a greasy finish.
You only need to use a few drops of oil at a time. Here are a few tips on using your facial oil:
- Use a couple drops of oil mixed into your moisturizer.
- Use a couple drops and apply to a damp face.
- Mix a couple drops of oil into your facial toner and apply them both.
- Make a micro-emulsion. Mix a couple drops of facial oil with a couple drops of your water-based serum, mix the two together on your hands and apply to your face.
I hope that you have found this article to be helpful. Any of the above oils will be a great choice for most skin types, but they all have their own individual strengths.
You will need to try them out for yourself to really see the benefits they can have for your skin.
If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below 🙂
Yours In Beauty,
Andrea
Fabulous Blog! Excellent information. Thank you so much for your hard work!
Thanks so much 🙂
you have wonderful site and its so helpful. Being in Canada there are always less choices, but I recently obtained a bottle of the Fronaturals Marula Oil. And I must say that my skin is glowing like never before . It was recommended by a friend who has bought one from this little family run place in Calgary. It simply disappeared into my skin and rally helped during this dry winter that we have here.
I am in Canada too, so I feel you 🙂 I am glad you have had a good experience with Marula oil 🙂
I am stuck between Jojoban oil , carrot, grape and rosehip. I have combination, hyperpigment, breakout skin
I hear you Kaisha, it is hard to choose when there are so many different options. Luckily, those are all good choices. First off, let me say that the most important things you can do for hyper-pigmentation involve patience and diligence. It can take up to 4 weeks to see results with any treatment and you must, must, must use sunscreen. You do not want to keep doing damage to your skin. Rosehip is good for hyper-pigmentation, as is carrot seed oil. I would recommend rosehip seed and carrot seed oil for you 🙂
You giving us such a good and useful tips and remedies, they amazing I am impressed by your site and got very nice tips and suggestions they very help us. You made this site is awesome. thanks for sharing the best posts they very interesting one
Thanks!
Your tips are amazing thank you for your site it changes my views on oil . I recently wanted to try Safdlower oil but I’m picky about my oil being fully organic and the only close brand I could find was “Flora” but their Safflower oil is nitrogen flushed . Is it ok to use nitrogen flushes oils?
Hi Jante,
Nitrogen flushing is perfectly safe 🙂 I assume the reason Flora nitrogen flushes their sunflower oil is to keep it from going rancid before you buy it and open it. Sunflower seed oil goes rancid quickly because of its high linoleic acid content, nitrogen flushing will keep the oil from oxidizing inside the bottle.
Let me know if you have any other questions!
Is there some oil which can replace or has sunscreen effect
Hello Toolika 🙂 Raspberry seed oil has a sunscreen effect. You can learn more about it here.
U are a rare gem
Pls I have sun burn and acne all over my face,can you suggest any recipe for ?
I would suggest Raspberry seed oil, it is super soothing. Another good thing to use would be aloe vera 🙂
Hello! I love this website! I’m trying to switch all my products to organic and natural ones but I have a question. I’m 23 and I have combination skin ( oily t-zone with dry patches on my cheeks). I’m trying to find a moisturizer, so can one of these oils replace a moisturizer? I’m just confused with all the options. I’ve just brought a Christina Moss Naturals facial wash, Xfacio Labs Facial Skin Toner, Raw Shea butter from your recommendations. I’m going to look for a serum as well. Any help would be appreciated as I don’t have a clue and on a budget haha.
Thanks!!!!!
Hi Elliot, these oils can replace a moisturizer for some people, it depends on how your skin reacts, everyone is different 🙂 Some people’s skin love oils, others find them not to be moisturizing enough (or they make them breakout). I exclusively use oils as my moisturizer, and it works for my skin. All you can do is try 🙂 If your skin still feels tight then you know the oil isn’t moisturizing enough.
What would you want a serum to target? I love Kypris Beauty’s Antioxidant Dew, but it is pricey. Another option is Teva Organic BioScience Complex, it is a robust serum that will help keep aging at bay and is more affordable.
Hi I have been using oils for about a year now and when I started it kept my acne at minimum now not so much. I have a lot of raised acne in my forehead and my jaw area and a lot of scarring ( the worst)I have suffered with acne all my life but am in my late twenties and am desperate for a clear skin.
I use jojoba oil as my daily moisturizer at night I switch it up with lavender jojoba rosehip and argan oil sometimes layering on too each other also I use skin by Pom benzoyl peroxide cream once every other night for about a year as well , I started using vit e oil in hopes to clear the scars. Any advice would be appreciated thanks a mil.
I am happy to hear that oils have been working for you, I wonder what could have changed to make them no longer effective? Have you tried using glycolic acid? Glycolic acid may be a good way for you to reduce your scarring as well as minimize breakouts. I would suggest alternating the glycolic acid with your benzoyl peroxide. You are lucky to only have to use the benzoyl once every couple of days, I have to use it twice a day.
I am so happy I found BP, I know what it is like to deal with acne and scarring. It makes me feel so much better to have found a product that helps, my confidence is much higher with clear skin. Skin by Pom makes the best BP lotion I have found 🙂
It will be helpful post for people who wants to know about best oil for skin and how it is used, and you have provided info on 9 bestest oil for skin. Oils are an excellent source of antioxidants, essential fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins. Thanks for sharing more tips for buying oils for skin and benefits of oil. These oils can be used to increase immunity, counteract aging skin and improve cardiovascular health. Many people use these oils for own skin, I also visited cbdoilempire[dot]com, for CBD Oil, offers the best selection of the top cannabis oil, CBD products all in one place.
Is it okay if we use hemp seed oil in the 1st month and then we changed into roseship seed oil?
Hi Alfi, As long as your skin is liking the change, it is all good 🙂
Hi! First of all, thank you for all this amazing information. It has definitely helped me! I have been breaking out around my forehead and eyebrows because I got my eyebrows done. His happens every time I go but I don’t really have a choice because who wants to have the dreaded unibrow, right? Anyway, I honestly have no idea what facial oil to use because I have normal skin that only breaks out in the forehead area… So it would be great if you could suggest an oil for me. Great post!!
Hi Anika, a lot of people break out when they get waxing done. The reason people breakout is from having all of their tiny hairs being pulled out, along with the hot wax aggravating the skin. It is a good idea to pre-treat your skin before getting waxing done by exfoliating and softening your pores with a hydrating oil. Any oil should help your skin, as you said you have normal skin. A good alternative to waxing is threading, it is much more gentle as it only treats the hair and does not affect the skin.
This is such a solid resource for natural skin oils. You hit the nail on the head mentioning hemp oil, especially for acne. Sure, I’m a little biased but what can I say! Thanks for the solid article and for publishing something that makes sense. It’s not easy considering all the garbage content out there about skin care today!
Hi, I am a 58 year old tri-athlete and I swim laps at the local outdoor gym pool. My skin as with my son’s is always dry from the chlorine, is there a whole body oil we can right after our laps? Currently, we just use Coconut oil, virgin from Costco…
Hi Kevin, thanks so much for your question, and sorry it took me so long to respond! Coconut oil is a great oil to use, as long as you are enjoying it, I would stick to that. Many of the oils in this list are better suited for facial applications because they are fairly costly to use on the whole body. If you want an oil that is drier than coconut oil for the body, I would try grapeseed oil 🙂 Let me know if you have any other questions!
Hello, what face oil is best for anti aging skin that is nether dry or oily and no acne, more normal I say.
Thanks
Thelma
Hi Thelma, argan oil is great for normal skin types and helps keep skin youthful. There are other oils I like for anti-aging such as pomegranate and sea buckthorn that work well on all skin types.