Sometime over the past few years, face oils managed to shrug off their bad rap as pore-clogging, acne-causing don'ts to be recognized for what they really are: an instant way to get fresh, dewy skin and lock in much-needed moisture year-round. But don't take our word for it — ask any dermatologist, and they'll likely sing the product's praises, too.
"People not only love the feel of an oil, but they love the idea of an oil," Los Angeles-based dermatologist and Dermstore Medical Director Ashley Magovern, MD, tells Refinery29. "It feels simple and natural, and most absorb quickly and are easy to use."
In addition to an instant glow-up, adding a face oil to your routine can be a key step for maintaining healthy, nourished skin. Ahead, 14 formulas skin experts can't recommend highly enough.
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For a one-two punch of hydration, try this squalane and rose oil combo for a soothing, brightening boost. "The similarity of squalane to our own skin oils allows it to penetrate the skin completely and synthesize quickly, so it won’t clog pores or leave a greasy residue behind," says New York City-based dermatologist Dendy Engelman, MD.
Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil, $, available at Sephora
"For dry skin, oils are very hydrating and help penetrate into deeper layers of the skin because they have lower molecular weights than most lotions and creams," Dr. Engelman adds. "Olive oil is incredibly hydrating and traps moisture in the skin; it also contains antioxidants that reduce free radical damage as well as speed up the healing process."
Herbal chamomile and neroli essential oils not only make this luxe, clean face oil a treat for the senses, but ingredients like grapeseed and pomegranate oils instantly soothe and hydrate combo skin without feeling heavy.
True Botanicals Pure Radiance Oil, $, available at True Botanicals
"For combination skin, I would recommend marula oil," Dr. Magovern says. "It has anti-bacterial properties and quickly penetrates into the skin — and it’s also great for the scalp."
Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Antioxidant Face Oil, $, available at Sephora
In addition to being a longtime editor favorite, this impossibly luxurious face oil is the ultimate skin savior, thanks to derm-approved ingredients like sweet almond oil, Moroccan argan oil, and Spanish apricot seed oil.
Rodin Olio Lusso Luxury Face Oil - Lavender Absolute, $, available at Sephora
"Low-comedogenic oils like argan and rosehip are good for those who may struggle with acne," Dr. Magovern says. "Herbivore's Lapis, which has azulene and squalane, is another favorite of mine and is especially great for oily and acne-prone skin."
Herbivore Lapis Balancing Facial Oil, $, available at DermStore
This ultra-lightweight (and ultra-affordable) pick is perfect for mixing in with moisturizer for a boost of hydration that won't aggravate acneic skin.
The Ordinary 100% Organic Virgin Chia Seed Oil, $, available at Sephora
This facial oil is packed with amla, blue tansy and Roman chamomile oils that will offer enough hydration for dry and combo skin while keeping oily types in the clear.
"Maintaining a strong moisture barrier is the key to having healthy skin," Dr. Magovern says. "Oils go beyond just hydrating skin to 'treating' it — and that’s the key to keeping skin looking young."
image skincare VITAL C Hydrating Facial Oil, $, available at Walmart
"Many oils are good emulsifiers for other active ingredients like vitamin C and retinols," New York City-based dermatologist and co-founder of LM Medical NYC Morgan Rabach, MD, explains.
Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil, $, available at Ulta Beauty
"People are more interested in plant-based beauty and products that are good for their bodies and the earth," says New York City-based esthetician Jeannel Astarita. One of her top picks? This fast-absorbing almond oil, which calms and fortifies irritated skin.
Weleda Sensitive Care Calming Oil, $, available at DermStore
"Rosehip oil is rich in antioxidants and fatty acids which can help plump and revive dull aging skin," Astarita says. Additionally, the low-comedogenic oil is a popular pick for oily types, too, since it won't clog pores.
Pai Skincare Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil, $, available at The Detox Market
"This highly potent oil contains meadowfoam and jojoba seed oils to help protect from environmental aggressors as well as improve skin hydration and soften fine lines and wrinkles," Dr. Engelman says. "With continued use, the skin barrier is stronger, plumper, and more hydrated."
As for the great, oil-before-moisturizer or moisturizer-before-oil debate? We're finally putting it to rest: "I get this question all the time and I’ve thought about it a lot," Dr. Magovern says. "In general, I tell patients to apply their products in order of thinnest to thickest, and most active to less active in terms of ingredients." In other words, lock in a veil of oil with your go-to cream. (Magovern loves this Derm Institute oil for "firmer and more radiant skin.")
Derm Institute Youth Alchemy Oil, $, available at Nordstrom
Another pro pick for smoothing and firming is Glo Skin's Conditioning Oil, which features a supercharged blend of squalane, argan, jojoba, and sunflower oils for round-the-clock hydration and serious plumping benefits.
Glo Skin Beauty Phyto-Active Conditioning Oil, $, available at DermStore
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