The best facial oils to combat your skin care concerns

If the cold weather of winter has truly wreaked havoc with your skin, it may be time to turn to a face oil.
If you ask us, they're one of the best and most luxurious ways to add moisture back into the skin —plus they're easy to slap on right before you hit the hay.
And even if hydration isn’t your worry, there are so many different oils out there that are specially formulated for your skin type and concern, so you can really customise your skin care regimen.
So if you feel like your skin needs some extra loving, look no further as we round up the best facial oils for every complexion and budget...
Brightening
If your skin looks dull and tired throughout winter, opt for a brightening oil to give that lacklustre complexion the flick.
Look for ingredients such as rosehip oil, Kakadu plum and vitamin C to help boost radiance and even help minimise pigmentation.
bh recommends:
- A’kin Brightening Rosehip Oil with Vitamin C
- Samson & Charlie Vibrant C Brightening Facial Oil
- Swisse Blood Orange Brightening Facial Serum
RELATED: Splurge or steal: Skin brighteners
Youth-boosting
If ageing skin is your concern, there is a wide range of facial oils to help target and soften fine lines and wrinkles.
Look for a formulation that includes plant-based oils such as cranberry seed, carrot, wheatgerm and calendula to help soothe and repair dry, mature skin.
bh recommends:
- Jurlique Purely Age-Defying Firming Face Oil
- Minenssey REJUVENATING Superfood Facial Elixir
- Clinique Smart Treatment Oil
Hydrating
Hydrating facial oils are perfect for those with dry skin, adding moisture back that has been lost.
Ingredients like jojoba and avocado oils and vitamins A and E all help to replenish the skin, leaving it feeling nourished and plump.
Does your skin need an extra boost? Try adding a few drops of your facial oil in with your moisturiser. This will help provide the added kick your skin is looking for.
bh recommends:
RELATED: Your winter skin saviour
Balancing
Not all skin types dry out through winter, and those with oily skin may find they still produce just as much oil as in the warmer months.
If you have oily or combination skin, using a facial oil may sound crazy. But actually, applying an oil over oily skin helps counteract the oil production and can help even out the skin.
Ingredients like ylang ylang, green tea, rosehip and neroli all help to balance excess oil production, leaving skin feeling conditioned but not greasy.
bh recommends:
RELATED: 5 reasons not to be afraid of facial oils
Soothing
The change of seasons can also mean a change in our skin texture. Flare-ups such as rough skin, irritation and redness can be side effects from the harsh elements.
If your skin starts to feel any of these, a soothing facial oil is the way to go. Formulations with almond, calendula or hemp oils help soothe and calm red, irritated skin, providing relief from irritation.
bh recommends:
- Clarins Santal Face Treatment Oil
- Kiehl's Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil Herbal Concentrate
- In Essence Soothing Facial Treatment Oil
*This article has been updated since its original publication.
Have you ever tried a facial oil? What benefits do you see when using an oil?
Have you tried any of the products mentioned above?
Review them now to earn points that you can swap for free beauty products in RewardsRoom.
130 Member Comments
Innisfree is my go to brand. I've always swing by their stores if I ever get the chance.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I’m a fan of the Go To facial oil I love the smell and I find it doesn’t clog my oily skin!
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Ok I have tried so many rosehip oils because they never have any bad reviews, but they smell so awful and I just can’t deal with putting that on my face. Is it just me or does anyone else think they smell really bad?
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
facial oils are the best for my dry skin.I add it to my moisturizer and mix then put it on.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I'm enjoying trying out my Samson & Charlie product from the RR.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I must try the Kiehl's one.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I've tried other brands : Sukin , Trilogy , Natio.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
The Minenssey one looks good, I like calendula in oil as it seems to help soothe my skin.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I have the Swisse brightening serum which I like. Have used quite a few of their skin care products which have all been pretty good.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I used to love using oils. Nowadays, after learning more about skincare, I prefer to use serums such as HA which I find far more effective.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I avoid citrus oils. They can be damaging for skin.
Also, bit of misinformation in this article. Oils don't hydrate skin... Nourish, sure. Hydrate, not gonna happen.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I love Sukin's rosehip oil.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I love facial oils, my skin feels so much drier as I get older. I go for hydrating and soothing types because I am always using active serums
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Such an informative article, particularly as I love facial oils which play an important part in my skincare routine.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Facial Oils are amazing they do make your skin glow, but I definitely won't use them everyday once a week.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I love facial oils, I don't need to use everyday tho
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
There are some beautiful oils around. I only use oils a couple of times a week in summer but in winter i can use them for a week before I need a break.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I prefer serums rather than oils
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Oil does not hydrate, just can't as it is oil. Swisse Kakadu Plum Brightening Serum have used, it is not oil...but it is not sold any more for a long while. Swisse has new formulation , but haven't tried their new serum.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I love the feel of a facial oil. I use an oil to replace my serum and night cream particularly in the winter when my skin needs more hydration. Thanks Beauty Heaven for the great list of oils.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
So many oils now to look at, and choose from
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Gothamista made an excellent video about the facial oils , explaining what you want to look for depending on your skin type/concerns.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1TZwTDlzw4
I now make my own blend depending on the season/my skin condition.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I live for facial oils. Obsessed! Currently loving rose hip and jojoba and oil combinations.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Im using Rosehip oil at the moment. I do have some vitamin E oil and im keen to use it now as i wasnt aware that its good for combination skin.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I’ve used The Body Shop Vitamin E and it’s nice. I’ve also used various rosehip oils. But my absolute favourite is my beloved Nuxe oil. It’s liquid gold. I don’t know what I’d do if they ever stopped making it.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0