Top 10 best facial oils

Discover the top 10 best facial oils carefully selected to nourish, hydrate, and enhance your skin's natural glow. This guide covers a variety of natural and organic oils suited for different skin types and concerns, helping you find the perfect match for your skincare needs.

Looking for the best natural and organic facial oils for your skin type? This comprehensive guide is designed for all skin types and covers everything you need to know about facial oils - including their benefits, how to choose the right one for your needs, and top product recommendations - to help you achieve healthier, more radiant skin. Whether you have dry, oily, sensitive, or combination skin, understanding facial oils can transform your skincare routine.

Key takeaways

• Facial oils are specifically formulated blends of plant-derived oils that nourish and hydrate the skin.
• Choosing the right natural and organic oil depends on your skin type and concerns, from balancing sebum to intense hydration.
• Oils like jojoba and marula are lightweight and suitable for oily or acne-prone skin.
• Richer oils such as argan and macadamia are ideal for dry or mature skin needing deep nourishment.
• Layer facial oils over water-based products for better absorption and apply as the final step in your routine.
• Climate affects oil performance; lighter oils suit humid conditions, while richer oils benefit dry or cold climates.
• Consistent use of clean, natural, and organic facial oils can improve skin barrier function, elasticity, and overall radiance.

What is a facial oil?

A facial oil is a concentrated blend of natural and organic plant-derived oils formulated specifically for use on the face. These oils deliver nutrients, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids to the skin. Choosing the right facial oil depends on your skin type, with some oils designed to balance sebum production (ideal for oily or acne-prone skin), while others focus on intense nourishment for dryness (perfect for dry or mature skin).

Now, let's explore why facial oils are a valuable addition to your skincare routine.

Why use a facial oil

Facial oils are a great way for any skin type to lock in moisture and hydration while giving the skin lots of plant nutrients. Facial oils can be used instead of blended face creams or lotions to offer a more potent and direct dose of skin-loving ingredients from all-natural, plant sources. For dry or mature skin types, a facial oil is a great option as it can add more hydration than a cream or lotion.

Plant oils are also great as they don’t just hydrate, but also provide a natural glowy look, while protecting the skin against pollutants and free radicals. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, you might be surprised to learn that natural and organic facial oils can settle into the deep layers of the skin, balance your natural oil production, and prevent acne breakouts.

With these benefits in mind, let's look at the top facial oils for different skin types.

Top 10 facial oils for different skin types

Choosing the right facial oil depends on your skin type, with some oils designed to balance sebum production while others focus on intense nourishment for dryness. Below, we highlight the top facial oils for glowing skin and their unique benefits for various skin concerns.

1. Rosehip oil

Rosehip is probably one of the most well-known and best facial oils. So many people, including celebrities, have sworn by it as their skincare secret. This oil is bright orange in colour and packs an abundance of antioxidants and fatty acids, which help to regenerate new skin tissues and cells - making this perfect for anti-ageing. A little tip: the deeper the orange colour, the more antioxidants the oil contains. Every Bit Organic Rosehip Oil is a standout, using the whole rosehip for enhanced potency to brighten and smooth skin.

2. Jojoba oil

JoJoba oil is one of the best facial oils for skin that is derived from the seeds of the jojoba shrub. Despite its name, jojoba oil is actually a liquid wax ester, which means it shares a similar makeup to our skin’s natural oils and mimics the skin's natural sebum. Pure jojoba oil is a yellow, golden colour and has a light texture. Jojoba oil is naturally high in Vitamins A, D and E, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids. It is recommended for both oily and dry skin, helps balance sebum production, and is lightweight and suitable for acne-prone skin. Meaning, it not only nourishes your baby’s skin, but it can also help with a range of skin concerns like eczema and nappy rash.

3. Macadamia oil

Thanks to its high fatty acid content, macadamia oil has a silky texture and is deeply hydrating. This natural and organic oil is perfect for dry skin, mature skin, or skin that is exposed to the elements (wind, sun, cold). Macadamia oil is rich in oleic acid, which helps restore skin barrier function, making it especially beneficial for dry or mature skin.

Macadamia oil can be safely used on the face and body. You can also find it in blended skincare formulas where it helps to add hydration. This La Mav Omega 3 Advanced Night Cream is just one of our favourite examples.

4. Argan oil

Argan oil is often referred to as ‘liquid gold’. It is extracted from the kernels of the Argan tree in Morocco using cold pressing, which preserves its antioxidant-rich vitamin E and omega fatty acids. Being a lighter oil, it can be used both on the skin as a moisturiser and in the hair as a conditioning serum. Argan oil is a great all-rounder.

It is a natural source of vitamin E and essential fatty acids, making it beneficial for adding moisture back to the skin and promoting an antioxidant effect. We love pure Every Bit Organic Argan Oil, which is suitable for all skin types.

5. Pumpkin seed oil

Pumpkin seed oil is a dark green or amber oil with a mild nutty scent; it’s derived directly from the hulled seeds of pumpkin. This oil is super rich in zinc, omega 6 and omega 3. It provides barrier support and is particularly great for reactive skin due to its anti-inflammatory, non-irritating properties.

Pumpkin seed oil is promoted by many dermatologists as a natural acne treatment, as it can help reduce its visible signs. One of our favourite oils to contain pumpkin seed oil is the Vanessa Megan Nature’s Elixir Oil (N.E.O.) which also contains sea-buckthorn - a natural source of beta-carotene, providing vitamin A and vitamin E.

Being potent antioxidants, these two nutrients are beneficial for reducing damage to the skin, which may be caused by environment, stress and ageing.

6. Prickly pear oil

Although not a common facial oil, prickly pear oil is great for your skin. This oil is derived from the fruits of the prickly pear cacti which have long been eaten for their high antioxidant and fatty acid content.

Prickly pear oil is antioxidant-rich, improves elasticity, and provides barrier support. This oil boosts your natural collagen production and helps protect your face, scalp and hair against UV damage. Prickly pear oil is particularly great at lightening skin discolouration, and age/sunspots.

7. Marula oil

Marula oil is the perfect oil for those who are afraid to use oils on their face because they have oily or acne-prone skin. This oil has a lightweight, emollient texture that absorbs quickly and isn’t too oily feeling, making it ideal for those seeking a non-greasy finish.

This oil is derived from the nuts and kernels of the African-native marula trees, and it’s packed with fatty acids, antioxidants, amino acids and Vitamins C and E. It will work to restore hydration levels, protect against pollution and prevent ageing. It also makes a great hair oil for frizz and flyaways.

8. Acai oil

As the name suggests, acai is the oil derived from the acai berry. This oil (and plant) is native to Brazil and has a slight green colour. The acai berry is one of the most potent sources of antioxidants which are vital to protect our skin from free radicals in the air and prevent premature signs of ageing. Acai oil is antioxidant-rich, provides barrier support, and helps improve elasticity.

Acai berry oil is also rich in phenolics, a selection of fatty acids that have natural anti-inflammatory properties for soothing and improving the skin’s texture. We absolutely love the Eco by Sonya Driver Glory Oil for getting our dose of acai oil. This Glory Oil is one of the best oils for skin; it’s helped hundreds of people heal the appearance of redness, scars, and fine lines.

9. Hemp seed oil

Hemp seed oil is derived from the hemp seeds of the hemp plant, cannabis sativa. This oil is often unrefined and has a clear green oil texture with a nutty flavour. Hemp oil is rich in omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, gamma-linolenic acid and other powerful nutrients and antioxidants like vitamin B and D, making it one of our favourite natural and organic face oils.

These omega fatty acids support the skin's natural barrier and can help heal, improve and regulate our skin for a refreshed, younger-looking appearance.

10. Coconut oil

This is a fat extracted from raw coconuts or dried coconut flakes that has nourishing fatty acids such as linoleic acid (Vitamin F) and lauric acid which has antibacterial properties. Coconut oil is solid at cold/room temperature and has a rather thick emollient, oil texture.

It’s therefore great for those with seriously dry skin or as an overnight face treatment, but is typically used on the body rather than the face due to its comedogenic nature. You can still enjoy the anti-ageing and nourishing benefits of coconut oil if you have oily skin though.

Summary Table: Best Facial Oils by Skin Type

Best facial oil for dry skin

Wondering what the best face oil for dry skin is? Dry or mature skin tends to respond well to just about any all-natural, plant face oil. But some of our favourites for ultimate hydration include jojoba oil, as it will penetrate the deep layers of your skin and work to actually balance your natural oil production to create longer-lasting hydration.

Face oils can improve skin barrier function, preventing moisture loss and protecting against pollutants and irritants, which is particularly beneficial for dry skin types.

If you need the best facial oil for mature skin, we recommend this Youth Potion from The Jojoba Company as it delivers the ultimate blend of natural and organic plant oils for age performance and collagen production.

Best facial oil for dull skin

Are you looking for the best oil for glowing skin? If you want to achieve a naturally radiant complexion then try this Antipodes blend of Avocado and Rosehip oil as it is formulated for all skin types and is lightweight but super glowy.

Effective facial oils provide essential fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants to strengthen the skin barrier and lock in moisture.

We also love to use the Eco by Sonya Driver Glory Oil for the ultimate glowy complexion as it works to actively plump the skin, creating that youthful dewy look.

Best facial oil for oily skin

A lot of people avoid using facial oils because of the misconception that they aren’t suited to oily skin types or can cause breakouts. A natural and organic plant-based skin oil can settle into the skin faster than some of the blended creams and lotions out there. This is particularly true of jojoba oil, which mimics our skin’s natural wax esters and sebum, while other botanical oils like manuka oil with antimicrobial properties can support clearer, healthier-looking skin.

Facial oils, especially jojoba oil, can also help prevent acne or breakouts as acne is often caused by an overproduction of our natural sebum/oil, and there are many uses and benefits of jojoba oil beyond simple hydration.

We also recommend marula oil for those who are worried about an oil feeling too slippery or heavy on their oily or combination skin. Marula oil has a lightweight and less oily texture than some of the other natural face oils out there and absorbs quickly for a non-greasy finish.

Tips for using facial oils

Frequency of use

• Frequency: How many days you use a face oil will depend on your unique skin. Dehydrated, mature or dry skin can easily use an oil every day, perhaps even morning and night. But someone with an oilier complexion might choose to use an oil only at night or as a hydration treatment every few days.

Layering and absorption

• Layering: For optimal absorption, always layer oils over water-based products like hyaluronic acid serums, and apply as the final step in your nighttime routine to seal in hydration and enhance overnight skin renewal.

Application tips

• Patch test: We always recommend trying new skincare products on a small patch of skin first and adding them into your skincare routine gradually to test and adjust to how your skin reacts.
• Absorption: To help ensure the oil is absorbed into the skin, you can spritz your face with some toner or water before applying the oil. Having the moisture on the skin will help the oil penetrate your skin cells, rather than just sitting on top (which can clog pores and create blemishes).
• Radiance: For a youthful glow, apply a small amount of natural and organic oil over the top of your moisturizer before your foundation. The oil helps to plump out the skin, leaving you looking extra radiant.

Long-term benefits

• Consistency: Over a decade of consistent use of high-quality natural and organic oils can lead to sustained improvements in skin health.
• Retinol alternatives: Some oils are formulated as milder alternatives to traditional retinol, offering anti-aging benefits with less irritation.

Climate and facial oils

Best oils for dry or cold climates

When it comes to choosing the best facial oil, the climate you live in can make a big difference in how your skin responds. In dry or cold environments, your skin often needs extra support to retain moisture and stay protected from harsh elements.

Nourishing natural and organic oils rich in essential fatty acids, like jojoba oil and argan oil, are excellent choices for these conditions and are often hero ingredients in many of the top natural skincare products available in Australia. They help lock in hydration, reinforce your skin’s natural barrier, and prevent moisture loss, making them ideal for dry skin types that crave deep nourishment.

Best oils for humid climates

On the other hand, if you live in a humid climate, your skin may already produce more oil, and heavier facial oils can sometimes feel too rich or risk clogging pores. In these cases, lighter oils such as sweet almond oil or grapeseed oil are easily absorbed and help balance your skin’s natural oils without leaving a greasy residue. These options are especially suitable for oily or combination skin, as they hydrate without exacerbating oil production.

No matter where you are, it’s important to match your facial oil not only to your skin type but also to your environment. For example, rosehip oil is a fantastic all-rounder that provides antioxidant support and is suitable for most climates, while those with oily skin in humid areas might prefer lighter, non-comedogenic oils that won’t block pores. By considering both your skin’s needs and your local weather, you can find the right oil to keep your complexion healthy, balanced, and glowing all year round.

FAQ

Why should I consider natural and organic face oils?

• High-quality face oils are often formulated with clean, natural, and organic ingredients, which means they do not contain preservatives or chemicals that can irritate sensitive skin.
• Choosing face oils with clean ingredients can help improve skin barrier function, preventing moisture loss and protecting against pollutants and irritants.

What is the most common face oil for dry skin?

• Highly effective facial oils often utilize plant-derived ingredients like squalane, jojoba, and rosehip, which mimic natural skin lipids to lock in moisture.
• Argan oil is particularly beneficial for dry and mature skin due to its high vitamin E content and anti-aging properties, helping to reduce wrinkles and heal the skin.

Which oils are best for mature and dull skin?

Rosehip oil is rich in vitamins A and C, making it an excellent choice for brightening dull skin and reducing the appearance of lines, scars, and hyperpigmentation, especially for mature skin.

Can I use face oils if I have sensitive skin?

Many face oils are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids, which help protect the skin from environmental damage and support skin repair.

Which oils are most recommended for sensitive or reactive skin when used on the face or body?

• Sensitive skin typically requires gentle, fragrance-free oils that soothe irritation and strengthen the skin's protective barrier.
• Sensitive and irritated skin benefits from calming, anti-inflammatory oils like chamomile, calendula, or rosehip oil.

Is there a face oil for oily skin?

• Combination skin thrives with balancing oils such as squalane or jojoba oil.
• Oils like jojoba and rosehip are known for their ability to balance oil production and provide hydration without clogging pores, making them suitable for various skin types.

I have acne prone skin. Will facial oil cause more breakouts?

• Certain face oils have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can help reduce acne and assist with oily skin or combination skin, making them versatile for different skin concerns.
• Grapeseed oil is known for its ability to combat acne due to its high linoleic acid content, which helps reduce oil production and is easily absorbed by the skin.

Why is it important to choose cold pressed oils?

Cold-pressed oils retain more of their beneficial properties compared to those extracted with heat or solvents, making them a better choice for skincare.

Final thoughts

Facial oils are a versatile and effective addition to any skincare routine, offering benefits that range from deep hydration and improved skin elasticity to enhanced skin tone and protection against environmental stressors. Whether you have sensitive skin, dehydrated skin, or specific skin concerns, there is a facial oil formulated to meet your needs.

Oils like rosehip seed oil and evening primrose oil provide antioxidant-rich nourishment and support cell turnover, while sleeping night oils can deliver intense hydration overnight for a radiant complexion by morning.

Choosing facial oils with clean, natural, and organic ingredients - often recommended by board certified dermatologists - ensures you're applying the best and safest products for your skin. Many oils, including jojoba and marula, mimic the skin's natural sebum, making them suitable for various skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin.

Incorporating these oils correctly, especially by layering them over water-based products, maximises their benefits without causing greasiness.

Ultimately, the best facial oils are those that contain the good stuff your skin needs to thrive—providing deep and intense hydration while addressing your unique skin concerns. With consistent use and the right selection, facial oils can help you achieve a healthy, glowing, and youthful complexion.