Are Face Oils the Way to Glowy, Moisturized Skin? The 10 Best, According to Cosmo Editors
Everyone's been saying, "Wow, your skin's so glowy."
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My oils and I? Let’s just say we go way back. I first stepped into a dermatologist’s office at the tender age of 14, begging for solutions to my chronic breakouts, and clear, healthy skin has been a battle ever since. During my junior year of college, I finally took the plunge and went on Accutane—essentially bidding my oil glands adieu and welcoming, for the first time in my life, a complexion I was truly proud of. But now, on the other side of the infamous please-do-not-get-pregnant-while-taking-this acne drug, I’ve been plagued by the fear of heavy skincare products—namely, using rich, oil-based products—would put me right back where I started: clogged, pimple-ridden, and miserable.
As a #acnesurvivor, putting straight-up oil on your face feels like a death sentence. Still, I long for the glassy, ultra-hydrated, bouncy, buttery skin that today’s face oils promise. Just take a look at any A-lister’s skincare routine, and I can guarantee a luxe oil and a complementary gua sha are on the list. God forbid a girl wants to be dewy and snatched! So, after months of yearning for celeb-caliber skin, I decided I was done letting my oil trauma control me and stocked up on dozens of the most raved-about, expert-recommended face oils to test their complexion-boosting hype.
The best face oils, tested by <em>Cosmo</em> editors:
If you’re ready to jump-start your radiant-skin routine this year, too, here are the best face oils—from lightweight picks to wear under makeup to innovative, semi-occlusive formulas for the extra-dry—that finally gave me the supermodel glow I once thought was impossible for my reactive skin. Read on for the answers to all your burning face-oil questions, too.
Pros
- Made with only 100 percent naturally derived, olive-based squalene
- Formulated without synthetic fragrance, mineral oil, parabens, and thousands of other common skin irritants
Cons
- Some users found the finish to be a tad greasy
Why we love it: If you’re a fellow believer in skin prep that nourishes your face and helps your makeup sit better, Indie Lee’s ultra-hydrating face oil was made for you. While putting an oil under your foundation may sound counterintuitive, this single-ingredient formula melts into the skin and blends effortlessly with complexion products to create an utterly radiant base and hydrated, firmer, more radiant skin. You can thank 100 percent squalene oil—a naturally occurring, skin-identical compound made from olives that's found in our sebum that plays a major role in skin health and hydration—for that.
One Cosmo editor says: “I was highly skeptical of mixing my concealer (I am NOT a foundation lover, woops) with a face oil, but you should’ve heard the gasp I gusped when I combined this product with my daily dose of Shape Tape. It immediately fulfilled my ‘wow, she’s so dewy’ skin fantasies and helped my makeup last all day without ever getting shiny or greasy.”—ISABELLE BUNEO, CONTRIBUTING BEAUTY WRITER
Features at a Glance
| Key ingredients | Olive-derived squalene |
Pros
- Cosmo Holy Grail Beauty Award winner
- Formulated through a supercritical c02 extraction process for potency and stability, so it won’t lose its *charm*
- Protects the skin barrier from environmental stressors
Cons
- Some testers were thrown off by the lingering scent, but most enjoy it as part of the overall experience
Why we love it: There’s nothing worse than lathering on face oil and feeling like there’s a layer of grease ~sitting on top~ of your skin. If that’s your biggest fear when it comes to using oils in your routine, let this au naturale option soothe your worries. The 100 percent organic rosehip oil in Church California’s cult-classic oil is the most potent, natural, and fresh on the market. Plus, its velvety texture blends instantly for an immediate glow and powerful anti-aging benefits with continued use. No wonder it won a Cosmo Holy Grail Beauty Award.
One Cosmo editor says: “This oil is an instant confidence boost in a bottle. It makes my skin glow. Like, really GLOW. The texture is so silky that it melts right into my skin and leaves it looking so bright and so healthy.” —ANDIE FOWLER, SENIOR CONTENT STRATEGY MANAGER
Features at a Glance
| Key ingredients | 100% rosehip oil, vitamins A and E, omega-3, omega-6, omega-9, |
Pros
- Only uses non-comedogenic oils
- Clinically-proven, noticeable results for an array of skin concerns from fine lines to improved barrier function in as little as 7 days.
Cons
- Could cause slight irritation for those sensitive to certain actives
Why we love it: Two words: acne safe. If you’ve been avoiding face oils because of breakout fears, CLEARSTEM’s GOLDENHOUR is your saving grace. Acne-safe products with zero pore-clogging ingredients is kind of the brand’s whole shtick, and this gentle yet deeply nourishing face oil is no different. The delicious, natural watermelon scent is the cherry (melon???) on top.
One Cosmo editor says: "After a facial with Danielle Gronich, the cofounder of Clearstem, I decided to rid my entire beauty routine of anything that had pore-clogging ingredients to help clear my acne. This meant pretty much every oil on the market, but I missed the slip of an oil for massage. Then, Clearstem launched this, a face oil specifically for acne that doesn't contain any common pore-cloggers. It glides onto my skin and feels so comforting and rich, but not so heavy that it suffocates my pores."—BETH GILLETTE, BEAUTY EDITOR
Features at a Glance
| Key ingredients | Watermelon seed oil, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C |
Pros
- 3 percent petroleum works alongside barrier-repairing ceramides to enhance and lock in moisture in one step
- I love the squeeze bottle packaging
Cons
- While it’s definitely more lightweight than traditional slugging products, the occlusive nature could be a bit heavy for some
Why we love it: Experiment describes this oil-gel hybrid as “powerful repair in a microdose,” and just one use will show you why. It’s essentially a full “slugging” routine in a bottle without the greasy, overstimulating, hair-sticking-to-your-face finish.
One Cosmo editor says: “Putting this on before bed is like the equivalent of slipping into 100 percent silk pajamas—lucious, luxurious, soothing, and oh-so soft. Imagine a high-end, fatty acid-rich face oil and your emotional support tub of Vaseline had a gifted-and-talented baby. That’s Buffer Jelly.” —ISABELLE BUNEO, CONTRIBUTING BEAUTY WRITER
Features at a Glance
| Key ingredients | 3% petroleum, .5% ceramide NP, free fatty acids, acai sterols |
Pros
- Deliver actives deeper into the skin for tone-evening and barrier-enhancing benefits
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
- Some users dislike the natural aroma, but the product is free from synthetic fragrance which is great for sensitive girlies
Why we love it: Finding the right oil for a full-length lymphatic massage or gua sha routine is kind of like Goldilocks’ porridge dilemma—some soak in too quickly, some are too sticky, you know the deal. However, Haruharu Wonder managed to truly hit the sweet spot with this 99 percent naturally derived face oil. The lush texture absorbs with ease, yet still provides enough glide on the surface to allow you to complete your full face massage routine without rushing or reapplying and wasting product. I like to take my time when I gua-sha, okay! The glow is MAJOR and long-lasting too.
One Cosmo editor says: “It’s not often that I find myself immediately going back for more when I try a product, but that’s exactly what happened with Haruharu Wonder’s face oil. It soaks in quickly and easily but still gives skin a lasting glow, and makes your complexion feel like velvet to the touch. Obsessed with natural, spa-like scent, too. ”—IB
Features at a Glance
| Key ingredients | Black rice bran oil, sweet almond oil, jojoba seed oil, vitamin E |
Pros
- Airless packaging = longer shelf life and worry-free travel
Cons
- Most expensive face oil on this list
Why we love it: Look—I live by the mantra that skincare does NOT need to be expensive to be worth it, but if you’re feeling like ~treating yourself~, this luxury face oil lives up to its price tag. The formula is water-free, meaning all the real estate inside the (ultra chic) bottle is dedicated to powerhouse ingredients that work synergistically to target oil dysregulation and restore skin to equilibrium, combat free radicals, boost the skin barrier, and address visible signs of aging.
One Cosmo editor says: “I take pride in being someone who’s not easily swayed by a ‘luxury’ label, but the first time I tried this face oil, I had to admit that sometimes the bougie products really are doing it better. I love the thick texture and instant complexion boost, and I notice a real difference in my skin quality when I use it consistently. The matte black and gold packaging is so high fashion.”—IB
Features at a Glance
| Key ingredients | Mokaté oil, squalene, vitamin C, vitamin E |
Pros
- Approved by the National Eczema Association
- Dermatologist-tested, soap-free, non-comedogenic (AKA, a sensitive/reactive girlie’s dream come true)
Cons
- The bottle is a bit small, but that’s reflected fairly in the price IMO
Why we love it: And now, a little commotion for a true drugstore showstopper. Coming in at under $20, Byoma’s Hydrating Recovery Oil packs quite a punch (gently, of course) and is genuinely one of the most versatile face oils I’ve tried. Whether you lean oily, dry, or somewhere in the middle, the blend botanical oils inside this skin-barrier savior not only boost hydration without clogging pores, but also help brighten and balance for even-toned radiance no matter your skin type.
One Cosmo editor says: “If you’re just starting with oils, I can’t recommend this one enough. Not only is it affordable, it’s SUPER lightweight but still delivers on results. I worried this one would be ~too~ light for me and wouldn’t leave my skin feeling any different. After applying before bed and getting a full night’s rest, though, I was proven wrong. My skin felt crazy supple the next day.”—IB
Features at a Glance
| Key ingredients | Byoma’s Barrier Lipid Complex, jojoba oil, sea buckthorn oil, squalene |
Pros
- Dermatologist-approved, clinically proven, and cruelty-free
- Can be used to remove makeup and smooth flyaways too
Cons
- Essential oils could be irritating to those with sensitive skin
Why we love it: What first caught my eye about Eight Saints’ face oil was its array of non-skincare related uses, which I’lll admit did make me skeptical about how it would feel and behave on my skin. But, the blend of plant-based essential oils inside this luxurious face oil makes the sensorial experience a 10/10, whether you’re using it to melt off your makeup or apply after cleansing to harness all the tone-evening, hydration-boosting, anti-aging benefits.
One Cosmo editor says: “If you’re treating yourself to a self-care night at home, this oil is a must. Not only is it the perfect last step in your skincare routine for locking in moisture and maximizing glow, the scent notes of neroli, citrus, and honey transport you right to the spa at your favorite five-star resort.”—IB
Features at a Glance
| Key ingredients | Vitamin E, marula oil, jojoba oil, grapeseed oil |
Pros
- Super concentrated
- Works with your skin’s natural oils to balance and calm
Cons
- Finding the right water-to-balm ratio needed to activate the product takes a bit of practice, but it’s worth it
Why we love it: For me, one of the most exciting and interesting parts of experimenting with skincare is playing with textures. Finding a product that makes the process of skincare just as enjoyable as seeing the results can make a world of difference, and Anfisa Skin’s out-of-the-box waxless balm does just that. If traditional oils aren’t for you, I urge you to give this balm-to-oil formula a try.
The application experience is unlike any product I’ve tried. To use, spritz your face with a facial mist or water, then gently press a dollop of the balm into your skin. The consistency will emulsify (kind of like a cleansing balm) into a silky oil. The instant glow and butter-like skin I woke up with the next day sealed the deal right away.
One Cosmo editor says: “I love the sensation of applying a thicker, more occlusive product when my skin is feeling particularly parched, and this balm oil is so rich and yummy I want to eat it (I won't, though!). All you have to do to activate the 86 antioxidants in this soothing, nourishing oil is apply to slightly damp skin and revel in the feeling as the waxless balm melts into a spa-quality oil.”—IB
Features at a Glance
| Key ingredients | Murmurmu butter, elderberry fruit extract, blueberry seed oil, green tea leaf extract |
Pros
- Brightens skin with vitamin C
- The orange scent is everything
Cons
- Vitamin C can potentially be irritating for some skin types
Why we love it: I’m not a vitamin C lover. There, I said it! But I should have known that if any brand was going to change my mind, it would be Image Skincare. Their whole Vital C line is dedicated to harnessing the power of THD ascorbate (a type of vitamin C) to help brighten skin and even tone, and their Vital C Hydrating Face Oil is a great way to introduce the superstar brightening agent into your routine while still keeping skin extra hydrated and calm.
One Cosmo editor says: “When I first cracked this bad boy open, I was truly wowed by the invigorating scent and thought to myself, ‘surely, there’s fragrance in here.’ But alas! There’s not—just the naturally fresh scent of orange peel, which has helped this oil wiggle its way into my morning routine. It’s like a wakeup call for your skin and your senses.”—IB
Features at a Glance
| Key ingredients | Vitamin C, argan oil, sea buckthorn oil, grapeseed oil |
Is it okay to use oil on your face every day?
Yes, it's okay to use face oil on your face every single day. “Face oils are occlusive, meaning they seal in all the ingredients and moisture you just applied to your face to keep them from evaporating as quickly,” dermatologist Shereene Idriss, MD, previously told Cosmo. So if you have dry, dehydrated, or sensitive skin, coating your skin in oil as the final step of your routine (more on this below) can help keep your skin from losing hydration.
The only caveat is that if you have oily or acne-prone skin, slathering on an occlusive layer every single night might be a bit too occlusive for your skin. In this case, opt for a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer every night, only layering on a face oil once or twice a week. You also can try short-contact therapy by smoothing on your face oil, massaging it in for 10 to 15 minutes, then washing it off. This is also key if you hate the oily, sticky feel on your skin against your pillow at night (see: slugging).
Do you put oil or moisturizer first?
You should put moisturizer on first, then layer face oil on top. “Oils can easily penetrate moisturizers, serums, and treatments, but no products can penetrate an oil, which means they need to be applied last,” dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD, once told Cosmo. Because of this, oils on their own don't really moisturize your skin; instead, they increase your moisturizer's efficacy when layered on top.
How to choose the best face oil for you:
Consider your skin type.
Not every oil is right for your skin type, so check the ingredients accordingly (or peek above!). For example, some facial oils are more moisturizing and rich, making them ideal for dry skin types.
If you've got acne-prone skin, you should definitely prioritize face oils with non-comedogenic ingredients. Unfortunately, an oil that clogs my pores could be amazing for you, while something that makes me dewy and plump breaks you out—making it difficult to discern which pore-clogging ingredients to avoid. However, as a baseline, opt for jojoba oil, rosehip seed oil, and argan oil if you're prone to breakouts. Marula oil, coconut oil, and olive oil, on the other hand, are pretty high on the comedogenicity scale, so they can potentially clog your pores.
Research where it's coming from.
When you're deciding on a face oil, make sure that the oil is cold pressed, Dr. Rodney previously told Cosmo. Cold-pressed oils have the most nutrients in them (think of like eating raw veggies versus cooked veggies). FWIW, every single face oil on this list is filled with cold-pressed oils. Generally, opting for a face oil that's a blend of a few different oils is the easiest way to achieve this.
Meet the experts:
- Krupa Koestline is a clean cosmetic chemist and the founder of KKT Consultants where she consults with brands on clean guidelines, as well as new and eco-friendly manufacturing processes. Cosmo previously interviewed her about rosehip oil.
- Shereene Idriss, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and clinical instructor in dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Dr. Idriss is also the founder and medical director of Idriss Dermatology in New York, New York. She was previously interviewed about skincare routine order.
- Mona Gohara, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Hamden, Connecticut. Dr. Gohara is an associate clinical professor at Yale School of Medicine and president of the Women’s Dermatologic Society. Her areas of expertise include medical and surgical dermatology and skin of color. She's also been interviewed about skincare routines.
- Ife Rodney, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist, dermatopathologist, and founding director of Eternal Dermatology + Aesthetics in Fulton, MD. Dr. Rodney has previously spoken to Cosmo on the topic of jojoba oil for hair.
Why trust ‘Cosmopolitan’?
Isabelle Buneo is a contributing writer for Cosmopolitan where she writes about makeup, hair, skin, and nails.
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan with five years of experience researching, writing, and editing skincare stories.
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you "have to try." Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair 'do every few months.
Isabelle (Izzie) Buneo is a contributing beauty writer for Cosmopolitan.com with a passion for over-the-top glam trends, fragrance-maxxing, and science-first skincare. When she’s not scouring Reddit for queries like ‘is sandalwood actually wood’ or watching fashion week recaps, she can be found experimenting with lesbian-friendly press-ons or forcing her cats to wear matching outfits. Follow her Instagram for unsolicited gay pop music recommendations and endless fit checks.
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