If your skin has ever felt tight, flaky, or just dull, you’re not alone. Dryness, stress, and changing weather can steal that healthy glow from your face. That’s where the best face oils for nourishment come in. These rich blends hydrate, protect, and balance your skin without making it greasy.
I started using face oils a few years ago, reluctantly at first (the thought of putting oil on my face felt odd). But after seeing how hydrated and radiant my skin looked, I never went back. A few friends tried it too, and now they’re hooked.
Below, I’ve gathered some of the best face oils for nourishment—some I’ve tried myself, and others that friends and family swear by.
Top Recommendations
These are the top face oils people love for nourishment, hydration, and radiance. Each one delivers visible results and feels luxurious on the skin.
Best Overall: Sunday Riley C.E.O Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil
Best for Dry Skin: The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil
Best for Sensitive Skin: Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil
1. Sunday Riley C.E.O Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil
Sunday Riley’s C.E.O Glow is often called a “bottle of sunshine” for good reason. It’s packed with vitamin C and golden turmeric to brighten dull skin and improve overall tone. The formula absorbs quickly, leaving your skin glowing without any greasy feel.
This face oil works beautifully for all skin types, especially dull or uneven skin. Vitamin C helps fade dark spots and protect your skin from environmental stressors, while turmeric calms inflammation and adds radiance. I personally love how it makes my skin look fresh, even on makeup-free days.
Pros:
- Brightens and evens out skin tone
- Lightweight, non-greasy finish
- Packed with antioxidants for long-term benefits
Cons:
- Slightly pricey
- Scent may be too strong for sensitive noses
Sunday Riley C.E.O Glow is the best overall face oil for nourishment. It boosts radiance, evens skin tone, and hydrates deeply—all while feeling light and comfortable.
2. The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil
This product is a cult favorite for a reason. Rosehip seed oil is rich in essential fatty acids and vitamin A, helping to repair skin damage and boost elasticity. The Ordinary’s version is simple yet powerful, perfect for those who prefer minimal ingredients with maximum impact.
If you struggle with dry patches, uneven texture, or mild scars, this oil can help smooth and restore your skin. I’ve seen friends use it as a night treatment, and they wake up with soft, plump skin.
Pros:
- Affordable and high quality
- Excellent for dry or aging skin
- Helps fade scars and fine lines
Cons:
- Has a natural earthy scent
- May feel heavy for oily skin types
The Ordinary Rose Hip Seed Oil is the best choice for dry or mature skin. It nourishes, heals, and softens, giving your skin that “well-rested” look even after long days.
3. Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil
This one’s a favorite among those with sensitive or combination skin. It combines squalane, vitamin C, and rose extract to hydrate and brighten while being gentle enough for daily use.
Squalane mimics your skin’s natural oils, which means it hydrates without clogging pores. Vitamin C brightens your complexion, while rose adds a luxurious scent and soothing finish. The texture feels silky, not oily, making it great under makeup too.
Pros:
- Gentle and non-comedogenic
- Great for sensitive or reactive skin
- Absorbs quickly
Cons:
- Pricey for the quantity
- Packaging may leak if not closed tightly
Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil is the best face oil for sensitive skin. It delivers moisture and glow without irritation, leaving your skin calm, balanced, and smooth.
4. Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate
This oil is basically beauty sleep in a bottle. Infused with lavender, evening primrose, and squalane, Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate restores your skin overnight. It feels luxurious and has a calming scent that makes your nighttime routine feel like a mini spa session.
It’s especially effective for those who deal with tired-looking or dehydrated skin. The blend helps with regeneration and gives your skin a refreshed look by morning.
Pros:
- Enhances overnight skin recovery
- Relaxing natural scent
- Hydrates and softens
Cons:
- Not ideal for those sensitive to fragrance
- Slightly expensive
Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate is perfect for nighttime nourishment. It deeply hydrates and rejuvenates your skin while you sleep, giving you a healthy morning glow.
5. Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil
Marula oil is known as “miracle oil” in skincare circles. Drunk Elephant’s version is 100% pure and cold-pressed, ensuring maximum potency. It’s rich in antioxidants and omega fatty acids that help moisturize and protect your skin barrier.
This oil works beautifully for all skin types, but especially helps with dullness, fine lines, and redness. It leaves your skin soft and bouncy without feeling greasy.
Pros:
- Fast-absorbing formula
- Protects skin barrier
- Free of fragrance and silicone
Cons:
- High-end price tag
- Glass bottle can be fragile
Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Oil is ideal for anyone seeking deep nourishment and long-term skin health. It’s luxurious, potent, and gentle enough for everyday use.
6. Herbivore Botanicals Phoenix Facial Oil
The Phoenix Facial Oil by Herbivore Botanicals is a blend of rosehip, sea buckthorn, and chia seed oils. It’s formulated to revive dry, dull, or aging skin with a boost of natural nutrients.
The warm, herbal scent feels comforting, and the texture melts beautifully into the skin. Over time, it helps restore elasticity and improves your overall glow.
Pros:
- Natural, plant-based ingredients
- Rich in antioxidants and omega oils
- Leaves skin supple and dewy
Cons:
- Slightly heavy for oily skin
- The scent may not appeal to everyone
Herbivore Phoenix Facial Oil is a great option for those who love clean beauty and botanical blends. It’s nourishing, restorative, and perfect for dry or mature skin that needs extra care.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Face Oils for Nourishment
1. Skin Type Matters
Before picking a face oil, know your skin type. Lightweight oils like squalane work well for oily or acne-prone skin, while richer oils like marula or rosehip are best for dry or mature skin.
2. Ingredients to Look For
Go for oils rich in vitamins A, C, and E, plus fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6. These help hydrate, brighten, and protect your skin barrier.
3. Absorption Rate
Some oils absorb quickly and feel dry to the touch, while others stay dewy. If you prefer a matte finish, try squalane or jojoba oil. For a dewy glow, choose rosehip or marula oil.
4. Reputable Brands
Always opt for brands that use cold-pressed or organic oils, as they retain more nutrients. Look for transparent ingredient lists and avoid artificial fragrances if your skin is sensitive.
Conclusion
The best face oils for nourishment aren’t just about moisture, they’re about restoring balance and radiance. Whether you go for Sunday Riley’s vitamin-packed formula or The Ordinary’s minimalist rosehip oil, each one offers something unique. Try one that fits your skin type, and your face will thank you with a healthy, lasting glow.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can oily skin use face oils?
Yes! Face oils can actually balance sebum production. Choose lightweight, non-comedogenic oils like squalane or jojoba.
2. When should I apply face oil?
Apply it as the last step in your skincare routine, after moisturizer, to lock in hydration.
3. Do face oils replace moisturizers?
Not always. Face oils seal in moisture but don’t hydrate on their own. Use both for the best results.
4. How often should I use face oil?
Once or twice daily works well for most people. Start slowly and see how your skin reacts.
5. Are face oils safe for sensitive skin?
Most are, but always patch-test first. Stick to simple formulas like squalane or rosehip for minimal irritation.
