The 16 Best Face Oils for Dry and Flaky Skin
Dry skin is a thing of the past.
Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
If you’re scared of reaching for a face oil, you’re not alone. Many people worry that face oils might congest their pores or exacerbate already oily skin. With the right formula, however, anyone can use face oil. Some facial oils help moisturize thanks to their occlusive properties, while others can deliver vitamins and nutrients into the skin.
You don’t have to have dry skin to use a face oil—even oily or acne-prone skin can benefit from adding an oil into their routine. If you’re curious about adding a face oil into your routine, advanced formulas make it so that it’s never been easier to do so. A face oil also fits seamlessly into your existing beauty routine. “When you apply face oil depends on the weight of the oil itself,” says Dr. Geeta Yadav. “Generally speaking, that means you’d apply an essence before a serum, a serum before a hydrating moisturizer, and a moisturizer before a face oil.” If you plan to use a face cream that’s richer than your face oil, swap the face oil in first.
Keep reading for the 16 best facial oils to add to your routine, chosen based on ingredients that help heal your skin barrier, antioxidant-rich formulas, and rave customer reviews.
OLEHENRIKSEN Hydrabarrier Nourishing Face Oil
Pros
- Hydrates skin
Cons
- Scent is unappealing to some consumers
Formulated specifically with your skin barrier in mind, this face oil is packed with good-for-your-skin ingredients like peptides, Scandinavian berry oils, and ceramides.
Key ingredients: peptides, ceramides
Size: 1 fl oz
Sephora rating: 4.6/5
An ELLE editor says: “This is my favorite face oil to use when my skin needs an extra hydration boost. I have dry skin that’s prone to flaking, but very time I use this barrier-repairing oil, I wake up with incredibly dewy skin. It also smells divine—not artificial, but slightly sweet and botanical. ” — Katie Berohn, beauty editor
Pros
- Hydrates and brightens
Cons
- Pricey
Chantecaille’s Rose de Mai Face Oil is lightweight but still intensely nourishing. With a blend of sweet almond, grapeseed, and evening primrose, this oil clarifies and hydrates.
Key ingredients: sweet almond oil, evening primrose oil
Size: 1 fl oz
Nordstrom rating: 4.6/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “Chantecaille’s Rose de Mai feels luxe on my skin without making it feel greasy. Whenever I use this, my skin looks brighter and glowier. It feels so nourishing, and it also doesn’t hurt that it smells like roses.” — Katie Berohn
Pros
- Replenishes the skin barrier and firms skin
Cons
- Pricey
This oil-serum hybrid from Dior is formulated to soothe dry skin and replenish lipids. Argan oil, tamanu oil, and iris florentina are blended together to strengthen, repair, and soften.
Key ingredients: Argan oil, tamanu oil, iris florentina
Size: 1 fl oz
Dior rating: 5/5 stars
A Dior reviewer says: “This product is my go-to. I’ve noticed decreased smile lines and added firmness to my skin. I’m 53 and get compliments often on my skin.”
Pros
- Evens skin tone
Cons
- Pricey
Antioxidant-rich oils like Bulgarian Damask rose and rosehip oil help reduce inflammation and even skin tone. This oil is also enriched with vitamins C and E to brighten and smooth.
Key ingredients: Bulgarian Damask rose, helichrysum, rosehip oil
Size: 1 fl oz
Dermstore rating: 4.6/5 stars
A Dermstore reviewer says: “This serum has been incredibly effective in lightening hyperpigmentation and I’ve experienced nicer overall skin texture. The bottle is beautiful and the scent is delicious, nothing artificial.”
Summer Fridays Heavenly Sixteen All-In-One Face Oil
Pros
- Non-comedogenic
Cons
- Formula can lead to pilling of other products
In this multi-purpose face oil from Summer Fridays, 16 different non-comedogenic, vegan oils work together to hydrate, brighten, and firm skin.
Key ingredients: meadowfoam oil, black currant oil, prickly pear oil
Size: 1 fl oz
Sephora rating: 4.4./5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “I love this stuff! It's not greasy, it absorbs well, my skin is glowing, and fine lines are definitely less noticeable. I'm a fan for for life.”
Pros
- Nourishing ingredients
Cons
- Pricey
The skincare industry typically looks to citrus fruits (err, vitamin C) for their antioxidant properties, but it’s time we give plum oil the praise it deserves. Le Prunier is one of the brands leading the plum oil movement with a deeply nourishing formula that uses omega fatty acids, vitamins A and E, and more to shield your barrier from damage and dryness.
Key ingredients: plum seed oil
Size: 1 fl oz
Le Prunier star rating: 4.9/5 stars
A Le Prunier reviewer says: “Brings a glow to my skin and makes my complexion smooth. Feels a little more oily at the beginning but blends in over time.”
Pros
- Fast-absorbing
Cons
- Pour top can get messy
A classic in the cabinets of many beauty experts, Dr. Geeta Yadav says jojoba oil is great because it’s so lightweight and absorbs easily without seeping into our pores and causing irritation.
Key ingredients: jojoba oil
Size: 4 fl oz
Amazon rating: 4.8/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “This is a fantastic oil for my face. It does moisturize. No complaints here!”
Renee Rouleau Pro Remedy Oil
Pros
- Great for soothing skin
Cons
- Pricey
Renee Rouleau’s line is chock full of skin problem solvers. The Pro Remedy Oil is a great topper for those who use strong actives or have eczema or rosacea.
Key ingredients: sweet almond oil, evening primrose oil
Size: 4 fl oz
Renee Rouleau rating: 4.7/5 stars
A Renee Rouleau reviewer says: “Works quickly and consistently to add moisture to my dry aging skin. Tightness relieved and my skin feels wonderful. Best face oil I have used so far.”
Charlotte Tilbury Collagen Superfusion Face Oil
Pros
- Plumps skin
Cons
- Pricey
A flawless makeup look is sometimes contingent on how well the skin is prepped beforehand. Makeup expert Charlotte Tilbury made your prep routine simple by formulating a lightweight oil packed with collagen and vitamins A and E to brighten and smooth the skin.
Key ingredients: avocado oil, almond oil
Size: 1 fl oz
Nordstrom rating: 4.2/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “While I prefer a moisturizer, this is my go-to when I want an oil. Recently, I was in 1 degree weather and this truly kept my skin moisturized and protected. The oil is not too heavy, gave my skin the perfect subtle glow, and played nice with my moisturizer—no pilling!” — Danielle James, digital beauty director
Youth to the People Superberry Hydrate & Glow Oil
Pros
- Antioxidant-rich formula
Cons
- Scented
Who knew berries had so many skincare benefits? Acai, goji, and maqui deliver antioxidants, while squalane oil and prickly pear hydrate the skin.
Key ingredients: acai, goji, maqui
Size: 4 fl oz
Nordstrom rating: 4.8/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “A hydrating oil that will not cause you to break out? Yes, it is possible and this formula is a perfect example. Packed with antioxidants and prickly pear, this oil brightened and hydrated my skin. I normally use oil and a moisturizer, but I felt fine using only this oil. I also like to dab this on my cheekbones before applying my RMS Beauty ReDimension Hydra Dew Luminizer for a radiant effect.” — Danielle James
Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil
Pros
- Plumps skin
Cons
- Pricey
Biossance’s face oil has a formula that helps you maintain your skin’s elasticity and boost its radiance with each use.
Key ingredients: Damascus rose extract, squalane
Size: 1 fl oz
Biossance rating: 4.7/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “I can’t lie, anything with rose in the name will automatically pique my interest. But as a someone who’s prone to dry skin, I would love this oil regardless. It feels hydrating on my skin without leaving a super greasy finish and smells amazing. I use this at night after my moisturizer and always wake up with glowy skin.” — Tasha Nicole Smith, beauty assistant
Farmacy Honey Grail
Pros
- Super moisturizing
Cons
- Scented
Rest assured, your pores are in good hands with Farmacy’s Honey Grail face oil. The super-light formula nourishes the skin with buckwheat honey and a blend of oils to address dryness and improve the skin’s barrier.
Key ingredients: honey, sea buckthorn oil
Size: 1 fl oz
Sephora rating: 4.3/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “Farmacy has truly saved my dry acne-prone skin! The honey grail face oil is the icing on my skincare cake!! Keeps me glowing and hydrated all day and night and no breakouts!”
Sunday Riley Juno Antioxidant + Superfood Face Oil
Pros
- Rich in antioxidants
Cons
- Scented
For a potent, antioxidant-rich formula, look no further than Sunday Riley’s Juno oil. In addition to delivering superfoods directly to the skin, this oil works to address anti-aging effects and build up the skin’s resistance.
Key ingredients: blueberry seed oil, cranberry seed oil
Size: 1.18 fl oz
Sephora rating: 4.3/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “I'm obsessed with this stuff! It makes me feel so hydrated and my skin is glowing! I use it at night after my moisturizer.”
Pros
- Boosts radiance
Cons
- Pricey
A cult-favorite product, True Botanicals’ Pure Radiance Oil uses a combination of kiwi extract and chia seed to help lock in moisture, while papaya and passion fruit seed extract work to purify.
Key ingredients: kiwi extract, chia seeds
Size: 1 fl oz
True Botanicals rating: 4.5/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “There’s a reason this face oil is a cult favorite. True Botanicals Pure Radiance Oil does wonders to boost skin’s radiance and give you a major glow. This is one of my favorite oils to use when my skin needs a major hydration boost—it plumps and adds moisture instantly.” — Katie Berohn
Tata Harper Skincare Retinoic Nutrient Face Oil
Pros
- Addresses anti-aging
Cons
- Pricey
Not only is this Tata Harper bottle packed with powerful nutrients and vitamins, but it also includes retinoic acid to improve the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
Key ingredients: rosehip oil, retinoic acid
Size: 1 fl oz
Nordstrom rating: 4.5/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer says: “My skin eats up this product and the outcome is gorgeous glowing healthy skin! I love it and it has become a staple in my skincare routine!”
Pros
- Anti-inflammatory ingredients
Cons
- Pricey
Got redness? Cancel out spots with anti-inflammatory geranium extract. Vitamin-rich orange and neroli essential oils promote skin cell growth for fresh-faced radiance.
Key ingredients: orange essential oil, neroli essential oil
Size: 1 fl oz
Uma rating: 5/5 stars
An Uma reviewer says: “This oil smells good! I usually mix it with the clarifying oil during the day before my sunscreen and makeup.”
Elemis Superfood Facial Oil
Pros
- Packed with powerful nutrients
Cons
- Scented
Elemis’ face oil takes its name literally, with plant-based ingredients like broccoli, flax seed, and daikon radish. The high concentration penetrates skin cells to deliver moisture directly.
Key ingredients: broccoli, flax seed, and daikon radish
Size: 1 fl oz
Ulta rating: 4.6/5 star
An Ulta reviewer says: “Probably THE best facial product I've ever used. I'm obsessed. BUY IT!”
Meet the Expert
Dr. Geeta Yadav is the founder of Toronto-based dermatology Facet Dermatology.
What does face oil do?
Face oil alone can’t give your skin the hydration it needs, but it works well with other products to boost its moisture levels. “When skin is dry, it is often because of skin barrier dysfunction. The skin barrier helps nourish the skin while sealing in hydration. When the skin barrier is damaged, you’ll experience higher rates of transepidermal water loss (TEWL), which leaves your skin dry and irritated. By hydrating skin with a humectant like hyaluronic acid and then using a face oil, you will be able to help restore the health of the skin barrier, lock in lasting moisture, and promote a more nourished complexion,” Dr. Yadav explains.
Which is the best face oil?
Dr. Yadav says the best oil is jojoba since it absorbs easily and is super lightweight. “It’s biomimetic, meaning it functions similarly to the oils of our own skin (a.k.a. sebum). It’s well tolerated by most, won’t congest pores, and doesn’t feel heavy on the skin,” she adds.
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