Face oils have a slightly unfair reputation. Many people assume that adding oil to their routine will inevitably leave skin greasy or trigger breakouts, when in fact the right oil, used correctly and in small amounts, can help skin look softer, calmer and more radiant. Oils largely work by helping to slow water loss from the skin’s surface and by adding a comforting, cushioned feel, which makes them a lovely finishing step, particularly in colder months, in dry indoor heating, or for skin that simply looks dull and thirsty. The key is choosing a texture that matches your skin rather than reaching for the richest option available.
This edit gathers six well-regarded face oils, from featherlight single ingredients to richer botanical blends, at a range of price points to suit different needs and budgets. As always, this is general beauty guidance rather than medical advice; skin varies enormously, so patch-test any new oil first and introduce just one product at a time so you can judge how your skin responds. If you have a specific skin concern or persistent congestion, a pharmacist or dermatologist is the right person to ask before making changes.
What to look for in a face oil
Think first about weight. Lightweight oils such as squalane and rosehip absorb quickly and suit most skin types, including oilier ones, while heavier botanical blends feel more nourishing and are often better for very dry or mature-looking skin. Consider whether you want a single ingredient, which is easy to troubleshoot if something disagrees with you, or a complex blend that offers a fuller sensory experience. Fragrance is worth thinking about too, as some oils are scented for a more ritualistic feel while others are deliberately plain, which tends to be the safer choice for reactive skin.
Placement in your routine matters as well. Oils generally go towards the end, after water-based serums and moisturiser, to help seal everything in, though in the morning sunscreen always comes last over the top. A few drops warmed between the palms and pressed gently into the skin is all most people need. Oils pair naturally with hydrating steps, so our guides to hyaluronic acid serums and Korean moisturisers are useful companions if you are building a routine around glow and comfort.
It is also worth understanding what an oil can and cannot do. Oils are largely occlusive and emollient, meaning they help lock moisture in and soften the surface, but they do not add water to the skin the way a humectant such as hyaluronic acid does. That is why the most reliable results usually come from applying an oil over, rather than instead of, a hydrating layer. Think of the oil as the final seal on top of a well-hydrated base, and you will get far more from it than by using it in isolation on dry, thirsty skin.
1. The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rosehip Seed Oil
A brilliant, no-nonsense introduction to facial oils, this is simply pure cold-pressed rosehip seed oil, rich in fatty acids and long favoured for helping the appearance of dull, uneven skin. It has a slightly earthy scent and a light-to-medium texture that sinks in without much fuss, and its very low price makes it an easy first oil to experiment with before you commit to anything pricier.
Why it made the six: honest, affordable and effective, the ideal starting point.
Price: Budget, from The Ordinary and Boots.
The Sixated take: store it somewhere cool and dark, as pure rosehip oil can oxidise over time.
2. Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate
A long-standing favourite, this lightweight night oil combines squalane with a distinctive lavender essential oil scent, and it is designed to be pressed in overnight so your skin looks rested by morning. It absorbs quickly and suits most skin types, making it an easy oil to slot into an evening routine without feeling heavy or leaving a residue on your pillow.
Why it made the six: a well-balanced, fast-absorbing night oil with broad appeal.
Price: Mid-range, from John Lewis and Kiehl’s.
The Sixated take: the lavender scent is noticeable, so patch-test if you are sensitive to fragrance.
3. Votary Super Seed Facial Oil
For those who want something more nourishing, this British brand’s blend of cold-pressed seed oils feels rich and replenishing, making it a comforting overnight treatment for drier skin. Votary is known for thoughtful, botanical-led formulas made in small batches, and this one has a genuinely luxurious feel that turns the last step of the evening into something of a ritual.
Why it made the six: a beautifully made, nourishing blend for skin that wants extra comfort.
Price: Splurge, from Liberty London and Votary.
The Sixated take: a little goes a long way; best saved for evenings.
4. The Inkey List Squalane Oil
Squalane is one of the most versatile oils around: featherlight, non-greasy and well tolerated by many skin types, including oilier ones that usually steer clear of oils altogether. This affordable version helps soften and smooth the look of skin without any heaviness, and it layers neatly under or over other products, or can be mixed into your moisturiser for a subtle boost.
Why it made the six: a lightweight, great-value option that even oil-wary skin can try.
Price: Budget, from Boots and The Inkey List.
The Sixated take: a smart pick if you have always found oils too rich.
5. Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil
Pai specialises in gentle formulas for sensitive and reactive skin, and this rosehip oil is a considered choice for anyone whose skin flares at the slightest provocation. It aims to give a soft, healthy-looking glow while keeping the ingredient list restrained and free from common irritants, which is reassuring for more delicate complexions that have been let down by fussier products.
Why it made the six: a sensitive-skin-friendly rosehip oil from a trusted gentle brand.
Price: Mid-range, from Cult Beauty and Pai.
The Sixated take: still patch-test, but a sensible option for reactive skin.
6. Clarins Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil
A classic aromatic treatment oil, this Clarins staple is aimed at dehydrated-looking skin and carries the brand’s signature botanical fragrance. It has a comforting, almost spa-like feel, and it appeals to people who enjoy a fragrant ritual as part of their evening wind-down. It has been a fixture on beauty counters for years, which speaks to its enduring, sensory charm.
Why it made the six: a long-standing, comforting oil with a sensory, ritual quality.
Price: Splurge, from Marks & Spencer and Clarins.
The Sixated take: lovely as a treat, though the fragrance means it will not suit everyone.
The best way to enjoy face oils is to start simple, use only a few drops, and pay attention to how your skin responds over a couple of weeks rather than expecting overnight miracles. If a lighter oil suits you, resist the urge to pile on more, and remember that oils complement rather than replace a good moisturiser. Seasonal adjustments help too: you may find you reach for a richer oil in the depths of winter and barely need one at all in summer, and there is no rule that says you must use the same product all year round. Listen to what your skin is telling you, and treat these picks as a starting point for your own experimenting rather than a prescription. A single well-chosen oil, used with a light hand and a little patience, is often all it takes to give tired-looking skin a softer, healthier-looking finish through the colder months, and there is genuinely no need to own a whole shelf of different bottles to feel the benefit of one you truly like. If your skin needs soothing or barrier support alongside, our edits of niacinamide serums and gentle cleansers for sensitive skin round out a calm, glow-focused routine nicely.