<h2 class=”body-h2″><strong>Which facial oil is best for me?</strong> </h2><p>“Squalane and marula are wonderful for normal to dry skin,” says Dr. Zamani. “For more oily or combination skin types, look for lighter oils such as jojoba or tea tree oils.” </p><p>Many people with <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/product-reviews/beauty-reviews/g35582136/best-acne-face-wash-cleansers/” target=”_blank”>blemish-prone skin</a> may worry about adding an oil to their routine, but in some cases, drying, stripping products remove too much sebum and make skin produce oil twice as fast to make up for it. A lightweight oil keeps moisture locked in and ensures you don’t get dry skin forming over sebaceous glands, thus trapping in dirt and oil and causing breakouts. Having said that, if you have <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/product-reviews/beauty-reviews/g35582136/best-acne-face-wash-cleansers/” target=”_blank”>acne-prone skin</a>, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before adding anything to your skincare arsenal.<br></p><p>Oils are particularly valuable for <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/product-reviews/beauty-reviews/g60213104/best-menopause-skincare/” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>menopausal skin</a>. Due to the loss of oestrogen, oil production slows, and skin can struggle to hold onto moisture, often leaving it feeling dry. Using oils can help with dehydration as their occlusive properties help the skin hold onto hydration. </p><p>“An oil is a welcome addition for menopausal skin because it helps to restore the <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/product-reviews/fashion-and-beauty/g38663905/best-ceramide-serums/” target=”_blank”>barrier function</a> and maintain the water retention capacity, all working to deliver a dewier complexion,” says Dr. Zamani. </p><h2 class=”body-h2″><strong>How to use a facial oil</strong> </h2><p>“Facial oils are usually used in conjunction with a moisturiser, but they can also be used on their own,” says Dr. Zamani. If you’re layering them as part of your routine, they should always be the penultimate product applied to your skin before <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/beauty/skincare/g40650648/best-spf-for-face/” target=”_blank”>SPF</a>. This is because oils sit on top of the skin, <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/product-reviews/fashion-and-beauty/g34928132/best-moisturisers-sensitive-skin/” target=”_blank”>locking in moisture</a>. Plus, anything placed on top of an oil will not penetrate through into the skin as easily. </p><p>Oils can be used either day or night, but Dr. Zamani’s personal preference is to incorporate them into her night regimen, after serums, actives or <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/product-reviews/fashion-and-beauty/g31805354/best-body-moisturisers/” target=”_blank”>moisturisers</a>. </p><h2 class=”body-h2″><strong>How we test</strong> facial oils </h2><p>The <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/product-reviews/about-the-institute/a24657702/good-housekeeping-institute-product-reviews/” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>GHI</a> recruited a team of over 240 of our testers to put a range of facial oils to the test for two weeks. They then gave detailed feedback on their performance, design, ease of use and how well they kept skin supple and hydrated throughout the day. </p><p>Back in the lab, our experts analysed how effective each product was at hydrating the skin by using our TEWL (trans epidermal water loss) meter to measure the skin’s moisture levels before applying the facial oil and six hours afterwards.</p><p>Read on for the most nourishing facial oils money can buy. </p>”/>
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Pros
- Helps firm fine lines
- Boosts elasticity
- Rich in omega oils
Cons
- Relatively expensive
Score: 90/100
If you’re looking to soften a furrowed brow or smooth out fine lines, you’ll be pleased to hear our winning facial oil does more than simply hydrate the skin – hence its impressive score. It claims to reduce wrinkles, improve the suppleness of the skin, replenish the skin barrier and boost healthy radiance. And – thanks to the combination of omega-rich seed oils, vitamin F blend and skin-supporting lipids – it delivered, and then some.
Testers told us their skin felt firmer, bouncier and way more hydrated after use. “I noticed a huge difference in my skin after a couple of days, which shocked me,” said one. “My skin was visibly hydrated and my fine lines almost invisible.” Another noticed similar results, telling us: “It did a great job of improving my valley of fine lines and wrinkles and I’ve noticed a huge improvement in my skin elasticity.”
It’s lightweight and “lovely to apply”, also helping to tackle pigmentation for some panellists. Every single person who tried it said they were happy with the product and planned to continue using it after the trial. At £85, it’s quite the investment, but by the sound of the feedback, it’s worth it.
Pros
- Luxurious and premium
- Immediately nourishing
- Delivers plump, smooth, glowing skin
Cons
- The scent was a little divisive
Score: 89/100
Eve Lom promises “lingering skin softness” after using this luxurious oil, and our testers praised its high-end, lightweight feel. Every single person said their skin looked brighter, more radiant, and felt immediately moisturised after use, with hydration lasting all night and day. They found it wasn’t too greasy or heavy either and glided easily onto skin without sitting on the surface.
It may be a little pricey, but skin was left plump, smooth and glowing. The scent was a little divisive – someone described it as “bearable”, while others said they didn’t notice a strong scent.
Pros
- Non-occlusive (doesn’t clog pores)
- Firming
- Non-sticky
Cons
- Relatively expensive
Score: 86/100
Lavender fields, famous painters and lovely wines – Provence is known for many great things. One of them – perhaps our favourite – is that it’s where heritage French skincare brand L’Occitane was born and still grows many of its skin-nourishing ingredients.
This face oil – also made in France – is said to reduce visible signs of ageing by boosting firmness and radiance. Putting such an iconic brand on test at the GHI is always interesting, but this classic clearly stands the test of time. Testers told us their skin was far more firm and supple after the trial period, with almost every single tester agreeing their skin looked smoother after rotating this into their routine.
“It wasn’t sticky, was easy to apply, absorbed quickly and smelt great,” said one tester. “It’s light and doesn’t clog up my pores like other face oils – I absolutely love it.” Chic and efficacious, bravo L’Occitane.
Score: 85/100
The skin barrier is an essential part of keeping complexions clear and healthy. The modern world, however, is out to get it, with pollution and over-active skincare products all working to damage our barrier. Enter: The Hydrabarrier Oil from Ole Henriksen.
Designed to boost and support the skin’s protective barrier, this blend of Scandinavian berry oils, peptides and vitamin E helps to prevent trans-epidermal water loss. The result is soft, supple, healthier skin. On top of this, it’s non-comedogenic, which means pores are less likely to be blocked and it can be used on any skin type.
Packed with fortifying peptides, the brand claims the product “strengthens your moisture barrier by 19% in just one day”. So, did it deliver? If softer, strengthened skin is what you’re after, it seems it did. “It felt very soothing on my skin and made it feel softer and plumper to the touch,” said one tester. Another told us: “I found this oil layered up nicely with my day and night creams without being overly greasy, which was great.”
Some found the product too rich to use as recommended twice a day, and a couple noticed breakouts at first, so more targeted application to areas that most need it may work better for some.
Pros
- Aromatherapy benefits
- Non-greasy
- Skin-softening
Cons
- Pipette slightly too sensitive
Score: 85/100
Do your ears prick up at talk of dry or dehydrated skin solutions? This could be the face oil for you. Specifically formulated for those with combination and dry skin, this oil combines 100% pure plant extracts and essential oils to keep your complexion balanced. Rosemary, geranium and lotus extracts work to purify the skin while hazelnut oil takes charge of softening and smoothing, leaving a satin-like finish.
“This is a luxurious oil that’s – somehow – not at all greasy,” said one tester. “It made my skin soft and really helped with dry patches.” It absorbed speedily and layered well, with almost everyone saying their skin felt instantly hydrated and it stayed that way all night and day. It’s also formulated with aromatherapeutic benefits in mind, so if you like a spa-like skincare moment, this is a good choice.
Pros
- Chic packaging
- Easy to use
- Good underneath makeup
Cons
- Had to use more than recommended
Score: 83/100
Soho House is known as much for its spas and treatments as it is for its rooftop pools and vibrant social scene. We know they’ve got their spicy margaritas nailed, but can their skin formulations impress in the same way?
Well, this face oil got the most mentions for “nourished-feeling skin” after use. Our testers couldn’t get enough of it. “I love how luxurious this oil is!” said one. “It’s like something you get in a spa with its delicious scent.” Another added: “My foundation stayed in place all day after using this oil, and I noticed some fine lines and wrinkles began to blur and fade,” while another said it let their skin looking “fresh, youthful and healthy.”
Pros
- Fragrance-free (good for sensitive skin)
- Moisturising effects last all day
Cons
- Not for those who like fragranced oils
Score: 80/100
Said by the brand to be “like rehab for your skin”, we were interested to see if this omega-rich marula oil could restore faces to their natural (pre-pollution) radiance. Our panellists were definitely converts. No one experienced any irritation during the trial period, and testers loved how lightweight, non-greasy and fast absorbing it is.
Those with dry skin were impressed with how long the moisturising effects lasted for, and many said they didn’t need to use a moisturiser as well. The lack of fragrance means it’s a good choice for those with any sensitivity, and panellists praised the pipette packaging (try saying that in a hurry) for dispensing just the right amount. There were some grumbles about the lack of scent, but you can’t please them all.
Pros
- Simple ingredients list
- Organic ingredients
- Immediately moisturising
Cons
- Divisive scent
Score: 80/100
This is made from 100% organic cold pressed rose hip seed oil, which, in skincare circles, is said to address the signs of premature ageing by supporting skin elasticity and brightening dull areas. In contrast with many of The Ordinary’s science-sounding combi-formulations, this is no-fuss simplicity, bottled. It’s made from just one mighty, organically farmed ingredient. Impressive, right?
Almost everyone agreed that their skin felt moisturised immediately after use, and testers were pleased with the product overall after the four-week trial, noticing improvements to the appearance and feel of their skin.
A few testers found this one a bit too thick. The brand also flags that the product “imparts a natural scent, partly due to its high omega fatty acid content”, which, it says, “is not an indication of rancidity”. Our testers did also pick up on this, with one telling us: “It smelt like cooking oil”, but others liked that “it wasn’t highly perfumed”.
Pros
- Organic ingredients
- Firmed and smoothed skin
Cons
- Hard to dispense for some
Score: 80/100
The noni fruit is known for its antioxidant properties, helping to protect against the ageing impact of harsh external aggressors and environmental pollutants. So, when we heard of this formulation from KORA, a brand making waves in the organic beauty space – particularly with its best-selling bakuchiol retinol alternative – we knew we had to get it tested at the GHI.
Although we can’t properly test the potency of anti-pollutant ingredients per se, we can trial products for their effect on the skin’s typical signs of damage. And this smart formulation provided “touchable softness” and a “glow effect” for our panel.
Some found the small bottle “a little fiddly” and the pipette tricky to use due to its size, but our testers were pleased with how smooth and firm their skin looked and felt after using it for the trial period. “It was just so lovely on my skin – it gave an overall smooth appearance and helped with my dry patches,” said one. Everyone found it absorbed quickly and didn’t feel greasy, either. Power to organic ingredients.
Pros
- Plumped and firmed
- Good for sensitive skin
Cons
- Too oily for some
Score: 79/100
BYOMA does a brilliant job of making its bottles cute enough to showcase on your bathroom shelf, while packing them full of formulating creams and oils that bolster your skin with much-needed nourishment and protection. This purple packaging is full of lipids to help support skin barrier function, along with hydrating squalane and nine different antioxidant rich oils – jojoba, rosehip, sunflower and sea buckthorn, to name a few.
“It has been brilliant,” said one panel member. “My skin has been so dry for quite a few years now after going through the menopause. Now it’s plumper and the texture feels great.” Another added: “I have extremely sensitive skin and this oil has calmed my irritated complexion down, almost overnight.” We can’t say it’s definitely best for all menopausal skin as everyone is affected differently, but those on our panel who have experienced symptoms gave us glowing feedback about the oil’s performance.
Pros
- Gives a golden tanned glow
- Lightweight
- Sinks in easily
Cons
- Some weren’t fans of the bronze
Score: 77/100
This brand puts natural, organic, skin-nourishing ingredients front and centre of its clever formulations, and this omega-rich oil is no exception. Bright orange in colour, the ‘elixir’ in its name feels apt, as it delivers a glow-y hue on application.
Testers told us it left their skin looking “dewy”. “It gave my skin a healthy tanned tint, which was great after a year of no holidays,” said one. It doesn’t technically have any tanning agents in it, but the orange colour leaves a bronze effect in its wake. However, not everyone was a fan, with one saying it left a mark on their pillowcase, “although the packaging did tell me to let it sink in before bed.”
The tropical fragrance was a real hit with some. “It smelt like holidays,” said one, and most found it sank in easily, was easy to use and lasted a long time.
Pros
- Absorbs quickly and easily
- Reasonable price point
Cons
- It can stain clothes if not left to sink in
Score: 70/100
This oil sank into skin quickly. Our testers waxed lyrical about its lightweight, luxurious texture, which “felt nice on skin”, “wasn’t greasy” and “absorbed quickly”. It left people’s skin feeling super smooth and looking more hydrated. Everyone found it easy to use and liked the pipette packaging, too.
As with most Pai products, the bottle is chic, the price point is reasonable, and the formulation has been developed here in the UK. Much like the Tropic Elixir, some found the orange colour left clothes and sheets stained. To avoid this, allow the product time to sink in before bed.
Pros
- Designed for use on the face, body and hair
Cons
- Some found the scent too sweet
Score: 70/100
“Farm-to-face skincare” is the mantra of this beauty brand, which works with local farms around the world to find innovative, pioneering ingredients that deliver unparalleled results. Its Honey Grail Oil scored well for boosting skin radiance, and the honey scent was a hit with testers.
It’s also multifunctional – it’s designed for use on face, body and hair – which proved popular. “I used it on my face to do a facial massage with my Gua Sha, then used it on the tips of my hair and massaged any excess into my cuticles,” said one tester. How’s that for a multitasking beauty product?
Florence is our Senior Beauty Writer, specialising in expert-tested beauty and grooming reviews — from toothbrushes to the latest skincare launches. She’s committed to sharing recommendations for products that truly work and make people feel confident and healthy. Prior to this she was at Tropic Skincare, where she worked closely with biochemists in the lab, delving into the functions of each fresh, natural ingredient and conveying its efficacy to her audience in easy-to-digest terms.
With over five years’ experience in beauty and health journalism, Florence has written for ELLE, Women’s Fitness, Sister Magazine, National Geographic Traveller and many more, with a strong sustainability angle thread through much of her work.
When she isn’t packing for a trip away, working out, eating out or reading up on retinol serums, you’ll probably find her experimenting with her film camera and building her portfolio of portraits. Florence’s photography can be found at florencereeves-white.com, her Instagram is @florencereeveswhite and her twitter is @floreadsnwrites
Nora is our Beauty and Grooming Tester and has a master’s degree in cosmetic science. She is using her expert knowledge of product development, formulation, product evaluation and market research to test a wide range of hair and beauty products in the beauty labs for Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health, ELLE, Men’s Health. In the lab she uses a variety of methods such as the Diastron, The Multi Skin Test Centre, The VISIA Complexion Analyser to test anything from hydration, skin barrier function, pore size and more.
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