Find the right facial oil for your skin type


by Lorna White |
Updated on

Facial oils can often seem like a step in your skincare routine that isn't essential, but just a couple of drops can super-boost the appearance and feel of the skin, which is particularly important when you’re an exhausted parent.

You can adjust the dose level according to your skin needs (ie zero sleep or during the winter, you can add an extra drop) when applying in the morning. Overtime, using a good facial oil can help plump up skin, resulting in fewer lines and wrinkles.

If you're not sure what order to apply your skincare and where your oil should fit into this, we've put together a helpful guide for your morning skincare order.

  • Cleanser

  • Toner

  • Serum

  • Eye cream

  • Moisturiser

  • Face oil

  • Sun screen

To help you find the right face oil for you, we've rounded up some of the best on the market including ones including rosehip oil and vitamin c to those best for dry skin.

The Ordinary is a go-to brand for so many skincare lovers thanks to their affordable yet super effective products. This facial oil uses pure Rosehip Seed Oil which is rich in linoleic acid, linolenic acid and pro-vitamin A making it a brilliant ingredient to add into your skincare regime.

One reviewer said: 'Love this oil, I have very dry skin on my face and when applying makeup it always flakes. I use hyaluronic acid and lock in moisture with this oil and my makeup goes on a treat now. A little greasy but I quite like it because I’m tired of feeling so dry!'

This fast-absorbing oil also contains rosehip oil, adding an instant radiant glow to the skin. It provides hydration for up to 12 hours making it great for us who find our skin starts looking a little tired and dehydrated throughout the day. It's also 100% organic, vegan u0026 cruelty-free.

One reviewer said: 'I bought this about a week ago and I just love how it moisturizes my face. I was hesitant to try facial oils because I have acne-prone skin, but I do have a lot of dryness. I had these horrible lines on my forehead and this oil really helps to smooth them out. I use it day and night and then seal it with a moisturizer. I just love it and I'm glad my first experience with a facial oil was positive!'

Containing 99% rosehip oil and 1% vitamin E, its anti-inflammatory properties can help to balance sebum levels on the face, meaning it's ideal if you tend to have oilier skin. This wonder oil can also be used to help the appearance of unwanted stretch marks.

One reviewer said: 'Love the Rosehip oil, I wish I had found it sooner! It’s lovely and light and my skin feels so hydrated after use. It soaks in without leaving a sticky residue - it’s my new favourite product!'

This best-selling oil comes in three different options, one for dehydrated skin, combination to oily skin and also dry skin so you can find the perfect one to suit your skin type. It contains only natural ingredients with 100% pure plant extracts including extracts of Rosewood, Patchouli and Blue Orchid to tone, revitalise and restore radiance to moisture-depleted skin. Hazelnut Oil helps prevent moisture loss and the formation of fine lines.

One reviewer said: 'I am in my 40’s and have very dry dehydrated skin but this oil is a god send. I've been using it for the past 2 years and I could not live without it. I use it once a day under my day cream. As I use a different product at night. Just a few drops does the trick. It leaves my skin feeling tight, firm, hydrated and glowing. I go through 3 bottles a year so it’s very economical too.'

Rich in vitamin E and omegas 6 and 9, this oil helps to moisturise, rejuvenate and nourish the skin while restoring a youthful glow. It also aims to soothe the skin, calming any redness and blotchiness, while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

One reviewer said: 'I got this oil in a smaller version as a gift set and to be honest I would never purchase any facial oil product since the thought of oil blocking my pores and breaking out was a bad idea but after trying this oil out, I am totally in love with it! It’s not greasy at all and keeps your skin moisturised and soothed, and it also actually reduced my redness. After finishing this free gift I will definitely purchase the bigger version of this oil.'

If you have very little time in a morning (who doesn't?!) and you're looking for ways to make your skin care routine as quick and simple as possible, this Serum-In-Oil from The Body Shop combines all the benefits of a facial oil and serum in one. This is also made to be applied before bed so you won't have to worry about it in the morning when you're in a rush. It's designed for all skin types and the vitamin E will leave your skin feeling nourished, softer and restored with moisture every morning.

One reviewer said: 'After using this the skin certainly looks more radiant with a nice natural glow. It does make the skin rather damp overnight. But this doesn’t cause any problems on the pillow etc. I recommend you use this even on oily parts.'

Jojoba oil is another wonder ingredient found in many facial oils. It stimulates collagen production and can help to shield skin against UV damage making it ideal for morning application. It also contains Vitamin E and is suitable for most skin types. This formula aims to regulate the sebum production of oily skin while soothing sensitive or inflamed skin.

One reviewer said: 'Absolutely love this product. It has no hidden nasties in it. I use it instead of moisturiser in the morning and at night instead of night cream. Can't recommend it enough.'

This lightweight oil is suitable for both the face and body to soothe and nourish dry, cracked and damaged skin. It's also ideal for helping combat any blemishes and over time can improve the appearance of any scars and stretch marks.

One reviewer said: 'I have very sensitive skin and suffer from rosacea, which improved after using this product and love the Oleus moisturizer, too.'

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Mother & Baby is dedicated to ensuring our information is always valuable and trustworthy, which is why we only use reputable resources such as the NHS, reviewed medical papers, or the advice of a credible doctor, GP, midwife, psychotherapist, gynaecologist or other medical professionals. Where possible, our articles are medically reviewed or contain expert advice. Our writers are all kept up to date on the latest safety advice for all the products we recommend and follow strict reporting guidelines to ensure our content comes from credible sources. Remember to always consult a medical professional if you have any worries. Our articles are not intended to replace professional advice from your GP or midwife.