Bid Farewell to Dry Skin With These 9 Face Oils
Thanks to time, the weather, and even certain skincare products, a bout of dry skin is likely to affect most everyone at some point. But it doesn't have to stick around, especially when you have the right facial oil. Like hydrating toners for dry skin, face oils can make all the difference, repairing dry skin and preventing that flakiness from reappearing.
Dr. Corey L. Hartman told InStyle that face oils can serve as an alternative to similar moisturizing methods. "Face oils can be a great option for someone with dry skin, particularly during the fall and winter months," he said. "Face oil not only moisturizes the skin, but also helps to soothe irritation, can have antioxidant effects depending upon the active ingredients, helps to control bacteria and calms inflammation."
- NakedPoppy Revitalize Organic Facial Oil, $42; nakedpoppy.com
- Palmer's Cocoa Butter Moisturizing Skin Therapy Oil, $9; amazon.com
- Versed Sunday Morning Antioxidant Oil-Serum, $20; versedskin.com
- ISDIN Melatonik Recovery Night Serum, $160; amazon.com
- The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil, $10; sephora.com
- Cocokind Organic Chia Face Oil, $17; cocokind.com
- Youth to the People Superberry Hydrate & Glow Dream Oil, $44; youthtothepeople.com
- Bliss Hydration Salvation, $22; amazon.com
- Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil, $40–$80; sephora.com
Dermatologist Dr. Hadley King suggested using a face oil once or twice daily. She told InStyle that oils can serve multiple skin purposes: "Most oils have emollient and occlusive properties and so they are able to support the skin barrier and lock in moisture. These qualities are helpful for dry skin."
When it comes to deciding on an oil that's right for you, Dr. King suggested avoiding essential oils (specifically lime seed oil, lemon peel oil, limonene, linalool, and citronellol), as these could potentially cause allergic reactions. She noted that if you're concerned about acne, you'll want to avoid coconut oil, as it can clog pores and contribute to future breakouts.
Instead, Dr. Hartman suggested looking for oils that contain oils like argan, jojoba, grapeseed, and rosehip. He added, "Another benefit of face oils is the increased absorption of the active ingredients. Vitamin C, vitamin E and niacinamide top the list of antioxidant active ingredients that pack the most punch."
Read on for a selection of face oils for dry skin approved by dermatologists and shoppers.
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NakedPoppy Revitalize Organic Facial Oil
This oil received the seal of approval from Dr. King. "It's rich in antioxidants and features a high quality rosehip seed oil. It absorbs quickly and helps lock in moisture."
Shop now: $42; nakedpoppy.com
Palmer's Cocoa Butter Moisturizing Skin Therapy Oil
One of Amazon's best-selling facial oils, this affordable cocoa butter-filled formula delivers real results. "It only takes a few drops to moisturize my entire face and neck," one reviewer wrote.
Shop now: $9; amazon.com
Versed Sunday Morning Antioxidant Oil-Serum
A combination oil and serum, Sunday Morning's featured ingredients, camellia oil and sea buckthorn, help skin retain moisture. Reviewers appreciate that the formula doesn't feel heavy, saying that their skin felt "smooth and soft" after using.
Shop now: $20; versedskin.com
ISDIN Melatonik Recovery Night Serum
Dr. Hartman named this as his favorite serum. "It is a light oil formulation that contains a direct antioxidant (vitamin E), an indirect antioxidant (melatonin) and bakuchiol, a plant-derived, retinol substitute," he said.
Shop now: $160; amazon.com
The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil
This is the top pick for New York-based dermatologist Dr. Marina Peredo. She told InStyle, "While it's great for all skin types, it's specifically great for dry skin because of the benefits of rosehip seed oil. It is rich in pro-vitamin A and essential fatty acids which supports healthy, hydrated skin." Plus, it's just $10.
Shop now: $10; sephora.com
Cocokind Organic Chia Face Oil
Hydrating chia seed oil is the main ingredient in this concoction, which one reviewer claimed had "saved their skin." Another said the Cocokind oil left their once-dry complexion with "just the right amount of hydration."
Shop now: $17; cocokind.com
Youth to the People Superberry Hydrate & Glow Dream Oil
Called "the best oil ever" by one reviewer, this formula is rich in hydrating prickly pear. Shoppers report "supple and dewy" skin with continued use, and one person even wrote that they "have not had dry skin since using this."
Shop now: $44; youthtothepeople.com
Bliss Hydration Salvation
A scan of the ingredient list (camellia oil, sunflower seed oil, and jojoba seed oil) confirms this product not only helps dry skin, but should also prevent that flakiness from returning. Expect to see "buttery soft" skin with use, a reviewer shared.
Shop now: $22; amazon.com
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil
Add this one to your routine if you're interested in glowing skin, Dr. Peredo noted. "Not only is this oil great for dull or uneven skin and redness, it is amazing for dry skin because of the added vitamin C. Accompanied by turmeric and evening primrose oil, this face oil instantly absorbs into the skin leaving it brighter, hydrated and glowing," she said.
Shop now: $40–$80; sephora.com