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Face oils get a bad rap for being greasy, pore-clogging, or only useful if you’re chasing a temporary glow, but the best face oils have come a long way. “A face oil primarily helps seal in hydration and reinforce your skin’s natural moisture barrier,” says Whitney Hovenic, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Reno, Nevada. Because they’re made of lipids (not water), they lock in moisture rather than delivering active, water-based ingredients like serums do.
That’s also why facial oils are almost always the final step in your routine, “since they’re formulated to sit on top of the skin,” adds Corey L. Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Birmingham, AL, which helps seal in everything underneath and prevent moisture loss—key for anyone dealing with dryness and flaking. And here’s the surprising part: They’re far more versatile than people think. Even oily, acne-prone, or combination skin types can use face oils, says Dr. Hartman. Just stick to non-comedogenic options like squalane or jojoba and apply only a few drops as your last step.
Our Top Face Oils
- Best Overall: Summer Fridays Heavenly Sixteen All-In-One Face Oil, $55
- Best for Sensitive Skin: Elemis Superfood Face Oil, $69
- Best Luxe: La Mer The Renewal Oil, $150
- Best Drugstore: CeraVe Skin Renewing Gel Oil, $26
- Best for Oily Skin: Ole Henriksen HydraBarrier Nourishing Peptide Face Oil, $58
- Best for Mature Skin: Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate, $84
- Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Sunday Riley Luna Retinol Sleeping Oil, $55
- Best for Barrier Repair: Byoma Hydrating Recovery Oil, $19
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
- Will face oils make me break out?
- Can face oils be anti-aging?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Ahead, we rounded up the best face oils for every skin type and concern, from lightweight, non-comedogenic oils for breakout-prone skin to deeply nourishing blends that bring dull, mature skin back to life.
Best Overall: Summer Fridays Heavenly Sixteen All-In-One Face Oil
Summer Fridays
Heavenly Sixteen All-In-One Face Oil
Amazon
Revolve
Sephora
Why it's worth it: Some face oils are just about surface-level sheen, but Summer Fridays’ Heavenly Sixteen All-In-One Face Oil does more than give that coveted glow. It pairs it with real skin benefits (think moisture retention, barrier support, and a subtle plumping effect) thanks to a blend of 16 oils, including sunflower, meadowfoam, pomegranate, sacha inchi, prickly pear, and hemp seed. Together, they “offer deep hydration and a more radiant, even-toned complexion,” says Dr. Hartman. We chose it as our overall pick because it feels luxe but still plays well with every skin type (yes, even oily and acne-prone), thanks to its non-comedogenic formula and surprisingly fast absorption.
Allure senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin applying the Summer Fridays Heavenly Sixteen All-In-One Face Oil
Sarah Felbin
Felbin after applying the Summer Fridays Heavenly Sixteen All-In-One Face Oil
Sarah Felbin
Tester feedback from senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin
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“I was super-skeptical of face oils before I tried this one. My skin is naturally pretty oily, so I wasn't sure if an oil would add anything to my skin-care routine, but this one from Summer Fridays changed the game for me. It's thin and lightweight, but also incredibly moisturizing. It doesn't feel too thick or sticky and gives my skin a healthy glow without making me look greasy. I love that I can use it alone on top of my skin care or mix a drop into my moisturizer—both methods have helped heal the always-dry patches around my nose.” —Sarah Felbin, senior commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: prickly pear seed oil, sacha inchi seed oil, pomegranate seed oil
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Sensitive Skin: Elemis Superfood Face Oil
Elemis
Superfood Face Oil
Elemis
Why it's worth it: It’s fitting that a brand with deep spa roots would create a face oil that basically works like a green smoothie for your skin. Elemis Superfood Facial Oil—a 2025 Best of Beauty Award winner—takes that “daily dose of greens” idea literally, packing in a blend of nourishing plant oils that feed, cushion, and revive dry or lackluster skin. The formula leans on flaxseed oil, which is “rich in omega-3 fatty acids that strengthen the skin barrier and keep it hydrated,” says Omer Ibrahim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Chicago. Sweet almond oil “locks in moisture and supports repair thanks to its naturally high vitamin E content,” while daikon radish and broccoli seed oil bring lightweight slip and a silky, fast-absorbing finish, so you get glow without grease, says Dr. Ibrahim.
Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the Elemis Superfood Face Oil
Christa Joanna Lee
Lee after applying the Elemis Superfood Face Oil
Christa Joanna Lee
Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee
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“After a few weeks of using this oil once or twice daily, some of my dullness had faded, my complexion looked brighter and more even, and those pesky dry patches around my nose and chin finally calmed down. The biggest change, though, is waking up with plump, bouncy skin that has that just-had-a-facial glow. Elemis’s Superfood Hydrating Nourishing Facial Oil has quickly become one of those rare finds that does it all: It feels luxe, smells fresh, and offers easy results. If you’ve avoided face oils because of the grease factor, this one’s the perfect entry point.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer
More to know
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- Key ingredients: sweet almond oil, flaxseed oil, daikon radish, broccoli seed oil, squalane
- Fragrance-free: no
Best Luxe: La Mer The Renewal Oil
La Mer
The Renewal Oil
Nordstrom
Bluemercury
Sephora
Why it's worth it: It’s hard to talk about La Mer without talking about the Miracle Broth—the legendary fermented blend of sea kelp, vitamins, and minerals that began as a healing experiment by an aerospace physicist and went on to power one of the most famous face creams in the world. If you love the story (and the results) but want something silkier and even more hydrating than the cream, try a few drops of The Renewal Oil. It’s formulated with that same iconic broth in a lightweight, skin-soaking oil that nourishes, softens, and smooths mature or seriously parched skin. Along with Miracle Broth, the oil features the brand’s Infinity Oil Complex—a cushiony mix of meadowfoam seed, sweet almond, and jojoba oils for deep, long-lasting suppleness—plus peptides to help support firmness over time. Since it’s a dual-phase formula, give the bottle a quick shake first to blend the oils, so you get the full benefits from each drop.
Allure social director Kassidy Silva applying the La Mer The Renewal Oil
Kassidy Silva
Silva after applying the La Mer The Renewal Oil
Kassidy Silva
Tester feedback from social director Kassidy Silva
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“The La Mer Renewal Oil is the 60 seconds of luxury that every mom deserves in their skin-care routine. My skin looks instantly brighter after just three drops. I apply it in the mornings when I wake up exceptionally dry in the winter months, or anytime my skin needs a luminous boost.” —Kassidy Silva, social director
More to know
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- Key ingredients: Miracle Broth (sea kelp, vitamins, minerals), Infinity Oil Complex (including meadowfoam seed oil, sweet almond oil, jojoba seed oil), peptides
- Fragrance-free: no
Best Drugstore: CeraVe Skin Renewing Gel Oil
CeraVe
Skin Renewing Gel Oil
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Why it's worth it: If you love the idea of a face oil but hate the greasy, slippery feeling most of them leave behind, CeraVe’s Skin Renewing Gel Oil is the happy middle ground. Its gel-to-oil texture feels weightless when applied, but still delivers the comforting, cushiony hydration you expect from an oil. The formula blends skin-softening glycerin for moisture with five ceramides, cholesterol, and hyaluronic acid crosspolymer to help strengthen the skin barrier. You’ll also find antioxidant-rich sunflower extract, rosemary leaf extract, and rice bran extract for extra soothing support. “People don’t realize there’s a prescription-only product with similar ceramide levels. CeraVe offers the same benefits at a way more affordable price point,” says Tanya Kormeili, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Santa Monica.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: glycerin, hyaluronic acid, sunflower extract
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Oily Skin: Ole Henriksen HydraBarrier Nourishing Peptide Face Oil
Ole Henriksen
HydraBarrier Nourishing Peptide Face Oil
Ulta Beauty
Revolve
Sephora
Why it's worth it: Oh, you thought having oily skin meant face oils were off-limits? Plot twist: Excess sebum is often due to dehydrated skin trying to make up for the lack of moisture—so the right oil can actually rebalance things instead of making you shinier. That’s where Ole Henriksen HydraBarrier Nourishing Peptide Face Oil, a 2023 Best of Beauty Award winner, comes in, as a lightweight formula that works for all skin types, even the slick ones. Its foundation is a trio of oil-soluble peptides, “which improve skin function and support elasticity,” says Justine H. Park, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Westlake Village, CA. They’re paired with Scandinavian berry oils (cloudberry, lingonberry, and elderberry), packed with antioxidants and omega fatty acids for deep moisture without the heaviness. Ceramides help skin hold onto hydration, while “squalane and vitamin E further soften the skin,” adds Dr. Park.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: peptides, cloudberry oil, lingonberry oil, elderberry oil, ceramides, squalane, vitamin E
- Fragrance-free: no
Best for Mature Skin: Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate
Kiehl's
Midnight Recovery Concentrate
Amazon
Nordstrom
Why it's worth it: Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate doesn’t contain retinol or other actives that make your skin sun-sensitive, but you’ll still look forward to using this specifically as part of your p.m. routine. The lightweight lavender scent gives it a built-in wind-down moment, and the formula works in sync with your skin’s natural overnight repair cycle. A blend of nourishing, non-greasy oils, including evening primrose and rosehip, helps soften fine lines and replenish lost moisture while you sleep. By morning, skin feels smoother and looks more refreshed, with a little extra bounce, especially if you’re dealing with dryness or visible signs of aging.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: lavender oil, evening primrose oil, rose oil, squalane, jojoba seed oil
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Sunday Riley Luna Retinol Sleeping Oil
Sunday Riley
Luna Sleeping Retinoid Night Oil
Amazon
Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
Why it's worth it: Now, if you’re looking for a retinol-based product to tackle everything from breakouts to signs of aging, there’s a reason nearly every Allure editor has had this signature blue bottle of Sunday Riley Luna Retinol Sleeping Oil on their vanity at some point. Luna uses a retinoid ester (a gentler, oil-soluble form of retinoid) to help smooth fine lines, even tone, and—our favorite benefit—keep acne-prone skin in check by regulating oil production and speeding up cell turnover. “Retinol is a must for anyone with blemish-prone skin, and this lightweight oil makes it easy to apply without irritation,” says Dr. Hartman. It’s also buffered with blue tansy and chamomile to calm redness and chia and blackberry seed oils to soften skin overnight.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: retinoid ester, blue tansy, chamomile, chia seed oil, blackberry seed oil
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Barrier Repair: Byoma Hydrating Recovery Oil
Byoma
Hydrating Recovery Oil
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Why it's worth it: If your skin ever feels tight, flaky, or reactive, that’s usually a sign your skin barrier needs a little repair work. Byoma Hydrating Recovery Oil. It uses a proprietary Barrier Lipid Complex to replenish the fats your skin naturally loses, while squalane teams up with eight antioxidant-rich botanical oils (including jojoba, rosehip, sunflower, and sea buckthorn) to restore moisture and balance without leaving a greasy film.“I love this oil because it’s lightweight yet incredibly nourishing. It strengthens and hydrates the skin while giving that dewy, healthy look,” says Whitney Hovenic, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Reno, Nevada.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: squalane, jojoba oil, seabuckthorn oil
- Fragrance-free: yes
Frequently Asked Questions
Will face oils make me break out?
Contrary to what people believe, the best oils don’t automatically cause breakouts. “There are non-comedogenic face oils that use oils that do not clog pores, and if you have acne-prone skin, I only recommend using those,” says Dr. Hartman. If your skin is oily or breakout-prone, Dr. Hartman suggests easing in slowly: “Start with applying a face oil once a week and increase if desired.” And if you’re already dealing with active acne, check with your dermatologist, who can help assess the right way to use face oil in your routine.
Can people with mature skin use face oils?
“Many face oils are rich in antioxidants, fatty acids, and vitamins that help support collagen and protect against environmental damage,” says Dr. Hovenic. She recommends looking for oils like rosehip (packed with vitamins A and C), argan (a great source of vitamin E), and marula or sea buckthorn (loaded with omega fatty acids), all of which can help smooth fine lines, boost elasticity, and give mature skin a healthier, more radiant glow. Face oils also work well alongside traditional anti-aging actives: “They pair well with ingredients like retinol by providing hydration and helping avoid irritation that can happen with retinol use,” she adds.
Meet the experts
- Corey L. Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology, based in Birmingham, AL
- Whitney Hovenic, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Spooge based in Reno, Nevada
- Omer Ibrahim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Chicago
- Tanya Kormeili, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Derm & Rejuvenation Institute, based in Santa Monica
- Justine H. Park, MD, a board-certified dermatologist of the Skin & Beauty Center based in Westlake Village, CA
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best face oils, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team of in-house writers and editors, as well as contributors, along with special consideration from dermatologists. To learn more about our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from are folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.