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Our best overall pick is Charlotte Tilbury Collagen Superfusion Face Oil
If the skin is a mirror into daily habits, then it doesn’t take a skilled detective to determine when someone has probably been overindulging, sleeping intermittently, and generally hitting their limit. Even when makeup does its best to hide it, skin still manages to look uneven, dull, and dry when it’s not being treated to a proper skincare regimen. Anti-aging face oils can help you achieve brighter, smoother, softer and more even skin in no time. The best anti-aging face oils feature ingredients with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help repair skin and impart a gentle glow.1
Final Verdict
Our best overall pick is Charlotte Tilbury Collagen Superfusion Face Oil, which gives the skin an unrivaled glow, contains hydrating ingredients, and plumps skin for youth-boosting effects. For a more affordable option, consider the Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil. This fan-favorite is lightweight and contains a blend of potent antioxidants to help repair the skin barrier and accelerate skin turnover.
We conducted hours of research on the best anti-aging facial oils, evaluating them on active ingredients, benefits, and what type of skin types they work best on. After consulting with three leading board-certified dermatologists, we landed on the following best in show.
Ahead, find the best anti-aging face oils for every skin type.
Best Overall: Charlotte Tilbury COLLAGEN SUPERFUSION FACE OIL
To give your skin a radiant glow without makeup, slather a few drops of this face oil onto your face as your last skincare step in the morning. Hydrating ingredients like avocado, raspberry seed oil, and a plant-derived collagen complex plump and moisturize skin, while essential oils provide a sensorial spa-like experience with every application (trust us — this formula smells amazing). That said, essential oils are chemically active, so they might irritate sensitive skin. So, those with reactive skin will want to do a patch test before applying the product to their face.
Best Budget: The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil
This elixir tops best-seller lists for a reason. “This uses 100% pure rosehip seed oil that is both cold-pressed and organic,” says board-certified dermatologist in Birmingham, AL, Dr. Corey L. Hartman. “Rosehip seed oil is rich in linoleic acid, and linolenic acid and pro-vitamin A [strengthen] the skin barrier.” A strong skin barrier is vital for healthy-looking skin, and these ingredients provide support to the skin barrier so it can better retain moisture, prevent environmental damage, and fight signs of aging. You also won’t break the bank when purchasing this product. At only $10, it costs the least of all of the other options on this list.
Best Splurge: Omorovicza Miracle Facial Oil
Combining the retinol-alternative bakuchiol with hydrating rosehip oil, this pick is a great anti-aging tool for any skin type. The blend of soothing oils — including sea buckthorn berry and sweet almond oil — help minimize irritation in the skin and provide antioxidative defense against external aggressors. After use, skin is significantly softer and more radiant, making the hefty price tag worth it.
Best Dermatologist-Approved: Isdin Isdinceutics Melatonik Restorative Night Serum
According to Dr. Hartman, one of the best face oils currently available is this pick by Isdin. “It is a light oil formulation that contains a direct antioxidant of vitamin C, an indirect antioxidant of melatonin, and bakuchiol,” he explains. Vitamin C and melatonin fight against damaging free radicals, while the bakuchiol helps to firm the skin and restore elasticity. Since this product is designed as a nighttime recovery oil, you should use it before bed. While you sleep, its hardworking ingredients will diminish oxidative damage that you’ve experienced throughout the day.
Best with Retinol: Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil
If you’re stressing about visible pores and dryness, drops of this facial oil will help you see your skin in a much more pleasing light. The paraben and cruelty-free formula contains trans-retinoic acid ester, which helps exfoliate and smooth skin. It’s also super soothing since it’s packed with natural botanicals like blue tansy, chia seed oil, and German chamomile. That said, the retinol within this formula may irritate reactive skin types, so it’s recommended to start slow when using this oil. Apply it every other night until your skin adjusts to it, and then work up to applying it every night for maximum results.
Best Clean: Farmacy Honey Grail Ultra-Hydrating Face Oil
Here’s a good way to start and end your day: Apply this illuminating face oil on your clean face and neck. Its nourishing mix of buckwheat honey and sea buckthorn oil will brighten, even, and moisturize your skin. The omega fatty acids smooth the skin and eliminate dry flakes to reveal healthier, younger-looking skin — no matter your age. The brand also refuses to use over 1,000 common — but potentially toxic — ingredients, and is committed to using ingredients that are proven to be safe. So, you can rest assured this face oil meets even the strictest of clean product standards.
Best Multipurpose: Josie Maran 100 Percent Pure Argan Oil
Josie Maran’s entirely organic oil will do the trick if you’ve noticed a loss of elasticity in your skin. Argan oil is loaded with vitamin E, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants to repair and nourish skin, making it feel more resilient.2 But this product isn’t solely for your use on your face. You can use it as a cuticle oil, lip salve, eye treatment, or smoothing hair serum, too. It’s also ethically-sourced, vegan, and cruelty-free, so those who are more environmentally-conscious will be drawn to this option.
Best for Stressed Skin: Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Intensive Recovery Ampoules
Stressed-out skin can find relief in this night serum since its intensive formula with ChronoluxAI technology works with your skin’s natural repair process. It promises to hydrate as it repairs dull and uneven skin texture. Simply break open the capsule and apply its contents at night after your serum but before your moisturizer. Its powers work best on a stressed complexion — whether that’s from environmental damage, lack of sleep, travel, or even seasonal changes. All you need is one ampoule for full coverage.
Best Beginner-Friendly: Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil
All skin types (and face oil beginners!) can benefit from the antioxidants in this Drunk Elephant facial oil, which is made from nothing but virgin marula seed oil. This deeply nourishing, nutrient-dense African nut oil is easily absorbed, so your skin will look dewy, youthful, and smooth.3 As a bonus, it’s free of essential oils, silicones, and fragrance, so sensitive skin types can use it worry-free. Simply dab the formula onto your skin and if you have any product left on your hands, rub it into your cuticles for extra hydration.
Best for Sensitive Skin: Pai Skincare Rosehip BioRegerate Oil
The star ingredient in this pick is rosehip seed oil, which has essential fatty acids to hydrate and smooth while also fighting inflammation.2 It minimizes the appearance of fine lines, acne scars, and sun damage, while also improving the skin’s overnight regeneration process. The formula is also ultra-soothing, so sensitive skin types — including those prone to eczema — can safely use this option. Just be aware that some find that the fragrance in this oil is a bit strong, making it less ideal for those who prefer fragrance-free options.
Best for Dull Skin: Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate Moisturizing Face Oil
When dullness and uneven texture are your main facial concerns, stick to this option from Kiehl’s. In fact, reviewers rave this product creates a dewy, glowing appearance overnight. The reason? Its combination of lavender essential oil, evening primrose oil, and squalane moisturize, even out, soothe, and repair your skin as you sleep so that it appears healthier and more radiant. Plus, its recyclable, indigo-hued bottle will look beautiful on any vanity.
Best for Dry Skin: Herbivore Phoenix Facial Oil
Natural ingredients like jojoba, neroli, and rosehip work to help dry skin stay moisturized and protected from environmental stressors. Reviewers like that this option absorbs quickly, yet provides long-lasting hydration during the day. That said, the formula doesn’t spread as easily as others, so you may need to use up to 10 drops for full coverage. It’s also gluten-free and cruelty-free.
Best Hydrating: Kora Organics Noni Glow Face Oil
This facial oil, which works on all skin types, is ideal for combating dullness and uneven texture. Packed with a blend of organic noni extract, rosehip, pomegranate, and sea buckthorn oil, the formula helps the skin appear moisturized, smooth, and naturally radiant. While it’s a bit on the pricier side, we recommend looking past the price tag. Not only does it feel luxurious, it smells great, too.
Best for Hyperpigmentation: Korres Wild Rose Vitamin C Active Brightening Oil
Vitamin C works with real rose petals in this potent serum to deliver radiant skin. It’s also rich in fatty acids to diminish the look of fine lines and wrinkles.5 All it takes is a few drops applied to the skin every morning and night to see results. But if you’re not a fan of rose-scented products, consider opting for a different product. Its floral scent can be off-putting for some.
Best Vegan-Friendly: Caudalie Vinosource Overnight Recovery Facial Oil
This vegan beauty oil hydrates and soothes skin with its highly concentrated mix of powerful ingredients. “The antioxidant power of grape seeds with the soothing, hydrating action of jojoba oil provides non-greasy, anti-inflammatory skin barrier repair overnight,” confirms board-certified dermatologist in Nanuet, New York, Dr. Heidi Waldorf. “A healthy skin barrier is critical to skin function, beauty, and for allowing skin to tolerate other anti-aging ingredients and procedures.” The formula is also promoted as a “dry oil,” so it absorbs quicker than most options and feels super lightweight on the skin.
Best Lightweight: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
On the spectrum of serum to face oil, this option errs more on the serum side, which is good for those who prefer a lightweight feel to their products. It absorbs within seconds and tackles all signs of aging at once — from hyperpigmentation to fine lines and wrinkles. It boasts three key ingredients: 15 percent pure L-ascorbic acid (aka vitamin C) for brightening, one percent vitamin E for replenishing skin lipids, and 0.5 percent ferulic acid to help neutralize free radicals. These ingredients work synergistically to defend against photodamage, while assisting in anti-aging efforts at the same time. Just be sure to keep this bottle out of direct sunlight, since sunlight is known to break down vitamin C and make the formula less potent.
Final Verdict
When it comes to anti-aging face oils, our most recommended choice is Charlotte Tilbury Collagen Superfusion Face Oil. The ultra-hydrating formula gives the skin an unrivaled glow, while also boasting long-term anti-aging effects. For those with a tighter budget, consider the Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil. This fan-favorite is lightweight and doesn’t pill under makeup, making it the perfect product to slather on in the morning.
What to Look For in Anti-Aging Facial Oils
Ingredients
Vitamin C
When it comes to anti-aging facial oils, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Brian Hibler considers vitamin C one of the most important ingredients to look for. “A potent antioxidant, it protects the skin from UV damage that leads to fine lines and wrinkles,” he says. “It’s brightening and can help fade hyperpigmentation, creating a more even complexion while giving the skin a nice, even glow. It also boosts collagen production.” In short, it’s an anti-aging powerhouse that can help address and protect against a litany of skin concerns.
Niacinamide
Another top ingredient to look for is niacinamide, which Dr. Hibler recommends for its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. “Any redness or excess pigment resulting from sun exposure can make an individual appear older than their actual age,” he explains. “Niacinamide helps calm inflamed skin and can even out pigmentation. It also supports the skin’s lipid barrier, helping to retain moisture and hydrate the skin.”
Bakuchiol
Finally, Dr. Hartman recommends oils with bakuchiol, a plant-derived retinol substitute that provides many of the same wrinkle-fighting benefits of a retinol, but none of the irritation. “Bakuchiol can also be used during pregnancy and while nursing, unlike retinols,” adds Dr. Hartman.
Essential Oils
Rosehip Seed Oil
For essential oils, Dr. Hibler recommends seeking out inflammation-fighting and skin barrier-boosting rosehip seed oil. “It’s anti-inflammatory, protects skin from oxidative stress, and has anti-aging properties by increasing collagen production and improving skin elasticity,” he says.
Texture
When it comes to texture, heavier formulations should be used on drier skin types, while lightweight options are optimal for normal, combination, and oily skin. Some face oils are also considered a “dry oil,” which means it’s thinner and absorbs quicker on the skin. Heavier oils — which are typically better for dry skin types — will take longer to absorb, sitting on top of the skin for a longer period of time and often providing a dewier appearance.
FAQ
What oils boost collagen?
According to Dr. Hibler, vitamin C and rosehip seed oil can boost collagen production. One other oil to note is tamanu oil, noted for its ability to stimulate collagen production.6 There is also evidence that clove oil and lemon can help the skin produce collagen.78
Is face oil good for aging skin?
Yes, according to derms. Dr. Hibler notes that facial oils with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredients can help boost radiance and enhance skin elasticity. Dr. Hartman agrees: “I love facial oils and nearly everyone can benefit from using one,” he says, adding that face oils with bakuchiol are especially beneficial for mature skin.
How do you use face oil?
Face oils can be used in lieu of a moisturizer or layered on top for an extra boost. You can also use it in addition to, or in conjunction with, your favorite gel or cream moisturizer. “ If you want to use [the products] together, simply add a few drops of a face oil into the palm of your hand with a bit of your moisturizer and mix them together with your fingers before applying to the face,” says Dr. Hartman. “If you use it in addition to your moisturizer, use a moisturizer first, wait a few minutes for it to fully absorb, and then apply the oil.”
Pro tip: A facial oil should be the last step in your skincare routine, just before sunscreen. “The most important thing to remember about an oil is that it is occlusive, so it seals [the skin], explains Dr. Waldorf. “An oil should be the last thing you apply, otherwise nothing else you apply will penetrate.”
