For a timeless glow.
If the skin is a reflection of 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.
If your skin is in need of a little T.L.C, an anti-aging face oil can help you achieve brighter, smoother, softer, and more even skin in no time. How so? The best anti-aging face oils feature ingredients with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help repair skin and impart a gentle glow.1
But what facial oil is best for you and your skin type? To find a wide selection of the best, we conducted hours of research, testing a number of top-rated picks in our NYC lab and evaluating them on their active ingredients, benefits, and the skin type they work best on. We also consulted with three leading board-certified dermatologists Dr. Brian Hibler, a board-certified and Harvard-fellowship trained medical and cosmetic dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City; Dr. Corey L. Hartman, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, AL; and Dr. Heidi Waldorf, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Waldorf Dermatology Aesthetics in Nanuet, New York.
With their guidance and expertise, we managed to choose 18 of the best anti-aging face oils for every skin type. Read on to find out which ones made it into our roundup.
Best Overall: Le Prunier Plum Beauty Oil
Suitable for all skin types, we awarded Le Prunier’s Plum Beauty Oil best in show as it smells amazing, is loaded with incredible ingredients, and gives the skin an incredible glow. It does this with an antioxidant-packed Patented Plum Superfruit Complex, omega fatty acids, and vitamins A and E. Together these ingredients nourish the skin, protect it from environmental stress, promote healing, and lock in moisture. We highly recommend splurging a little on this gem – as you only need a little drop, one bottle goes a long way.
Who It’s For
This anti-aging oil is suitable for all skin types, especially congested, sensitive, and allergy-prone skin.
Best Runner-Up: Youth to the People Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Oil
A very close runner up is Youth to the People’s Superberry Hydrate + Glow oil. Scoring an impressive 4.7 out of 5 during our lab testing, we loved how well it absorbed into our skin and left no transfer – even though it feels very rich initially. It also doesn’t leave any shine on the face (just a lovely glow) while added ingredients such as maqui, acai, pear, and goji give it a really wonderful smell and leave the skin feeling hydrated for hours.
Who It’s For
This oil is suitable for all skin types including combination and oily skin.
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.
When testing it in our NYC lab, we noted how dewy and refreshed it left our skin looking and its soft not sticky consistency. You also won’t break the bank when purchasing this product. At only $10, it’s one of the most affordable on our list.
Who It’s For
This oil is suitable for all skin types but is especially beneficial for dry and dull complexions.
Best Splurge: Isdin Isdinceutics Melatonik Restorative Night Serum
According to Dr. Hartman, one of the best face oils 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.
We tested it out in our lab and applied 4-5 drops which was enough to cover our entire face. It absorbed quickly and paired well with our normal night cream. What’s more, as it’s designed as a night serum, it also helps diminish any oxidative damage your skin has faced throughout the day.
Who It’s For
It’s suitable for all skin types but is particularly beneficial for anyone concerned about environmental damage and loss of elasticity.
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.
But how did it fare during testing? We rated it well for its even consistency and the way it absorbed right into our skin – making a great base for makeup. Overall, it’s a good subtle everyday oil that won’t make you too shiny but will leave your face feeing hydrated.
Who Its For
This oil is suitable for all skin types but is especially effective at improving concerns such as dryness, dullness, fine lines, and wrinkles.
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. 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.
Our personal thoughts after testing? Although it felt heavy initially, it absorbed quite nicely and didn’t leave an oily feeling behind. Our skin was also left with a long-lasting feeling of softness, smoothness, and comfort.
Who It’s For
This oil is for anyone with dry, sensitive, and normal skin that also wants to target loss of elasticity.
Best Beginner-Friendly: Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil
If you’ve never used a facial oil before, this antioxidant-rich pick from Drunk Elephant is a great place to start as it’s made from a single ingredient: virgin marula seed oil. This deeply nourishing, nutrient-dense African nut oil is easily absorbed, and during testing we found that it left our skin feeling extremely comfortable and moisturized. It also mixed well with our usual moisturizer. 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.
Who Its For
It’s suitable for all skin types and can also help to improve concerns including aging signs, dullness, and an uneven skin texture.
Best for Wrinkles: 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, our testers were raving about it in our NYC lab. 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.3 We were super impressed with how comfortable and hydrated it left our skin feeling and how quickly it absorbed into the skin. Plus, its recyclable, indigo-hued bottle will look beautiful on any vanity.
Who It’s For
Everyone can benefit from this heavenly facial oil, but it’s especially suitable for skin that has fine lines, wrinkles, and an uneven texture.
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.
Who It’s For
The rich consistency of this oil is ideal for dry and very dry skin types, but it may not be the best option for very sensitive skin.
Best for Hyperpigmentation: Korres Wild Rose Vitamin C Active Brightening Oil
This potent serum combines Vitamin C with real rose petals to help improve brightness in the skin and address concerns such as hyperpigmentation. It’s also rich in fatty acids to diminish the look of fine lines and wrinkles while vitamin C helps protect the skin from environmental damage (which can make hyperpigmentation worse). All it takes is a few drops applied to the skin every morning and night to see results and, during testing, we couldn’t get enough of how great it made our skin look. It’s super lightweight, too so it doesn’t leave behind any shine. But if you’re not a fan of rose-scented products, consider opting for a different product. Its floral scent may be off-putting for some.
Who It’s For
This oil is ideal for anyone with dark spots and hyperpigmentation and want an oil that brightens and protects the skin from environmental damage.
Best for Oily Skin: Kinship Kinskin Ceramide Barrier Repair Oil
Ceramides are essential for healthy skin function and this face oil from Kinship is a great way of ensuring your complexion has adequate levels. It does this with its Kin-GLO™ Complex that contains a blend of essential fatty acids and antioxidants, as well as advanced oat-based ceramides that help to replenish the moisture barrier with lipids. Vitamin C ester also helps to boost radiance.
We tested it out for ourselves and liked the lightweight feel it had on the skin. This also makes it a great alternative to some of the richer options in this roundup. What’s more, it absorbs quickly and leaves no residue so is ideal for wearing during the day beneath makeup.
Who It’s For
This face oil helps to support the skin’s natural barrier so is suited to dry, stressed skin in need of a reset. As it’s also very lightweight, it can also be used on acne-prone skin in lieu of a moisturizer.
Best for Acne Prone Skin: Acure Radically Rejuvenating Rose Argan Oil
We love finding great skincare products that are budget-friendly, and this rejuvenating face oil from ACURE is one of the most affordable on our list. Aside from the price, it’s our favorite pick for acne-prone skin thanks to its lightweight formulation comprising argan oil, rose geranium flower, and lemongrass.
We put it to the test in our lab and found that it absorbed quickly and easily leaving our skin feeling supple and moisturized. It also softened some of our fine lines and improved skin texture. Given the quality of its ingredients and results on our skin, we think this is an absolute steal.
Who It’s For
This face oil is best suited to acne-prone skin types. However, you may want to use this as your main hydrator and leave out a moisturizer.
Best Drugstore: Burt’s Bees Facial Oil with Rosehip Seed Extract
While you may associate Burt’s Bees with chapstick, the brand’s expanded skincare range is worth a look next time you’re at the drugstore. This Hydrating and Anti-Aging facial oil, for instance, is priced below $20 dollars yet combines high-quality ingredients including rosehip, jojoba, and evening primrose oil. It also contains a touch of hyaluronic acid to leave the skin super hydrated.
We tried this out in our NYC lab and found that it gave our skin a lovely glow while leaving it suitably moisturized. It has quite a rich texture that would be especially effective in the winter months when you want a little extra hydration. The only downside is that it does leave a bit of a residue so you may need to skip your usual moisturizer if your skin is on the oiler side.
Who Its For
The brand states that this oil is suitable for all skin types but as it’s quite rich, we think it’s ideal for drier complexions.
Best With Retinol: Tata Harper Retinoic Nutrient Face Oil
Tata Harper is one of the most luxurious and expensive products in our roundup but if the hundreds of five-star reviews are to be believed, it’s worth every penny. So, what makes it so worthy of the price tag? First of all, it contains 18 high potency ingredients such as Black Jack Plant from South America and Bisabolol and Burti from the Amazon. These ingredients are considered gentler alternatives to retinol so can deliver those skin-renewing results without the irritation.
Our personal thoughts after testing? We loved the lightweight texture that felt almost like water on application and more like an emollient when rubbed in. We recommend a single drop when applying beneath makeup, and a whole dropper for a more hydrated overnight treatment.
Who Its For
This facial oil is suitable for anyone who wants to hydrate their skin while treating early signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles.
Best for Glowing Skin: Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil
Well-hydrated, glowing skin is our ultimate skincare goal, and this enriched oil from Sunday Riley promises to deliver just that. It’s formulated with an ingredient called THD ascorbate which is an advanced form of vitamin C alongside turmeric and evening primrose oil. Together these high-quality ingredients claim to effectively hydrate, calm, and brighten the complexion.
During testing, we noted the immediate boost it gave our skin leaving it more hydrated, plumper, and smooth with a lovely glow. It also absorbs pretty well and is very nourishing, but you may need to wait a few minutes before applying your makeup.
Who It’s For
This is suitable for all but particularly those prone to dullness, uneven texture, and dark spots.
Best Vegan: Frigg Attuning Face Potion
If you’ve applied too many harsh products to your skin recently or gone through a stressful time that’s wreaked havoc on your complexion, this face oil from Frigg Attuning can help to restore calm. Its key ingredients are broad-spectrum CBD oil, sea buckthorn and squalene which work together to strengthen the skin’s natural resilience and brighten the complexion.
We found that this potion hit all the right notes during our lab testing, and we loved its lightweight texture that absorbed quickly. We really liked the scent, too, but as it smells quite strongly of CBD, it may not be to everyone’s tastes.
Who Its For
This face oil is suitable for stressed-out skin that needs rebalancing. It can also help to improve the look of fine lines and dullness. As it contains CBD oil, however, it’s not suitable for pregnant women or those who are breastfeeding.
Best Lightweight: Ghost Democracy Softglow Facial Oil
Cloudberry prides itself on the unusually high concentrations used within its products, and this facial oil is no exception. Promising smoother, glowing, and more hydrated skin, its high-quality formula contains three main oils: 10% cloudberry oil which is rich in vitamin A, C, and E and omega fatty acids; vitamin E-rich cottonseed oil that helps calm inflammation and smooth fine lines; and the highly stable antioxidant, meadowfoam oil that helps soften and hydrate the skin.
After application, our skin felt extremely moisturized and almost like we had a mask on. It also left a beautiful glow on our skin that made us feel so confident that we’d consider ditching makeup.
Who Its For
This lightweight oil is suitable for all skin types who want to help retain moisture in their skin.
Best for Sensitive Skin: Pai Skincare Rosehip BioRegerate Oil
Vegan, cruelty-free, and ideal for the most reactive of skin, Pai’s rosehip biogenerate oil is our top choice for sensitive complexions. The USP of this oil is the way the rosehip is extracted using expert techniques. This means the oil is of the highest quality while remaining clean and pure. It also isn’t cold pressed and the whole fruit is used in the production process which Pai says is owed to its beautiful deep shade.
Not only does it look beautiful, but it’s loaded with skin-repairing omegas 3,6, 7 and 9 and antioxidant carotenoids that protect the skin from environmental damage. We’re happy to report that it worked wonders on our skin during testing in our NYC lab. After applying, our skin felt very moisturized, dewy and plumper but not greasy. As it is quite rich, you may want to leave this for the evening depending on your skin type.
Who Its For
Ideal for even the super sensitive, this serum is suitable for all skin types. It’s also especially suited for targeting fine lines, dullness, and pigmentation.
Final Verdict
With so much amazing competition, it was no mean feat choosing a winner. Based on our testing insights, the formula that scored most highly was Le Prunier Plum Beauty Oil . We couldn’t get enough of the beautiful glow it left on our skin. Youth to The People’s Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Oil was a close runner up, and we loved its high-quality formulation that stayed true to its namesake. Another pick worthy of a special mention is ISDIN Melatonik Recovery Night Serum – an all-natural alternative to retinol that delivers big on radiance and hydration.
How We Tested
Each anti-aging face oil in this roundup faced extensive testing in our Manhattan-based lab and at our testers’ homes. Each tester had a different skin tone and type and used the product for several weeks. After application, we scored each face oil a mark out of five considering a number of factors such as how well they absorbed into the skin, how well they made our skin glow (if at all), and the value they offered for money.
Attributes we evaluated each anti-aging face oil on:
∙ Absorption
∙ Glow
∙ Consistency and texture
∙ Feel on the skin
∙ Quality of ingredients
∙ Value for money
What to Look for in Anti-Aging Facial Oils
- 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: 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.4 There is also evidence that clove oil and lemon can help the skin produce collagen.56
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.”
