Derms Love Using These Face Oils To Get Glowy Skin
Derms Love Using These Face Oils To Get Glowy Skin
By now, it's likely that you've heard about all of the amazing perks face oils can have. They're nourishing on sensitive skin, hydrating for dry skin, and can pretty much give anyone that natural glow most of us are after. But, just like hair oils, the selection available out there can be overwhelming. And, not all oils are good for the skin or meant for every skin type.
Facial oils have distinct properties according to dermatologist Marnie Nussbaum, MD. For example, some oils, like marula, contain antibacterial properties ideal for acne-prone skin. Others, like argan oil, have antioxidants that offer wrinkle-smoothing and hydrating benefits. She says the right one for you will greatly depend on your skin type and goals.
Peep a few of the best dermatologist-recommended face oils, below:
Every single dermatologist that was asked what to avoid in a face oil also said to steer clear of anything that contains added fragrance in it. So don't worry, because all of the face oils below check all of those boxes (and more). So, how do you know which one is right for you? Scroll down to see the best dermatologist-recommended face oils in 2022 for every skin type, whether you're dry, sensitive, or simply just want glowing skin without a filter.
1) Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil
Drunk Elephant
amazon.com
$30.82
Drunk Elephant's beloved face oil is rich in antioxidants and omega fatty acids, which dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick, MD, says will leave the skin glowing. "It can even help to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while also addressing dryness and dullness. It's a great option for those with sensitive skin, too."
Because Drunk Elephant's luxurious products tend to be quite pricey, this is definitely one of the more affordable products you should check out if you've been wanting to try the brand.
2) Midnight Recovery Concentrate
Kiehl's Since 1851
sephora.com
$158.00
"Combining lavender, squalane, and evening primrose oil, this works overnight to restore moisture, leaving the skin looking healthy and refreshed in the morning," says Dr. Garshick. Use this lightweight water-like oil alone, or combine it with any of your moisturizers to amp up your skin's hydration levels.
If the price tag makes you nervous, start by using the mini size, which is under $30—a little goes a long way with this product, so that'll last you at least a couple of months if you use a few drops nightly.
3) Tea Tree Oil
The Body Shop
amazon.com
$18.52
You can't get much cleaner than a one-ingredient product. While it may seem counter-intuitive to add oil to acne-prone skin, Dr. Garshick actually recommends this one. "Tea tree oil is lightweight, so it can help to regulate sebum production and may have antibacterial effects," she says. "That can be helpful for those with oily or acne-prone skin."
The Body Shop's tea tree oil is super lightweight and water-like in consistency, so this can even be used as a serum or just combined with any of your moisturizers as an add-on to your current routine.
4) 100% Squalane Oil
BIOSSANCE
amazon.com
$34.00
Dermatologist Dr. Mona Gohara, MD, is a big fan of Biossance's squalane oil, as are several Women's Health editors. Another one-ingredient product, she specifically recommends it to her clients with sensitive skin. "It contains bio-similar ingredients to our natural skin barrier, really making sure that moisture is locked in," she says. That makes it a great oil for dry skin, too.
Bonus: It can be used all over the body (including the hair as a pre-wash scalp treatment), making this a great travel product.
5) Organic Rosehip Oil
Sky Organics
amazon.com
$9.98
"It is a myth that people with oily skin can't use face oils," says dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner, MD. But, that doesn't mean you can use just any oil. For example, he says that those with oily skin will want to avoid heavier oils like olive or avocado, because they're rich in oleic acid which can lead to breakouts. He recommends rosehip oil because it's a lot more lightweight. (The naturally luxurious scent is just a happy bonus.)
It doesn't get much more pure—and cost-effective—than Sky Organics' 100 percent organic rosehip oil.
6) Glow Oil
Supergoop!
amazon.com
$30.00
Sunscreen is a vital part of anyone's skincare routine, but Dr. Gohara says it's especially important for anyone who's prone to hyperpigmentation, because the sun can exacerbate any current spots you may have."Reapply this every two hours to help prevent brown spots from acne or sun damage," she says.
The spray bottle makes it really easy to use and mess-free, too.
7) Sunscreen Oil For UV Protection
MELE
amazon.com
$19.99
Designed for and by people with melanin-rich skin, Melē's sunscreen oil is fast-absorbing and won't leave a white cast on darker skin tones. Dr. Zeichner loves it because it's super hydrating and non-greasy, too. At under $20, it's an ultra affordable two-in-one product that you (and your wallet) won't feel badly about purchasing and re-purchasing.
8) 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Moroccan Argan Oil
The Ordinary
sephora.com
$6.80
Dermatologist Dr. Nicole Hayre, MD, recommends argan oil to her clients who are breakout-prone. At just under $7, you can't go wrong with The Ordinary's pure, organic, and cold-pressed oil.
It comes in a convenient dropper so you can easily add it to any of your current moisturizers. Many reviewers used this in their hair or added some to their body lotions, too.
9) Argan Infinity Intensive Creamy Oil
Josie Maran
amazon.com
$39.00
"As the name indicates, Josie Maran's Intensive Creamy Oil is packed with argan oil, an essential fatty acid that's similar to skin barrier components," says Dr. Gohara.
She says it leaves skin smooth and soft, but because this is in a cream-like formula, it doesn't feel as heavy as a lot of other pure oils. It's a great starter product for anyone who's a bit nervous about putting oil on their face.
10) Juno Antioxidant Superfood Face Oil
Sunday Riley
amazon.com
$36.00
There is absolutely nothing wrong with wrinkles or sun spots, but if you do want to smooth them out, Dr. Hayre is a big proponent of adding antioxidants to your skincare routine. They help to protect the skin from free radicals, which she says are what lead to wrinkles and sun spot formation.
For those exact reasons and more, Dr. Garshick recommends Sunday Riley's June Antioxidant Superfood Face Oil. "I love this because the blend of oils is rich in antioxidants and hydrating ingredients," she says. "It absorbs easily while also giving the skin a nice glow." Several Women's Health editors love this glow-inducing oil, too.
11) Collagen Superfusion Facial Oil
Charlotte Tilbury
sephora.com
$80.00
Both Dr. Zeichner and Dr. Garshick are fans of this luxurious face oil by Charlotte Tilbury. They both note loving that it delivers a collagen complex along with vitamins A and D to soften, strengthen, and protect the skin. Translation? It'll help reduce water loss to the skin, making it look extra plump, healthy, and hydrated.
Yes, it's pricey, but it's way less expensive than most facials, if you care to rationalize it that way. Snag the mini size for under $30 if you want to give it a try on a budget.
12) Sunday Morning Antioxidant Oil-Serum
Versed
amazon.com
$19.99
Some of Dr. Gohara's clients just don't like the feeling of an oil on their skin, and to them she recommends Versed's oil-like serum (or serum-like oil, depending on which you prefer). Highly concentrated with radical-fighting antioxidants and easy to layer, the lightweight product is also super affordable.
13) Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Serum
RoC
amazon.com
$24.63
"While this product is labeled as a serum, it has an oil base with emollient ingredients to protect the outer skin layer," says Dr. Zeichner. He says that because it contains 10 percent stabilized vitamin C, it's great for treating dark spots and giving skin an instant glow that'll brighten the overall skin texture slowly over time.
14) Miracle Facial Oil at Nordstrom
Omorovicza
nordstrom.com
$130.00
Dr. Garshick says Omoroviza's luxurious Miracle Facial Oil is a great option for anyone with dry skin who is also looking to soften the signs of aging. "Sea buckthorn works to reduce dryness and hydrate the skin, while rosehip oil and bakuchiol work together to help regulate skin cell turnover, smoothing out fine lines with minimal irritation."
It's pricey, but if you have the money for it, just peep one of the dozens of five-star reviews. People swear by the oil's glow-inducing properties, and many say they've re-purchased it time and time again.
Get the best dermatologist-recommended face oils for anti-aging, gua sha, and glowing skin to treat dry, sensitive skin. Use one as a serum or a moisturizer.