The Best Face Oil to Slather Yourself In, Depending on Your Skin Type

How To Use Face Oil_DISCIPLE Good Skin Face Oil-Serum How To Use Face Oil_DISCIPLE Good Skin Face Oil-Serum

Do you use a face oil?

If you had asked me what I thought of face oils 10 years ago, I would have told you they weren’t for me. 

With my combination skin? No thanks.

I wrote off any kind of face oil as being too heavy, too greasy, too oily.

But here we are, many years later. Lessons have been learned. Many a face oil has been used (and finished).

So, I’m here to help you navigate one of my favourite skincare categories, and find the best face oil for your skin type.

What Is a Face Oil?

Let’s start with the basics: what is a face oil? 

Face oils are a liquid, concentrated dose of vitamins, minerals and omegas - ingredients our skin absolutely loves. 

Now, it's true that our skin has its own lipid barrier full of natural oils to keep our skin hydrated and supple.

But different skin types have both an abundance (hey, oily skin) and a deficiency (that's you, dry skin) in certain oils,.

Plus, as we age, the sebaceous glands in our skin slow their production of oil. This leads to dryness, and emphasised fine lines and wrinkles. FUN!

There are also skincare products that strip our skin’s natural oils, so implementing the right face oil into your routine is a good idea if you want to keep your skin hydrated and your skin barrier protected. 

You can learn more about face oils in my YouTube video below.

Face Oil vs Moisturiser, How Are They Different?

To put it simply, oils are only oils.

Moisturisers are usually a combination of differnet types of hydrating ingredients.

Most moisturisers are predominantly water based and made with humectant (water-attracting) ingredients, with their main purpose being hydration. The presence of oil in a moisturiser will usually be to help maintain barrier function.

Oils on the other hand, having zero water content, work best with the top layers of our skin since they’re oil-based.

Do you need both? Not really, but it depends on your skin type and the product textures you like!

Learn more about finding the right moisturiser for your skin type in this YouTube video below.

How to Use Face Oil.

Facial oils come in varying levels of density.

Some are so thin, they absorb into the skin in seconds. Then, there are the thicker kinds that are great for facial massage and as a perfect final layer before bed. 

Generally, you want to apply your skin care from thinnest to thickest in texture. Oils usually end up being the last step, as their primary function is locking everything in for a healthy skin barrier.

Whichever face oil one you pick, your skin will love the extra layer of protection.


How Should I Apply Facial Oil to Increase Absorption?

The No. 1 concern we hear regarding facial oils is whether they feel sticky. It's true that most facial oils take a little longer than moisturisers do to sink in. But if you're using the right oil, it definitely shouldn't look or feel as though it's coating your face. Follow these easy tips and you'll be glowing in no time.

  • Choose the right facial oil for your skin type. See below for the best facial oil for your skin type

  • Don't go overboard. Face oils are concentrated products, so you only need a small amount of face oil to reap the benefits, 2-3drops of face oil is plenty for the entire face.

  • Even application. Distribute the oil amongst your fingertips and then gently pat them over your skin. By placing the drops directly on the skin you run the risk of having the facial oil too concentrated in some areas.

  • Our final tip, use a little extra moisturiser after applying facial oil. this helps lock in the oil and increases absorption of the facial oil. (Don't let this confuse you. If you follow the skincare layering rule, then facial oil should always be applied after moisturiser, but by using a little bit more you can help increase absorption).

What Ingredients Should I Look For in a Facial Oil?

Looking for the best face oil ingredients? There are three kinds of ingredients in face oils that are very beneficial to the skin and often found at high quantities in facial oils:

  • Omega-3 Oils

  • Antioxidants

  • Minerals, eg Zinc and Selenium

Now we understand the basics of face oils, let’s look at what to look for when choosing the right facial oil for your skin type.


Face Oil for Oily Skin.

DISCIPLE Good Skin Face Oil-Serum DISCIPLE Good Skin Face Oil-Serum

Can I Use a Facial Oil on Oily Skin?

Packed with conditioning omegas and protective antioxidants, facial oils have been a big hit on skincare shelves over the last few years. Not only do oils offer a concentrated dose of active ingredients, but they're also great at creating the luminous glow that only truly healthy skin has. Most people with oily skin make the mistake of thinking that oils are bad for oily skin, but on the contrary, oils can be very helpful when it comes to balancing an oily complexion. TLDR: Oily skin actually needs oils that nourish, but also balance the skin. 

Oily skin types tend to be deficient in essential fatty acids (EFAs), so you want to look out for face oils that contain rosehip, grapeseed, evening primrose, hemp seed, safflower, flaxseed and borage seed oils. 

These have a concentration of 50 per cent EFAs, which is great for balancing sebum (oil) production while also nourishing the skin.

Best face oil for oily skin:

DISCIPLE Good Skin Face Oil-Serum

Disciple Good Skin is a great face oil for oily, acne-prone skin types

It’s rich in EFAs, but also has prebiotic burdock root to balance the good bacteria on the skin while fighting bad bacteria that causes breakout.

Plus, turmeric oil helps to speed up the healing process on the skin.

Shop it here:

Can I Use a Facial Oil on Oily Skin?

Packed with conditioning omegas and protective antioxidants, facial oils have been a big hit on skincare shelves over the last few years. Not only do oils offer a concentrated dose of active ingredients, but they're also great at creating the luminous glow that only truly healthy skin has. Most people with oily skin make the mistake of thinking that oils are bad for oily skin, but on the contrary, oils can be very helpful when it comes to balancing an oily complexion. Some of the best face oil ingredients for oily skin include Linoleic acid, Linolenic acid, Gamma-linolenic acid, Rosehip, Evening primrose, hemp seed, grapeseed, safflower, flaxseed, and Borage.

Face Oils For Dry Skin.

Antipodes Avocado Oil & Rosehip Divine Face Oil Antipodes Avocado Oil & Rosehip Divine Face Oil

Dry skin lacks fatty acids like oleic acid which keep the skin barrier strong and prevent moisture loss. 

Some oils to look out for if you have dry skin are squalane, avocado oil, mineral oil and coconut oil.

Best face oil for dry skin:

Antipodes Avocado Oil & Rosehip Divine Face Oil

Antipodes Avocado Oil & Rosehip Divine Face Oil is a rich oil that’s amazing for dry skin.

The fact you can pick up a bottle for under $30 doesn't hurt, either!

Shop it here:

Face Oil For Combination Skin.

SALT BY HENDRIX Glowtown Hemp Seed Face Oil SALT BY HENDRIX Glowtown Hemp Seed Face Oil

Facial oils for combination skin?

Look for formulas that combine the best of both of the ingredients you’d find in a dry skin face oil and an oily skin face oil.

Best face oil for combination skin:

SALT BY HENDRIX Glowtown Hemp Seed Face Oil

Salt By Hendrix Glowtown is rich in broccoli, apple and hemp seed, as well as prickly pear oil.

These help to balance, smooth and hydrate the skin, while providing protection from environmental damage.

Shop it here:

Face Oils for Mature Skin.

Ella Baché Collagen+ Treatment Oil and KORA Organics Noni Glow Face Oil Ella Baché Collagen+ Treatment Oil and KORA Organics Noni Glow Face Oil

As we age, our skin naturally becomes drier.

This can emphasise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

So, if you’ve always had oily skin but are finding it’s feeling drier as you get older, an antioxidant face oil is a great way to tackle hydration and the appearance of ageing in one.

Antioxidants, including vitamin C, are great for brightening the appearance of skin, and boosting collagen production.

Plus, combining these potent ingredients in a nourishing oil formula can help to minimise irritation.

Best face oils for mature skin:

Both oils are rich in antioxidants, and have rich, nourishing formulas perfect for dry skin types and mature skin.

Shop them here:

Face Oil For Sensitive Skin.

The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Borage Seed Oil and Osmosis Skincare Immerse Restorative Facial Oil The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Borage Seed Oil and Osmosis Skincare Immerse Restorative Facial Oil

Some face oils might be too fragranced or heavy for sensitive skin

That said, sensitive skin relies on ingredients that are calming on the skin, and can help to repair and strengthen the skin barrier.

Oils like borage seed, hemp seed and evening primrose are great for calming inflammation. 

Best face oils for sensitive skin:

Think of the Osmosis Skincare Immerse Restorative Facial Oil like a big bowl of chicken soup for stressed out, irritated skin.

The restorative formula is full of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant oils to help soothe and heal the skin.

The Ordinary 100% Borage Seed Face Oil is high in Gamma-Linoleic Acid (GMA), an essential fatty acid that helps to nourish and soothe the skin.

Shop them here:

And that is your ultimate face oils for different skin types guide! 

Now, all you have to do is decide which one (or two) to add to cart.

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