Best Facial Oils For Glowing Skin

Most face oils won’t give you glow.

Not what you expected from a post about the best facial oils for glowing skin, I know. But it’s the reason so many people buy one pretty bottle, use it for a fortnight, and quietly give up.

Glow isn’t sitting in the bottle waiting for you. It comes from the right oil, on the right skin, applied the right way.

Get that match right and your skin looks smoother, softer and more even, often within minutes.

Get it wrong and you get shine, breakouts and a pillowcase that smells like a chip shop.

So let’s work out which oil actually suits you…

I’m Patri Hernández, a certified organic skincare formulator and dermocosmetic technician with a background in health coaching. I specialise in natural skincare, botanical ingredients and practical, evidence-informed approaches to wellness. Most bloggers can’t check the science behind a face oil, and I can.

Some links here may be affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. This never influences my recommendations, and I only mention things I genuinely believe may be useful.

What the right facial oil saves you (time, money and dull-skin days)

Here’s what you gain once you match an oil to your skin instead of to a trend:

• Fewer bottles, less waste. One or two well-chosen oils beat five half-used ones in a drawer.
• A 30-second evening routine. Two to four drops can replace a thick night cream for many people.
• Less tightness by morning. Oil applied over damp skin slows water loss, so skin often feels softer the next day.
• Smoother-looking skin within minutes. Oils soften the surface and reflect light more evenly. That instant softness is cosmetic, but it’s real.
• A bottle that lasts. At a few drops a night, 30 ml can last months.
• Fewer nasty surprises. Knowing about rancidity, staining and skin reactions saves you from wasted money and irritated skin.

An oil won’t exfoliate, treat acne, replace sunscreen or add water to your skin. It supports the barrier. That’s a big job, but it isn’t every job.

How facial oils can support glowing skin

In skincare terms, glow is mostly about light.

Smooth, hydrated skin bounces light back evenly. Dry, rough skin scatters it, and that’s why it looks dull.

Facial oils help in two ways. They’re emollients, which means they soften and smooth the skin’s surface. Many are also occlusive, which means they slow transepidermal water loss (the water that evaporates from your skin all day).

Here’s the catch. Oils don’t contain water, so they can’t hydrate on their own. Apply them over damp skin or a hydrating serum, and they seal that moisture in.

The science is encouraging, but let’s be honest about it. A review in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences looked at the barrier-repair and anti-inflammatory effects of many plant oils. A lot of that evidence comes from lab and animal studies, not big human trials.

Quick wow: your skin makes its own version. Squalene makes up roughly 12% of your skin’s natural oil. It goes off quickly in the air, which is why skincare uses squalane, its stable, hydrogenated form.

What to look for in a facial oil

Bloggers rarely check these details. They matter a lot.

• The fatty acid profile. A review in the American Journal of Clinical Dermatology notes that oils with a higher ratio of linoleic acid to oleic acid tend to repair the barrier better. Very oleic-rich oils may be less suitable for compromised skin.
• Cold-pressed and unrefined, where possible. Gentle extraction keeps more natural antioxidants.
• Dark glass. Light degrades oils. Clear plastic is a red flag.
• The botanical name on the label, such as Simmondsia chinensis for jojoba.
• A harvest or “best before” date. Fresh matters, especially for delicate oils.
• A short ingredient list. A single oil should list one ingredient, maybe plus vitamin E (tocopherol) to protect it.

Skip the kitchen olive oil

It’s tempting to grab the bottle from the cupboard. Please don’t.

In a small study of 19 adults, olive oil applied to the forearm reduced barrier function and caused redness, while sunflower oil kept the barrier intact and improved hydration. It was a small, forearm-only study, but it’s a good reminder that “natural” doesn’t automatically mean “good for skin”. You can read the original study on PubMed.

The best facial oils for glowing skin, one by one

Jojoba oil

Technically, jojoba isn’t an oil. It’s a liquid wax. A review in Polymers reports that about 98% of it is wax esters, a structure quite similar to our own sebum.

It’s also very stable, so it keeps far better than most plant oils. It suits most skin types, including combination and oily, which makes it a great first oil.

Quick wow: jojoba has a whale of a backstory. After sperm whale oil was banned in the early 1970s, the US looked for a replacement, and jojoba oil turned out to be nearly identical in structure. A desert shrub helped fill the gap.

No oil is guaranteed non-comedogenic for everyone, so patch test even the gentle ones.

Rosehip oil

Rosehip seed oil is rich in linoleic and linolenic acids, two polyunsaturated fats the skin barrier likes. It has a long reputation for scars, fine lines and uneven tone.

The reputation is stronger than the evidence. Traditional use is extensive, but solid human trials are limited. I’d call it a lovely, lightweight, barrier-supporting oil, not a scar treatment.

Quick wow: rosehip has a short shelf life. Those same polyunsaturated fats oxidise fast, so rosehip can last as little as 3 months, while coconut oil can last up to 3 years.

Buy small bottles and keep them cool and dark (the fridge is fine). Bin it if it smells sharp or like old paint.

Squalane

Squalane is the hydrogenated, stable form of squalene. Modern squalane comes mainly from olives or sugarcane. Older sources included shark liver, so check the label says plant-derived.

It’s light, non-greasy and very unlikely to go rancid. If you’re oily, sensitive, acne-prone or just oil-averse, start here.

Argan oil

Argan has one of the better human studies among these oils. In a 2015 trial in Clinical Interventions in Aging, 60 postmenopausal women took either argan oil or olive oil for 60 days. Both groups also applied argan oil to one forearm, and skin elasticity improved in the argan groups.

Keep the limits in view. It was small, short and tested on the forearm, and the authors called it a preliminary trend. Still, it’s a good sign for mature, dry skin.

Argan comes from a tree kernel. If you have a tree nut allergy, check with your doctor first.

Sea buckthorn oil

Sea buckthorn is the dramatic one. It’s deep orange, thick and rich in carotenoids, the pigments behind its colour.

Its antioxidant profile is interesting. Evidence for a visible facial glow is mostly traditional and preliminary, so think of it as a booster, not a hero.

Quick wow: there are two kinds. Berry (pulp) oil is the strongly coloured one and can stain skin at full strength. Seed oil is lighter and shouldn’t stain at typical amounts under about 10%.

A few drops blended into a gentler oil is plenty. Your white pillowcase will thank you.

Marula oil

Marula is light, fast-absorbing and popular for a soft, dewy finish.

It’s high in oleic acid, which is where the fatty acid ratio matters. A clinical study of 20 women found marula oil non-irritating and hydrating, and about 69% of it was oleic acid.

That makes it a good match for normal to dry skin with a healthy barrier. I’d be more careful with very reactive or oily skin.

Pomegranate seed oil

Pomegranate seed oil contains punicic acid, an unusual fatty acid, and shows up in the plant oil literature for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Much of that evidence comes from lab and animal work, not human trials.

It’s also delicate and oxidises easily. It works best as a small percentage in a blend, not on its own.

Facial oils at a glance

Oil	Feels like	Best for	Watch out for
Jojoba	Light, smooth	Most skin types	Patch test
Squalane	Silky, almost weightless	Oily, sensitive	Choose plant-derived
Rosehip	Light, quick to absorb	Dry, mature	Goes off quickly
Argan	Soft, medium weight	Dry, mature	Tree nut allergy
Sea buckthorn	Thick, orange	Mature (in a blend)	Staining
Marula	Light, dewy	Normal to dry	High in oleic acid
Pomegranate seed	Light	Blends	Oxidises easily

How to choose an oil for your skin type

• Oily or acne-prone: squalane, jojoba, or a small amount of rosehip. Skip heavy, oleic-rich oils.
• Dry or dehydrated: argan or marula, with a hydrating serum underneath.
• Mature: argan and rosehip, with a drop of sea buckthorn if you like.
• Sensitive: squalane or jojoba only, and patch test first.
• Combination: jojoba, or squalane on the T-zone and argan on the cheeks.

To patch test, apply a small amount inside your elbow or behind your ear for 24 to 48 hours before using it on your face. Stop if you notice redness, itching or a rash.

How to apply facial oil

Technique matters more than the oil itself.

1. Cleanse your face and leave it slightly damp.
2. Apply a water-based serum or hydrating mist if you use one.
3. Warm two to four drops between your palms.
4. Press the oil onto your face and neck rather than rubbing.
5. Wait a few minutes before anything else goes on top.

Evening is the natural time for facial oil. If you use one in the morning, use very little, let it settle, and finish with sunscreen.

Too much? If you look shiny or start breaking out, you’re probably using too much, or the wrong oil.

Best oil combinations for glow

If you like blending, keep it simple and do it in your palm. Big home batches raise questions about freshness and preservation.

• Balance: jojoba plus a few drops of rosehip.
• Featherlight: squalane plus a little jojoba.
• Mature and dry: argan plus a few drops of pomegranate seed oil.
• Boosted glow: argan with a very small amount of sea buckthorn, just enough to warm the colour.

If you’re making up a bottle, add natural vitamin E (tocopherol) to slow oxidation, use dark glass and make small quantities.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use facial oil if I have oily skin?

Yes, many people with oily skin do well with light oils such as squalane or jojoba. Use very little and see how your skin responds.

Do facial oils moisturise?

Not strictly. They soften skin and slow water loss, but they contain no water. Use them over damp skin or a hydrating serum.

Can facial oil replace moisturiser?

For some people, yes, especially at night. Very dry skin may still want a water-based layer underneath.

How long does facial oil last once opened?

It varies a lot. Jojoba and squalane are very stable, while rosehip and pomegranate seed oil go off much sooner. If it smells off, stop using it.

Can I use oils with retinol or acids?

Generally yes, and oil can buffer irritation. Apply the oil after your active, and introduce new products one at a time.

Conclusion

The best facial oil isn’t the priciest, the trendiest or the most orange. It’s the one that suits your skin, is fresh, and goes on in small amounts over damp skin.

Start with one oil. Give it a few weeks. Then, if you fancy it, layer in a second.

References

• Lin TK, Zhong L, Santiago JL. Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils. Int J Mol Sci. 2018
• Vaughn AR, et al. Natural Oils for Skin-Barrier Repair: Ancient Compounds Now Backed by Modern Science. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2018
• Boucetta KQ, et al. The effect of dietary and/or cosmetic argan oil on postmenopausal skin elasticity. Clin Interv Aging. 2015
• Gad HA, et al. Jojoba Oil: An Updated Comprehensive Review on Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Uses, and Toxicity. Polymers. 2021
• Danby SG, et al. Effect of Olive and Sunflower Seed Oil on the Adult Skin Barrier. Pediatr Dermatol. 2013
• Komane B, et al. Safety and efficacy of Sclerocarya birrea (Marula) oil: A clinical perspective. J Ethnopharmacol. 2015

Love, Patri xx