If you find that oils deliver more moisture than you need, try camellia oil. Also known as tsubaki oil, even oily skin types will appreciate its lightweight hydration; with a molecular weight that's almost similar to that of skin's natural oil, it absorbs extra quickly. And because it comes from a flower, it's loaded with plant-based nutrients like chlorophyll and antioxidants to combat aging free radicals, notes Baumann.
Derived from Amazonian passion fruit seeds, this oil is majorly anti-inflammatory and packed with brightening and collagen-boosting vitamin C. It also has a high concentration of linoleic acid; the omega 6 fatty acid is moisturizing, though not as rich as oleic acid (found in oils such as avocado and olive), making it a good pick for combination skin, says Wong.
If there's an oil that's more ubiquitously touted for its beauty benefits, I have yet to find it. Here's the thing, though: While it's undoubtedly an AMAZING hydrator, it can actually be too intense for your complexion. "It has components that are comedogenic and can clog pores," points out Baumann, who notes that it's best reserved for body (with the exception of blemish-prone spots, like the chest and back). But feel free to load up with reckless abandon on dry, chapped areas, especially elbows or knees. Dab it on ragged nails and cuticles, too (my favorite way to get healthy, shiny nails when there's no time for a mani).
Technically a liquid wax, jojoba "oil" most closely mimics the sebum naturally produced by skin and hair. Translation: Whether your complexion is dry, oily, or a little bit o' both, jojoba oil can help balance out your skin's moisture levels. Baumann adds that it's also anti-inflammatory, a good pick for conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Not to mention that it blends well with other oils, makes a great base for essential oils, and is typically fairly inexpensive. I consider it the LBD of oils--one everyone needs in their collection.
I remember when Bobbi Brown Extra Face Oil, $65, first launched. I was working at a magazine at the time, and the skin care oil trend was blowing up — all the mainstream brands were clamoring to get one on the market.
The Bobbi Brown version came in a hefty glass jar, smelled appealingly earthy (patchouli and lavender oils will do that), and was luxurious in that classic Bobbi Brown way. I dabbed some on the back of my hand; it felt lovely. However, despite being curious about face oils, there was absolutely zero chance I was going to put it on my face. Oil on my acne-prone skin? That seemed like a terrible idea.
One of my co-workers routinely rubbed a few drops between her palms and patted it on — like a man applies aftershave — right over her makeup. I was disgusted — I could just imagine the oil mixing with her foundation and clogging her pores. However, I never saw any evidence of that happening — her skin was amazing, and the oil made her makeup look refreshed and more luminous.
It wasn't until I came across Sundari Essential Oil for Oily Skin, $66, that I dared to try a skin care oil for myself. The formula is extremely light, the instructions call for only two drops (how much damage could that do?), and the website explains that peppermint helps control skin's oil production. Of course I was hesitant the first night I used it, but when I woke up to glowing, more even skin I knew it was the oil — and I haven't looked back since.
I've been using face oils regularly for at least five years now, and I'm hooked. In fact, I'm such an oil fanatic that I also use cleansing oils, body oils, and hair oils -- all of which used to scare me as well. My skin isn't as likely to break out as it used to be, so I've swapped out peppermint and tea tree oils for anti-agers like Argan and antioxidants like rose hip seed.
Despite the popularity of face oils, I realize that there are still plenty of people who are as intimidated as I was. Here's the key: You have to figure out which face oil is right for your skin, and start slowly with just a drop or two. These seven skin care oils are some of the most popular, and they come highly recommended by experts. Read on to find out which one you should try.
