13 Best Drugstore Face Oils For Every Skin Type (2024), Esthetician Picks
Lighten your dark spots and fight against signs of aging with these skincare essentials.
Carlee is a Licensed Esthetician with over 10 years of experience and a certified acne specialist with Face Reality. She is the co-founder of The Switch Suites, a luxury skincare wellness center located in Bankers Hill, San Diego. She specializes in lymphatic drainage, microcurrent, facial sculpting and dermaplaning.
Read full bio of Carlee Spath
Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Experience: 5 yearsAditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is an associate commerce editor with 5 years of experience and specializes in reviewing fitness and health products.
Read full bio of Aditi Naskar
Experience: 11 yearsRamona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.
Read full bio of Ramona Sinha
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
Face oils are the new favorite of Gen Zs and millennial skin care enthusiasts. If you are a student or simply do not like spending a fortune, our list of the 13 best drugstore face oils will work great no matter your skin type.
They deliver essential nutrients and antioxidants to your skin to help lighten dark spots, fight premature aging, keep your skin supple, youthful, and healthy. Keep reading for more information.
In This Article
13 Best Drugstore Face Oils
Best Cruelty-Free:Admire My Skin Citrus Glow Drops
The Citrus Glow Drops by Admire My Skin is a unique blend of natural oils. It contains ingredients like argan oil, vitamin E, vitamin C, rosehip oil, and sea buckthorn oil that nourish your skin.
While vitamin C reduces blemishes and hyperpigmentation and improves collagen production, vitamin E helps nourish and hydrate your skin. The argan and rosehip oils regulate sebum and oil production, treat acne, and smoothen your skin. This face oil is lightweight not tested on animals, and does not cause breakouts or clogging.
Key Ingredients: Sunflower seed oil, Rice bran oil, Rosehip seed oil, Argan oil, Sea buckthorn oil, and Vitamin E
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Non-sticky
- Smells good
- Lightweight
Cons
- Thick consistency
- Can leave stains
- Expensive
Pro TipBest Lightweight Formula:SheaMoisture Daily Hydration Overnight Face Oil
The Daily Hydration Overnight Face Oil by SheaMoisture is enriched with coconut oil, coconut milk, acacia senegal, and shea butter. These ingredients are loaded with antioxidants that help nourish the skin and restore its lost moisture.
Acacia senegal and coconut milk help lock in adequate moisture and improve skin elasticity. The highly nourishing shea butter is rich in fatty acids and vitamins that deeply moisturize your skin, leaving it smooth and supple. This product is suitable for all skin types and can be included in your nighttime skin care routine.
Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, Shea butter, and Coconut milk
Pros
- Lightweight
- Smells good
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Not for acne-prone skin.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The overwhelming 2,301 positive reviews on Amazon show how popular this product is with happy users.
Best Non-Greasy Formula:Derma.E Essentials Radiant Glow Face Oil
Created in collaboration with the beauty influencer SunKissAlba, the Radiant Glow Facial Oil by Derma. E is perfect for acne-prone skin. It is infused with argan oil, sea buckthorn oil, jojoba oil, and mica that nourish the skin and give it a radiant glow. These ingredients aid cell regeneration and promote collagen production. Argan oil brightens the skin and smoothens its texture, while mica adds a healthy, beautiful glow to it. This essential facial oil does not contain any harmful preservatives and is formulated with quality ingredients. Go through this video review showing the reviewer’s experience with a detailed understanding of the product
Key Ingredients: Sunflower seed oil, Jojoba seed oil, Pumpkin seed oil, Sea buckthorn fruit oil, Argan oil, Vitamin E, Mica, and Titanium Dioxide
Pros
- Lightweight
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Improves skin texture
- Enhances radiance
- Non-greasy
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Lanolin-free
- Gluten-free
- GMO-free
Cons
- Expensive
- Doesn’t suit oily skin.
Pro TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 1,568 reviews claiming its efficacy.
Admire My Skin Citrus Glow Drops Best Cruelty-Free | SheaMoisture Daily Hydration Overnight Face Oil Best Lightweight Formula | Derma.E Essentials Radiant Glow Face Oil Best Non-Greasy Formula | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 1.5 x 1.5 x 3 inches | 1.31 x 1.31 x 4.04 inches | 1.6 x 1.6 x 5.2 inches |
| Weight | 1 Ounces | 2.88 Ounces | 4.6 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 3,070 | 2,301 | 1,568 |
| Price | $22.0 | $9.97 | $15.49 |
Best Anti-Itch:SUNDAY RILEY C.E.O Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil
The C.E.O Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil by SUNDAY RILEY is a hydrating and brightening facial oil infused with turmeric, pomegranate, jojoba, vitamin C, evening primrose, cranberry, red raspberry, and ginger. Regular application of this face oil gives your skin a vibrant and healthy glow. It is absorbed quickly into your skin and hydrates it from within. This video review showing the tester’s experience will help you understand more about SUNDAY RILEY C.E.O Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil.
Key Ingredients: Ginger, Red raspberry, Cranberry seed oil, Evening primrose, Pomegranate seed oil, Golden turmeric, And Jojoba oil
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Non-sticky
- Glow-enhancing
- Fast-absorbing
- Non-irritating
Cons
- Strong medicinal fragrance
- Expensive
Quick TipBest Anti-Aging Benefits:AMAKI Japanese Tsubaki Anti-Aging Face Oil
The Japanese Tsubaki Anti-Aging Face Oil by AMAKI contains cold-pressed and organically sourced essential oils like chamomile oil, argan oil, jojoba oil, and sunflower oil. This face oil moisturizes the skin and makes it feel smooth and velvety post-application. The vitamins in the formula offer antioxidant protection and help brighten your complexion, reverse sun damage, and reduce the appearance of blemishes, fine lines, and wrinkles. The essential fatty acids in this elixir help neutralize free radical damage and give you soft skin. They also offer anti-aging benefits for youthful-looking skin.
Key Ingredients: Jojoba oil, Sunflower oil, Vitamin A, Chamomile essential oil, Omega-3, Vitamin E, Argan oil, and Camellia oil
Pros
- Non-greasy
- Softens skin
- Reduces fine lines
- Absorbed quickly
- Rejuvenating scent
- Paraben-free
- Phenoxyethanol-free
Cons
- May cause irritation and redness.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has garnered over 360 positive reviews on Amazon, and the number continues to grow.
Best Anti-Inflammatory Properties:ELEMIS Superfood Facial Oil
The Superfood Facial Oil by Elemis is blended with nine super ingredients that nourish the skin and give it a healthy glow. It nourishes your skin and keeps it smooth, supple, and plump. The key components like nettle extract, black seed oil, and organic pumpkin seed oil are rich in protein and amino acids that boost collagen production. These ingredients also have anti-inflammatory properties that help in managing redness and inflammation. This face oil is lightweight and does not leave a sticky or greasy feeling post-application. You can use it as a day cream and top it up with sunscreen for added protection.
Key Ingredients: Daikon radish, Broccoli seed oil, Sweet almond oil, Meadowfoam seed oil, Macadamia seed oil, Poppy seed oil, Squalane, Orange peel oil, and Flax seed oil
Pros
- Smells good
- Lightweight texture
- Absorbed quickly
- Non-greasy
- Doubles up as a primer
Cons
- May cause irritation.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received over 1,364 rave reviews on Amazon, proving it is a mass favorite.
Best Dye-Free:aspen kay NATURALS Glow Face Oil
This Glow Face Oil is ideal for acne-prone and mature skin types. As we age, the sebaceous glands in our skin produce less oil. This can result in excessive dryness, wrinkles, or dark spots. This face oil is infused with organic ingredients like rosehip oil, olive oil, turmeric, chamomile oil, jojoba oil, and helichrysum oil that enhance your skin’s texture and impart a natural glow. This unique oil blend reduces the visible signs of fine lines and wrinkles while deeply conditioning and moisturizing your skin.
Key Ingredients: Organic cold-pressed camellia oil, Squalene, Organic unrefined rosehip oil, Jojoba oil, Organic sunflower oil, Vitamin E, Organic chamomile extract, Organic calendula extract, Organic turmeric extract, Organic turmeric essential oil, Helichrysum essential oil, Sea buckthorn oil, and Roman chamomile essential oil
Pros
- Natural ingredients
- Non-GMO
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Dye-free
- No toxic chemicals
Cons
- Strong turmeric fragrance
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 2,080 Amazon acclaimed reviews, this product is sure to find a place in everyone’s shopping bag.
Best Quick-Absorbing:ADVANCED CLINICALS Rosehip Oil
The Rosehip Oil by ADVANCED CLINICALS is rich in vitamins C and E that play a crucial role in reducing scars, wrinkles, redness, fine lines, age spots, and dryness. The cold-pressed oil provides gentle exfoliation and helps improve your complexion. It is loaded with fatty acids and antioxidants that replenish the lost moisture in your skin and provide instant glow and softness. This face oil helps even out your skin tone and improves its texture.
Key Ingredients: Sunflower seed cake extract, Barley extract, Cucumber extract, Rice bran extract, and Rosemary leaf extract
Pros
- Quick-absorbing
- Non-greasy
- Can be used under makeup
- Cruelty-free
- Smells good
Cons
- May cause breakouts.
Best For Hydration:Beauty By Earth Balance & Restore Luxury Face Oil
The Balance & Restore Luxury Face Oil by Beauty By Earth is infused with certified organic oils. Ingredients like jojoba oil, olive leaf oil, argan oil, rosehip oil, and lavender essential oil protect and rejuvenate your skin. They also promote intense hydration and help fight acne and redness. The calendula extracts soothe your skin and promote cell regeneration, while lavender oil calms inflammation.
Key Ingredients: Jojoba oil, Argan oil, and Lavender essential oil
Pros
- Lightweight
- Soothing formula
- Refreshing scent
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- PEG-free
- Mineral oil-free
Cons
- May cause breakouts.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has received 737 reviews from customers on Amazon, indicating its popularity and reliability.
Best For pH Balance:NATURIUM Virgin Marula Face Oil 100%
The Virgin Marula Face Oil 100% by NATURIUM contains unrefined organic marula oil, which is rich in omega fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamin C. The rich oil helps nourish and moisturize your skin, leaving it radiant and bright. It is clinically-tested to show visible results in reducing blackheads and fine lines in 2-3 weeks. The vitamin C in this oil helps even out your skin tone and fights free radical damage. This face oil repairs the natural skin barrier and hydrates the skin.
Key Ingredients: Marula oil
Pros
- pH-balancing formula
- Helps with skin repair and hydration
- Lightweight
- Non-greasy
- Absorbed easily
- Paraben-free
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
- Fragrance-free
- Dermatologist-tested
Cons
- May cause breakouts.
Best Paraben-Free Formula:NATURIUM Plant Squalane Face Oil 100%
The Plant Squalane Face Oil by NATURIUM is infused with organic plant squalane derived from sugarcane. Squalane helps replenish the lost moisture in your skin and smooths, softens, and nourishes it. This face oil intensely hydrates the skin without feeling greasy or sticky. The quick-absorbing formula doesn’t clog your pores and nourishes the skin from within.
Key Ingredients: Squalane
Pros
- pH-balanced
- Plant-based oils
- Lightweight
- Non-greasy
- Absorbed easily
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- May cause breakouts.
Best For Moisturizing:BADGER Argan Face Oil
The Argan Face Oil by BADGER is infused with an antioxidant-rich blend of organic oils. It contains a blend of oils such as argan oil, bergamot oil, jojoba oil, baobab oil, and pomegranate, which help nourish, hydrate, and balance your skin. This face oil has a floral, fruity, and minty aroma that revitalizes your mind and senses. With regular use, the oil will leave your skin smooth, glowing, and moisturized.
Key Ingredients: Jojoba oil, Baobab oil, Argan oil, Pomegranate oil, Orange oil, Bergamot oil, Sandalwood oil, Vitamin E, and Ylang ylang flower oil
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Revitalizing formula
- Fragrance-free
- Dye-free
- GMO-free
- No synthetic chemicals
- No artificial preservatives
- Gluten-free
- Cruelty-free
- Refreshing fragrance
Cons
- None
Best Hypoallergenic:MARA Universal Face Oil
This face oil is infused with the goodness of algae, four superfood oils, and plankton extracts. It contains moringa, baobab, Kalahari watermelon, and bilberry extracts with age-defying properties. These active ingredients visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The algae blend stimulates the production of hyaluronic acid that hydrates your skin. The essential fatty acids in this face oil help plump your skin and fight free radical damage. This dermatologically-tested oil suits all skin types, including acne-prone, sensitive skin.
Key Ingredients: Sunflower seed oil, Moringa seed oil, Grape seed oil, Linseed seed oil, Triglyceride, Watermelon seed oil, Bergamot fruit oil, Bitter orange peel oil, Plankton extract, Tocopherol, Limonene, Linalool, Farnesol, and Geraniol
Pros
- Vegan
- Hypoallergenic
- Dermatologist-tested
- Alcohol-free
- Fragrance-free
- Paraben-free
- Gluten-free
- Phthalate-free
Cons
- Expensive
Here are a few things to keep in mind while incorporating facial oils into your daily skin routine.
How To Use A Face Oil – Tips
- Cleanse And Exfoliate: Cleansing your face and following it up with gentle exfoliation will ensure the oil seeps into your skin easily. Pat your face dry for quicker absorption.
- Use A Few Drops: You do not need a dollop of facial oil on your face – it can clog your pores and make you look greasy. Just a drop or two is sufficient to enjoy the benefits of your face oil.
- Moisturize: Your skin needs about 30% oils and 70 % of water to maintain a healthy balance. Thus, both oils and moisturizers play an equal role in maintaining well-hydrated and healthier skin.
- Morning Routine: Mix a few drops of oil with your moisturizer and apply evenly. If you are using raw oil on its own, pat a few drops of oil gently into your skin and apply sunscreen.
- Night Routine: You can add face oils to your night masks or serums. If you are using pure oil, pat a layer of oil over your moisturizer. It will help seal the hydration, enhance your moisturizer’s effects, and seep in all the essential goodness as you sleep.
- Makeup Routine: Adding face oils to makeup products can help people with dry and mature skin types. You can add a few drops of oil to your foundation and apply it for a sheer and healthy look.
If you are trying out facial oils for the first time, start by applying them only during the evenings to see how your skin responds. Once your skin has gotten used to the product, slowly incorporate it into your morning skin care and makeup routines.
Choosing the wrong kind of face oil can be detrimental. The following guidelines can help you choose the right oil for your skin type.
What Kind Of Facial Oil Should You Choose?
- Oily Skin: Keeping your oily skin balanced is crucial. Oils like hemp seed oil and jojoba oil have anti-inflammatory properties and help restore your skin’s natural balance.
- Dry Skin: Oils that are rich in omega-rich fatty acids help moisturize and retain hydration. These oils are loaded with essential vitamins that help restore dullness and dry patches. Oils like marula oil and chia seed oil are great for dehydrated skin.
- Combination Skin: Combination skin type needs hydration in the dry or flaky skin parts and balance in the oily parts of your face. Oils rich in antioxidants (camellia oil and argan oil) get quickly absorbed into the skin and create a protective barrier against free radical damage.
- Acne-Prone Skin: Comedogenic oils can worsen breakouts in your skin. Instead, opt for scientifically-formulated, non-comedogenic products with lighter oils like tea tree oil and jojoba oils. Tea tree oil has anti inflammatory and antibacterial benefits that help dissolve dead skin cells and kill acne-causing bacteria.
Infographic: Key Ingredients To Look For And Avoid In Face Oils
Face oils are the new trending skin care products for hydrated and glowing skin. They help improve skin texture, fade dark spots, and keep the skin youthful and radiant. But to select the best product, it is important to know the key ingredients to look for and avoid in face oils. Check out the infographic below to learn more.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Your skin needs pampering to keep it healthy. And the best drugstore face oils with proven efficacy will be of great help. These oils nourish your skin, boost hydration, minimize the appearance of spots, and provide your skin with a youthful glow. Some face oils can also improve collagen production, while some hydrate your skin. The Admire My Skin Citrus Glow Drops combats brighten your skin and improve collagen production, while the SheaMoisture Daily Hydration Overnight Face Oil helps replenish the skin’s moisture barrier. The ELEMIS Superfood Facial Oil is nutrient-rich and supports overall skin health. In addition, these face oils make your skin smooth and supple. Consider paraben-free, sulfate-free face oils as they are safe and gentle on your skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do face oils really work?
Yes, face oils work as temporary moisturizers as they leave your skin feeling plump and supple. They also enable your skin to retain moisture.
Are face oils better than moisturizers?
No. Moisturizers improve the overall hydration level of your skin. On the other hand, face oils are thicker than regular moisturizers. Oils have a larger molecular weight and help lock in the hydration of the moisturizer. Oils and moisturizers go best when put together. However, people with oily or acne-prone skin need not use both at the same time.
Are drugstore face oils good for rosacea?
Yes, drugstore face oils suitable for sensitive skin types are good for rosacea. But before purchasing, do not forget to look at the ingredients list.
Is drugstore face oil good for redness?
Yes. Drugstore face oils with lavender, sandalwood, and vitamin C are good for treating inflammation and redness.
Can I use face oil in the morning?
Yes, you can use face oil in the morning. However, make sure to use the oil before applying your sunscreen.
Do you put the face oil on before or after a moisturizer?
Since face oils are denser than moisturizers, apply your face oil after applying the moisturizer.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Shiboli Chakraborti is our in-house skincare coach who loves staying in tune with the latest and promising products in skincare that is easily available and affordable. She believes that investing in the correct face oil can work wonders for your skin. She tried out various face oils from reputed brands and collated this list of the top face oils available in your neighborhood drugstore. These face oils consist of a unique blend of natural oils that reduce blemishes and nourish your skin.
- Best Facial Oils For Oily Skin
- Best Drugstore Face Serums to Try Out
- Best Cleansing Oils – Reviews And Buying Guide
- Best Drugstore Face Cleansers
Read full bio of Carlee Spath
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
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Read full bio of Ramona Sinha
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