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Beauty Oils: How to Choose and Use a Face Oil
A beauty oil, or face oil, is a plant oil or blend of oils applied to the skin to soften it and slow water loss. Oils are made of fatty acids, so they sit in the outer layer of skin and help it feel smoother and more comfortable. The right oil depends on your skin type, because some oils are lighter and less likely to clog pores than others.
Which Oil Suits Your Skin
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Kiran Mian, quoted by NBC Select, explains that oils are rated on a comedogenic scale from 0 to 5, where lower numbers are less likely to clog pores. Low-rated examples include hemp seed (0), grape seed (1), rosehip (1) and jojoba (2). Dr. Hadley King, also quoted, names jojoba and argan as safe choices for oily skin.
| Skin type | Oils to look for | Learn more |
|---|---|---|
| Oily or breakout-prone | Jojoba, hemp seed, grape seed, rosehip; skip heavy oils on the face | Jojoba oil |
| Dry or mature | Olive, avocado, argan, borage, evening primrose | Evening primrose oil, olive oil |
| Sensitive | Simple, fragrance-free single oils such as jojoba or borage | Borage oil |
| Body, hands and feet | Coconut, olive, sweet almond | Coconut oil |
Dr. Mian advises people with breakout-prone skin to avoid sesame, flaxseed, almond, coconut and avocado oils on the face.
How to Use a Face Oil
- Cleanse, then apply any water-based serum first. Dr. King notes that serums with humectants such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin work well under face oils.
- Warm 2 to 4 drops between your palms and press them into the face and neck.
- If your skin is dry, finish with a moisturizer to seal it in, layering from thinnest to thickest.
- In the morning, apply sunscreen last.
Store oils in a cool, dark place with the cap closed, and smell them before use: a crayon or paint smell means the oil has gone rancid. Adding vitamin E, an antioxidant, to a homemade blend helps slow this. See the vitamin E glossary entry.
Where to Shop
For oil serum recipes and the finished peptide serums that layer under them, see our Anti-Aging Oil Serum page. For a longer read, see the benefits of beauty oils.
Patch test any new oil on the inner arm for 24 hours. If your skin is sensitive, start with a single oil and 1 to 2 drops.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use face oil if you have oily skin?
Yes, if you choose a light, low-comedogenic oil such as jojoba, hemp seed or grape seed. Use 2 to 3 drops and see how your skin responds over a couple of weeks.
Do face oils clog pores?
Some can. Oils are rated from 0 to 5 on the comedogenic scale, and lower numbers are less likely to clog pores, so breakout-prone skin does best with oils such as hemp seed, grape seed, rosehip and jojoba.
When should you use face oil in your routine?
After water-based serums and before or mixed into your moisturizer. Layer from thinnest to thickest, and apply sunscreen last in the morning.
Is a face oil a moisturizer?
A face oil softens skin and slows water loss, but it does not add water. For dry skin, pair it with a humectant serum such as hyaluronic acid or with a moisturizer.
How long does a face oil last once opened?
It depends on the oil. Oils rich in delicate fatty acids, such as rosehip and evening primrose, go rancid sooner, so store them cool and dark, and replace any oil that smells off.
Sources
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
About the Author
Written by Kari Thomas, cosmetic formulator and founder of Skin Perfection.