What are the best oils for your skin? Discover the top 5 natural oils that can hydrate, nourish, and rejuvenate your complexion. Get the facts and benefits of coconut, argan, rosehip seed, marula, and jojoba oils.

The Benefits of Face Oils

Face oils have become a staple in many beauty cabinets, and for good reason. Despite the name, they won’t leave your skin feeling greasy or cause breakouts. In fact, these natural oils are packed with beneficial ingredients like polyphenols, fatty acids, and antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation and give your skin a radiant, dewy glow.

Whether you’re looking to eliminate redness, soothe irritation from acne or rosacea, plump up your skin, or simply achieve better hydration, there’s a face oil out there that can meet your needs. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top 5 best oils for your skin and uncover the science-backed reasons why they should be part of your beauty routine.

Coconut Oil: The Versatile Skin Savior

What is it? Coconut oil is extracted from the meat of coconuts and has gained significant popularity in recent years due to its therapeutic properties. It’s an edible oil that’s used in everything from skincare to cooking.

Why it works: Coconut oil is rich in vitamin E and fatty acids, which act as a natural barrier to lock in moisture. It’s also naturally antibacterial and antifungal, making it a great option for protecting skin and hair, especially during the harsh winter months. Bonus: it smells delicious!

How to use: Solid at room temperature, coconut oil melts on contact with skin. It can be used as a moisturizing shaving cream, hair conditioner, or all-over body lotion. However, it may be too heavy for those with oily complexions.

Argan Oil: The Nourishing Powerhouse

What is it? Argan oil is extracted from the nuts of the Moroccan argan tree. It’s a soothing and potent moisturizer suitable for all skin types.

Why it works: Argan oil is packed with vitamin E, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids. It’s light enough to use daily as a nongreasy moisturizer, but it can also treat more severe conditions like eczema or rosacea. Its antioxidant properties help improve skin’s elasticity and radiance by fighting free radical damage.

How to use: Argan oil is not just for dry skin – it can also help control oil production and sebum for those with oilier complexions. Use it daily under makeup or as an intensive nighttime skin treatment. It’s also great for nourishing dry hair and nails.

Rosehip Seed Oil: The Antiaging Superstar

What is it? Rosehip seed oil is extracted via a cold-press method from the seeds of a specific rose variety, predominantly grown in Chile.

Why it works: This oil is rich in essential fatty acids and contains vitamins E, C, D, and beta carotene. The abundant nutrients help protect and hydrate skin, fight free radical damage, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. The rejuvenating properties can also help correct dark spots and minimize the look of scars.

How to use: Rosehip seed oil is considered a “dry” oil, meaning it absorbs easily into the skin. It can be used on its own or combined with other oils and lotions for an intensive moisturizing and antiaging treatment.

Marula Oil: The Versatile Skin Soother

What is it? Marula oil is harvested from the nut of the African marula fruit. It’s quickly gaining popularity for its versatility, light texture, and array of beautifying benefits.

Why it works: Marula oil is rich in fatty acids and is said to contain 60% more antioxidants than many other oils. This means it can effectively reduce dryness, irritation, and inflammation. It’s also purported to have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

How to use: Thanks to its lightweight, non-greasy formula, marula oil can be used daily as a moisturizer or treatment for a variety of skin types and concerns. It absorbs quickly and leaves skin feeling soft and supple.

Jojoba Oil: The Skin-Balancing Marvel

What is it? Jojoba oil is extracted from the seed of the jojoba plant, which is native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico.

Why it works: Jojoba oil is structurally similar to the natural oils (sebum) produced by our skin. This allows it to effectively regulate oil production, making it a great choice for those with oily or acne-prone skin. It’s also rich in vitamins and antioxidants that can soothe inflammation and improve the skin’s barrier function.

How to use: Jojoba oil can be used as a daily facial moisturizer, makeup remover, or spot treatment for blemishes. Its lightweight, non-comedogenic formula means it won’t clog pores or leave a greasy residue.

Choosing the Right Face Oil for Your Skin

With so many amazing face oils to choose from, how do you decide which one is best for your unique skin type and needs? Here are a few tips:

• Dry skin: Look for oils rich in fatty acids and vitamins, like coconut, argan, or rosehip seed oil.
• Oily/acne-prone skin: Opt for lightweight, non-comedogenic oils like jojoba or marula that won’t clog pores.
• Sensitive skin: Choose gentle, soothing oils like argan or marula that can calm irritation.
• Mature skin: Reach for antioxidant-rich oils like rosehip seed to help fight signs of aging.

Don’t be afraid to experiment until you find the face oil that leaves your skin looking and feeling its absolute best. With so many amazing natural options, you’re sure to find your new skin care soulmate.

5 Best Oils for Your Skin

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Time to say goodbye to conventional moisturizers. Face oils have become a beauty cabinet staple, thanks to their natural ability to hydrate and nourish a variety of skin types.

Despite what their name might imply, face oils won’t leave your face oily. And no, they will not make you break out! Best of all, they are packed with good-for-you ingredients such as polyphenols, fatty acids, and antioxidants, to help reduce inflammation and give skin a dewy glow.

Whether you are looking to eliminate redness, stop irritation from acne or rosacea, plump skin, or simply moisturize, read on to find the best natural oils for your skin.

What it is: Found in, you guessed it, coconuts, this sweet-smelling, edible oil is used in everything from skin care to smoothie recipes. Made by pressing the fat from coconut meat, this oil has gained considerable popularity in recent years due to its therapeutic properties.

Why it works: Chock-full of vitamin E, coconut oil can be used as a traditional moisturizer. Because it is full of fatty acids, coconut oil acts as a sort of barrier on the skin, keeping moisture locked in. It’s naturally antibacterial and antifungal, helping to protect skin and hair from the elements (especially helpful during those harsh winter months). Bonus: It smells delicious!

How to use: Solid at room temperature, coconut oil has a melting point of about 75°F. This means that while it may have a similar texture to petroleum jelly at room temperature, it melts into skin as soon as you apply it. However, coconut oil may be a bit on the heavy side for those with oilier complexions. Use it in the shower as a moisturizing shaving cream and hair conditioner, or slather on afterward as an all-natural replacement for lotion or leave-in conditioner.

Read more: Is there evidence coconut oil works? »

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What it is: Extracted from nuts of the Moroccan argan tree, this oil is a soothing and powerful moisturizer for all skin types.

Why it works: Argan oil is packed with vitamin E, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids. It’s light enough to use as an everyday, nongreasy moisturizer, but it can also be used to treat those with more severe skin conditions, such as eczema or rosacea. Thanks to its antioxidant properties, argan oil works to improve skin’s elasticity by fending off free radical damage, leaving skin radiant.

How to use: This oil is not just for dry skin — it can also help control oil production by reducing sebum for those with oilier skin. This nourishing oil can be used daily under makeup or at night for a more restorative skin conditioning treatment. It’s also suitable for use on dry hair and nails.

Learn more: Find out argan oil’s other beauty benefits »

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What it is: This powerful skin nourisher is one of the top antiaging oils. It’s extracted via a cold-press method from the seeds of a specific rose variety, predominantly grown in Chile.

Why it works: This oil is rich in essential fatty acids and contains vitamins E, C, D, and beta carotene. Chock-full of goodness, it helps to protect and hydrate skin, fight free radical damage, and reduce wrinkles. But that’s not all! The vitamins and antioxidants rejuvenate the skin to restore elasticity, help to correct dark spots, and reduce the appearance of scars.

How to use: Because it is considered a “dry” oil, rosehip seed oil soaks easily into the skin. It can be used in conjunction with other oils or lotions as an intensive moisturizing and antiaging treatment.

Read more: Are there risks associated with rosehip oil? »

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What it is: Harvested from the nut of the African marula fruit, this oil is bound to be the next big thing due to its versatility, light texture, and beautifying benefits. Thanks to its health properties, the oil can reduce not only dryness, but also irritation and inflammation.

Why it works: Marula oil is rich in fatty acids and is purported to contain 60 percent more antioxidants than most other oils, meaning it packs a powerful punch against aging and sun damage. The oil also has antimicrobial properties, making it ideal for irritated or acne-prone skin.

How to use: This multipurpose oil can be used on skin, hair, and nails. Because it does not leave a greasy finish on skin, it’s ideal to use under makeup or even mix with foundation for a luminous sheen.

Learn more: What other oils also help with acne? »

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What it is: Extracted from plants indigenous to North America, jojoba oil is used for everything from acne to psoriasis to sunburn. But it isn’t really an oil at all, but a botanical extract actually comprised of liquid wax esters. This is important because out of all compounds found in nature, jojoba oil is structurally and chemically the most similar to human sebum, meaning it mimics the structure of the skin.

Why it works: Because jojoba oil is similar to our skin’s structure, it can replicate or dissolve oil, depending if your skin overproduces or underproduces. Thus, it can help balance out sebum production and eliminate acne. Comprised of beneficial minerals and nutrients, jojoba oil also works as an emollient to soothe skin and provide all-day moisture.

How to use: A few drops can be used for those with oily complexions in the morning or at night, to moisturize and help balance out skin tone. It’s also a great alternative to body lotion for those who have sensitive skin. When used as a hair treatment, jojoba oil may help with dandruff and promote a healthy scalp.

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Face oils may be one of the best-kept beauty secrets, as makeup artists and celebrities have been using them to smooth and soothe skin on set. These oils absorb into the skin quickly, providing instant moisture with a finish that isn’t greasy. As a huge plus, these high-quality natural remedies are extremely budget-friendly compared to many skin products on the market. So next time you’re shopping for new skin care products, why not try something different?

6 Body Oils for Dry Skin, Plus Anti-Aging Boosters

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Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

• Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
• Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
• Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

Read more about our vetting process.

Was this helpful?

Clean oils for clean skin

Dry skin is as much a facet of midwinter life as snow days and face-biting chills. There are many ways to address this: experimenting with moisturizers, opting for gentle, nondrying cleansers, even switching on a humidifier, which can aid skin by adding moisture to dry air. Or, trying single-blend body oils.

What makes single-blend oils a better choice than premade department store ones? The answer is simple: clean curation.

Branded lotions and creams often come with preservatives, dyes, and artificial fragrances — all of which may lead to heightened skin sensitivity. Armed with essential oils, you can tailor your body oils to target stretch marks, sun spots, wounds — changing up your routine daily, if desired.

You may be giving up pretty packaging, but with this DIY aesthetic you’ll gain greater control over ingredients and application.

As to how to use them? This part’s as easy as it gets. In most cases, you’ll want to smooth a thin layer over wet (not dry) skin. While you don’t want to leave too much excess on your skin, try to let the oil soak in for as long as possible — you’ll soon notice the difference.

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Gentle sweet almond oil is usually safe even for sensitive skin types (though you should always test before committing to a treatment). It has a lovely, soft smell, which means that this oil is particularly adept at doing double-duty as a subtly sweet fragrance. Once skin is no longer dry or irritated, consider mixing with some brown sugar to create a general, cleansing body scrub.

Boost your oil: Mix cinnamon, clove, rose, and lavender oils for an anti-cramp blend. Lavender and rose oils are known to help alleviate pain.

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Another sweet, lightweight oil that can be used on the body — and hair! — apricot kernel oil is rich in vitamins like A, C, E, and K. To avoid clogged pores and acne, be sure to rinse it off your skin with warm water and gently dry with a clean towel. Apricot kernel also does wonderful double-duty for dry, damaged hair — add a few drops to a warmed-up carrier oil like almond oil, and then apply to damp hair, wrapping in a towel for at least 20 minutes. (Overnight is fine, too.)

Boost your oil: Add a few drops of tea tree oil to your apricot kernel oil for an anti-acne blend.

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Sunflower oil is hugely soothing, thanks to an array of monounsaturated fatty acids and their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. (In one 2008 study, sunflower oil even helped prevent sepsis and mortality in premature infants versus a petroleum-based moisturizer.) That means that it may help skin irritation — not just dry skin, but chronic acne and eczema as well.

Boost your oil: Add a few drops of lavender to boost the healing properties and add a divine, relaxing fragrance. Lavender is known to help combat stress, which can be a trigger for skin irritation.

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This light, vitamin-rich oil is used in a myriad of skin products — even those meant to be used on the face, as its polyphenols may have some anti-aging properties. Unlike some heavier oils, grapeseed oil is even safe on skin prone to breakouts. It’s antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and a great wound-healing oil if you’re prone to knee scraps and cuts.

Boost your oil: A few drops of anti-aging sandalwood will help promote soft skin and ease the appearance of wrinkles.

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Maybe the most counterintuitive choice here, olive oil — that staple of every Mediterranean pantry — is also an ancient beauty tool (and probably available in your kitchen right now). It’s the ultimate in all-purpose skin salves: Use it to gently remove makeup, soothe cracked heels, deep-condition hair, or just to moisturize dry skin. Use a light touch and wipe off any excess to prevent irritation or clogging.

Boost your oil: Add a few drops of rosemary essential oil for stronger hair. Clinical reviews show that rosemary may restore hair loss and support hair growth.

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Jojoba oil, another pantry staple, shares many of the same moisturizing and protective qualities as olive oil. Add a bit of sugar and lemon for a lip scrub, and apply it after sun damage as a balm. While its role in preventing hair loss is debated, research does suggest that treating the scalp with jojoba oil can prevent dandruff.

Boost your oil: Add a few drops of pomegranate essential oil or green tea extract to help tackle further sun damage. Licorice extract may also help with lightening dark spots, or hyperpigmentation.

Just as you can tailor your body oils for you, there’s no one way to apply them either. The best way to avoid skin reactions is to follow a certain set of rules. Shop for single-blend essential oils just like you would any other organic good:

• Patch test by dabbing a drop on your inner wrist and waiting at least 24 hours to see if there’s a reaction.
• Buy local when possible, from trusted suppliers.
• Fewer ingredients and preservatives often mean a lower chance for developing irritation.
• Skip preservatives and chemicals, when possible.
• Avoid added fragrances, otherwise listed as parfum.
• Purchase extra amber (sun-proof) containers for your own blends to avoid exposing the oils to sun too much.

Remember, many of the most effective oils aren’t available at the mall, unless yours has a health food shop. They are, however, a checkout-cart click away, and available at a steep discount, relative to the $100 department store brands. So which hydrating oil is your skin thirsty for?

While research suggests there are health benefits, the FDA doesn’t monitor or regulate the purity or quality of essential oils. It’s important to talk with your doctor before you begin using essential oils and use caution when choosing a quality brand.

Diana Keeler has written for outlets including The Wall Street Journal, Outside, Marie Claire, NYLON, and other magazines. She’s based in Brooklyn. You can follow her adventures on Twitter.

Top 5 oils for skin. Body care, proven for centuries. – Hillary Cosmetics

August 7
2020

Oil is the oldest cosmetic product known to Cleopatra. Natural oils have no less effect than any modern cosmetics. With the help of natural oils, you can conduct a complex fight against skin defects, making it healthier, more beautiful and toned. The natural oils obtained by pressing and filtering the roots and fruits of plants and fruits contain such an amount of useful vitamins and microelements that they can safely replace all home beauty care for us.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has long been a favorite among natural body care oils. Solid and oily, it quickly melts on contact with the skin, leaving it smooth and silky. It has a delicate texture. It fights the formation of stretch marks and cellulite. Coconut oil moisturizes and nourishes the skin well, makes summer tan more even, eliminates flaking and dry skin.

Argan oil

Precious argan body oil with moisturizing and regenerating properties. A product unique in its properties, rich in essential and unsaturated fatty acids, including linoleic acid, which is not synthesized by the body and is a component of vitamin F. Argan oil is rich in natural antioxidants. It perfectly restores the skin, nourishes and moisturizes it, eliminating all minor imperfections. Soothes and softens dry or inflamed skin.

Jojoba oil

Jojoba body oil is an amazing treatment. It is used for dry skin, nourishes and improves regenerative processes. Antioxidants, especially vitamin E, allow you to remove fine wrinkles, keeping the skin young and supple. Jojoba oil will reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks, make the skin more hydrated and soft. Suitable for atopic skin prone to dermatitis and irritation.

Cocoa Butter

Another oil on our list of top products is cocoa butter. It has regenerating and rejuvenating properties, protects our skin from ultraviolet radiation and the negative influence of environmental factors (cold, sun, dust). And the caffeine and tannin that make up cocoa butter make it the best tonic and anti-cellulite remedy.

Shea Butter

Nourishing Shea Butter for the body with a light nutty scent. It is best known as an emollient and moisturizer for dry and rough skin. It easily heals cracks on delicate skin and prevents their appearance in the future. 80% of its composition are triglycerides: derivatives of linoleic, oleic and other unsaturated fatty acids, which prevent the skin from drying out. It also contains substances that activate the body’s production of collagen.

No matter how hard the beauty industry tries, no one has managed to invent such a useful and at the same time universal care product. Oils are a natural product, so they can cause allergies. It is important to observe the measure – so that a useful and fragrant remedy does not harm the skin.

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Natural oils for face and body

Nothing compares to the benefits that natural oils can give your skin. It remains only to choose the right one!

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Natural oils for skin

Do not self-medicate! In our articles, we collect the latest scientific data and the opinions of authoritative health experts. But remember: only a doctor can diagnose and prescribe treatment.

The advantages of natural skin oil compared to industrially produced cosmetics are obvious: no preservatives, no thickeners, no emulsifiers, no additional ingredients: only nature, only 100% natural.

And in cosmetology, skin care began with the use of oils.

Of course, we do not urge you to get rid of your favorite jars of creams and serums, they are effective in their own way and are often capable of more thanks to innovative technologies and super formulas. But add “oil” rituals to the usual rituals – and you will notice how grateful your skin is to you!

Natural oils are an inexhaustible source of vitamins and beneficial acids that nourish and heal the skin. In fact, often they don’t even have to be applied to the skin to get the effect; because some oils work best when you add them to a bath or hot water and do a steam compress.

Let’s see what they can do!

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1. Coconut oil

The words “Delight of Heaven” are associated with coconut for a reason. Coconut oil can be used as a make-up remover, antibacterial treatment for problem skin, antimicrobial and antifungal agent (lauric acid in the oil provides a disinfecting effect), nourishing nail mask … It also removes static electricity from hair, helps to fight dandruff and restore exhausted hair after numerous colorings.

2. Tea tree oil

Natural tea tree oil is the most effective remedy in the fight against acne and irritation on the skin of the face. Kills bacteria, relieves inflammation, reduces redness and swelling of the affected areas, has no contraindications and side effects. The only thing to be careful with is the dosage. With an oil concentration of more than 5%, there is a risk of overdrying the skin, so if dehydration and peeling are your old friends, read the label carefully.

3. Jojoba oil

A real vitamin cocktail for the skin and a pleasant refreshing effect: this oil can give your skin a healthy and radiant look that you could not achieve even with the best decorative products. Apply the oil to cleansed skin as a day cream or at night, avoiding the eye area, and your skin will be transformed!

4. Hemp oil

If you use too much make-up and want to find an effective, easy-to-use and skin-friendly cleanser, you’ve found it. Hemp oil perfectly removes even stubborn makeup without damaging or dehydrating the skin, it is suitable for treating acne, as well as reducing any redness and spots left after pimples. Hemp oil should be stored in the refrigerator, otherwise it will quickly lose its functions.

5. Macadamia oil

The perfect natural body oil! It is called the “Guardian Angel for Girls from the Big City”: macadamia oil protects the skin from the effects of car exhaust, smog, unfavorable ecology and industrial emissions into the atmosphere – the inevitable companions of the life of the metropolis. Macadamia oil contains calcium, zinc, phosphorus and potassium, which the skin needs to protect against external aggression, and also perfectly heals cuts and abrasions, soothes the skin after shaving or epilation and prevents peeling.

6. Hazelnut oil

A gift for owners of oily, shiny skin. Hazelnut oil tightens pores and regulates the activity of the sebaceous glands, while not leaving a sticky film on the face. After wiping the skin with a cotton pad dipped in hazelnut oil, you can immediately start making up.

7. Castor oil

Everyone knows the effect of taking castor oil inside, but few people know that castor oil accelerates the growth of hair and eyelashes by stimulating hair follicles, especially when applied to the skin with massaging movements and left to act on few hours.

8. Avocado Oil

Stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, accelerates oxygen metabolism, penetrates deeper layers of the skin and supports the creation of new collagen and elastin fibers, which will make you look rested and energized.