The Best Oils for Skincare And How They Changed My Face

My journey with face oils started after a stressful winter, a brutal breakout, and a skincare shelf full of half-used products that promised glow, but mostly gave me irritation.

I had dry patches that stung, an oily T-zone that wouldn’t calm down, and one very persistent spot on my chin that had its own zip code. Nothing I tried seemed to work.

One day, I was grabbing groceries at a little market in the East Village and saw a tiny bottle of jojoba oil tucked next to the herbal teas. It was five bucks.

I took it home, patted a few drops into my skin that night, and woke up to something wild: my skin felt calm. Not greasy. Not dry. Just calm.

That moment opened the door to a whole new world of plant-based skincare, and today, I want to share what I’ve learned about the best oils for skincare.

Especially if you’re looking for gentle, nourishing alternatives that support your skin’s natural balance. These oils changed everything for me, and I hope they help you feel more confident in your bare skin, too.

Why Use Oils in Skincare?

If you’ve ever been scared of putting oil on your face, trust me, you’re not alone. I grew up thinking oil was the enemy, especially for acne-prone skin.

But the truth is, the right oils can do everything from soothing inflammation to locking in moisture and even regulating excess oil production.

The best oils for skincare are rich in fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins that help restore the skin’s barrier. Unlike water-based moisturizers that evaporate quickly, oils create a protective layer that seals in hydration and keeps your skin feeling soft and nourished.

Plus, they’re completely natural, customizable, and affordable—especially compared to high-end creams with long ingredient lists.

The key is to find the right oil for your skin type and learn how to apply it properly. And once you do? You’ll never look at your skincare routine the same way again.

The Best Oils for Skincare According to My Face

Over the last few years, I’ve experimented with dozens of oils. Some felt amazing, while others left me shiny or broke me out. But these six oils? They’ve stood the test of time in my NYC bathroom cabinet.

Jojoba Oil Best for All Skin Types

This was my gateway oil. What makes jojoba so special is that it mimics your skin’s natural sebum, which means it balances oil production instead of adding to it. It’s lightweight, non-comedogenic, and absorbs quickly.

I use 2–3 drops on damp skin right after cleansing. It’s the perfect everyday oil for when my skin doesn’t need anything fancy.

Rosehip Seed Oil for Brightening and Repairing

After a breakout or in the colder months, my skin gets dull and uneven. Rosehip oil brings it back to life. It’s rich in vitamin A (a natural retinol), vitamin C, and essential fatty acids that help fade dark spots, boost elasticity, and smooth texture.

I apply it at night after misting my skin with rose water. It’s like a reset button—especially during stressful weeks.

Argan Oil for Dry or Sensitive Skin

This one feels like a warm hug. Argan oil is rich in vitamin E and is super nourishing without feeling heavy. It’s my go-to in the winter when the radiators are on full blast and my cheeks get flaky.

I’ll sometimes mix a few drops into my DIY face masks or dab a little onto dry spots during the day. It soaks in beautifully and never clogs my pores.

Tamanu Oil for Healing and Acne Scars

Okay, tamanu oil smells earthy, but the results are worth it. This oil is a miracle worker for scarring, inflammation, and those red marks that linger after breakouts.

I use it as a spot treatment a few nights a week. A little goes a long way, and I’ve seen major improvement in skin tone since I added it to my routine.

Sea Buckthorn Oil for Glow and Anti-Aging

This oil is bright orange, and yes, it can stain your pillowcase if you go overboard. But it’s one of the most powerful oils I’ve ever tried. Packed with omega-7, carotenoids, and antioxidants, it helps fight free radicals, boost collagen, and give your skin that fresh, lit-from-within look.

I mix 1–2 drops into another carrier oil (like jojoba) before bed when my skin looks tired. The glow the next morning? Unreal.

Squalane for Lightweight Hydration

This is my everyday, go-anywhere oil. Squalane (from olives or sugarcane) is ultra-light, stable, and incredibly gentle. It’s perfect for layering under makeup or when you want a soft, dewy finish without looking shiny.

I like to think of squalane as the “starter oil” for people who want to get into facial oils but are afraid of breakouts.

How I Apply Oils Without Looking Like a Greaseball

Here’s the method that’s worked best for me over the years:

• I always apply oils to slightly damp skin, usually after a toner or hydrosol. This helps lock in water and keeps the oil from just sitting on top.
• I warm 2–3 drops between my palms and press them into my face gently, rather than rubbing.
• If I’m using multiple oils or layering with serums, I go from lightest to heaviest.
• And I always give it a minute or two to absorb before adding sunscreen or makeup.

Once I got the hang of it, using oils started to feel more like a mini self-massage than a “skincare step.” It’s honestly one of my favorite parts of my routine now.

Oils Are a Game Changer

I used to be terrified of putting oil on my face. Now, I can’t imagine my skincare routine without it. These plant-based oils helped me find balance, calm my skin, and reconnect with a slower, more mindful approach to beauty.

You don’t need a 10-step routine or a drawer full of products. Just a few drops of the right oil and a little consistency.

If you try any of these, let me know how it goes! Or if you have a holy grail oil of your own, I’d love to hear about it.