8 Best Face Oils for Dry Skin: Expert Advice

8 Best Face Oils For Dry Skin

If you suffer from dry skin, a face oil is a must have in your skincare routine. Oils provide skin-compatible moisture – meaning they are similar to the oil your skin produces. Skin thrives when you use a high-quality, expertly formulated face oil.

When choosing a face oil for dry skin, you want to look for oils that are rich enough to eliminate dryness, absorb quickly and contain rejuvenating vitamins, fatty acids and antioxidants that support optimal barrier health.

Sounds like a tall order, we know. But don’t fret, we’ve done all the research for you. Below is our list of oils that check all the boxes and will leave your complexion velvety soft and glowing. Yes, please!

1. Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil is one of the best face oils for dry skin due to its similar composition to sebum, making it compatible with all skin types. This rich oil smooths and softens dry skin and absorbs quickly, never leaving skin greasy or shiny.

Jojoba oil provides long lasting moisture that helps to eliminate discomfort and irritation that often accompanies dry skin. It’s a potent source of antioxidants, fatty acids and skin beneficial vitamins, helping to not only eliminate flaky skin but also visibly reduce signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles.

Another advantage jojoba oil has over other oils is that it’s extremely stable, meaning it does not expire or go rancid as quickly as more fragile oils.

2. Rosehip Oil

Rosehip oil is chock full of nutrients, antioxidants and fatty acids that are excellent for dry skin. Once your skin experiences this transformative oil, there’s no going back. It’s that good!

Rosehip oil is derived from the fruit of the rose plant and is considered a dry oil due to the fact that it’s light and absorbs quickly. It’s a rich source of omega-6 linoleic fatty acid and rejuvenating beta-carotene, also known as pro-vitamin A, along with vitamin E and phytosterols.

Rosehip oil works best when expertly formulated with more stable oils such as jojoba and antioxidants such as vitamin E to increase its shelf-life. Otherwise, when using pure rosehip oil, we recommend keeping this ruby red goodness in the fridge to extend its shelf life.

3. Macadamia Oil

Macadamia oil is prized for its exceptional ability to deeply moisturize extremely dry, flaky skin, while also providing an incredible soft to the touch finish – without feeling heavy or greasy.

It offers remarkable nourishing, soothing and repairing benefits – making it a valuable oil for sensitized skin.

What makes macadamia oil unique is the fact that it contains high amounts of a rare fatty acid called palmitoleic acid, also known as omega 7-fatty acid. Palmitoleic acid is highly beneficial to dry skin because as we age, our skin produces less of it, thus requiring us to replenish it internally and externally. This fatty acid is also what gives macadamia oil a velvety feel after application.

Another notable aspect of macadamia oil is its high omega-9 fatty acid content, which contributes to macadamia oil’s exceptional ability to soothe and regenerate dry, fragile skin.

You can find this exceptional oil in our Restore serum, which is specifically formulated for dry skin.

4. Pomegranate Oil

Pomegranate oil is a rich and decadent oil that’s great for dry skin due to its deeply nourishing and rejuvenating effects on skin — leaving it with a distinct glow and softness.

Pomegranate’s skin transformative effects come from its high levels of phenolic compounds, specifically punicic acid (omega-5 fatty acid) and punicalagins. These compounds provide potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits to the skin.

Omega-5 fatty acid is especially beneficial as it’s one of the most powerful antioxidants known to modern science – helping to protect skin from the damaging effects of environmental aggressors such as pollution and UV rays.

So, if you’re looking for one of the best face oils for rejuvenating dry skin, pomegranate oil should be on your must have list.

5. Raspberry Oil

Raspberry oil is a rare find in face oil formulas, but worth is weight in gold. It’s deeply moisturizing, loaded with skin-nourishing compounds and absorbs effortlessly.

This luxurious oil contains an impressive lineup of skin-loving properties, including phytosterols, vitamin E, carotenoids and alpha linolenic acid – making it ideal for sensitive and dry skin.

Bonus, it smells delightful, giving your olfactory senses a treat.

6. Tamanu Oil

Tamanu oil is a rich and potent oil that contains a unique combination of therapeutic constituents not found anywhere else. Tamanu oil contains calophyllic acid, calophyllolide and lactone, which have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Polyphenols present in tamanu oil have promising photoprotective effects, helping in the good fight against signs of aging caused by UV damage.

Tamanu oil also contains coumarins and xanthones, which are two potent antioxidants that help to protect skin from daily exposure to environmental aggressors.

Due to the fact that tamanu oil is extremely heavy and can sit on the skin if not properly diluted, we recommend a comprehensive formula that blends tamanu oil with lighter oils and antioxidants to extend its shelf life.

7. Sea Buckthorn Oil

Sea buckthorn oil is a nutritional powerhouse with over 190 bioactive substances. It’s a superb oil for all skin types and concerns, especially dry and mature skin.

Sea buckthorn contains omega 3, 6, 7 and 9. These fatty acids play an important role in supporting optimal barrier function and help to improve the overall appearance of skin. They also eliminate flaky, dry skin and aid in preventing transepidermal water loss (TEWL) – leaving skin feeling exceptionally smooth and supple.

Omega fatty acids also assist in delivering vitamins and antioxidants, acting as a natural and effective delivery system.

8. Oat Oil

Oat oil is an under the radar ingredient, for now, so don’t be surprised when you see this overachiever everywhere.

This silky, golden oil is as nourishing as it is soothing and provides all day moisture. It absorbs almost instantly and leaves skin feeling incredibly soft.

Oats contain a number of skin beneficial constituents, such as vitamin E, ceramides and squalene.

Oats also contain avenanthramides, which are polyphenols only found in oats. They help to alleviate dry, itchy skin and promote healthy barrier function. All of these benefits make oat oil an excellent option for dry skin.

Shopping For The Best Face Oil For Dry Skin? Here’s What To Look For:

Protective Packaging

Look for a face oil that’s housed in light-protective glass packaging, such as an amber or dark violet (which we use at Root Science) glass bottle. Choose a bottle with a pump, as droppers introduce air, increasing the rate at which the oils degrade and go rancid.

Preserved With Antioxidants

Antioxidants extend the shelf life of a face oil. Look for formulas that contain vitamin E or rosemary extract as these help the oils remain fresher longer.

Free From Irritating Fragrance and/or Photosensitizing Essential Oils

Added fragrance/perfume and photosensitizing essential oils have little benefits to your skin, and for many, can cause allergic reactions and irritated skin.

Essential oils such as lemon, grapefruit and bergamot (think citrus) can make skin sensitive to the sun — making you more susceptible to skin damage — which is why we recommend avoiding them.

Face Oils For Dry Skin Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Best Face Oil For Very Dry Skin?

For extremely dry skin, we recommend ultra-rich oils such as macadamia, pomegranate, tamanu and sea buckthorn. These work best when formulated into a comprehensive face oil formula that includes supportive ingredients, such as antioxidants, to increase shelf life and enhance skin compatibility.

What Is The Best Face Oil For Very Dry And Sensitive Skin?

First and foremost, for sensitive skin that is prone to dryness we recommend a face oil that is free from potential irritants such as essential oils and fragrance. Look for a blend that contains biocompatible oils such as jojoba and skin soothers such as oat. You can find all of these amazing oils in our Bare moisturizing serum.

Which Oil Is Best For Dry, Mature Skin?

Some of the best oils for dry, mature skin include macadamia, rosehip, jojoba, sea buckthorn and pomegranate. All of the oils listed above are ideal for mature skin and we recommend an expertly formulated face oil that combines the oils listed above for best results.

Do I Apply Oil Before Or After A Moisturizer?

A face oil can be applied before or after a moisturizer. The order in which you apply a face oil is up to you. However, you’ll find that the internet has strong opinions on this. We recommend you experiment to find what works best for your skincare routine.

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