Wellness Hub
The Edit
A good face oil feels like a small luxury, but it's easy to wonder if it's actually right for your skin. Does it work for oily or acne-prone skin, or is it only for dry types? Here's what face oil actually does, how it's different from a moisturiser, and how to work it into your routine.
Why Does Your Skin Make Its Own Oil?
Your skin already produces oil, and it's doing important work. Sebum, made by the sebaceous glands, is the oil you notice on your face. Alongside it, other lipids sit in the stratum corneum, the outer layer of skin that shields you from water loss.
Together, these oils keep the skin soft, seal in hydration, and help block out allergens and irritants. They're hydrophobic, meaning they repel water, which is exactly what keeps moisture from escaping your skin.
What Happens When Your Skin Makes Too Little or Too Much Oil?
Think of your skin cells as bricks and natural oil as the mortar. Without enough oil, the bricks separate, water escapes, and skin turns dry and flaky. That's what's behind most cases of naturally dry skin.
Oily skin is the opposite problem, too much sebum. It's rarely that simple though, harsh products can strip skin and trigger even more oil production in response. And plenty of people land somewhere in between with combination skin.
Whatever your skin type, the right formula makes a real difference. Browse our edit of skincare for dry skin if you're dealing with tightness and flaking, or our skincare for oily skin range if shine and congestion are the bigger issue.
How Is Face Oil Different From a Moisturiser?
Face oils deliver a concentrated dose of omega fatty acids, the same nutrients associated with heart health when eaten, and just as beneficial applied topically. Omega-3s in particular are known for calming inflammation, which helps with dryness, eczema, and conditions like rosacea.
Many moisturisers rely on mineral oil to lock hydration in. It works, but it doesn't feed the skin anything, mineral oil contains no nutrients of its own. Natural face oils do both jobs: they help seal in moisture and deliver fat-soluble vitamins and antioxidants that support skin's resilience over time.
If you'd rather keep things simple with a daily moisturiser, that's a good foundation too, oils and moisturisers aren't a strict either-or, and plenty of people use both.
WONDER Prickly Seed Oil
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How Face Oil Helps Repair Your Skin Barrier
The outer layer of your skin is oil-based for a reason, it's your first line of defence against germs and dehydration. When that barrier is compromised, skin becomes:
- Less able to regulate temperature and protect itself
- Dull, dehydrated, and unevenly textured
- More prone to dermatitis and eczema flare-ups
- Sensitive, reactive, and easily reddened
Face oil helps by replenishing what the skin has lost. It doesn't just sit on top as a barrier, it feeds skin with the nutrients it needs to repair itself properly.
A Few Common Face Oils Worth Knowing
Not all face oils behave the same way, so it helps to know a few of the regulars.
- Jojoba oil is technically a liquid wax, and its structure closely resembles the sebum your skin already makes, which is why it's often reached for by oily and combination skin types.
- Rosehip oil is lightweight and quick to absorb, a popular pick for uneven texture and tone.
- Squalane is lightweight and non-greasy, and tends to suit most skin types without feeling heavy.
None of these are one-size-fits-all. The best approach is trying a small size first and watching how your skin responds over a couple of weeks.
Building Face Oil Into Your Routine
Face oil works best as part of a full routine, not a standalone step. Start with a gentle face cleanser to remove the day's buildup without stripping your skin.
A couple of times a week, follow up with a vegan exfoliator so your oil can actually absorb rather than sitting on dead skin cells. On the nights you want something more intensive, a cruelty-free face mask pairs well before oil, prepping skin so it soaks up every drop.
Warming a few drops between your palms before pressing it into skin helps it absorb evenly. Our skincare tools, like jade rollers and gua sha stones, are a nice way to work oil in further while giving your face a gentle massage.
Pairing Face Oil With Face Yoga
Applying oil is also a good moment to slow down, and face yoga is worth exploring if you want to get more out of that time. It's a set of facial exercises and massage techniques said to support circulation and a firmer look over time.
If you're curious, our piece on face yoga covers what it actually involves, and our introduction to face yoga is a good next step if you want to try it yourself.
FAQs
Can I use face oil if I have oily skin?
Yes. The right oil can actually help balance oily skin rather than add to it. Lighter, fast-absorbing oils tend to work best for this skin type.
Should I apply face oil before or after moisturiser?
Most people apply oil last, sealing everything in underneath. Some prefer it mixed into their moisturiser instead, it comes down to personal preference and how your skin responds.
How much face oil should I use?
A little goes a long way. Two to three drops is usually enough for the whole face.
Can face oil cause breakouts?
It can if the formula is too heavy or rich for your skin type. Choosing a lighter oil and patch testing first helps avoid this.
How often should I use face oil?
Daily use is fine for most skin types, usually once or twice a day. If you're new to it, start with a few nights a week and see how your skin responds.