Natural facial oils: How to find the right oil for your skin type
Whether your skin is normal, oily, or dry, there are facial oils for a range of skin needs. With their valuable fatty acids and natural beneficial compounds, these luxurious beauty oils can help keep skin supple. Pure plant oils are water-free; our range also includes complex oil serums and oil blends. Here, we’ll show you how to find the right oil for your skin type!
Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all? Beauty is, of course, in the eye of the beholder. A good skincare routine can go a long way toward making your skin feel comfortable and giving it a fresh-looking complexion. Facial oils are among the oldest forms of skincare and have enjoyed a well-deserved revival in recent years. Plant oils provide various fatty acids and other beneficial compounds and help keep the skin soft and reduce moisture loss.
But which facial oil is right for me? With so many lovely facial oils to choose from, it’s easy to lose your bearings - so it’s high time for an overview.
A few basics first
The concern that facial oils might leave a greasy film or clog pores doesn’t apply to every oil. Lighter oils often absorb quickly and can feel pleasant even on oily or blemish-prone skin. Richer oils, on the other hand, leave a more noticeable lipid film. It’s best to apply your facial oil sparingly to slightly damp skin or combine it with a serum. This helps spread the oil evenly and can help retain moisture already added to the skin.
What does comedogenicity mean? The term derives from “comedo,” meaning blackhead, and describes a substance’s or formulation’s tendency to promote the formation of blackheads. Online, plant oils are often rated on a scale from 0 to 5. However, these ratings are not a reliable way to predict how an oil will perform on the face: the testing methods used, processing, amount applied, overall formulation, and individual skin all play a major role.
Rather than ruling out an oil based on a single number, it’s worth looking at its fatty acid profile and how it feels on the skin. Lightweight oils that are often rich in linoleic acid, such as grapeseed or hemp oil, are often pleasant for combination and oily skin. Richer oils, such as avocado or macadamia oil, are often better suited to dry skin. Find out more in our comprehensive guide to facial oils.
Facial oils for normal skin
Normal skin is characterized by a largely balanced production of sebum. It usually feels neither very oily nor very dry. Gentle cleansing and a suitable moisturizer are often enough. Afterward, a toner can refresh the skin. Finish with a face cream or facial oil, gently massaging it in as needed. As we age, skin can become drier and benefit from somewhat richer skincare. Suitable oils include argan oil, prickly pear seed oil, rosehip oil, marula oil, and apricot kernel oil.
Facial oils for dry skin
Dry skin often feels tight, rough, or flaky. When the skin produces fewer of its own lipids, its protective oil barrier can weaken, making it easier for moisture to escape. Gentle cleansing, lukewarm water, a hydrating serum or cream, and a suitable oil can make a useful addition to your skincare routine. Plant oils primarily supply the skin with lipids and help retain moisture; they don’t replace water. For dry skin, options include argan oil, evening primrose oil, pomegranate seed oil, almond oil, avocado oil, macadamia nut oil, plum kernel oil, and rosehip oil. Coconut oil, on the other hand, feels very rich and isn’t the first choice for every skin type.
Facial oils for sensitive skin
Sensitive skin can react to environmental factors, temperatures, or certain skincare ingredients with redness, tightness, or irritation. It’s worth taking a close look at the full INCI list. Fewer ingredients can be helpful, but not every skin type tolerates natural plant extracts and essential oils either. A simply formulated single oil is therefore often a great option for a straightforward skincare routine. Some interesting choices include jojoba oil, almond oil, apricot kernel oil, camellia seed oil, and borage seed oil. Read more about individual ingredients in our ingredient guide. If your skin is severely irritated, you have allergies, or symptoms persist, it’s a good idea to consult a dermatologist.
Facial oils for oily and blemish-prone skin
Oily or blemish-prone skin can be influenced by genetics; hormones, skincare routine, and other factors also play a role. Increased sebum production can be associated with clogged pores and blackheads. But that doesn’t mean every facial oil is unsuitable. What matters is a lightweight texture, a small amount, and how well your skin tolerates it.
Thorough but gentle cleansing is important. Harsh cleansers, washing too often, or scrubbing vigorously can irritate the skin. A mild cleansing gel and, if needed, a balancing toner are often enough. To remove dead skin cells, a well-tolerated face scrub can be added to your routine. Afterward, the skin should receive enough moisture, for example from a water-based serum or a lightweight cream. Jojoba oil, hemp oil, grapeseed oil, safflower oil, or sunflower oil are interesting choices for a subtle oil finish. Start with a few drops and observe how your skin responds.
Facial oils for combination skin
With combination skin, oilier areas in the T-zone coexist with normal or drier cheeks. The forehead, nose, and chin often become shiny more quickly, while the cheeks may feel tight after cleansing. As we age, skin may need extra moisture and lipids.
A tailored skincare routine is therefore helpful. Cleanse your face with a gentle cleansing gel or foam and lukewarm water. A clarifying toner or gentle exfoliant can be used on the T-zone as needed, while giving the cheeks extra care. Apply a lightweight facial oil only to the areas that need more lipids. Good options include grapeseed oil, hazelnut oil, jojoba oil, cacay oil, or sunflower oil. Find more brands and formulations in our natural skincare brand overview.
Facial oils for mature skin
As we age, collagen, elastic fibers, and the skin’s lipid supply change. Skin often becomes drier and fine lines become more noticeable. A gentle cleanser and suitable moisturizer can feel especially soothing. A day cream and a richer night cream are one possible combination. A complementary facial oil can support the lipid barrier and keep skin supple. Avocado oil, evening primrose oil, macadamia nut oil, cacay oil, rosehip oil, or sea buckthorn oil are particularly interesting options. Consistent sun protection remains important for visible dark spots and sun-induced skin aging.
Facial oil for all skin types
A well-chosen facial oil can leave your skin feeling smoother and reduce moisture loss. All kinds of skin can benefit, from dry and mature skin to combination or oily skin. When choosing, consider the ingredients, texture, and how it feels on your skin. Pure oils pair well with water-based serums or creams; for very dry skin, an oil may not replace a complete moisturizer.
High-quality oils for your face
There’s a wide range of facial oils, from light, neutral oils to rich blends with distinctive botanical scents. What matters is the quality of the raw ingredients, the fatty acid profile, the overall formula, and how it feels on your skin. We offer cold-pressed single oils, oils from certified organic farming, and carefully developed oil serums. Check each product’s details to see whether it’s vegan, certified organic, or fragrance-free.
Facial oil as versatile care for your face
Facial oils can nourish dry areas, relieve tightness, and leave the skin feeling smoother. Depending on the formulation, antioxidant plant extracts or other cosmetic ingredients may also enhance the care. A few drops are usually enough for your daily routine. If your skin is prone to blemishes, we recommend starting with a lightweight oil and a small amount. You’ll also find suitable options for sensitive skin. Have questions or would like advice? We look forward to hearing from you.
Wide selection of natural facial oils
At Blanda Beauty, you’ll find a wide, curated selection of facial oils and oil serums for different skin needs. These include products from Antipodes, Ere Perez, Josh Rosebrook, Leahlani, Mádara, Merme Berlin, Naya, Oden, RMS Beauty, Ranavat, Ruhi, The Glow, This Place, and other brands. Compare the different types of oils in more detail in our facial oil guide.