download the finder app! App

The best face oil for every budget and skin type

We compared over 65 different face oils to bring you the best option for every skin concern.

Avatar
Lauren Chaplin
Updated . What changed?
Fact checked

We’re reader-supported and may be paid when you visit links to partner sites. We don’t compare all products in the market, but we’re working on it!

The best face oil in Australia

How did we pick this list?

Our editorial team selected the face oils on this list based on both real customer reviews and their own personal experiences with the products. For each category, they carefully selected parameters based on research and identified the products with the highest review score within those parameters.

Get more detail on our methodology below.

Best overall face oil: Biossance 100% Squalane Oil

Pros

  • Vegan, sustainable and fragrance-free
  • Suitable for use on face, body and hair

Cons

  • Some reviewers say it takes a while to absorb
  • Other customers say the pump is too large

Price (RRP): $49 for 100mL (or $12 for 12mL)
Amazon pricing: From $136.58

Buy at Amazon
Buy at Sephora

Why we chose it

If you haven't already tried Biossance's 100% Squalane Oil, we highly recommend getting on board. Not only is it suitable for all skin types, but it also scored a whopping 4.7-star rating across more than 1,160 reviews sourced from Sephora, Cult Beauty and Google Reviews.

The sustainably-produced oil is fragrance-free, light and highly moisturising, instantly rehydrating the skin and locking in moisture. It can also be used all over the body and even in the hair, making it both a multi-purpose product and a solid investment.

As an additional bonus, the formula is cruelty-free, vegan and free from parabens and other nasties.

You can read our review to find out more.

Best budget face oil: Antipodes Avocado Oil & Rosehip Divine Face Oil

Pros

  • Good for sensitive skin
  • Many customers say the scent is very pleasant
  • Vegan and cruelty-free

Cons

  • Some reviewers report that the product is too heavy for combination skin
  • Other customers claim that it is difficult to apply makeup after use

Price (RRP): $29 for 30mL
Amazon pricing: From $12.00

Buy at Amazon
Buy at Adore Beauty
Buy at eBay

Why we chose it

To determine our best budget pick, we considered face oil products that were $30 or less. Our winner was Antipodes Avocado Oil & Rosehip Divine Face Oil, which came in with a 4.8-star rating across more than 160 reviews sourced from Adore Beauty, ry.com.au and Priceline.

The certified-organic, cruelty-free formula is light and nutrient-rich, helping to soothe tired and stressed-out skin.

The use of avocado oil also helps to boost collagen and reduce the signs of ageing, while added rosehip helps to target wrinkles and scars.

The oil is suitable for most skin types but is particularly great for dry and dehydrated skin.

Best rosehip face oil: A'kin Rosehip Oil with Vitamin C

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Many customers say it left them with glowing skin

Cons

  • Some customers report little to no improvement for pigmentation

Price (RRP): $23.49 for 20mL
Amazon pricing: From $19.99

Buy at Amazon
Buy at Pharmacy Online
Buy at Chemist Warehouse

Why we chose it

Naturally rich in Vitamin A, rosehip oil is a popular choice of face oil as it helps to fight signs of ageing while remaining gentle on sensitive skin.

A'kin's certified-organic rosehip oil combines these benefits with an additional dose of vitamin C, which works to combat skin damage, pigmentation, age spots and uneven skin tone.

The non-greasy formula absorbs quickly, leaving skin nourished and glowing. It's also super affordable, making it no surprise that the oil scored a 4.9-star rating across more than 90 reviews sourced from Priceline, Chemist Warehouse and A'kin.

Best face oil for dry skin: The Organic Skin Co. The Good Oil

Pros

  • Good for sensitive skin
  • Customers with psoriasis say it doesn't aggravate their condition

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Some customers say the scent is too powerful

Price (RRP): $75 for 30mL
Amazon pricing: Check site for current pricing

Buy at Amazon

Why we chose it

Everything about The Good Oil is super luxurious, from the gorgeous golden colour to the way that it effortlessly glides onto the skin. Made from five different types of oil, the formula is on the slightly heavier side, but it absorbs quickly without leaving the skin feeling sticky or filmy.

Large doses of calendula and turmeric ensure that wearers won't be plagued by blemishes, which can sometimes happen with heavier oils. Instead, the ingredients actually work to minimise pimples and skin irritations with their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

Best of all, the oil leaves your skin feeling intensely hydrated and gives it a radiant, healthy glow that lets you know it's working.

In addition to trying and loving the product ourselves, The Good Oil also received a 4.8-star rating from over 50 reviews across Beauty Heaven and The Organic Skin Co.

Best face oil for oily skin: Youth To The People Superberry Hydrate and Glow Face Oil

Pros

  • Neutral scent
  • Some reviewers say it layers well with other serums and moisturisers
  • Vegan and cruelty-free

Cons

  • Some customers claim it isn't overly moisturising
  • Expensive

Price (RRP): $67 for 30mL

Buy at Sephora

Why we chose it

Finding a face oil for oilier skin types can be something of a challenge, but Youth To The People's Superberry Hydrate and Glow Face Oil is a definite winner.

The light, non-congestive formula absorbs quickly into the skin to give a boost of hydration while helping the skin to remain balanced.

It also helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and redness while helping combat free radicals.

It's 100% vegan, cruelty-free and recyclable. The oil even received a score of 4.7 stars across more than 2,400 reviews sourced from Sephora, Google Reviews and Youth To The People.

Best face oil for combination skin: Biossance 100% Squalane Oil

Pros

  • Vegan, sustainable and fragrance-free
  • Suitable for use on face, body and hair

Cons

  • Some reviewers say it takes a while to absorb
  • Other customers say the pump is too large

Price (RRP): $49 for 100mL (or $12 for 12mL)
Amazon pricing: From $136.58

Buy at Amazon
Buy at Sephora

Why we chose it

Scoring a 4.7-star rating across more than 1,160 reviews sourced from Sephora, Cult Beauty and Google Reviews, Biossance's 100% Squalane Oil is one of the most talked about oils currently on the market.

Fragrance-free, light and intensely moisturising, the formula is ideal for those with combination skin. It's also vegan and free of nasties, making it suitable for even the most sensitive skin types.

While it is a little pricey, it can also be used on the body and the hair, making it a multi-use product that's well worth the cost.

Read our review to find out more.

Best face oil for acne: Eco Tan Glory Oil

Pros

  • Good for all skin types
  • Many customers say it helps heal acne and scarring
  • Vegan and cruelty-free

Cons

  • Strong scent
  • Expensive for product size

Price (RRP): $49.95 for 30mL
Amazon pricing: From $49.95

Buy at Amazon
Buy at Adore Beauty
Buy at eBay

Why we chose it

If you suffer from acne and scarring, Eco Tan's Glory Oil is a must-have. Often referred to as a "Holy Grail" product by those with problematic skin, the oil received a massive 4.7-star rating across more than 4,400 reviews sourced from Google Reviews, Adore Beauty and Eco Tan.

The oil has a light, non-greasy formula that's perfect for those with oilier skin. It also contains a combination of natural ingredients and super seed oils that work to reduce inflammation, redness and scarring without causing further irritation.

The oil is both brightening and hydrating and absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving it noticeably softer and clearer.

The formula is also vegan, organic and PETA-certified cruelty-free, making it an all-around great beauty buy.

Best face oil for wrinkles: Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil

Pros

  • Good for sensitive skin
  • Many customers claim it leaves their skin significantly more hydrated
  • Fragrance-free

Cons

  • Very expensive
  • Some reviewers with oily skin reported breakouts after use

Price (RRP): $109 for 30mL
Amazon pricing: From $357.05

Buy at Amazon

Why we chose it

Raw and cold-pressed straight from the marula fruit, Drunk Elephant's Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil is rich in both antioxidants and omegas 6 and 9.

The silky-smooth formula sinks quickly into the skin, helping to diminish the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, redness and unevenness. It's also a natural anti-microbial, which means it will help to relieve congested skin without further clogging your pores.

The oil is also free from chemicals and fragrances and received a 4.6-star rating across more than 12,500 reviews sourced from MECCA, Google Reviews and Drunk Elephant.

We even reviewed the Virgin Marula Oil ourselves and scored it a 7/10.

Best anti-ageing face oil: UMA Oils Absolute Anti Aging Face Oil

Pros

  • Formula does not irritate sensitive skin
  • Many customers report improved appearance and texture of skin
  • Organic and cruelty-free

Cons

  • Very expensive
  • Scent may be overpowering for some

Price (RRP): $156 for 15mL

Buy at Adore Beauty
Buy at Sephora
Buy at David Jones

Why we chose it

Receiving a whopping 4.8-star rating across more than 70 reviews from Google Reviews, REVOLVE and the UMA Oils website, UMA Oils Anti Aging Face Oil is a skincare staple.

The luxurious oil is both hydrating and nourishing, blending a mix of potent botanicals to help fight dryness, skin damage and environmental aggressors.

The formula is highly absorbent and offers fast results, leaving skin softer, brighter and clearer after just a few uses.

It's also cruelty-free, organic and free from synthetic fragrances, parabens and other nasties, helping to further protect skin in the long run.

Best face oil for scars on face: Eco Tan Glory Oil

Pros

  • Good for all skin types
  • Many customers say it helps heal acne and scarring
  • Vegan and cruelty-free

Cons

  • Strong scent
  • Expensive for product size

Price (RRP): $49.95 for 30mL
Amazon pricing: From $49.95

Buy at Amazon
Buy at Adore Beauty
Buy at eBay

Why we chose it

Eco Tan's Glory Oil is often said to be something of a "Holy Grail" product for those with scarring and problematic skin. If you haven't already seen it all over social media, you can check out the amazing before and after customer shots on the brand's Instagram.

Currently boasting a 4.7-star rating from more than 4,400 reviews across Google Reviews, Adore Beauty and Eco Tan, the Glory Oil is both an award-winner and a bestseller. The light, non-greasy formula absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving it soft and dewy without feeling overly sticky or wet.

The combination of super seed oils and natural ingredients then works to hydrate and repair the skin, helping to reduce inflammation, redness and scarring without causing irritation.

The formula is also vegan, organic and PETA-certified cruelty-free.

Amazon prices last updated on 3 August, 2021 at 05:01 am

Methodology

31
Brands Considered
65+
Products Compared
10
Winners Chosen

We compared 31 face oil brands and based our picks on real customer reviews sourced from popular beauty stores and product review sites as well as first-hand testing by the Finder reviews team.

The products on this list are chosen by our editorial team and are not selected based on commercial relationships.

What is face oil and what does it do?

Oils are often included in skincare products such as serums and night creams, but a standalone face oil is unique in that it offers your skin a concentrated dose. Face oils often contain essential oils and plant extracts, which provide the skin with lipids, helping to deliver additional hydration and keep skin balanced.

Face oils can also help to protect the skin from environmental aggressors in addition to helping fight premature signs of ageing and other skin concerns such as pigmentation.

Who is face oil for?

While those with oily or combination skin may think putting additional oil on their skin is counterproductive, this isn't actually the case. Face oils mimic the skin's natural sebum production, so they aren't designed to make your skin any oilier, making them suitable to use for any skin type.

While there are definitely some heavier oils out there that are better suited to dry skin types, there are plenty on the market that work to balance oil levels in the skin as well as to fight blemishes and other skin conditions.

How do you use face oil?

Face oil can be applied after cleansing, toning and moisturising the skin. To use, simply apply two to four drops of oil and gently press onto the face and neck.

As the skin produces a lot of its own oil, it's important not to go overboard with your application, no matter how dry your skin is.

While face oil can be used either morning or night, the type of oil you're using should be the deciding factor in this. For instance, if you're using a heavier oil, you may want to apply it at night so that it has a chance to be properly absorbed into the skin. Heavier oils may also not sit well under makeup, making them better for nighttime use or for those who don't wear makeup.

If you do want to use oil as part of your daytime skincare routine, try looking for something lighter or choose an oil that absorbs into the skin quickly.

What's the difference between face oils and serums?

The main difference between oils and serums is that, in most cases, oil molecules are much larger and work to penetrate the outer layers of the skin. Meanwhile, serums contain highly concentrated ingredients and are molecularly formulated to penetrate the deeper layers of the skin.

This means that facial serums are better at targeting specific skin concerns, while oils are primarily used to improve the hydration of the skin. However, face oils can also help with issues such as pigmentation, acne and dull skin too.

More guides on Finder

Ask an Expert

You are about to post a question on finder.com.au:

  • Do not enter personal information (eg. surname, phone number, bank details) as your question will be made public
  • finder.com.au is a financial comparison and information service, not a bank or product provider
  • We cannot provide you with personal advice or recommendations
  • Your answer might already be waiting – check previous questions below to see if yours has already been asked

Finder only provides general advice and factual information, so consider your own circumstances, or seek advice before you decide to act on our content. By submitting a question, you're accepting our Terms of Use, Disclaimer & Privacy Policy and Privacy & Cookies Policy.
Go to site