Why is it that face oils still have a reputation for being greasy and pore-clogging? It’s just not the case with the vast majority of new, fast-absorbing oils on the market. They leave skin youthfully dewy — not greasy — and a lot of the oils are suitable for a range of skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin.
Those who still haven’t come around to face oils need to do their complexions a favor and check out the next generation of products hitting the shelves. These facial oils still offer potent hydration, but the new launches incorporate trendy ingredients (CBD oil, turmeric, adaptogens) and tackle more skin concerns, including acne, dullness and excess oil (really). We’ll say it again: Face oils won’t make skin feel like an oil slick.
Shop the next-gen face oils that treat skin while providing a burst of nongreasy hydration.
[ Next: Here’s How to Spring Clean Your Skin Care Routine ]
11 Next-Gen Face Oils
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Laneige
Water Bank Dual Layer Face Oil, $38 at Sephora
Give the bottle a good shake to allow the hydrating crystal droplets containing the brand's Hydro Ionized Mineral Water to mix with nourishing oils. Just four to five drops are needed to hydrate dry skin. The grease-free glow is on par with the brand's cult Water Bank Moisture Cream.
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Sunday Riley
C.E.O Glow Vitamin C and Turmeric Face Oil, $40 at Sunday Riley
Meet the latest offering in Sunday Riley's game-changing oil range. Infused with turmeric and vitamin C, the cold-pressed formula will provide skin with nutrients and brighten without leaving behind an orange tint. A host of superfoods like red raspberry, cranberry and pomegranate ensure skin is hydrated and protected.
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Herbivore Botanicals
Emerald CBD + Adaptogens Deep Moisture Glow Oil, $58 at Herbivore Botanicals
CBD oil, hemp seed oil and adaptogens are some of the biggest trending skin care ingredients and this vegan oil features them all. They soothe irritated and red complexions, while a trio of oils boost hydration. Note that the formula has less than 0.3 percent THC, so it will help skin chill out, but it won't leave users sky high.
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Rodin Olio Lusso
Lavender Absolute Luxury Face Oil Stick, $80 at Rodin Olio Lusso
What could be more cutting edge than a solid version of a face oil? The brand has taken its original liquid face oil and turned it into a portable, easy-to-apply stick. There are 11 nourishing oils packed into the sleek applicator. Apply the product to the face (and even elbows and cuticles) and the formula will melt into skin.
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Peter Thomas Roth
Green Releaf Calming Face Oil, $68 at Sephora
This product might sound like a serum, but it is a calming facial oil infused with hemp-derived cannabis sativa seed oil to tackle redness and nourish skin. Revitelix plant seed oil also targets inflammation and helps soften fine lines and wrinkles. The hydrating formula makes it clear that it's definitely a face oil. Skin is left looking more luminous and feeling more supple.
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Jullai
Super 12 Bounce Thin Oil, $45 at Glow Recipe
Those who are fearful about greasy face oils will like the idea of a "thin" oil. It's suitable for all skin types, but it is particularly great for those with oily skin because of its lightweight formula and lack of residue. The K-beauty pick tackles the signs of aging, excess oil, dry patches and blemishes with its blend of 12 cold-brewed superfoods.
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Lush
Amazon Primer Naked Facial Oil, $12.95 at Lush
It might sound paradoxical, but this packaging-free (naked) facial oil moisturizes and mattifies using a combination of nourishing murumuru and cupuaçu butters and shine-minimizing arrowroot powder. On top of that, the hero bar brightens and reduces redness thanks to chlorophyllin, which also gives the bar its distinctive color. Simply massage the face oil on like a bar of soap, but do not rinse it off.
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GLAMGLOW
STARPOTION Liquid Charcoal Clarifying Oil, $54 at GLAMGLOW
This is the innovative face oil that changes the game from its first black drop. It has two types of charcoal, plus turmeric, salicylic acid and vitamin C to clarify and protect skin from pollution. Oleic acid-rich oils provide the necessary hydration. The oil glides clearly on skin, leaving only hydrated, nourished skin cells in its wake.
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PÜR
Precious Metals Shimmering Dry Oil Elixir, $19.60 at Ulta Beauty
Get hydrated and glowing with this limited-edition shimmering dry oil. With gold, silver and rose gold flakes, this dazzling formula will rival any highlighter. It doesn't lack in the moisture department, either, thanks to squalane, vitamin E and a blend of nourishing oils.
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Prager Skincare
Urban Protect Night Oil, $273 at Net-a-Porter
This luxurious face oil is designed by Dr. Michael Prager, one of Europe’s leading doctors in cosmetic medicine. This is the nighttime version of the Day Oil. It has a retinol complex to reduce signs of sun damage that works as users catch up on their sleep. Argan, rosehip and evening primrose oils ensure skin stays smooth and elastic.
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Biossance
Squalane + Tea Tree Balancing Oil, $49 at Biossance
This face oil was designed for those with combination or oily skin, so rest assured there is no greasy feel. The balancing product has tea tree oil to deal with blemishes, enlarged pores and excess oil. Squalane boosts the performance of other ingredients while providing skin with its required moisture. The vegan product is great for combating the drying effects of acne treatments.
