13 Best Drugstore Face Oils For Every Skin Type (2024), Esthetician Picks

Lighten your dark spots and fight against signs of aging with these skincare essentials.

Reviewed by Carlee Spath, Licensed Esthetician Carlee Spath Carlee SpathLicensed Esthetician facebook_iconinsta_icon
Written by Shiboli Chakraborti, MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach Shiboli Chakraborti MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach linkedin_icon Experience: 4 years
Edited by Aditi Naskar, MA (English Literature), Diploma In Health & Wellness Aditi Naskar MA (English Literature), Diploma In Health & Wellness linkedin_icon Experience: 5 years
Fact-checked by Ramona Sinha, MA (English Literature) Ramona Sinha MA (English Literature) linkedin_icon Experience: 11 years
Last Updated on
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Face oils are the new favorite of Gen Zs and millennial skin care enthusiasts. If you are a student or simply do not like spending a fortune, our list of the 13 best drugstore face oils will work great no matter your skin type.

They deliver essential nutrients and antioxidants to your skin to help lighten dark spots, fight premature aging, keep your skin supple, youthful, and healthy. Keep reading for more information.

Top Picks
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Best Cruelty-Free:Admire My Skin Citrus Glow Drops
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Best Lightweight Formula:SheaMoisture Daily Hydration Overnight Face Oil
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Best Non-Greasy Formula:Derma.E Essentials Radiant Glow Face Oil
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Best Anti-Itch:SUNDAY RILEY C.E.O Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil
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Best Anti-Aging Benefits:AMAKI Japanese Tsubaki Anti-Aging Face Oil
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Best Anti-Inflammatory Properties:ELEMIS Superfood Facial Oil
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Best Dye-Free:aspen kay NATURALS Glow Face Oil
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Best Quick-Absorbing:ADVANCED CLINICALS Rosehip Oil
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Best For Hydration:Beauty By Earth Balance & Restore Luxury Face Oil
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Best For pH Balance:NATURIUM Virgin Marula Face Oil 100%
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13 Best Drugstore Face Oils

Best Cruelty-Free:Admire My Skin Citrus Glow Drops

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4.2
Admire My Skin Citrus Glow Drops Image: Admire My Skin

The Citrus Glow Drops by Admire My Skin is a unique blend of natural oils. It contains ingredients like argan oil, vitamin E, vitamin C, rosehip oil, and sea buckthorn oil that nourish your skin.

While vitamin C reduces blemishes and hyperpigmentation and improves collagen production, vitamin E helps nourish and hydrate your skin. The argan and rosehip oils regulate sebum and oil production, treat acne, and smoothen your skin. This face oil is lightweight not tested on animals, and does not cause breakouts or clogging.

Key Ingredients: Sunflower seed oil, Rice bran oil, Rosehip seed oil, Argan oil, Sea buckthorn oil, and Vitamin E

Pros

  • Cruelty-free
  • Non-sticky
  • Smells good
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Thick consistency
  • Can leave stains
  • Expensive

protip_icon Pro Tip
Mix a drop of this face oil with your foundation to achieve a dewy finish.


Best Lightweight Formula:SheaMoisture Daily Hydration Overnight Face Oil

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4.4
SheaMoisture Daily Hydration Overnight Face Oil Image: Sheamoisture

The Daily Hydration Overnight Face Oil by SheaMoisture is enriched with coconut oil, coconut milk, acacia senegal, and shea butter. These ingredients are loaded with antioxidants that help nourish the skin and restore its lost moisture.

Acacia senegal and coconut milk help lock in adequate moisture and improve skin elasticity. The highly nourishing shea butter is rich in fatty acids and vitamins that deeply moisturize your skin, leaving it smooth and supple. This product is suitable for all skin types and can be included in your nighttime skin care routine.

Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, Shea butter, and Coconut milk

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Smells good
  • Paraben-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Phthalate-free
  • Mineral oil-free
  • Cruelty-free

Cons

  • Not for acne-prone skin.

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Why We Think It's Worth Buying

With 2,301 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.


Best Non-Greasy Formula:Derma.E Essentials Radiant Glow Face Oil

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4.3
Derma E SunKissAlba Radiant Glow Face Oil Image: Derma-e

Created in collaboration with the beauty influencer SunKissAlba, the Radiant Glow Facial Oil by Derma. E is perfect for acne-prone skin. It is infused with argan oil, sea buckthorn oil, jojoba oil, and mica that nourish the skin and give it a radiant glow. These ingredients aid cell regeneration and promote collagen production. Argan oil brightens the skin and smoothens its texture, while mica adds a healthy, beautiful glow to it. This essential facial oil does not contain any harmful preservatives and is formulated with quality ingredients. Go through this video review showing the reviewer’s experience with a detailed understanding of the product

Key Ingredients: Sunflower seed oil, Jojoba seed oil, Pumpkin seed oil, Sea buckthorn fruit oil, Argan oil, Vitamin E, Mica, and Titanium Dioxide

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Dermatologist-recommended
  • Improves skin texture
  • Enhances radiance
  • Non-greasy
  • Vegan
  • Cruelty-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Mineral oil-free
  • Lanolin-free
  • Gluten-free
  • GMO-free

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Doesn’t suit oily skin.

protip_icon Pro Tip
Apply two to three drops of this oil on your face in upward tapping motions for better absorption.

worth-buy-icon

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

The product has more than 1,568 reviews and is a top choice all around the world.

Admire My Skin Citrus Glow Drops
Best Cruelty-Free
SheaMoisture Daily Hydration Overnight Face Oil
Best Lightweight Formula
Derma.E Essentials Radiant Glow Face Oil
Best Non-Greasy Formula
Dimensions 1.5 x 1.5 x 3 inches 1.31 x 1.31 x 4.04 inches 1.6 x 1.6 x 5.2 inches
Weight 1 Ounces 2.88 Ounces 4.6 Ounces
Rating
Reviews3,0702,3011,568
Price$22.0$9.97$15.49

The C.E.O Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil by SUNDAY RILEY is a hydrating and brightening facial oil infused with turmeric, pomegranate, jojoba, vitamin C, evening primrose, cranberry, red raspberry, and ginger. Regular application of this face oil gives your skin a vibrant and healthy glow. It is absorbed quickly into your skin and hydrates it from within. This video review showing the tester’s experience will help you understand more about SUNDAY RILEY C.E.O Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil.

Key Ingredients: Ginger, Red raspberry, Cranberry seed oil, Evening primrose, Pomegranate seed oil, Golden turmeric, And Jojoba oil

Pros

  • Cruelty-free
  • Non-sticky
  • Glow-enhancing
  • Fast-absorbing
  • Non-irritating

Cons

  • Strong medicinal fragrance
  • Expensive

protip_icon Quick Tip
Apply sunscreen after using this oil during the day, as the vitamin C in this oil may make your skin sensitive to UV rays.


Best Anti-Aging Benefits:AMAKI Japanese Tsubaki Anti-Aging Face Oil

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4.3
Tsubaki Face Oil Moisturizer Image: Amakiskincare

The Japanese Tsubaki Anti-Aging Face Oil by AMAKI contains cold-pressed and organically sourced essential oils like chamomile oil, argan oil, jojoba oil, and sunflower oil. This face oil moisturizes the skin and makes it feel smooth and velvety post-application. The vitamins in the formula offer antioxidant protection and help brighten your complexion, reverse sun damage, and reduce the appearance of blemishes, fine lines, and wrinkles. The essential fatty acids in this elixir help neutralize free radical damage and give you soft skin. They also offer anti-aging benefits for youthful-looking skin.

Key Ingredients: Jojoba oil, Sunflower oil, Vitamin A, Chamomile essential oil, Omega-3, Vitamin E, Argan oil, and Camellia oil

Pros

  • Non-greasy
  • Softens skin
  • Reduces fine lines
  • Absorbed quickly
  • Rejuvenating scent
  • Paraben-free
  • Phenoxyethanol-free

Cons

  • May cause irritation and redness.

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Why We Think It's Worth Buying

The overwhelming 360 positive reviews on Amazon show how popular this product is with happy users.


Best Anti-Inflammatory Properties:ELEMIS Superfood Facial Oil

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4.5
ELEMIS Superfood Facial Oil Image: Elemis

The Superfood Facial Oil by Elemis is blended with nine super ingredients that nourish the skin and give it a healthy glow. It nourishes your skin and keeps it smooth, supple, and plump. The key components like nettle extract, black seed oil, and organic pumpkin seed oil are rich in protein and amino acids that boost collagen production. These ingredients also have anti-inflammatory properties that help in managing redness and inflammation. This face oil is lightweight and does not leave a sticky or greasy feeling post-application. You can use it as a day cream and top it up with sunscreen for added protection.

Key Ingredients: Daikon radish, Broccoli seed oil, Sweet almond oil, Meadowfoam seed oil, Macadamia seed oil, Poppy seed oil, Squalane, Orange peel oil, and Flax seed oil

Pros

  • Smells good
  • Lightweight texture
  • Absorbed quickly
  • Non-greasy
  • Doubles up as a primer

Cons

  • May cause irritation.

worth-buy-icon

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

There are more than 1,364 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.


Best Dye-Free:aspen kay NATURALS Glow Face Oil

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4.2
Aspen Kay Naturals Glow Facial Oil Image: Aspen Kay Naturals

This Glow Face Oil is ideal for acne-prone and mature skin types. As we age, the sebaceous glands in our skin produce less oil. This can result in excessive dryness, wrinkles, or dark spots. This face oil is infused with organic ingredients like rosehip oil, olive oil, turmeric, chamomile oil, jojoba oil, and helichrysum oil that enhance your skin’s texture and impart a natural glow. This unique oil blend reduces the visible signs of fine lines and wrinkles while deeply conditioning and moisturizing your skin.

Key Ingredients: Organic cold-pressed camellia oil, Squalene, Organic unrefined rosehip oil, Jojoba oil, Organic sunflower oil, Vitamin E, Organic chamomile extract, Organic calendula extract, Organic turmeric extract, Organic turmeric essential oil, Helichrysum essential oil, Sea buckthorn oil, and Roman chamomile essential oil

Pros

  • Natural ingredients
  • Non-GMO
  • Vegan
  • Cruelty-free
  • Dye-free
  • No toxic chemicals

Cons

  • Strong turmeric fragrance

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Why We Think It's Worth Buying

Almost 2,080 happy users have mentioned the value and quality of this product.


Best Quick-Absorbing:ADVANCED CLINICALS Rosehip Oil

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4.4
ADVANCED CLINICALS Rosehip Oil Image: Advanced Clinicals

The Rosehip Oil by ADVANCED CLINICALS is rich in vitamins C and E that play a crucial role in reducing scars, wrinkles, redness, fine lines, age spots, and dryness. The cold-pressed oil provides gentle exfoliation and helps improve your complexion. It is loaded with fatty acids and antioxidants that replenish the lost moisture in your skin and provide instant glow and softness. This face oil helps even out your skin tone and improves its texture.

Key Ingredients: Sunflower seed cake extract, Barley extract, Cucumber extract, Rice bran extract, and Rosemary leaf extract

Pros

  • Quick-absorbing
  • Non-greasy
  • Can be used under makeup
  • Cruelty-free
  • Smells good

Cons

  • May cause breakouts.


Best For Hydration:Beauty By Earth Balance & Restore Luxury Face Oil

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4.3
Beauty By Earth Balance & Restore Luxury Face Oil Image: Beauty By Earth

The Balance & Restore Luxury Face Oil by Beauty By Earth is infused with certified organic oils. Ingredients like jojoba oil, olive leaf oil, argan oil, rosehip oil, and lavender essential oil protect and rejuvenate your skin. They also promote intense hydration and help fight acne and redness. The calendula extracts soothe your skin and promote cell regeneration, while lavender oil calms inflammation.

Key Ingredients: Jojoba oil, Argan oil, and Lavender essential oil

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Soothing formula
  • Refreshing scent
  • Paraben-free
  • Phthalate-free
  • PEG-free
  • Mineral oil-free

Cons

  • May cause breakouts.

worth-buy-icon

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

The product has received 737 positive Amazon reviews from its users, stating its numerous benefits.


The Virgin Marula Face Oil 100% by NATURIUM contains unrefined organic marula oil, which is rich in omega fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamin C. The rich oil helps nourish and moisturize your skin, leaving it radiant and bright. It is clinically-tested to show visible results in reducing blackheads and fine lines in 2-3 weeks. The vitamin C in this oil helps even out your skin tone and fights free radical damage. This face oil repairs the natural skin barrier and hydrates the skin.

Key Ingredients: Marula oil

Pros

  • pH-balancing formula
  • Helps with skin repair and hydration
  • Lightweight
  • Non-greasy
  • Absorbed easily
  • Paraben-free
  • Vegan
  • Gluten-free
  • Fragrance-free
  • Dermatologist-tested

Cons

  • May cause breakouts.


The Plant Squalane Face Oil by NATURIUM is infused with organic plant squalane derived from sugarcane. Squalane helps replenish the lost moisture in your skin and smooths, softens, and nourishes it. This face oil intensely hydrates the skin without feeling greasy or sticky. The quick-absorbing formula doesn’t clog your pores and nourishes the skin from within.

Key Ingredients: Squalane

Pros

  • pH-balanced
  • Plant-based oils
  • Lightweight
  • Non-greasy
  • Absorbed easily
  • Cruelty-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Vegan
  • Gluten-free
  • Fragrance-free

Cons

  • May cause breakouts.


The Argan Face Oil by BADGER is infused with an antioxidant-rich blend of organic oils. It contains a blend of oils such as argan oil, bergamot oil, jojoba oil, baobab oil, and pomegranate, which help nourish, hydrate, and balance your skin. This face oil has a floral, fruity, and minty aroma that revitalizes your mind and senses. With regular use, the oil will leave your skin smooth, glowing, and moisturized.

Key Ingredients: Jojoba oil, Baobab oil, Argan oil, Pomegranate oil, Orange oil, Bergamot oil, Sandalwood oil, Vitamin E, and Ylang ylang flower oil

Pros

  • Paraben-free
  • Revitalizing formula
  • Fragrance-free
  • Dye-free
  • GMO-free
  • No synthetic chemicals
  • No artificial preservatives
  • Gluten-free
  • Cruelty-free
  • Refreshing fragrance

Cons

  • None


Best Hypoallergenic:MARA Universal Face Oil

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4.4

This face oil is infused with the goodness of algae, four superfood oils, and plankton extracts. It contains moringa, baobab, Kalahari watermelon, and bilberry extracts with age-defying properties. These active ingredients visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The algae blend stimulates the production of hyaluronic acid that hydrates your skin. The essential fatty acids in this face oil help plump your skin and fight free radical damage. This dermatologically-tested oil suits all skin types, including acne-prone, sensitive skin.

Key Ingredients: Sunflower seed oil, Moringa seed oil, Grape seed oil, Linseed seed oil, Triglyceride, Watermelon seed oil, Bergamot fruit oil, Bitter orange peel oil, Plankton extract, Tocopherol, Limonene, Linalool, Farnesol, and Geraniol

Pros

  • Vegan
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Dermatologist-tested
  • Alcohol-free
  • Fragrance-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Gluten-free
  • Phthalate-free

Cons

  • Expensive
*The prices provided in this article are based on the latest available information. However, they may vary due to changes in pricing by the seller and/or promotional offers.

Here are a few things to keep in mind while incorporating facial oils into your daily skin routine.

How To Use A Face Oil – Tips

  • Cleanse And Exfoliate: Cleansing your face and following it up with gentle exfoliation will ensure the oil seeps into your skin easily. Pat your face dry for quicker absorption.
  • Use A Few Drops: You do not need a dollop of facial oil on your face – it can clog your pores and make you look greasy. Just a drop or two is sufficient to enjoy the benefits of your face oil.
  • Moisturize: Your skin needs about 30% oils and 70 % of water to maintain a healthy balance. Thus, both oils and moisturizers play an equal role in maintaining well-hydrated and healthier skin.
  • Morning Routine: Mix a few drops of oil with your moisturizer and apply evenly. If you are using raw oil on its own, pat a few drops of oil gently into your skin and apply sunscreen.
  • Night Routine: You can add face oils to your night masks or serums. If you are using pure oil, pat a layer of oil over your moisturizer. It will help seal the hydration, enhance your moisturizer’s effects, and seep in all the essential goodness as you sleep.
  • Makeup Routine: Adding face oils to makeup products can help people with dry and mature skin types. You can add a few drops of oil to your foundation and apply it for a sheer and healthy look.

If you are trying out facial oils for the first time, start by applying them only during the evenings to see how your skin responds. Once your skin has gotten used to the product, slowly incorporate it into your morning skin care and makeup routines.

Choosing the wrong kind of face oil can be detrimental. The following guidelines can help you choose the right oil for your skin type.

What Kind Of Facial Oil Should You Choose?

  • Oily Skin: Keeping your oily skin balanced is crucial. Oils like hemp seed oil and jojoba oil have anti-inflammatory properties and help restore your skin’s natural balance.
  • Dry Skin: Oils that are rich in omega-rich fatty acids help moisturize and retain hydration. These oils are loaded with essential vitamins that help restore dullness and dry patches. Oils like marula oil and chia seed oil are great for dehydrated skin.
  • Combination Skin: Combination skin type needs hydration in the dry or flaky skin parts and balance in the oily parts of your face. Oils rich in antioxidants (camellia oil and argan oil) get quickly absorbed into the skin and create a protective barrier against free radical damage.
  • Acne-Prone Skin: Comedogenic oils can worsen breakouts in your skin. Instead, opt for scientifically-formulated, non-comedogenic products with lighter oils like tea tree oil and jojoba oils. Tea tree oil has anti inflammatory and antibacterial benefits that help dissolve dead skin cells and kill acne-causing bacteria.

Infographic: Key Ingredients To Look For And Avoid In Face Oils

Face oils are the new trending skin care products for hydrated and glowing skin. They help improve skin texture, fade dark spots, and keep the skin youthful and radiant. But to select the best product, it is important to know the key ingredients to look for and avoid in face oils. Check out the infographic below to learn more.

Key Ingredients To Look For And Avoid In Face Oils (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

The Bottom Line

Your skin needs pampering to keep it healthy. And the best drugstore face oils with proven efficacy will be of great help. These oils nourish your skin, boost hydration, minimize the appearance of spots, and provide your skin with a youthful glow. Some face oils can also improve collagen production, while some hydrate your skin. The Admire My Skin Citrus Glow Drops combats brighten your skin and improve collagen production, while the SheaMoisture Daily Hydration Overnight Face Oil helps replenish the skin’s moisture barrier. The ELEMIS Superfood Facial Oil is nutrient-rich and supports overall skin health. In addition, these face oils make your skin smooth and supple. Consider paraben-free, sulfate-free face oils as they are safe and gentle on your skin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do face oils really work?

Yes, face oils work as temporary moisturizers as they leave your skin feeling plump and supple. They also enable your skin to retain moisture.

Are face oils better than moisturizers?

No. Moisturizers improve the overall hydration level of your skin. On the other hand, face oils are thicker than regular moisturizers. Oils have a larger molecular weight and help lock in the hydration of the moisturizer. Oils and moisturizers go best when put together. However, people with oily or acne-prone skin need not use both at the same time.

Are drugstore face oils good for rosacea?

Yes, drugstore face oils suitable for sensitive skin types are good for rosacea. But before purchasing, do not forget to look at the ingredients list.

Is drugstore face oil good for redness?

Yes. Drugstore face oils with lavender, sandalwood, and vitamin C are good for treating inflammation and redness.

Can I use face oil in the morning?

Yes, you can use face oil in the morning. However, make sure to use the oil before applying your sunscreen.

Do you put the face oil on before or after a moisturizer?

Since face oils are denser than moisturizers, apply your face oil after applying the moisturizer.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

Shiboli Chakraborti is our in-house skincare coach who loves staying in tune with the latest and promising products in skincare that is easily available and affordable. She believes that investing in the correct face oil can work wonders for your skin. She tried out various face oils from reputed brands and collated this list of the top face oils available in your neighborhood drugstore. These face oils consist of a unique blend of natural oils that reduce blemishes and nourish your skin.

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Carlee Spath
Carlee SpathLicensed Esthetician
Carlee is a Licensed Esthetician with over 10 years of experience and a certified acne specialist with Face Reality. She is the co-founder of The Switch Suites, a luxury skincare wellness center located in Bankers Hill, San Diego.

Read full bio of Carlee Spath
Shiboli Chakraborti
Shiboli ChakrabortiCommerce Editor
Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.

Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Aditi Naskar
Aditi NaskarAssociate Commerce Editor
Aditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is an associate commerce editor with 5 years of experience and specializes in reviewing fitness and health products.

Read full bio of Aditi Naskar
Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.

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