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Face oils have moved from niche to mainstream, and for good reason. The right oil can make skin feel softer, look more radiant and stay comfortable all day. Choosing between jojoba, rosehip, squalane, argan and the rest can be confusing, though, especially when every oil seems to promise everything. This guide sorts the most popular carrier oils by how they feel and which skin types tend to like them, so you can pick one with confidence and use it well.
Everyone's skin is different, and this guide covers cosmetic use only. If you have a skin condition or are under a dermatologist's care, ask them before adding new products. Always patch test a new oil first.
Carrier oils are plant oils pressed or extracted from seeds, nuts or fruits. They are called "carrier" oils because they are traditionally used to dilute essential oils, but most are lovely on their own as face, body and hair oils. Unlike essential oils, they are not concentrated aromatics, so they can be applied directly to skin in normal amounts.
Two things make carrier oils feel different from one another:
| Skin type | Oils to try | Why people like them |
|---|---|---|
| Oily | Jojoba, squalane, grapeseed | Light, fast-absorbing, minimal greasy finish |
| Dry | Argan, sweet almond, avocado | Richer, cushioning, long-lasting softness |
| Combination | Jojoba, squalane, rosehip | Balanced feel that suits both zones |
| Sensitive | Squalane, jojoba | Simple, stable, very low scent |
| Dull or mature-looking | Rosehip, argan, sea buckthorn (as a booster) | Adds glow and a supple feel |
Technically jojoba is a liquid wax ester rather than a true oil, and that is part of its appeal. It feels silky, spreads easily and absorbs without a heavy residue. It is very stable, so it resists going rancid. Its texture is often compared to the skin's own natural oils, which is why so many people with oily or combination skin like it. If you are new to face oils, USDA Organic Jojoba Oil is a safe first choice.
Best for: oily, combination and normal skin; also a great base for DIY blends.
Squalane is a stabilised form of squalene, a lipid that is also naturally found in skin. Plant-derived squalane, often from olives or sugarcane, is clear, odourless and almost weightless. It works well under makeup and pairs well with other skincare products. Try our plant-derived Squalane Face Oil if you want moisture without any oily feel.
Best for: sensitive, oily and combination skin, and anyone who dislikes the feel of traditional oils.
Cold-pressed rosehip oil is a light-to-medium dry oil with a golden-amber colour. It is rich in linoleic and alpha-linolenic fatty acids, and its natural colour comes from carotenoids. People love it for making skin look more radiant and even. Because it is rich in delicate fatty acids, store it in a cool, dark place and use it within its shelf life. Shop Organic Cold-Pressed Rosehip Oil.
Best for: normal, combination, dull-looking and mature-looking skin; use in the evening.
Argan oil, pressed from the kernels of the Moroccan argan tree, has a medium weight and a soft, satiny finish. It is naturally rich in vitamin E and oleic acid, so it feels more nourishing than jojoba or squalane without being heavy. It is also excellent on hair ends. Shop USDA Organic Argan Oil, unrefined and cold-pressed.
Best for: normal to dry skin; dry patches; hair and cuticles.
Sweet almond oil is a mild, medium-weight oil that is popular for face and body massage and as a makeup-removing cleansing oil. It has a soft, slightly nutty scent. Shop Organic Sweet Almond Oil. Skip it if you have a tree-nut allergy.
Best for: normal to dry skin, body care and oil cleansing.
Grapeseed oil is one of the lightest carrier oils, high in linoleic acid and quick to absorb. It is a popular choice for oily skin and for massage blends where you want glide without heaviness. Shop Grapeseed Oil.
Best for: oily and combination skin; light massage oils.
Sea buckthorn oil is intensely orange and very concentrated in colour, so it is best used as a booster: one or two drops mixed into another oil or your moisturiser. Used neat, it can temporarily tint skin. Shop Organic Sea Buckthorn Oil.
Best for: adding a radiant look to a blend, in small amounts.
Unlike solid coconut oil, fractionated coconut oil stays liquid, has no scent and has a very long shelf life. It is better suited to body, massage and roller-bottle blends than to the face, because some people find coconut-derived oils too occlusive on facial skin. Shop Fractionated Coconut Oil.
Best for: body oils, massage and diluting essential oils.
A popular trick is mixing one drop of oil into your regular moisturiser for a little extra glow and comfort.
You do not have to pick just one oil. A simple 30 ml face blend might be:
Mix in a clean amber glass dropper bottle, label it with the date, and store it away from heat and light. If you add essential oils, keep them very dilute for facial use and research each oil's safety guidance first. Our essential oil safety page is a good place to start.
Not necessarily. Many people with oily skin enjoy light oils like jojoba, squalane or grapeseed. Start with a small amount at night and see how your skin feels.
Yes. Choose a fast-absorbing oil such as squalane, use only a drop or two, and give it a few minutes to settle before foundation.
No. Carrier oils are pressed plant oils used in normal amounts. Essential oils are concentrated aromatic extracts that must be diluted before they touch skin.
Still deciding? Browse our full carrier oils collection and start with one oil that matches your skin type. You can always build a blend later.
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