What's the best oil for your skin type?
Choosing the best oil for skin type isn't as simple as grabbing whatever bottle looks nice. Different oils have different fatty acid profiles, absorption rates and effects on the skin — and what works beautifully for one person can cause breakouts or irritation for another. This guide covers the six best natural face oils, which skin type each one suits, and how to use them correctly. Whether you have oily skin, dry skin, acne-prone skin or hyperpigmentation, there's a face oil that will work for you — not against you.
Can you really use face oil on oily or acne-prone skin?
Yes. And we need to address this first, because it's the single biggest myth in skincare — and it stops so many people from experiencing the benefits of face oils.
Here's the science: when you strip your skin of oil (with harsh cleansers, alcohol-based toners or by skipping moisturiser), your sebaceous glands overcompensate by producing even more sebum. This is why people with oily skin who use stripping products often get oilier, not drier.
The right face oil does the opposite. Plant-based oils like jojoba and argan signal to your skin that it has enough oil, so it naturally slows down production. They also contain linoleic acid — a fatty acid that oily and acne-prone skin is often deficient in. Replenishing it helps balance sebum output and reduce the congestion that leads to breakouts.
The key is choosing the right oil. Coconut oil and mineral oil will clog pores. But non-comedogenic plant oils — jojoba, argan, rosehip, grapeseed — work with your skin, not against it. Let's go through each one.
The 6 best natural face oils and what skin type each suits
1. Jojoba oil — the all-rounder
Jojoba oil is technically a liquid wax, not an oil, and its molecular structure is the closest match to human sebum of any plant oil. This makes it uniquely effective at regulating oil production — it "tricks" the skin into thinking it's already produced enough oil, so it slows down. When comparing jojoba oil vs almond oil, jojoba is lighter, absorbs faster and is better suited to oily and combination skin, while almond oil is richer and more nourishing for drier types.
Best for: Oily skin, combination skin, acne-prone skin, sensitive skin — virtually all skin types.
2. Argan oil — the nourishing balancer
Argan oil is rich in vitamin E, oleic acid and linoleic acid. It hydrates deeply, regulates sebum production and supports skin repair. It's non-comedogenic and has natural anti-inflammatory properties, making it excellent for calming redness and irritation. When considering rosehip vs argan oil, argan is richer and more emollient — better for deep hydration and daily nourishment — while rosehip is lighter and more targeted for pigmentation and scarring.
Best for: Dry skin, combination skin, mature skin, oily skin (as a sebum regulator).
3. Rosehip oil — the brightener
Rosehip oil stands out because it naturally contains vitamin A (tretinoin), vitamin C and essential fatty acids. It accelerates cell turnover, fades dark marks and improves skin texture without the irritation that synthetic retinoids can cause — particularly important for melanin-rich skin, which is more reactive to strong actives.
Best for: Hyperpigmentation, dark marks, acne scars, mature skin, dry skin.
4. Sweet almond oil — the gentle soother
Almond oil for skin is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E and zinc. It's deeply moisturising, anti-inflammatory and gentle enough for the most reactive skin types. It absorbs slowly, making it ideal for overnight use, and has been traditionally used to treat eczema and psoriasis.
Best for: Dry skin, sensitive skin, eczema-prone skin, mature skin.
5. Grapeseed oil — the lightweight protector
Grapeseed oil for skin is one of the lightest face oils available. It's high in linoleic acid (which oily skin craves) and contains natural antioxidants that protect against environmental damage. It absorbs quickly, leaves no greasy residue and won't clog pores — making it ideal for people who want the benefits of face oil without any heaviness.
Best for: Oily skin, acne-prone skin, combination skin.
6. Avocado oil — the deep repairer
Avocado oil is one of the richest, most penetrating plant oils. It's packed with vitamins A, D and E, and absorbs deeply into the skin to nourish and repair the moisture barrier. It's heavier than other face oils, so it's best for very dry or damaged skin rather than oily types.
Best for: Very dry skin, mature skin, damaged or compromised skin barriers.
Best face oil for oily skin
If you have oily skin, your face oil needs to be lightweight, non-comedogenic and high in linoleic acid. The best face oil for oily skin is jojoba oil — it mimics sebum so closely that it regulates your oil production rather than adding to it. Grapeseed oil is another excellent choice: ultra-lightweight, fast-absorbing and rich in linoleic acid. Argan oil also works well for oily skin because it actively calms the sebaceous glands and balances output.
Avoid: coconut oil, olive oil (too heavy for facial use on oily skin), mineral oil.
Best face oil for dry skin
Dry skin needs oils that are rich in oleic acid and deeply nourishing. The best face oil for dry skin is sweet almond oil — packed with omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E and zinc, it delivers intense hydration that lasts. Avocado oil penetrates deeply and repairs the moisture barrier, while argan oil provides rich nourishment without heaviness. Rosehip oil adds cell-renewing benefits alongside hydration.
Layer your face oil over a hydrating toner for maximum absorption. Apply while your skin is still slightly damp.
Best face oil for acne-prone skin
This is where most people hesitate — but a face oil for acne-prone skin can genuinely help. Jojoba oil is the safest choice: it's non-comedogenic, regulates sebum and won't trigger breakouts. Rosehip oil is also excellent — it fades acne scars and post-inflammatory dark marks while providing lightweight hydration that doesn't clog pores. Grapeseed oil offers antioxidant protection without any pore-blocking heaviness.
Avoid: coconut oil (highly comedogenic on facial skin), heavy butters, anything with mineral oil or synthetic fragrance.
Best face oil for sensitive skin
Sensitive skin needs oils that soothe, protect and don't trigger inflammation. A face oil for sensitive skin should be free from essential oils (which can irritate reactive skin in some people), synthetic fragrance and harsh additives. Jojoba oil is the gentlest option — it's hypoallergenic and mimics the skin's own oils. Sweet almond oil is anti-inflammatory and deeply calming. Argan oil provides nourishment and barrier support without irritation.
Always patch test any new oil on a small area of skin before applying it to your face.
Best face oil for combination skin
Combination skin needs a face oil that hydrates dry areas without making the T-zone oilier. Jojoba oil is the gold standard here — it balances both dry and oily zones simultaneously because it regulates sebum production rather than just adding moisture. Argan oil is another strong choice: nourishing enough for dry cheeks but lightweight enough for the T-zone. Rosehip oil adds brightening benefits without heaviness.
Best face oil for hyperpigmentation and dark marks
For those of us with medium and deep skin tones dealing with dark marks, uneven tone and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, the right face oil can make a real difference. Rosehip oil is the standout — its natural vitamin A and vitamin C content accelerates cell turnover and gradually fades pigmented cells. Argan oil supports repair with vitamin E and helps even out discolouration over time. Both are gentle enough for daily use without the irritation that strong chemical actives can cause on melanin-rich skin.
Consistency is key. Apply your face oil morning and evening after cleansing and toning, and always use SPF during the day — UV exposure darkens existing dark marks and undoes your progress.
How to use face oil correctly
Even the best face oil won't work properly if you use it wrong. Here are the most common mistakes:
Applying to dry skin. Face oil absorbs best on slightly damp skin — apply it right after your toner while your face is still moist. This helps the oil penetrate rather than sitting on the surface.
Using too much. Two to three drops is enough for your entire face. Warm the oil between your fingertips and press it gently into the skin — don't rub.
Applying before water-based products. Oil creates a barrier. If you apply it before your toner or serum, those products can't absorb. Always apply oil as the last step before SPF (morning) or as the final step (evening).
Expecting overnight results. Natural face oils deliver results through consistent use over four to eight weeks. Cell turnover takes time — especially for fading dark marks and evening skin tone.
Choosing the wrong oil. This is the most common mistake. Match your oil to your skin type using the guide above, and avoid comedogenic oils like coconut oil on your face.
Find your perfect face oil
If you want one product that combines the best oils for skin into a single, daily-use facial oil, try Sustain (oil cleansing protection) from Like It On Top. Sustain is formulated with organic argan oil, rosehip oil, avocado oil, sweet almond oil and vitamin E — a carefully balanced blend that nourishes, brightens, balances and repairs. Use it as the final step in your routine or as part of the 4-Step Kit for a complete twice-daily skincare routine. Also available in a nut-free formula. All products are handmade, natural and vegan.
Looking for more? Browse our bestselling skincare products to find your perfect natural skincare routine.