The 10 Best Face Oils for Dry Skin

Having a skincare ritual should be restorative, not frustrating. But if your skin constantly feels tight, flaky, or dull, no amount of moisturizer may be enough. If dryness persists despite your efforts, it may be a sign that your skin needs nourishment as well as hydration.

This is where the best face oils for dry skin come into play. When used correctly, layered over moisturizer or pressed into wet skin, face oils lock in moisture and reduce water loss from the epidermis. As a result, skin feels softer, calmer, and visibly brighter. As a bonus, many oils bring a subtle sensory element to your routine, turning basic steps into a luxurious feel.

To help you navigate the rich world of face oils, we enlisted the help of a dermatology nurse and a renowned esthetician. Natalie Aguilar.

Featured image from Michelle Nash’s interview with Sabina Rada.

Natalie Aguilar

Natalie Aguilar, a Los Angeles-based certified esthetician and dermatology nurse, is a true “skin therapist” and works with many celebrities to keep them looking great on camera. As the founder of N4 Skin Care, Natalie brings 19 years of experience to her practice. She spent years training and learning from the best athletes, where she developed a very delicate and technical treatment method. Combining medical knowledge and skin care, she also serves as a global educator to others in the skin care industry.

What causes dry skin?

Before reaching for new products, it helps to understand the causes of dryness. By identifying the root cause, we can direct the appropriate ingredients and prevent further inflammation. Below, Aguilar breaks down the most common causes.

environment. “Living in cold, windy, low-humidity environments and constantly flying can cause your skin to lose its natural moisture,” Aguilar explains. “Heaters and air conditioners also reduce humidity, so the air often feels dry and uncomfortable when you breathe.” Environmental stressors can compromise the skin barrier, leaving it hard and depleted.

Exfoliates too much skin. Long hot showers and aggressive exfoliation may feel satisfying, but they can weaken your barrier. “Bathing multiple times a day or scrubbing too hard strips your skin of its natural oils that protect it,” says Aguilar. Her advice is to wash your face gently and moisturize immediately after washing.

dehydration. Sometimes the solution is simple. “If you don’t drink enough water, your skin will become dry, dull, and prone to fine lines,” says Aguilar. Topical products can be helpful, but hydration and nutritious foods are fundamental.

Genetics and skin conditions. Some people simply dry out easily. This is especially true for people with conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. In these cases, a barrier-supporting routine is essential.

aging. “As we age, our skin loses its ability to retain moisture, especially if it has been damaged by the sun,” Aguilar added. Over time, water retention naturally decreases, making nutritional products even more important.

What ingredients are in face oils for dry skin?

Oils are no longer taboo when it comes to skin care. In fact, the best face oils for dry skin work by supplementing the natural lipids that your sebaceous glands already produce, strengthening your barrier rather than overwhelming it.

Aguilar highlights the key factors to look for.

lipids and ceramides. “These natural fats are present in different layers of the skin,” Aguilar explains. “They promote moisture retention and strengthen the protective barrier.” Think of them as reinforcing damaged skin.

Hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is often found in serums, but it can also be found in oil blends. “It binds water and acts as a reservoir of hydration,” Aguilar says. Natural levels decline with age, so supplements can restore elasticity and flexibility.

Nutritious natural oil. Grapeseed, olive, almond, jojoba, marula, avocado, and coconut oil contain essential fatty acids that nourish dry skin. Oils high in oleic acid, such as marula and avocado, are particularly rich and effective at locking in moisture. Vitamin E is often added as both an antioxidant and a natural preservative.

Ingredients to avoid for people with dry skin

“When dealing with dry skin, it’s best to avoid products that contain fragrance or alcohol,” explains Aguilar. Fragrances are common irritants and can cause allergic reactions, and excess alcohol strips your skin of its natural oils, making dryness worse instead of alleviating it.

When should I apply face oil?

“There’s a never-ending debate about oils before moisturizers,” says Aguilar. Conventional wisdom recommends applying products from thinnest to thickest, but face oils are more versatile than many people realize.

“Oils can be used before or after your moisturizer, or mixed together,” she explains. Applying a few drops over cream will help lock in moisture, and blending the oil into your moisturizer will create a richer texture, perfect for very dry skin.

Best face oil for dry skin

If dryness persists despite layering creams and serums, a carefully chosen face oil can make a big difference. The best face oils for dry skin don’t just stay on the surface, they strengthen the barrier, minimize water loss, and provide nourishing fatty acids that make your skin soft, supple, and soothing. Below, we’ve compiled our favorites by texture and strength to help you find the right one for your skin’s needs.

best lightweight face oil

If your skin is dry but prone to congestion, or you prefer something that absorbs quickly, these lightweight oils will nourish without weighing you down. Perfect for layering under your moisturizer or pressing into damp skin for a subtle glow.

best rich face oil

For persistently dry or mature skin, richer oils provide deeper hydration. These formulas work beautifully at night or as the last step in your routine to lock in moisture.

The best face oils worth the splurge

These investments combine nutritious oils with high-performance active substances. If you’re looking for both satisfaction and visible results, these are the ones for you.

This post was last updated on February 16, 2026 with new insights.