Developing a skincare routine should be restorative, not frustrating. But when your skin is constantly tight, flaky, or dull, even the most generous layer of moisturizer may not be enough. If dryness persists despite your efforts, it may be a sign that your skin needs more than hydration: it needs nourishment.
This is where the best facial oils for dry skin come in. When used correctly, either layered over moisturizer or pressed onto damp skin, facial oils help seal in hydration and reduce transepidermal water loss. The result is softer, calmer and visibly brighter skin. As an added bonus, many oils bring a subtle sensory element to your routine, transforming a basic step into something indulgent.
To help us navigate the rich world of facial oils, we enlisted the help of a dermatologist nurse and a celebrity esthetician. Nathalie Aguilar.
Featured image of our interview with Sabeena Ladha by Michelle Nash.
Los Angeles-based esthetician and registered dermatologist nurse Natalie Aguilar, a true “skin therapist,” works with many celebrities to keep them camera-ready. As the founder of N4 Skincare, Natalie brings 19 years of experience to her practice. She spent years training and learning from the best, where she mastered very sensitive and technical treatments. Combining her medical knowledge with skincare, she also serves as a global educator for others in the skincare industry.
What could cause dry skin?
Before looking for new products, it helps to understand what’s behind dryness. Identifying the root cause can guide you to the right ingredients and prevent further irritation. Below, Aguilar details the most common culprits.
The environment. “Living in cold, windy conditions, low humidity climates, or constant flying can strip the skin of its natural moisture,” says Aguilar. “Radiators and air conditioners also reduce humidity: you can often feel the discomfort of dry air when you breathe.” Environmental stressors can compromise the skin barrier, leaving it tight and exhausted.
Too strip your skin. Long, hot showers and aggressive exfoliation may feel good, but they can weaken your barrier. “Bathing more than once a day or scrubbing too much strips away the natural oils that protect your skin,” says Aguilar. Her advice: cleanse gently and moisturize immediately after washing.
Dehydration. Sometimes the solution is simple. “Not drinking enough water can leave skin dry, dull, and more prone to fine lines,” shares Aguilar. Topical products can help, but hydration and nutrient-rich foods are fundamental.
Genetics and skin conditions. Some people are simply more prone to dryness, especially those with eczema or psoriasis. In these cases, a barrier support routine is essential.
Aging. “As we age, our skin loses its ability to retain water, especially if it has been exposed to sun damage,” adds Aguilar. Over time, moisture retention naturally decreases, making nourishing products even more important.
What ingredients should you look for in facial oils for dry skin?
Oil is no longer taboo in skin care. In fact, the best facial oils for dry skin work by supplementing the natural lipids your oil glands already produce, strengthening the barrier rather than overwhelming it.
Aguilar highlights the key ingredients to look for:
Lipids and ceramides. “These natural fats live in the different layers of the skin,” explains Aguilar. “They promote moisture retention and strengthen the protective barrier.” Consider them as reinforcement for weakened skin.
Hyaluronic acid. Although more common in serums, hyaluronic acid can also appear in oil blends. “It retains water and serves as a hydration reservoir,” says Aguilar. Since natural levels decline with age, supplementation can help regain bounce and suppleness.
Nutrient-rich natural oils. Grapeseed, olive, almond, jojoba, marula, avocado and coconut oils contain essential fatty acids that nourish dry skin. Oils high in oleic acid, like 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 if you have dry skin
“When dealing with dry skin, it’s best to avoid products that contain perfume and alcohol,” says Aguilar. Perfume is a common irritant and can trigger allergic reactions, while too much alcohol strips the skin of its natural oils, worsening dryness rather than relieving it.
When should you apply facial oil?
“The debate about oil before moisturizer is never-ending,” says Aguilar. While conventional wisdom suggests applying products from thinnest to thickest, facial oils are more versatile than many people think.
“You can use oil before moisturizer, after moisturizer, or even mix it together,” she explains. Applying a few drops to your cream helps seal in moisture, while mixing the oil with moisturizer creates a richer texture, ideal for very dry skin.
The Best Facial Oils for Dry Skin
When dryness persists despite the application of creams and serums, a wisely chosen facial oil can make all the difference. The best facial oils for dry skin don’t just sit on the surface—they strengthen your barrier, minimize water loss, and provide nourishing fatty acids that help skin feel soft, supple, and soothed. Below, we’ve organized our favorites by texture and intensity so you can find the one that best suits your skin’s needs.
Best Light Facial Oils
If your skin is dry but easily congested — or if you prefer something that absorbs quickly — these lighter oils nourish without heaviness. They’re ideal for layering under moisturizer or pressing onto damp skin for a subtle glow.
Ladies Ladies Tokyo
Balancing oily serum with rice drops
A hybrid oil-serum that blends rice bran oil and squalane to promote hydration without adding weight. It’s quickly absorbed, making it a smart daytime option for dry skin that still wants balance.
Summer Fridays
Formulated with 16 non-comedogenic oils, this blend nourishes while maintaining a smooth, makeup-friendly finish. It is particularly useful for dry skin that does not tolerate too rich textures.
KORA Organic
Powered by antioxidant-rich noni extract, rosehip oil and jojoba, this formula promotes both hydration and radiance. It’s a versatile option that adds radiance while strengthening the skin barrier, ideal for dry, dull complexions.
Best Rich Oils for Face
For persistently dry or mature skin, richer oils provide deep regeneration. These formulas work wonderfully at night or as the final step in your routine to seal in hydration.
Real botanicals
Renew Pure Radiance Facial Oil
A cult favorite formulated with chia seed and kiwi seed oils to visibly plump and brighten. It deeply nourishes while maintaining a silky, non-greasy finish.
RMS Beauty
Containing Kakadu plum rich in vitamin C as well as jojoba and buriti oils, this blend promotes hydration and antioxidant protection. A wise choice for dry skin that also needs luminosity.
Monastery
An ultra-luxurious botanical blend designed to calm and revitalize stressed, dehydrated skin. Its rich texture makes it particularly suitable for very dry or sensitized complexions.
The Best Splurge-Worthy Facial Oils
These investment formulas combine nutrient-rich oils with high-performance active ingredients. If you’re looking for both pleasure and visible results, these deliver.
Daughter of the winegrower
Formulated with a wide range of plant-derived active ingredients, this iconic serum-oil hybrid supports elasticity, tone and deep hydration. A few drops pressed onto skin can streamline an entire routine.
Furtuna Hide
A two-phase blend of oil and water-based actives that deliver layered hydration. Shake before use and press onto skin for a luminous, plush finish.
Tata Harper
Nourishing Retinoic Facial Oil
Infused with botanical retinoids and antioxidant-rich oils, this formula nourishes while gently encouraging renewal. Ideal for dry skin looking for both hydrating and smoothing benefits.
This article was last updated on February 16, 2026 to include new information.
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