If your skin feels tight, dull, or constantly thirsty, a face oil might be the missing step in your routine. The best face oils for dry skin don’t just add glow—they seal in moisture, repair the skin barrier, and leave your complexion looking smooth, plump, and effortlessly radiant.
Once considered a backstage beauty secret, face oils are now a staple in every chic skincare routine. The key is choosing the right oil—one that nourishes without feeling heavy, greasy, or clogging.
- What Does a Face Oil Do for Dry Skin?
- How to Use Face Oil (The Right Way)
- 1. The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane
- 2. Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil
- 3. The Ordinary Rose Hip Seed Oil
- 4. Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil
- 5. Sunday Riley Juno Antioxidant + Superfood Face Oil
- 6. Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil
- How to Choose the Best Face Oil for Your Skin
- Will Face Oil Make My Skin Greasy?
- FAQ: What Is the Best Face Oil for Very Dry Skin?
- Final Thoughts: The Chic Way to Fix Dry Skin
Think of this as your quiet luxury skincare upgrade.
What Does a Face Oil Do for Dry Skin?
Face oils don’t replace your moisturizer—they enhance it.
Dry skin usually struggles with:
- A weak skin barrier
- Moisture loss
- Flakiness and tightness
- Dull, tired-looking texture
A good face oil:
- Seals in hydration
- Strengthens the skin barrier
- Softens rough patches
- Adds glow without shimmer
- Prevents overnight moisture loss
Think of it as the final silk layer over your skincare.
How to Use Face Oil (The Right Way)
For best results:
- Use 2–3 drops only
- Apply after your moisturizer (to lock everything in)
- Press gently into the skin, don’t rub
- Use at night or in the morning under makeup for extra glow
- For very dry skin, mix 1 drop into your cream
Yes—you can use face oil even if your skin is sensitive or acne-prone, as long as you choose the right formula.
The Best Face Oils for Dry Skin (Chic, Effective & Editor-Approved)
1. The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane
Best for: Lightweight daily hydration
If you want something simple, elegant, and foolproof, this is it. Squalane mimics your skin’s natural oils, making it perfect for dry and sensitive skin. It absorbs beautifully and leaves skin soft, not greasy.
Why we love it:
- Lightweight but nourishing
- Great for sensitive skin
- Layers perfectly under makeup
- Budget-friendly and effective
Where to buy: Sephora, Cult Beauty, Lookfantastic, Boots
2. Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil
Best for: Dry, dull, or sensitive skin that needs glow
A cult favorite in clean beauty, this rosehip oil is rich in omega fatty acids and vitamins that help nourish, smooth, and revive dry skin.
Why we love it:
- Gives a natural, healthy glow
- Helps improve texture and softness
- Great for sensitive and reactive skin
- Feels luxurious but not heavy
Where to buy: Cult Beauty, Lookfantastic, Space NK
3. The Ordinary Rose Hip Seed Oil
Best for: Dry skin on a budget
Simple, effective, and incredibly popular. This oil is rich in vitamin A and essential fatty acids, making it great for dry, dull, or tired-looking skin.
Why we love it:
- Very nourishing
- Helps smooth rough texture
- Affordable and effective
- Perfect for night-time use
Where to buy: Sephora, Cult Beauty, Lookfantastic, Boots
4. Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil
Best for: Luxury feel + intense nourishment
This is the quiet luxury of face oils. Marula oil is rich in antioxidants and deeply nourishing, making it ideal for very dry or mature skin.
Why we love it:
- Deeply moisturizing
- Leaves skin plump and silky
- Beautiful under makeup or at night
- Strengthens the skin barrier
Where to buy: Sephora, Cult Beauty, Lookfantastic
5. Sunday Riley Juno Antioxidant + Superfood Face Oil
Best for: Dry, stressed, or tired-looking skin
This is a blend of nourishing oils and antioxidants designed to boost glow and protect the skin barrier. It’s especially lovely for skin that looks dull or fatigued.
Why we love it:
- Gives instant glow
- Feels rich but absorbs well
- Great for dull, dry skin
- Works beautifully in winter routines
Where to buy: Sephora, Cult Beauty, Lookfantastic
6. Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil
Best for: Dry skin that also wants brightness
This one combines hydrating squalane with brightening vitamin C and soothing rose oil. The result? Hydrated, glowing, smoother-looking skin.
Why we love it:
- Adds glow and hydration
- Helps improve dullness
- Lightweight but nourishing
- Perfect for morning or night
Where to buy: Sephora, Cult Beauty, Lookfantastic
How to Choose the Best Face Oil for Your Skin
Choose based on what your skin needs most:
- Very dry, tight skin: Marula oil, rosehip oil
- Sensitive skin: Squalane, Pai Rosehip
- Dull skin: Rosehip oil, Vitamin C oils
- Daytime glow: Lightweight squalane or blended oils
- Night repair: Richer oils like marula or rosehip
Will Face Oil Make My Skin Greasy?
Short answer: No—if you use it correctly.
- Use only 2–3 drops
- Apply after moisturizer
- Choose oils made for the face (not body oils)
- Press in gently
The right face oil should leave your skin glowy, not oily.
FAQ: What Is the Best Face Oil for Very Dry Skin?
For very dry skin, look for:
- Marula oil
- Rosehip oil
- Squalane-based blends
Top picks:
Use them at night over your moisturizer for best results.
Final Thoughts: The Chic Way to Fix Dry Skin
The best face oils for dry skin don’t just make your skin look better—they make it behave better. With consistent use, you’ll notice:
- Less tightness
- More glow
- Smoother texture
- Healthier, calmer skin
Consider this your invitation to upgrade your routine—quietly, elegantly, and effectively.
