You might think the perfect skincare routine consists of a cleanser, toner and moisturiser, but there's actually an extra step which could change your routine for the better! If you're cleansing, toning and moisturising regularly but wondering why you aren't seeing any serious changes to your skin, a facial oil might be what's missing.

Designed to be applied after your toner and before your moisturiser, facial oils are used to target even the most specific skincare concerns, allowing you to truly tailor your routine to suit your needs. These potent formulations deliver concentrated amounts of antioxidants, vitamins and essential fatty acids directly to your skin – something I discovered after trying literally hundreds of options over the years.

The Difference Between Facial Serums and Oils

There are a few key differences between facial serums and facial oils. Firstly, the texture. A facial oil feels similar to any other oil you may have used, while a serum is usually a lightweight, half-way point between a water-based product and a thicker cream moisturiser. Usually a facial oil will contain a potent amount of one or two key ingredients (some of my favourite facial oils really are just one pure oil!), while serums often contain multiple ingredients to target different skin concerns at once.

And yes, you can absolutely use both together! As a rule of thumb, apply products in order from lightest to heaviest. For oils and serums, that usually means applying serums (which are often water-based) first, waiting 30-60 seconds for proper absorption, and then following with your facial oil. This allows both products to work effectively without interfering with each other's absorption. If you can't decide between the two, you can even layer a serum under your favourite facial oil to give your skin a super boost.

The Best Natural Facial Oils

The Beauty Chef GLOW F.A.C.E Intensive Rejuvenating Oil

Best for: Mature skin seeking natural alternatives to retinol

This potent daily face oil is designed to firm and nourish the skin while smoothing wrinkles and fine lines. What makes it stand out is the unique prebiotic and postbiotic blend that supports your skin's natural microbiome, combined with nourishing Omegas 3-6-7 and Bakuchiol – nature's answer to retinol. The added Vitamins A, C, E and Squalene promote cell turnover and hydration for a plumper, more youthful appearance.

Key features:

• Contains Bakuchiol and Vitamins A, C, and E
• Rejuvenating facial oil with plant lipids
• Supports skin's natural microbiome

KORA Organics Noni Glow Face Oil

Best for: All skin types seeking a radiance boost

This lightweight, powerful face oil delivers real results. The luxurious blend features organic Noni Extract (a superfood rich in antioxidants) plus vitamin-packed oils including Rosehip, Jojoba, Sunflower, Seabuckthorn, and Pomegranate Seed. After using this oil consistently, I noticed my skin had a natural radiance that hadn't been there before, and clinical results back this up – 96% of users saw visible improvement in skin looking healthier within just 4 weeks.

Key features:

• Certified Organic by EcoCert
• Clinically proven results for radiance and skin tone
• Suitable for all skin types

Weleda Sensitive Facial Oil Almond

Best for: Sensitive and reactive skin types

If your skin tends to react to everything, this restorative oil is your new best friend. Created with pure organic Almond Oil for its nourishing properties and combined with soothing Blackthorn Blossom extract, this fragrance-free formula forms a protective barrier that helps calm irritation and reduce redness. What I love most is how it balances sensitivity without causing congestion – clinical results show it reduces tightness by 90% and leaves skin velvety-soft.

Key features:

• Fragrance-free nourishing formula
• Dermatologically approved for sensitive skin
• Clinical results support its effectiveness

Vanessa Megan N.E.O. (Nature's Elixir Oil) 12 Hour Miracle Oil

Best for: Scarring, pigmentation and rosacea-prone skin

This award-winning skin elixir lives up to its "miracle" name, with visible results reported within just 12 hours. I was skeptical at first, but after trying it on some stubborn pigmentation, I became a believer. Formulated with a powerful combination of Vitamins A, E, P, K, Zinc and Omega-3-6-9, it works like a multi-vitamin shot for your skin. The organic formulation is gentle enough for sensitive and rosacea-prone skin while still delivering impressive results on scars and discoloration.

Key features:

• Visible results in as little as 12 hours
• Certified Organic by ACO
• Effective on multiple skin concerns including scarring

Jojoba Company Australian Jojoba Oil

Best for: Oily and acne-prone skin

This might seem counterintuitive, but applying oil to oily skin has been revolutionary for my occasional breakouts. The Australian Jojoba Oil isn't technically an oil but a liquid wax with a molecular structure similar to our skin's natural sebum. This unique property helps it control excess oil production while still providing essential hydration. Naturally rich in vitamins A, D & E plus omegas 6 & 9, it balances combination skin, soothes sensitivity, and even helps with breakouts. Clinical tests show it provides up to 8 hours of moisturization without causing congestion.

Key features:

• Helps to control excess oil and breakouts
• Hypoallergenic & dermatologist approved
• Versatile for use alone or under your usual skincare

Mukti Antioxidant Facial Oil

Best for: Environmental protection for city dwellers

Living in an urban environment means my skin faces pollution daily, which is why this antioxidant-rich facial oil has become a staple in my routine. Created with a curated infusion of 15 of the world's most nutrient-dense antioxidant oils, this lightweight formula instantly absorbs into the skin, reinforcing the natural lipid barrier against environmental stressors. What makes it special is how it manages to protect without feeling heavy – my skin feels nourished but never greasy.

Key features:

• Blend of 15 nutrient-dense oils
• Certified Organic by ACO
• Packaged in Biophotonic Glass to preserve potency

Antipodes Divine Rosehip & Avocado Oil Face Oil

Best for: Dry, dehydrated and mature skin

For those days when my skin feels particularly parched, this nutrient-rich face oil is my go-to savior. Scientifically shown to stimulate Type I collagen production in skin cells by up to 51%, it contains a nourishing blend of Avocado Oil from New Zealand orchards, plus Rosehip and Macadamia Oils rich in essential fatty acids. What sets it apart is how it improves the appearance of skin texture over time – I've noticed fine lines around my eyes looking significantly less pronounced since making this part of my evening routine.

Key features:

• Scientifically proven collagen-boosting properties
• Certified Organic by BioGro
• Gentle aroma from pure Ylang Ylang, Jasmine and Sweet Orange

Do you put face oil on before or after moisturiser? The best rule of thumb is to layer products from thinnest to thickest. For water-based moisturisers, apply your moisturiser first and then oil. But if you're using more emollient creams, you might want to reverse the order. And remember, facial oils are generally best applied at night, especially if the formula leaves the skin feeling slightly tacky – something you won't want under SPF and makeup.