Wellness

Best oils for skin and hair (my top 7 picks!)

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Hello Beautiful,

When I was in highschool, my best friend had the most beautiful skin. Her secret? Oil. As in coconut oil, jojoba oil, olive oil…

She moisturized her face with these simple goodies, and got truly gorgeous results—yet I was always way too afraid to try it. Fast forward to many years later, when I noticed my skin losing a bit of its luster and lookin’ a little parched. I remembered my former BFF and her outrageously good complexion, and decided it was time I dabble in oils—now I’m a total convert.

I know, I know. Using oils on your skin and hair feels counterintuitive.

No one wants a greasy face or mane, which is exactly what you’d think would happen. But that’s not the case, cutie. They can restore your skin’s suppleness, and be wonderful cleansers, too! The right oil used properly will help swipe off dirt and makeup without drying out your face like soaps can.

Plus, the “oil cleansing method” leaves your skin soft and smooth thanks to its long-lasting moisturizing properties. And believe it or not, it also prevents breakouts! How? Oil binds to oil (remember “like dissolves like” from chemistry class?), so extra-oily gals can have no fear about applying more oil to the skin—it can actually help!

For many of us, winter is here and with it comes some dry flakey scales. With that in mind, here’s a list of my current favorite face, body and hair oils. I know they’ll give your cleansing and moisturizing practices a luscious boost. Give ‘em a try and let me know how it goes!

My Fave Face, Body & Hair Oils

derma e Skin, Hair and Nail Oil:

I consider this an “all-over” oil—a true multi-tasker. With an anti-aging blend of organic argan, jojoba and kukui oils, it’s great for moisturizing skin, wrangling fly-away hair and softening ragged cuticles. Bonus: It absorbs quickly and easily.

Beautycounter Lustro Face Oil 2 in Jasmine:

This oil is a staple for me because it contains a unique combination of lovely “nourishing botanicals,” and it’s from a brand I know, trust and adore. I’ve been a fan of Beautycounter’s products—especially their makeup—for quite some time. (The Petal lip shine is a must!) And with their super cool and classy packaging, I love giving these beauty goodies as gifts.

Josie Maran Argan Oil Hair Serum:

You only need a tiny bit of this hair helper to get a hold of your frizz and pull your look together in seconds. Rub a drop or two of this serum through your strands for a silky, glossy ‘do.

Josie Maran Argan Cleansing Oil:

Another winner from Josie Maran, this oil deep-cleans while replenishing thirsty skin. Say buh-bye to drying, abrasive soaps and scrubs, and give this gentle, hydrating oil cleanser a whirl.

S.W. Basics Lemongrass Body Oil:

This is the perfect oil to slather on post-bath or shower. The lemongrass scent is divine, and the sesame, macadamia and avocado oils (all organic) lock in moisture that lasts. Nothing could be better after a warm epsom salt soak!

S.W. Basics Makeup Remover:

Yup, oils can replace your regular makeup remover, too—and this blend is top notch. There are only three simple ingredients in this all-organic product—sweet almond oil, extra virgin olive oil and jojoba oil—and it’s perfect for sweeping off the glamour while also hydrating your skin. (Fun fact: Jojoba is pronounced ho-ho-buh. Sing it!)

Tata Harper Revitalizing Body Oil:

I received this ultra-luxurious oil as a gift, and while it’s pricier than anything I’d buy for myself, it’s a wonderful, hydrating treat. The fancy-pants ingredients include alfalfa and arnica extracts, apricot kernel oil, geranium and grapefruit, and this blend goes beyond moisturizing—it “helps promote healthy microcirculation, improve oxygenation, and reduce inflammation.” Whoa. If you’re looking to splurge, I highly recommend this deluxe body oil. Plus, it smells like angels.

Annmarie Gianni Anti-Aging Facial Oil:

I saved the best for last! As you may know, I’m a huge fan of this entire line. This particular oil is my favorite. It, too, smells like angels. I like to think of it as love in a bottle. Smooth this one on for refreshed, glowy skin.

Mow I’d love to hear from you: Do you use oils for your face, body or hair? Or, which oil is your fave?

Peace & supple smoothness,

Add a comment
  1. And for the price and quality, the Arbonne Aromassentials oil with Ylang Ylang is divine!!

  2. Laurie says:

    Thanks for this!! Just a question I’m hoping someone can answer for me: How do you cleanse your face with oil? Do you rub it on your face and then just wipe it off with a towel? It seems like it wouldn’t come off with water. It sounds a bit messy so I haven’t quite tried it yet. Also, when you use oil on your hair . . . is your hair wet or dry?

  3. Connie says:

    I have rosacea. Any suggestions for which oils might calm down my rosacea and not cause more redness??

  4. Bonita says:

    Have you checked out Monat products, they have all natural & safe ingredients, their oil is amazing for your hair & face. All their hair products offer instant results for all hair types & issues with hair damage. They promote hair growth & prevent thinning. I’ve seen the results over & over again. My name is Bonita Pelley a Master Hairstylist for over 20 years & I’ve tried so many products & Monat is by far the best, I love it & everyone who has tried it so far feel the same way, loving their hair. Give it a try & let me know how impressed you are. Also good to get the info out to the public on the natural safe ingredients, they have 11 unique blends of oil from around the world, the results are really a miracle. I’ve seen such damaged hair & instantly it is restored with Monat. Hope to hear from, cheers Bonita Check out my face book page Bonita Pelley-Independant Consultant Monat Global

  5. Pratima Richard has amazing oils. She’s out of NYC and has a beautiful Ayurvedic clinic 😉

  6. Judy Czubati says:

    Would just using a nice organic coconut oil from say Trader Joe’s, work as well for moisturizing?

  7. Patty says:

    Was wondering if you looked at Living Libations out of Canada? I have been very pleased with Nadine’s products…all oils and essential oils. Happy to see this list!

  8. Thank you for sharing your favs Kris!

    I’m a HUGE fan of Tata Harper skincare, all natural, made on their farm in Vermont and super high quality. And the smell is DIVINE. Pair it with your 21 day cleanse and your glowing!

  9. Lauren says:

    Just started using Vintners Daughter face serum it’s a blend of about a dozen cold pressed essential oils and while it is very expensive it’s pretty amazing how it’s transformed my skin.

  10. Elena says:

    Hi Kris,
    I was wondering how you don’t get your hair greasy when you leave it on your face. Unless I pull my hair back, it won’t stay out of my hair when I want it to.
    Thanks,
    Elena

    • Kris Carr says:

      Hmm it sounds like it’s possible that the oil you’re using isn’t absorbing properly, or you’re using too much—maybe try adjusting the oil or amount.

    • Tara says:

      I found the same thing, so i started cleaning and moisturizing my face about an hour before bed, so that it has time to soak in. (I put my hair up and off my face). In the morning i use a lighter moisturizer. Hope that’s helpful!

  11. Jean says:

    I can’t live without Ava Anderson Nontoxic night serum! Also their Dream Cream is the BEST for dry winter hands!

  12. mari says:

    LOVE ANNMARIE PRODUCTS! THE BODY OIL IS GREAT FOR EYE MAKEUP REMOVER ALSO, NO STING & CONDITIONS THE LASHES, EXTRA BONUS!

  13. Deb Black says:

    I’ve been a convert for about 6 months! Love how my skin looks and feels. I’ve actually seen improvement on some damaged areas. I haven’t tried any that you recommend but will do. I’ve been using what’s in my kitchen…coconut, avocado, sunflower, etc….

  14. Becky says:

    Hi Kris,
    I developed dermatitis on my face this past winter and it was very distressing for me. I’ve always had beautiful clear skin. I consulted with 2 different dermatologists – one who prescribed a steroid cream, and one who prescribed a product in which the number one ingredient was acid. I can’t believe someone would prescribe an acid-based product for dermatitis which is inflamed skin. As I was searching for reviews on the acid-based cream I stumbled across a blog wherein the writer used all homeopathic remedies for the same condition I have. I now use a combination of organic grape seed oil along with therapeutic grade tea tree and lavender oils on my face. My skin is almost completely healed! I have always been a skin care junkie and have spent a lot of money on different products over the years. I’m so happy I found essential oils that work for my face. I use them for cleaning too! Essential oils are the best 🙂

  15. Kimberly says:

    OMG! I love love love Ann Marie Gianni. I use the AG line exclusively on my skin and have turned several friends on to it as well.

    In fact, I found AG from you, so thank you so much for that.

  16. Noelle says:

    Thank you for the recommendations! I love Anne Marie’s, products too just can’t afford them! NOT With 5 Little mouths to feed! However I started using S.W. Basics, t h en Acure based on another blog post and LOVE them equally as well and get to save some hard earned mula! Thank you for sharing all your wisdom!

  17. Shelby dill says:

    While I’m sure these are all great recommendations, I would have like to see recommendations on which actual oils to use instead of oil containing products. I’m really not interested in acquiring and trying anything but the oils.

    • Allison says:

      I would be interested in that too! My skin reacts pretty easily to concoctions but can’t go wrong with straight up one-ingredient oils themselves (except argan apparently )…

      • Kris Carr says:

        Great suggestion. Coconut oil is an easy place to start in your oil experimentation. Works wonders for some; others find they need something heavier or lighter. It gives you a good idea of the types of oils that will work best for you. From there, you can try sunflower oil, grapeseed oil, avocado oil, jojoba oil, evening primrose oil, rosehip seed oil… You can also start mixing 1 or 2 of these oils with a small amount of castor oil to make your own cleanser (check out these recipes: http://www.theoilcleansingmethod.com/more/oil-cleansing-recipes). I think a deep-dive on the benefits and uses of each type of oil would be a great follow-up blog… Stay tuned! 🙂

        • Elizabeth says:

          Oh, totally agree with what Kris said about the individual oils. I use coconut and castor on my face most nights for cleansing. I travel with just coconut..wash face, moisturize body…does it all! There are tons of great oils out there but you can start simple!

          • Anja says:

            Hi,

            If you want to read more about oils and get some inspiration in this area, check out the interview I’ve done with a great small business that focusing on organic oils + DIY when it comes to combining/making different types of oils! http://www.spinthatinspiration.com/spin-that-inspiration/2013/12/02/the-organic-oil-co

          • Dell says:

            I’ve used coconut oil as my face and body moisturizer for a couple of years. Last year as my only sunscreen. After watching The Truth About Cancer I decided to mix frankincense and mhyrr with my oil. It’s lovely.

            • jackie r says:

              I love coconut oil! I just can’t use it on my face. Unfortunately it is actually comedogenic. My face was breaking out horribly with oil cleansing and natural products, and then a naturopath verified that both coconut oil and grapeseed oil can be comedogenic. Just wanted to add that to help the acne sufferers out there! My body is more forgiving though, so I still use it there. 🙂

  18. Lili Asgar says:

    This is great confirmation of what I learned a few years ago. Struggling with oily skin, it was a total leap of faith that proposed me to try oils. I love Annmarie’s products. I also love Odacite. The founder is a breast cancer survivor who realized she was doing all she could to eat clean but had not been able to find beauty products which were “clean”, so she made her own. She offers a variety of excellent serums (read:oils) as well.

  19. Janeen McCormick says:

    Coconut oil straight from the jar. 9.99 organic coconut oil from Wholefoods. I use it everyday as the final step in the shower. I did order a bunch of goodies from Annmarie Gianni. Excited to try her line.

    • Coconut oil? says:

      I know coconut oil is good for your hair and good for your body but your skin? I never would have thought of it because it seems so counter-intuitive but I’m going to have to give it a try. After all the coconut tree is considered the “tree of life”.

  20. Elizabeth says:

    Wow, Kris, thanks for getting this info out there and thanks for the great suggestions. I have oily skin but was completely flooded by how balanced it became when I started oil cleansing three years ago. I’m passionate about natural skin and body care, and have recently started blogging about it. Thanks for spreading the word!

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