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,
I loved this blog post!
I have come to realize that oils are essential to my lifestyle, beauty-wise and food-wise.
I use oil as a booster before applying face lotion/moisturizer, morning and night. Applying oil before the lotion really softens your skin and makes it easier for the lotion to penetrate your skin.
I love Trilogy’s Rosehip oil and Shigeta (Paris-based Japanese brand) oil elixir. Please check out Shigeta, it is a brand that utilizes the power of plants. I think that you will love it.
Hi Kris, I love MooGoo oils Rosehip, Tamanu, Evening Primrose & Starflower (Borage). They also have a range of oil cleansing products.
Thanks for sharing Kris, always love hearing from you. Ali xxxxxx
Hi Kris –
Love this list! Thank you for putting it together, I’m gonna have to try some of the products you listed. Have your tried Kari Gran products yet? I discovered them from my friends at the EWG. I know you’re friends with Ken too. Anyway, can I just say… AMAZING! They have a cleansing oil and the essential serum for the face that you may love. All organic and made with essential oils. I’m not a sales rep just a big fan. HAPPY HOLIDAYS! Thanks again. xo
Hi Kris – I’m wondering if you’d be able to advise me… My skin is oily underneath and dry on top. I have been using coconut oil for the last few months, still get some breakouts but I’m still dealing with dry flaky skin on top. I’m 47,. Can you advise what the best oil would be for someone like me?
Hi Michelle,
Maybe you can try using the oil BEFORE applying lotion/moisurizer, it really does make the skin soften to soak up the lotion. And then finishing up with putting on some cream to keep the oil and lotion within the skin.
This is a simple method, but it really has done wonders for my skin!!
Thank you Kris you are such a great help love derma e but never knew about that oil they have a wonderful vit C cream
I just had a facial before Thanksgiving…. my skin is so flaky & dry. I will need to add some good ol’ fashioned water to my skin care regimen.
Thank you for these great recommendations, with some brands I’m not yet familiar with. I’m always hoping for natural products that I can afford. Do you have any great recommendations for natural shampoo? I’ve been using Aveda, but would love a more affordable line of products. Thanks!
Hi Susan, A good, easy-to-find line to look for is ACURE Organics. The clarifying shampoo is great!
Love oils! I use coconut oil on my face, calms my rosacea, and I use it all over in summer. During fall/winter I use Banyan Botanically Vata Massage Oil; warming and grounding.
Hi Kris,
Lots of love and light your way. I just wanted to let you know that the two Josie Maran products do not have the best toxicity score on the Think Dirty app (hopefully you know about this! It’s been a game-changer for me while cleaning out my bathroom of toxic products). Looks like “polysorbate 20” and “phenoxyethanol, cyclomethicone, ethylhexylglyercin” are the culprits.
On the other hand, I love Tata Harper’s cleansing oil, which has a better score for toxicity (it’s non-toxic!).
I’ve heard good things about SW Basics, excited to try it! Olie Biologique also looks like a good non-toxic facial oil brand.
Thanks for your comment, Lindsey. I mostly rely on EWG’s Skin Deep database to vet products, brands and ingredients—from my research, it looks like these Josie Maran products would fall into EWG’s moderate category (the products themselves are not listed, but the brand and ingredients are). Some readers allow a little more wiggle room for their beauty products, so I wanted to include a variety of options for all preferences.
And yup, Tata Harper is fab, and I think you’ll love S.W. Basics, too. xo!
THANKS! 🙂
Are you going to write a book on oils?
Wonderful article! I have been using organic jojoba oil for my face and body over 2 years now. It has been an extraordinary experience. Recently I prepared organic coconut and Jojoba oil with frankincense as my new body lotion. It’s not only healing but healthy!
<3 <3 <3 Beautycounter.
I am addicted to their Lustro Oil # 3 and their Rose Neroli Body Oil!
So much so that I rep them! Ha!
Great article. Great products… all of them!
A website tech comment:
Would it be possible to add a Print function to your articles? Pretty please?
I like having hard copies of some of your articles for ongoing reference. However, unless I copy / paste into a Word file, when I use the Print function on my browser, the article’s formatting is messy and I get all of the comments.
Thank you!
Deni
Noted, Deni! 🙂
Hi Kris, Antipodes , Divine Face Oil , is lovely , it has avocado, macadamia, jojoba , rose hip and vitamin E oil with ylang ylang, sandlewood and jasmine essential oils , it smells divine ! It’s organic and comes from the antipodes , beautiful New Zealand .
Love Sonia xx
I use Aster & Bay products. The “Serum Absolute” made with Marula, Camelia, hazelnut oils, as well as Chia seed extract, was the only thing that could sooth my skin after I got a harsh chemical peel at the dermatologist’s office. Crafted in the apothecary tradition- by hand.
Made with raw plant ingredients only, and never any chemicals, preservatives or synthetics.
100% vegan and cruelty-free.
Made from organic and wild harvested ingredients whenever possible.
They have a really good face cleansing oil also,
Yes I use oils and get great results. Equal parts organic cold pressed olive oil with castor oil to remove makeup, mascara, cleanse- hot flannel on face for 30 seconds before wiping oil off. All my open pores have closed up. For moisturiser I use either organic cold pressed coconut oil or organic cold pressed hemp oil. Both are wonderful and natural and more economical than branded goods. Hemp oil is wonderful on psoriasis, eczema or any other skin irritation. Sarah
Love that routine, Sarah.
sad to see some of the ingredients recommended here. The Argan hair oil contains dimethicone and other silicones. For your info, it coats the hair and altho it looks good and smooth, the coating will mean your hair cannot take in moisture and in the long run will ruin your hair.
I used to love AnnMarie Gianni’s products but they’ve been getting more and more watered down this past year or so. The body oil used to be SO nourishing. Now? Meh. Won’t be re-ordering. Same with the body lotion. Watered down or something. Maybe it’s an ethics issue. They claimed their fame and fortune through the raw vegan world. Now they send out recipes for bacon muffins. Ethics. Greed does that. I always say you never know a person truly until either success or heartbreak comes along to show their true colors. They got the fame and fortune they were seeking and I guess that led to the betrayal of the animal world and a loss of ethics. There are other companies still looking out for our critter friends. I trust them more than I do AnnMarie Gianni. Sadly. Ethical vegans and vanity vegans are two very different creatures. Also the Beautycounter line is multi-level marketing. I’ve never been confident in MLM schemes. Who knows what you’re getting there.
Hi Deborah,
The products are vegan with the exception of a few with honey or beeswax (you can read more about their practices here: http://bit.ly/1QSvsMH). The people are not vegan and that’s their choice. However, we are only talking about the products in this particular blog. No bacon muffins here LOL! Sorry you feel they have been watered down. I personally have not experienced that and I still love their products. But thankfully there are many brands out there to choose from. As for Beautycounter, while they may be an MLM you can just buy straight from the website, which is exactly what I do. And regardless, they are a responsible company putting great products out there. Thanks for your perspective though! kc
Hello Kris,
Thank you for all the tips for the skin but since i been using seabucktorn essential oils from Nadine Armetis from Living Libations my skin has been great. I love using her products since they do all that in one product. My skin has been healthy glowing and i love that the product does all the things mentioned above . I cannot say enough about this product. I have been using it for 5 years now and my skin is glowing and healthy.
hey Ive tried so many skin products and oils and have never found a perfect fit until I found Organic Cowgirl Radiant Glow oil. Just ahhhhmazing, a few drops on cleansed skin and my skin does glow! Why settle for one oil like Argan? This has rosehip, argan,pumpkin oil, red raspberry seed oil, jojoba,ricebran,grapeseed, meadowwfoam seed oil, acai berry oil, seabuckthorne oil and Nerlo secent which is wicked lovely. Im sure these others are nice but I love the combonation and the price is awesome, 15.00 for 1 oz of oil that last a long time. oh , I also like to add a a few drops to my face or body cream and it really revs up your favorite cream, makes it a super skin recharger. My skin has never looked better and it really went through some bad times with breast cancer surgeries and radiation, so just wanna share the love! 🙂 find it at greenhorseorganic.org or on ebay