Things to Consider When Choosing Face Oil
To choose the best face oil, there are several factors you should consider before making a purchase. Continue reading to see what we suggest.
What problem area are you tackling?
Everyone has a different skin type. For example, greasy or dry skin can be brought on by a poor diet, or it can be genetic. When choosing a face oil, choose the right face oil for your skin type. Face oil is usually labeled for dry skin, or greasy skin, for example. On the other hand, you may want a face oil to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, in which case, look for one that advertises as such.
Oil doesn’t mean oily
Don’t be deceived by the name face oil. It is made from oils, but it should not make your skin feel sticky or oily. It should absorb into your skin and not look like you have just run a marathon or stepped out of the shower. Your skin should feel soft and have a slight dewy look to it.
Non-comedogenic
Your future face oil should be non-comedogenic. This means that it will not block your pores. Look for a product that claims it is non-comedogenic, and don’t assume one will be without being advertised as such.
Vegan and cruelty-free
Vegan means that the product you are buying does not have any animal derivatives, such as beeswax or milk. Cruelty-free products are not tested on animals. There are a lot of products on the market that fall into these categories.
Mixes with makeup
You might want a face oil that you can mix with a foundation. This will create a dewy and fresh look all day. It also prevents makeup from building in wrinkles. However, using face oil in this manner is only recommended for those with dry or combination skin.
Application
Most face oils come with a dripper. This is a great way to get just the right amount of oil at a time, but this kind of applicator does tend to drip. For this reason, you may prefer a bottle with a screw lid that you simply pour out.
Ingredients
Best ingredients for dry skin include:
Pomegranate oil: Pomegranate is hydrating for dry skin, psoriasis, eczema, and sunburned skin. The oil has high antioxidant content thanks to high amounts of ellagic acid.
Marula oil: Marula oil is lightweight and absorbs easily into the skin. It is a good ingredient for those with dry as well as aging skin. It also works well as a lip balm.
Moringa oil: Moringa oil is moisturizing, reduces the appearance of sunspots, and slows down the aging process. It also reduces the appearance of stretch marks and scars.
Jojoba oil: Jojoba oil is moisturizing, antibacterial, and might promote collagen production. It is also an antioxidant that can prevent damage caused by free radicals and will not block your pores.
Argan oil: Argan oil moisturizes dry skin, protects from sun damage, and can treat acne. It also improves wound healing and reduces the number of scars caused by injury. It is great for dry and aging skin.
Abyssinian oil: Abyssian oil is similar to argan oil. It has great moisturizing properties that promote smooth, supple skin. It also reduces the appearance of fine wrinkles.
Best ingredients for oily skin include:
Hemp oil: Hemp oil is best for blemish-prone skin. It balances out the skin’s oil production and helps reduce the likelihood of an acne outbreak.
Rosehip oil: Rosehip has become a trendy ingredient of late and for a good reason. It moisturizes the skin, boosts collagen production, and helps protect against sun damage. If you suffer from inflamed spots, rosehip oil also has anti-inflammatory properties.
Pumpkin seed oil: Pumpkin seed oil is high in omega, vitamins, and minerals. It lifts excess oil from the skin, making it perfect for combating oily skin.
Ingredients to avoid
Unnatural mineral oil: Unnatural mineral oil is also known as paraffin oil, petroleum, and liquid paraffin. Although unnatural mineral oil does offer a protective layer from the environment, it does not allow the skin to absorb other nourishing ingredients that will benefit the skin.
Water: Water in itself is not a harmful ingredient. However, if your face oil includes water, it will also need to have a preservative. Preservatives are not as harmless as water.
Preservatives: The preservatives used in some face oils are often polyethylene glycols which are petroleum-based compounds. They are also known as PEGs. These include triclosan and triclocarban, methylisothiazolinone and methylchloroisothiazolinone, propylparabens, methylparabens, ethylparabens, and butylparabens.
The PEGs used in a face oil may be contaminated with measurable amounts of 1.4-dioxane and ethylene oxide. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies ethylene oxide as a known human carcinogen and 1.4-dioxane as a possible human carcinogen.
Parfum (perfume): We also recommend avoiding anything listed as BHT, BHA, or perfume. Parfum is a known allergen, and BHT and BHA are known carcinogens.
How we choose the best face oil
To choose the best face oil, we consider the quality of the ingredients and how effectively the face oil performs. We also read countless customer reviews and only recommend products we believe are good value for money.
Face oil price range
Face oils can range in price from as little as $4 and as much as $80 for the same quantity. When buying a face oil, judge its price per ounce to ensure you get the best deal.
Face Oil FAQ
Q: When should I apply my face oil?
A: Apply face oil before you apply your makeup. Let it sink in fully before you apply your makeup for a healthy-looking hydrated glow. Apply your face oil before applying sunscreen in the morning and use it as the last skincare product before sleeping.
Q: Can I use face oil instead of moisturizer?
A: No, you should not use face oil instead of moisturizer because this will make your skin greasy. Instead, you should use face oil in conjunction with moisturizer and use a smaller amount of face oil than you do moisturizer per application.
Q: Does face oil cause spots?
A: The wrong type of face oil can cause spots. If you choose a non-comedogenic oil, it will not clog your pores. If you have greasy skin, you should use face oil sparingly and not on the spots themselves.