FACIAL OIL

Fact: we have definitively established that there are many, many super-effective facial oils out there. The facial oils category had the second-biggest number of entries in any category – only serums had more – and when the results came in, they were stupendous.

It’s truly worth scrolling through these winners, because there was literally nothing between the winners of the Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards – and they all scored impressively well. In addition, we have created two sub-categories. The first is for FACIAL OIL – COMBINATION/OILY SKIN, because counterintuitively, but as we’ve always known, facial oils can actually rebalance the skin and moderate natural oil production.

The second is FACIAL OIL – SENSITIVE SKIN, which you can find here (because the winners below all feature essential oils, which can be a problem for touchy skins, including one close friend of ours who literally goes into anaphylactic shock when she encounters essential oils in skincare.

But now, why might you need a facial oil? Think of oils as the food your skin needs, while moisturisers are the water element. They tend to be incredibly skin-compatible, having a structure that’s not dissimilar to skin’s own sebum – and in fact, can actually inhibit production of that almost by tricking the skin into thinking it’s produced enough oil of its own. Testers were asked to trial these oils on their own, rather than with moisturiser (although some went ahead and experimented).

Meanwhile, here’s a message (AGAIN) to makers of facial oils: please don’t keep referring to them as ‘serums’! It’s confusing for the consumer, and it’s confusing for us! The following – and we’ve checked – are all formulas that we would describe as OILS.

GOLD (JOINT) AWARD and BEST NATURAL (JOINT) Ani Rose & Geranium Face Oil

Gosh, congrats to a tiny start-up, handmade-in-the-Cotswolds plant-based brand for getting the very highest (by a micro-point) score in this hotly contested category. We love founder Joanna Walker’s philosophy: ‘It’s not about erasing laughter lines – who wants to wipe away all the good times? It’s about getting your skin to optimum condition so that you feel confident in yourself, keeping both skin and self-esteem healthy. Base oils: apricot kernel, rosehip, peach kernel, avocado, olive, evening primrose, plus vitamin E. Essential oils include rose geranium, rose absolute, lavender, bergamot.

£38 for 30ml - click to buy 

OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:

‘My partner has noticed how much smoother my skin looks – I have stopped wearing foundation most days! Very lightweight, love the fragrance – uplifting and soothing at the same time - gorgeous!’ • ‘Honestly the best facial oil I’ve used so far – light but hardworking. It has made my skin texture so much smoother and brighter; I also think this has some magic properties that shrink spots overnight. If I had a bigger bottle, I would bathe in it’ • ‘Will definitely become a nightstand staple; the scent helps me relax and feel positive before I go to bed, and the oil itself is just dreamy to use. Loving the results’ • ‘Magic in a bottle: a beautiful product to use; it feeds, hydrates and nourishes your skin and the scent has such a calming and relaxing effect’ • ‘Miracle oil! My skin is glowing; lines and wrinkles appear softer, and my friend has asked what I’m using – she now wants it this oil!’ • ‘Such a pleasure to use; it felt like being pampered at a high-end spa. My friends said I looked great and wondered what I was using’ • ‘After a month my skin felt more youthful and fine lines disappeared; felt like it enhanced its radiance’ • ‘Even from the first day my friends mentioned how much fresher and rested I looked. This is definitely as good as some of the very expensive face oils out there’ • ‘Skin immediately looked plumper and “rested: when applied. A rich, indulgent oil that feels hydrating without being "heavy" or leaving skin greasy’ • ‘Lovely smell, more rose than geranium.’

£38 for 30ml - click to buy 

GOLD (JOINT) AWARD and BEST NATURAL (JOINT) EKÓ Botanicals Makeda Radiance Botanical Oil

The career of EKÓ’s Lagos-born founder, Apinke Efiong, took her from the world of finance to setting up a flower shop in her home city of Lagos, before graduating in Organic and Natural Skincare formulation and creating her range, drawing on ‘time-tested African and British ancient beauty rituals’. This potent facial oil is inspired by the ancient Queen of Sheba (960BC), featuring 22 nutrient-dense plant ingredients and specifically targeting hyperpigmentation. Base oils: tamanu, borage, moringa seed, Kalahari melon, plus red seaweed, green tea and sea lavender. Essential oils include: rose geranium, bergamot, neroli, lemon.

£45 for 15ml - click to buy 

OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:

‘Definitely has anti-aging benefits and my pigmentation has improved.  It has been hot and dry weather-wise, recently and my skin has really enjoyed these lovely oils’ • ‘Friends have said: “You look well! Your skin looks AMAZING!” I’ll take that, thank you very much’ • ‘A hardworking multi-tasker, dense with nourishment and goodness, easily absorbed, goes gently about doing its job’ • ‘Smells transportatively beautiful – you had me at bergamot! With some unusual ingredients, which I had not used in previous products – Kalahari melon and red seaweed – I liked its African origins and English heritage; the botanicals seemed to be a perfect blend, giving a soft natural glow’ • ‘Fine lines appeared more hydrated and moisturised following prolonged use over 28 days. I also found this oil to be uplifting and had a positive effect on mood and wellbeing’ • ‘Never used a face oil much but will be doing from now on. the smell is stunning, invigorating and plumps your skin, erases fine lines and so easy to apply. I say: buy it!!!’ • ‘Friends and work colleagues have commented on how fresh and glowing my skin looks; this oil softened the few lines around my mouth area and left my skin looking plump and youthful’ • ‘The dispensing pump is fab, and the fragrance is divine – an earthy, Ayurvedic smell. I like that it was a heavier than usual facial oil, as though you'd had a facial after you'd massaged into your skin. My skin really felt hydrated and protected, as though it put a barrier up against the elements.’

£45 for 15ml - click to buy 

SILVER (JOINT) AWARD KINVARA Precious Facial Oil

Kinvara founder Joanne Reilly graduated in natural sciences from Trinity College Dublin, got herself a PhD and a post-graduate diploma in Community Development, and has a doctorate in tropical ecology. It was fieldwork on endangered species that showed her how local people turned to plants as a ‘natural apothecary’, and – ‘because I was frustrated with the products available to me’ – she went on to set up her own skincare brand. Base oils: jojoba, sunflower, plus squalane, vitamin E and bakuchiol (a plant alternative to retinols). Essential oils: rosemary, lavender.

£43.45 for 30ml - click to buy 

OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:

‘A fantastic product for aging skin; the difference after a couple of weeks was crazy! Firmer, plumper and brighter than ever, and fine lines were lessened’ • ‘An at-home, pampering spa delight! This is an easy-to-use face oil, with smoothing and softening properties; I’ll definitely continue to use this, as my skin benefited from it’ • ‘A lovely scent, isn't too heavy – although does need  time to sink in. The scent is long-lasting, as is the impact’ • ‘After 24 hours my skin felt soft and felt more radiant and smooth, as if it had had had a treat!!’ • ‘After 28 days, lines appeared less obvious; my skin was more radiant and hydrated. Best hydrating oil I've ever used; makes skin look younger and smells gorgeous’ • ‘Using day and night, my skin looked very radiant. For day I blended with cream to use under foundation, which worked well’ • ‘My husband thinks my skin looks better and commented on the fragrance. When I first tested this oil, I felt I wouldn’t adore it as it was “less sophisticated” in both texture and fragrance to my favourite brand, being heavier and less complex in fragrance. Boy was I wrong! My skin loved this oil, the richness worked beautifully in these chilly months and helped to seal my dry cheeks against the harsh cold on my walks to work’ • ‘A work mate was surprised when I talked about plans for my 50th birthday, so I think it helped retain a youthful look. Deeply soothing for night time use, calming both your skin and your mind.’

£43.45 for 30ml - click to buy 

SILVER (JOINT) AWARD Rhug Wild Beauty Protecting Facial Oil with Bakuchiol

This winner is made and hand-bottled (like the rest of this luxurious organic range) on the historic Rhug Estate, on the banks of the River Dee, in North Wales. The word ‘bakuchiol’ features in the name of the product: this botanical (and gentler) alternative to retinols positions this as a specifically ‘anti-ageing’ facial oil. Base oils: grapeseed, safflower, rosehip, hemp, argan, evening primrose, sunflower, jojoba, pomegranate, plus wild-foraged sorrel and bakuchiol. Essential oils: lemon, geranium, clary sage, patchouli, bergamot, orange, neroli, rose.

£80 for 30ml - click to buy 

OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:

‘10/10 (can I give it 11?) I love you guys so much for sending me this product! I had never heard of the brand or this absolutely wonderful night-time oil. Smells great, helped my tired dry skin and made me feel like a woman who is getting more than four hours sleep at a time!’ • ‘Beautiful, rich night oil which is wonderful, but not for combi or oily skin. My skin is looking fresher and brighter, seems plumper and more lifted; fine lines have definitely reduced. In general, my skin looks healthier’ • ‘Absolutely beautiful and I am so happy to have been given the opportunity to discover it. I would have gone out to purchase this as there are other facial oils around at slightly lower price points; however, after using it, I will certainly buy it again and it would be my “go-to” facial oil’ • ‘My very dry skin feels fully moisturised/hydrated every morning. I think the lines above my top lips look improved, too’ • ‘A good moisturising facial oil, to soften and plump a mature, dry face’ • ‘If you have never tried a facial oil before, this is a good one to try and you are likely to see a significant difference to the texture of your skin: soft, hydrated and plump’ • ‘If you want a serum which can absorb into the layers of your skin quickly and make a difference, AND you want a nice smell to boot, buy this serum! use it’ • ‘I also use it if I've been for a swim, and my face is very dry afterwards; it’s a great pick-me-up.’

£80 for 30ml - click to buy 

SILVER (JOINT) AWARD Zelens Z-22 Ultimate Face Oil

No less than 22 ‘precious plant oils’ feature here, said to reflect Dr. Marko Lens’s ‘lifelong passion for botanicals. This is a luxury-priced brand, showcasing science-led skincare which also draws on potent and proven botanicals; this is definitely the most natural offering across Zelens’s range, although there’s a little bit of scientific wizardry in there, too. Base oils: perilla (shiso), rice bran, camellia, rosehip, grapeseed. Essential oils: lemon, bitter orange, May chang, lavender, rosemary, geranium, rose, lemongrass, lime, cardamom, basil, jasmine.

£70 for 30ml - click to buy 

OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:

‘An outstanding product – pure alchemy. Silky texture, smells divine. Sank in immediately without leaving a horrible film on the skin and is also the perfect oil to use after using acids/retinols’ • ‘Has a lovely vibrant clean smell, which I put down to the citrus-lemon in it but is not in any way over-powering’ • ‘My forehead – which can sometimes resemble parchment in winter – absolutely loved this product. I rely on face oils a lot because my skin gets so dehydrated, and this really worked for me; it immediately got rid of any dryness and tightness and left a lovely sheen to my face, without looking oily’ • ‘An ideal winter oil, especially when the central heating sucks the life out of your skin. I loved the pump, which makes everything so less messy than most dropper-dispensed oils’ • ‘Truly loved this and will definitely buy on repeat. I have seen a big anti-ageing difference around my eye area and my skin feels plumper and more youthful’ • ‘A luxurious-feeling oil that nurtures and hydrates skin  I have had generalised comments that my skin looks healthier and more refreshed! Skin appeared softer and hydrated – lush, I’d say!’ • ‘A fantastic, fragranced oil to feed and replenish skin. I did really enjoy using this face oil and I would continue to use it. It smells very fresh and relaxing for night-time, but equally the scent is lovely in the morning to refresh you. This feels much lighter than you would expect an oil to feel – I love that about it – but sinks in quickly to leave the skin feeling hydrated and nourished overnight.’

£70 for 30ml - click to buy 

SILVER (JOINT) AWARD Gatineau Defi Lift Firming Face Oil

This is a facial oil, sure – but at the high-tech end of the spectrum, according to the French skincare brand. It’s specifically targeted at complexions which are experiencing loss of firmness (hence the name), working to boost collagen and elastin production for a ‘pillow-plumped appearance’. Base oils (and other ingredients): cotton seed oil, jojoba, oat kernel, rosehip and algae oils, myrtle and olive complex, Alaria Esculenta marine extract, hyaluronic acid, DefiLift Bio Peptide Complex and Bio-Retinol Bidens Pilosa – a natural retinol alternative. Fragrance: no individual ingredients listed, just a blend that is labelled ‘parfum’.

£74 for 30ml - click to buy 

OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:

‘This is so light, I had to double check it was actually an oil! It has a very subtle fragrance which I absolutely adore’ • ‘I thought it would be very heavy and would clog my pores, but it is the absolute opposite – an absolute pleasure to use. My skin is definitely plumper and the texture slightly smoother than it was prior to using this product, while my daughter said that I looked very healthy and refreshed’ • ‘I’ve never been a fan of oils as I find them messy and they tend to leave my skin shiny and sticky, so I was not optimistic or looking forward to trying this. I was so surprised when I first used it! So light and soaked into my skin so easily’ • ‘The results from the off were clear, and as time event by just got better and better: reduction in fine lines, pore size and my skin looks much more radiant. My new staple both day and night. When I had my flu jab the lady in the pharmacy wouldn't believe my age!’ • ‘A few of my friends have commented on how amazing my skin is looking –Clear and plump; you can honestly see the difference after first try’ • ‘I genuinely think my skin appears healthier, and I guess the illusion of looking younger comes with that. Skin is more radiant and healthier looking’ • ‘I used the oil on my décolleté and my shoulders when I went out for an evening, and it made my skin glow nicely.’

£74 for 30ml - click to buy 

SILVER (JOINT) AWARD Charlotte Tilbury Collagen Superfusion Facial Oil

Well, Charlotte ALWAYS wants us to get our glow on – and to do just that, she’s created a face oil ‘with collagen matrix and potent plant extracts’. Natural oils feature – but as ever, lots of patented skincare molecules which glory in names like Collageneer, Nanocacao O and Maxnolia O, plus a blend of oils designed to offer ‘an at-home spa experience’. Base oils: avocado, babassu, raspberry seed, blueberry seed, evening primrose. Essential oils: lavender, rose absolute, damask rose, neroli, eucalyptus. ‘Plumped’ was a word used by most of the testers in this group.

£62 for 30ml - click to buy 

OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:

‘Although it's an oil, it absolutely doesn’t make the skin greasy; instead, it sinks in quickly – you only need a few drops, so one bottle will last ages. I used it day and night and because it is so quick and easy to use, I found I was more likely to use it regularly. As a result, my skin looks much better – I would say younger, fresher and brighter – and I have had a few people say how well I look’ • ‘I really liked this product. I used it both day and night as I felt it was having a good effect on my skin; make-up applied easily over the top, when I used a drop or two in the morning’ • ‘A luxurious product with lovely smell and a very rich texture; the bottle lasts a long time and every time, I feel like I am giving my face a reward by using this product’ • ‘Caught sight of myself when passing a mirror and I did think, “nice skin!!”’ • I’d say to someone considering this: it’s a luxury item and do persevere to see the long-term effects’ • ‘ A friend did say my skin looked nice - normally she does not comment so this was out of the blue! I thought my skin looked radiant and glowing, as I used it with my jade roller; I felt the oil actually plumped my skin, which in turn lessened the visibility of my wrinkles’ • ‘Marginal reduction in fine lines around my eyes, which is pleasing!

£62 for 30ml - click to buy 

SILVER (JOINT) AWARD Cotswold Remedies Collagen Boost Facial Oil

This was a Gold Award-winner in 2023, and fought off stiff competition to win again, this year. Cotswold Remedies is a ‘kitchen table’ start-up, with founder Ray starting her brand to ‘deliver real results at a fraction of the price tag of my favourite high-end products, without compromising any quality or result in the process.’ This is 100% natural and 83.6% organic. Base oils: camellia, grapeseed, macadamia, plus extra7cts of organic carrot, sea buckthorn, marine algae and vitamin E. Essential oils: lavender, geranium, clove, wild chamomile, eucalyptus, peppermint, blood orange peel.

£22 for 25ml - click to buy 

OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:

‘My skin has been smoothed and hydrated by this oil. I saw an aesthetician the other day who said how good my skin was; I am sure the formula works!’ • ‘A hero product that should be on everyone’s dressing table or nightstand. It is uplifting and smells so earthy and fragrant – and 100% natural!’ • ‘I really liked this product; if I could have given 11/10 I would. A little goes a long way; I noticed almost immediately if I put it on at night, by morning any dry patches had disappeared. I felt that I did not need to apply any moisturiser with it and will be buying another bottle for sure’ • ‘It sank beautifully and left my skin feeling soft, silky and younger – I’d call it glow-y looking. Loved it!’ • ‘There were days that I didn’t use day or night cream and skin was still perfectly moisturised. Overall, feel my skin is younger, smoother and plumper’ • ‘I was a tad dubious about this as it’s got quite an orange colour to it, so I was a bit worried how my face would look after the first use. My fears vanished when waking in the mornings to find that my complexion was actually lovely and soft and glowy’ • ‘This is a good facial oil for night use, and no transfer to my pillow either. You wake up in the morning with a nice glow, while skin feels plump. Interestingly, for an oil, you can definitely apply make-up on top – in fact, I found it mixed into foundations and tinted moisturisers beautifully.’

£22 for 25ml - click to buy 

BRONZE (JOINT) AWARD Lumene Valo Arctic Berry Oil-Cocktail

A cocktail? Yes, this is a shake-before-use product which also features Arctic spring water (so: a little different to our other winners). Lumene have done so well in these Awards over the past couple of years, winning here for a fusion of science-based ingredients alongside botanicals, some of them Nordic natives. Base oils: jojoba, avocado, cranberry seed, sea buckthorn, cloudberry, plus squalane. Essential oils: the fragrance is listed as ‘parfum’, but rosemary essential oil also features.

£29.90 for 30ml - click to buy 

OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:

‘All three of my daughters have complimented me on my skin recently, which is lovely. Personally, I noticed that my dry skin felt smoother and seemed to plump up a little and was also a bit brighter – very welcome at my age’ • ‘As this is a comparatively watery oil, it is so easy to apply and sinks in fairly quickly, delivering a glow. After 28 days the difference was really noticeable; my skin looked radiant’ • ‘This offers lots and lots of vitamins and fatty acids, and my skin responded like my body would do to a big shot boost of vitamins! It feels more supple, smoother and with an uptick in the hydration levels; the slight crêpiness that I am starting to get around my mouth and chin are lessened’ • ‘The scent is lovely, berry fresh, and makes this such a lovely treat to use – like a delicious cocktail of goodness for my skin, which surprisingly is not as dry as usual’ • ‘My boss did ask if I had changed my make-up. I hadn’t! This is the only thing I have used differently. It’s a really effective cross between an oil and a serum, lovely to use’ • ‘My skin is so touchy that I can’t use a lot of things and was nervous to try this – but oh, boy am I glad I did! After several days’ use, I was seeing a reduction in the dry patches on my face; after using for a whole month my skin was plumper and more had a glow to it. I feel more confident in my skin, now and it just looks healthier, overall.’

£29.90 for 30ml - click to buy 

BRONZE (JOINT) AWARD This Is Silk Silk Overnight Oil

This Is Silk’s founder, Sonal Keay, is an ex-barrister who launched her brand with high-quality silk pillowcases, after she struggled to find them on the market. They’ve expanded into hair wraps, face masks and now haircare and skincare – which sure enough, harnesses a silk-derived ingredient in the form of silk peptides, in the blend. Base oils: rosehip, camellia, jojoba, plus vitamin E and bakuchiol (natural retinol alternative). Essential oils: bergamot, neroli, juniper, mandarin, rose, jasmine.

£49 for 30ml - click to buy 

OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:

‘It's quite a rich oil, so you don't need much, although my skin just seemed to drink it in. Left it really plumped, still a little dewy, softened and calmed. I noticed an improvement in my texture, which looked smoothed; my overall appearance was noticeably more rested’ • ‘It's fragranced with something light and floral, with some fresh greenness – perhaps a hint of jasmine, without being perfume-y or artificial’ • ‘I would say that my skin looks more rested and refreshed from using this every night, with the appearance of facial wrinkles eased, skin plumped and toned, but no irritation from the product or increases in blemishes or sensitivity’ • ‘My skin feels pampered, more comfortable and much, much softer and nourished. It also looks more rested and refreshed from using this product every night, with facial wrinkles eased, skin plumped and toned, yet without any irritation from the product, increases in blemishes or sensitivity. My skin feels pampered, more comfortable and much, much softer and nourished’ • ‘I think it has made my skin look younger, as it’s so much better hydrated. A lovely oil, perfect for night time use, smells beautiful and helps with texture of skin; it showed improvement after first use and kept it soft for a full 24 hours’ • ‘Improved the appearance and texture of my skin, which is bouncy and hydrated. A close friend noticed an improvement in the texture of my skin when using this and said I looked more refreshed than usual’ • ‘A little bottle of magic’ • ‘Unlike other oils I have used, this absorbs into the skin really well and doesn’t leave my skin feeling like an oil slick.’

£49 for 30ml - click to buy 

BRONZE (JOINT) AWARD HUDA Beauty WISHFUL Get Even Rose Oil

Almost completely natural, this ultra-rich facial oil – from Huda Kattan’s globally, explosively successful beauty line – features 15 ‘skin-loving oils’, of which the stars are a blend of rosehip and Damascus rose oils; these not only soothe and lock in moisture, but also deliver the strong rosy scent. Base oils: raspberry seed, camellia, jojoba, rice bran, plum, soya, macadamia, sunflower, black cumin, meadowfoam, carrot and cranberry seed. Essential oils: rose (and a touch of rosemary).

£55 for 30ml - click to buy 

OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:

‘Gorgeous, scented, super-rich facial oil that’s a delight to use. It’s very rich and with a noticeable rose scent, and very easy to apply. Took a while to sink in to my normal to slightly dry, mature skin – but that’s what you expect from a facial oil. It’s not that it sat uncomfortably on my skin, but just that like a rich dessert, it takes a while to go down’ • ‘I would definitely use this over the winter months as a supplement to my barrage of serums and night creams. My skin was softer and more plumped. I love products that do this!’ • ‘My skin started to look really radiant and healthy, using this; I really felt there was a difference in radiance, and sun spots faded somewhat’ • ‘I think my skin had a big snack of extra hydration, because of the product’s richness, and I’m very happy to have that’ • ‘My mother-in-law told me that I had beautiful skin and asked me what I used on my face. The oil itself was heavenly to apply;  I followed the directions to the letter and applied after moisturiser. It gave the loveliest sheen to my skin and really gave me a glow. I was so sad when I finished it but will definitely purchase again’ • ‘Gorgeous fragrance, very uplifting! Your skin glows after using this at night on the face’ • ‘Smoothness and brightness good. Used the product on my face overnight, and it seems to improve the evenness of my skin. Very hydrating, but with moisturiser on top, it makes skin much brighter’ • ‘The smell was like liquorice and rose, and I grew to really love it.’

£55 for 30ml - click to buy