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From coconut to argan, many oils are claimed to be beneficial for the skin. But which ones are most effective for improving skin health and quality? Whether you’re interested in moisturizing, protecting, or cleansing your skin, oils could be the key to enhancing your skincare routine.
Each type of oil has its own benefits and may affect your skin in different ways. At NOTO, we focus on creating inclusive skincare products, so we look for oils that work best for all skin types. Here we’ve created a roundup of the best natural oils for your face to help find one that suits your skin type and needs.
1. Argan Oil
Argan oil is harvested from the kernels of the argan tree in Morocco. It is considered a good oil for your face because it is packed with antioxidants, fatty acids, and vitamin E, making it an excellent choice for moisturizing and protecting your skin. The oil is lightweight and absorbs quickly, so you can use it on its own or with other skincare products to nourish your skin.
Argan oil is perfect for those with sensitive, acne-prone skin, as it is non-irritating and non-comedogenic. This oil is also known to deliver anti-aging effects. One study found that argan oil can increase skin elasticity in postmenopausal women. You can find argan oil in our Rooted Oil. We’ve blended argan oil with essential oils like bergamot to create a mood-lifting potion with tons of skincare benefits.
2.Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is one of the best natural oils for your face because it has many benefits for the skin. It is rich in medium-chain fatty acids and has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. The fatty acids help moisturize dry skin and prevent premature signs of aging. The oil is also shown to reduce acne due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Coconut oil can be used in many different ways to benefit your skin. We get our coconut oil through sustainable harvesting methods and use it in everything from our skincare to Color + Glo sticks. The blend of coconut oil and natural pigments in our multi-use makeup sticks provides the perfect vehicle for stunning color that you can use all over your face, including lips, cheeks, and eyelids.
3. Grapeseed Oil
Another good oil for your face is grapeseed oil. This oil has high amounts of vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acids. Grapeseed oil increases skin’s moisture levels and enhances its ability to bounce back. This makes your skin more supple and less likely to crack, reducing the likelihood of wrinkle formation.
Grapeseed oil is among the best natural oils for your face because it has a powerful antioxidant called proanthocyanidin. This antioxidant is shown to lighten hyperpigmentation and even out your skin tone. One study found that taking grapeseed oil orally helped reduce the appearance of melasma, which are brown or blue-gray patches that appear on the face.
Grapeseed oil is a key ingredient in our top-rated Deep Serum, formulated by founder Gloria Noto to repair, heal and prevent breakouts based on her own personal skin issues.
4. Rosehip Oil
Long considered one of the top anti-aging oils, it’s no surprise that rosehip has made it onto our list of the best natural oils for your face. This oil is extracted from the seeds of rosehips, which are fruits of the rose plant. Like other plant-based oils, rosehip oil is a rich source of vitamin E and essential fatty acids. They help moisturize your skin and keep it soft and supple.
What distinguishes rosehip oil from other plant-based oils is its high concentration of vitamin A, the active ingredient in retinol products. Vitamin A increases cellular turnover, boosts collagen production, and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. We also use rosehip oil in our best-selling Deep Serum facial oil to rejuvenate your face and neck.
5. Olive Oil
You’re probably not surprised that this made our list of good oils for your face! Olive oil is made by pressing olive fruits and extracting their oil. This kitchen staple is one of the best natural oils for your face because it contains vitamins A, D, E, and K, antioxidants, and squalane. It hydrates dry skin, fights free radical damage, and slows skin aging.
Olive oil stands out from other plant-based oils due to its potential ability to fight cancer. In one study, mice that had olive oil applied to their skin experienced lower rates of tumors caused by ultraviolet rays. While most people benefit from olive oil’s emollient and protective properties, those with sensitive skin should stay away from this oil as it can cause allergies.
6. Sunflower Seed Oil
Sunflower oil is produced from the seeds of the sunflower plant. It is considered one of the best natural oils for your face because it has several compounds, such as oleic and linoleic acid, that are beneficial for the skin. It is a highly absorbent oil that can be used on all skin types, including normal, dry, oily, and acne-prone skin. Sunflower oil is non-comedogenic, so it does not clog your pores.
The most notable benefit of sunflower oil is its skin barrier-protecting properties. The skin barrier is the outermost layer of your skin that locks moisture in and keeps environmental irritants out. When this barrier is damaged, you experience dry, irritated skin that is susceptible to premature aging. The linoleic acid in sunflower oil fortifies the skin barrier to maintain your skin’s integrity.
7. Jojoba Oil
You’re probably familiar with this beloved skincare oil. Jojoba oil is produced from the seeds of the Simmondsia chinensis plant, an evergreen shrub native to the Southwestern United States and Mexico. It makes our list of good oils for your face because it moisturizes your skin, controls natural oil production, has antimicrobial properties, and delivers antioxidant protection.
Jojoba oil is considered one of the best oils for your face because it is very similar to sebum, the oil your skin produces naturally. Although known as an oil, jojoba oil is actually a liquid wax. It delivers all the benefits of plant-based oils without leaving a greasy residue on your face. We use jojoba oil in our Hydra Highlighter Stick to feed your skin and light up your inner glow.
8. Neem Oil
Although a newcomer to the Western world, neem oil has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine. This oil is derived from the fruits and seeds of the neem tree, a plant native to the Indian subcontinent. It is among the best oils for your face because studies have shown that it can increase collagen production, promote wound healing, and fight skin infections.
Neem oil is generally safe to apply to the skin. However, you must practice caution before using it. We recommend you shop for organic, cold-pressed neem oil, and do a patch test on your arm before application. If you develop any allergic reactions, such as redness, itchiness, or swelling within 24 hours of application, dilute the oil with other carrier oils to make it less irritating.
9. Shea Butter
Although not exactly an oil, shea butter melts on contact with your skin. This fat is extracted from the nuts of the shea tree, which are native to West Africa. Shea butter makes our list of good oils for your face because it has significant levels of vitamins A, E, and F which help relieve skin inflammation, and reduces the appearance of scars.
Shea butter stands out from other plant-based oils due to its possession of triterpenes. These naturally occurring chemical compounds inhibit the destruction of collagen fibers, keeping your skin young and firm for as long as possible. Formulated with organic shea butter, our Multi-Bene sticks not only add a youthful pop of color to your complexion but also protect the structural integrity of your skin.
10. Marula Oil
Our final choice for the best natural oil for your face is marula oil. Marula oil is extracted from the kernels of the marula tree, a plant native to parts of Southern Africa. African women have used marula oil for centuries to treat cracked skin on their lips, hands, and feet. Marula oil is packed with amino acids, vitamins C and E, as well as a lesser-known antioxidant called epicatechin.
Like jojoba oil, marula oil has a similar profile to your skin’s natural oils. It is lightweight, absorbs quickly, and does not clog pores, making it an excellent moisturizer for people with combination, oily, and acne-prone skin. Thanks to its high concentration of oleic acid, marula oil can help other products better penetrate your skin. You can find marula oil in our Deep Serum and Moisture Riser Cream.
Shop Premium Facial Oils at NOTO
There you have it; the 10 best natural oils for your face! Are you confused and don’t know which oils to pick? You don’t have to shop for each oil individually. At NOTO, we offer facial serums and creams with a mixture of your favorite oils so you can take advantage of more than one oil’s benefits. Most of our oils are sustainably sourced, Fair Trade certified, and slave/child labor free.
When you shop NOTO, you help drive positive change. We donate a portion of our Agender Oil sales to organizations like The Transgender Freedom Fund, Black Mamas Matter, and Planned Parenthood. Check out our vegan facial oils to find the perfect elixir for you.