I’m a big fan of face oils for instant hydration, the feeling of not being weighed down (as some creams can do) and they’re great for an instant skin pick-me-up—plus they can also do double duty as a gentle eye makeup remover.
That said, all oils aren’t the same. Firstly, when looking for an oil that’s going to do what it promises, without clogging pores and doing more damage than good, it’s crucial to choose natural, and where possible, organic.
From herbs to seeds, nature is an expert at delivering oils that come with beautiful benefits. Rosehip is a big favorite thanks to its ability to kick free radicals to the curb and work with collagen to deter early aging.
So, it’s common to see many oils containing this skin-loving ingredient. However, when seeking one to add to your bathroom cabinet, be sure to check the label for purity and potency. Choose one that’s mixed with synthetic ingredients, you’re doing your skin and health a disservice.
Other natural ingredients that top my list for inclusion in oils are avocado for its moisturizing good fats, almond for its Vitamin E content and barbary fig seed oil also for its Vitamin E, but also for its linoleic acid and betalains content, which protect against free radicals, stimulates new cell growth, and calms inflammation.
Age-Defying Natural Face Oils
ANNMARIE BEAUTY
Herbal Facial Oil
$34.95
For sensitive to normal skin, Annmarie has crafted a potent blend of antioxidants and moisturizing oils to balance and hydrate. One of my favorites.
Made with: Love, herb oil (grapeseed oil, life everlasting, green tea, gotu kola, rosemary, calendula, lavender, milk thistle, lemon balm, licorice root, roobibos, hibiscus, rhodiola, gingko, plantain, amla, ashwaghanda, acai, goji berry, horsetail, comfrey leaves, comfrey root, rose petal, echinacea, ginseng, lotus, boswellia, blue violet), fractionated coconut oil, oleic sunflower oil, olive oil, aloe vera oil, passion fruit oil, tamanu oil, carrot seed oil, vitamin E tocopherols, evening primrose extract, seabuckthorn berry extract, red raspberry seed oil, cranberry seed oil, rosehip extract, calendula extract, buriti fruit oil, sandalwood oil, jasmine sambac oil, bergamot oil, blue chamomile oil, rosemary oleoresin.
ANTIPODES DIVINE FACE OIL
Organic Avocado & Rosehip
$34
The perfect oil for tired, stressed and sun-damaged skin, it infuses the skin with collagen-boosting avocado oil, which also helps ward off age spots and diminish visible lines. Added rosehip helps avocado oil target scars and wrinkles. Made in New Zealand, Antipodes is a company serious about using only natural ingredients that produce the results they promise. Cleanse your face thoroughly before applying. I love using this oil just before bed for a nighttime moisture infusion.
Made with: Active ingredients of kiwi seed oil, avocado oil, jojoba with an all-natural preservative.
AUM ANTI AGE ORGANICS
Rejuvenating Rosehip Oil
$22.95
Rosehip oil boasts nutrients that promote skin elasticity, suppleness, while improving moisture levels. Rose geranium is thought to enhance the skin’s clarity and purity (although it’s worth noting an oil or any beauty product alone cannot effectively do this without a nutritious and healthy wholefood diet, including regular intakes of fresh spring water). This is a great oil if you’re looking to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, lessen pigmentation and hydrate without clogging pores.
Made with: Rosehip oil, rose geranium oil and rosemary extract.
KORA ORGANICS BY MIRANDA KERR
Luscious Rosehip Oil
$46.55
Designed to repair and revitalize, supermodel Miranda Kerr has has combined noni extract, organic rosehip, jasmine, rose and pomegranate oils. The combination of these additional essential oils work synergistically with the rosehip oil to provide a rich source of anti-oxidants and essential fatty acids for the skin. As Miranda says, “Essential fatty acids main function is their ability to counteract the drying effects of sun exposure and other environmental influences that lead to signs of aging and age related skin damage.”
Made with: Rosa eglantaria (Rosehip) Oil*, Simmondsia chinensis (Jojoba) oil*, Punica granatum (Pomegranate) Oil*, d-alpha Tocopheryl Acetate (Soyabean derived Natural Vitamin E), Morinda citrifolia (Noni Fruit)*, Hippophae rhamnoides (Sea Buckthorn) Oil*, Rosa damascena (Rose) Oil*, Jasminium officinalis (Jasmine) Oil*, geraniol**, citronellol**, linalool**, benzyl benzoate**, & eugenol**. **From essential oils. *Ingredient from Organic Farming
LA BELLA FIGURA
Cold Pressed Barbary Fig Seed Oil
$90
Morocco’s barbary fig seed oil, or prickly pear, is an oil extracted from sweet fruits of the opuntia ficus-indica, a species of cactus thought to be native to Mexico. In many respects, it’s winning more followers than the ever-popular argan oil—and for good reason. Scar healing and skin soothing, barbary fig seed oil is rich in deeply moisturizing linoleic acid, which makes up 60 percent of the oil. It easily penetrates the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin) making it a good choice for use in moisturizers and other skincare products. It absorbs rapidly and leaves no greasy residue. La Bella Figura’s barbary fig seed oil wins me over every time. For all skin types.
Made with: 100% Pure Cold Pressed Organic Barbary Fig Seed Oil-ECOCERT Certified
BEAUTY AND THE BEES
Liquid Velvet Olive Moisture Boost Serum
$24.95
Olive Squalane is a naturally occurring lipid from olives. Thanks to its ability to improve elasticity and foster smoothness, as well as boost cell regeneration, it’s often referred to as “Mother Nature’s facelift”. This lovely serum is great if you suffer from dry or sensitive skin and brings relief if you battle with eczema and psoriasis. Rosehip also makes an appearance in this Tasmanian-made product, as well as nut oils and meadowfoam seed oil, which boasts skin-conditioning fatty acids.
Made with: Olive Squalane, meadowfoam seed oil, rosehip seed, camellia, peach, cherry kernal oils.
WELEDA
Almond Facial Oil
$25.50
A deeply absorbent, fragrance-free treatment that gently restores skin’s healthy balance and revives its natural protective functions. One of my favorite natural brands, Weleda has won many a fan with this beautiful facial treat that features almond oil’s easily-absorbed essential fatty acids. Other key ingredients include plum kernel oil for its balancing and soothing properties, as well as high levels of antioxidants and vitamins A and E. Skin-strengthening blackthorn flower extract also helps to tone and protect.
Made with: Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Prunus Domestica (Plum) Seed Oil, Prunus Spinosa (Blackthorn) Flower Extract.
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Beatriz Lopez
February 23, 2013 at 6:30 amI LOVE Annmarie Gianni’s products 🙂 They are truly the best I have ever used! The herbal facial oil for normal/combo skin, though not marketed as such, is truly an anti-aging oil. I love it along with her anti-aging oil & anti-aging serum (both phenomenal!). The anti-aging eye cream is a miracle worker! Her aloe-herb facial cleanser did completely away with my super dry & uncomfortable skin! And pretty much everything else I have tried from her line blows me away!!
Shannon
February 23, 2013 at 10:33 amI’m so with you Beatriz! Annmarie’s line is so pure and each product really is nature in a jar. I’m a huge fan. Stay tuned for an interview with Annmarie on the blog soon!
Mary
February 25, 2013 at 5:02 pmHave you ladies tried Elabloom facial oil? They have a body oil too, they’re both devine!!
Shannon
February 25, 2013 at 5:07 pmOh fabulous! I haven’t tried it, but thanks for the heads up Mary. It’s now on the radar!