Face oils have been used for centuries to cleanse, protect, and nourish the skin, yet until recently, the idea of applying oil directly onto my face felt like a daunting and counterintuitive step in my skincare routine. However, with some education and the ever-increasing availability of high-quality, organic plant oils in Australia, face oils have become an essential item of my clean beauty routine.
Today, as a six-time Clean + Conscious Awards expert panellist who has tried and tested various face oils, I can confidently say that discovering the best face oils in Australia has completely transformed my skincare routine. These oils have not only provided my dry skin with the hydration it craves but also offered a multitude of other benefits that I never knew I needed!
Why Use Face Oil?
Face oils are formulated to deliver intense hydration and essential nutrients directly to your skin. They can help balance your skin’s natural oils, making them suitable for all skin types, including oily or acne-prone skin. In Australia, and especially during the winter months where the climate can be harsh and drying, incorporating face oils into your routine can offer a range of benefits:
Deep Hydration
Face oils penetrate deeply into the skin, providing long-lasting moisture for all skin types. This is particularly beneficial in Australia’s varying climate, which can leave skin feeling dry and dehydrated.
Rich in Nutrients: High-quality face oils are packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids. These nutrients help to protect the skin from environmental damage, support skin repair, and maintain a healthy complexion.
Age-Defying Properties: Many face oils contain ingredients that can reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Oils like rosehip and argan are known for their age-defying benefits, maintaining younger-looking skin for longer.
Improves Skin Barrier Function: A good face oil can help strengthen your skin’s barrier, preventing moisture loss and protecting against pollutants and irritants. This makes face oil an excellent choice for dry skin types.
Helps Acne-Prone Skin: Certain face oils have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can help reduce acne and assist with oily skin or combination skin. Ingredients like jojoba oil and bakuchiol can balance sebum production, soothe irritation, and prevent clogged pores.
Formulated with Clean Ingredients: Most face oils are formulated with clean, natural ingredients. Because they do not contain water, there is no need for preservatives, which means no chemicals or potential irritants on your sensitive skin. This makes face oils an excellent, easy choice for a clean beauty routine.
How to Choose the Best Face Oil in Australia
When selecting a face oil, consider your skin type and any specific skin concerns you might have. Australian and New Zealand skincare brands offer a wide variety of high-quality face oils, many formulated with organic ingredients. Here are some top ingredients to look for when shopping around:
Jojoba Oil
Similar to the skin’s natural sebum, jojoba oil is great for all skin types. It helps to balance oil production and provides deep hydration without clogging pores.
Rosehip Oil
Rich in vitamins A and C, rosehip oil is excellent for brightening dull skin and reducing the appearance of lines, scars and hyperpigmentation. It also works well as a barrier oil, preventing moisture loss.
Argan Oil
Known for its age-defying properties, argan oil is packed with antioxidants and essential fatty acids that nourish and protect the skin.
Macadamia Oil
Lightweight and easily absorbed, macadamia oil is perfect for dry and mature skin. It is rich in oleic acid and helps to restore the skin’s barrier function.
Sweet Almond Oil
Gentle and soothing, sweet almond oil is great for sensitive skin. It is rich in vitamins E and A, which help to improve skin tone and texture.
Bakuchiol
A natural alternative to retinol, bakuchiol helps to reduce signs of aging and improve uneven skin tones without the irritation that retinol can sometimes cause. (See our favourite natural retinol & bakuchiol products!)
Prickly Pear Seed Oil
Prickly pear seed oil is rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids. It is known for its powerful antioxidant properties, which help to protect the skin from free radicals and promote a more youthful appearance. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe irritated skin and help reduce redness.
Personally, I have found that incorporating rosehip oil into my nighttime routine (applying it over moisturiser) has significantly improved my skin’s hydration and appearance. It’s a little luxury that I look forward to every evening.
How to Incorporate Face Oil into Your Routine
To get the most out of using a face oil, it’s important to use it correctly. Here’s a simple guide to incorporating face oil into your skincare routine:
- Cleanse: Start with a clean face to ensure that the oil can penetrate deeply.
- Tone: Apply a toner or face mist to balance your skin’s pH levels.
- Moisturise*: Use a moisturiser if needed.
- Apply Face Oil*: Warm a few drops of face oil between your hands and gently press it into your skin. You can use it alone or mix it with your moisturiser.
*Face oils can be applied either before or after your moisturiser, depending on the oil and your skin type. For instance, rosehip oil is best applied as a barrier oil after moisturiser, while some oils might be more effective when applied before. It’s up to you to read the label and decide which application method is best for your skin type and the specific oil.
I like to take a few moments to breathe deeply and enjoy the calming aroma of the oil as I press it into my skin, turning my skincare routine into a mini self-care ritual.
Using face oil has truly transformed my skin, and I hope it can do the same for you! To discover the Best Face Oil skincare products in Australia & New Zealand, according to experts, check out the winners of Best Face Oil in the Clean + Conscious Awards.