14 Best Face Oils of 2022, Tested by Pros

In the GH Beauty Lab’s category test, 56 face oils across price points were label-masked and then tested by 1,112 volunteers of various skin types to narrow the field to the top 16 products.

Next, testers used the products at home in their regular skincare routines, evaluating them for effects on skin including hydration, softening, radiance-boosting, firming, wrinkle reduction, texture smoothing, irritation and breakouts. They also took note of attributes such as scent, dispensing, texture and absorption.

In the Lab, scientists used the Corneometer device to measure the moisturization effects of each formula over six hours after application. When all was said and done, consumer testers answered 18,904 survey questions collectively and 1,800 Corneometer measurements were tallied to find the winners.

To find the face oil that’s best for you, consider the following factors:

✔️ Applicator: When perusing your face oil options, look for the newer-style “push-button” droppers. They feature a bulb top, and “our consumers overwhelmingly favored these devices for dosing a proper amount of oil,” Wnek reports.

✔️ Fragrance: While some consumers like fragrance in their skincare products, others don’t. Before purchasing, confirm whether or not your face oil is scented. “It is a good practice to sniff your facial oil before you buy it as many of them incorporate natural and synthetic fragrances that may be overwhelming for some,” she advises.

✔️ Bottle: Many face oils come in a glass bottle. Both the GH Beauty Lab and some of the testers suggest caution when handling them with oily hands. To avoid dropping the bottle and risking breaking it, “pipette a small amount of oil and place it on the top of your hand, close the bottle and then proceed to apply it on the face,” Wnek says.

No. While face oils are a great supplement to your skincare routine, they should not be your primary or sole source of moisturization. GH Beauty Lab testing has found that they don’t provide the same level of hydration that moisturizers like lotions and creams do. In addition, if you’re searching for additional benefits such as anti-aging, many face oils aren’t the best choice. “Most facial oils lack sunscreen protection and/or anti-aging ingredients, which is something that is typically found in serums and/or moisturizers,” Wnek says.

Yes! In addition to our Beauty Assistant using a face oil even though she has oily skin, Wnek shares that GH Beauty Lab testing showed that many face oils are non-greasy. Test winners “had a nice texture that wasn’t too heavy, greasy or tacky,” Wnek says. “Additionally, on average, consumers found that facial oils weren’t irritating to skin.”

Good Housekeeping Beauty Director April Franzino has over 15 years of experience researching, writing and editing skincare-related content, utilizing the expertise of the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab scientists and top industry professionals such as dermatologists and aestheticians. For this piece, April worked closely with GH Beauty Lab scientists to report on the Lab’s face oil test protocols and results.

Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab Chemist Danusia Wnek worked with GH Beauty Lab Senior Chemist Sabina Wizemann to conduct the Lab’s face oil test, measuring changes in skin moisture levels after use as well as consumer feedback. Wnek also provided advice on what to look for in an effective face oil and tips for best usage.

Good Housekeeping Beauty Assistant Catharine Malzahn updated this article by adding new product picks, GH Beauty Lab product testing details, shopping information and expert commentary. She works closely with the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab to help deliver fact-based, science-backed beauty coverage.