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For dry and mature skin, the best facial oils are ones rich in oleic and linoleic fatty acids or squalane — like Sunday Riley Juno, The Ordinary Rose Hip Seed Oil, and Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil — used as the last step over moisturizer to seal in hydration and soften the look of fine lines.
A facial oil isn't a replacement for moisturizer — it's a sealant layered on top to slow water loss and add a dose of fatty acids or antioxidants that lotions alone don't always deliver. For drier, more mature skin, the right oil can noticeably soften that tight, crepey feel by evening's end.
Our top pick · Best overall
Sunday Riley Juno Antioxidant + Superfood Face Oil
Higher oleic-acid oils (like rosehip, argan, or marula) for very dry or mature skin, since oleic acid is more emollient than linoleic-dominant oils
Cold-pressed and minimally processed oils if you want the antioxidant content (vitamin E, carotenoids) intact
Squalane as an option if you want a virtually non-comedogenic, fast-absorbing alternative to plant oils
Added actives like vitamin C or bakuchiol if you want the oil to double as a light treatment step, not just an occlusive
Fragrance-free formulations if you have rosacea or are also using retinoids, since some essential-oil-scented facial oils can sting on compromised barriers
Best overall
Sunday Riley Juno Antioxidant + Superfood Face Oil
A blend of trans-retinoic acid ester and antioxidant-rich botanical oils designed to soften fine lines while still functioning as a rich, sealing oil. The blend is fairly potent and lightly scented from the botanicals, so those with reactive or fragrance-sensitive skin should patch test first.
The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil
An unfussy, single-ingredient cold-pressed rosehip oil that leans linoleic-acid rich, making it lighter than argan or marula while still delivering essential fatty acids. It's less emollient than heavier oils, so extremely dry skin may want to layer it under a richer cream rather than rely on it alone.
Single-ingredient, minimally processed formula
Naturally contains vitamin A precursors and fatty acids
A high-oleic argan oil that absorbs more slowly than lighter oils but leaves a noticeably softer, plumper feel on dehydrated or crepey skin. Those with oilier or acne-prone skin may find it too rich for daily all-over use.
Combines plant-derived squalane with vitamin C and rosehip for a fast-absorbing oil that still supports an antioxidant routine, ideal for those who find heavier plant oils too greasy. It leans lighter than pure rosehip or argan oil, so very dry skin may still want to add a separate rich cream underneath.
Facial oil is generally applied last, after serum and moisturizer, because its job is to seal in the water-based products underneath rather than deliver hydration on its own.
Can facial oils clog pores on mature skin?
Some oils are more comedogenic than others — coconut oil ranks high, while squalane, argan, and rosehip oil are generally considered low on the comedogenicity scale — so choice matters more than the category of 'facial oil' as a whole.
Do facial oils actually reduce fine lines?
Facial oils don't erase wrinkles, but by softening the surface and reducing transepidermal water loss they can make fine lines and dry-skin texture look less pronounced, especially by the end of the day.
Is rosehip oil or argan oil better for dry, mature skin?
Argan oil tends to be richer and more emollient due to its higher oleic-acid content, making it a better fit for very dry skin, while rosehip oil is lighter and often chosen for its vitamin A precursors and antioxidant profile.
Can I use a facial oil with retinol?
Yes — applying a fragrance-free facial oil after retinol is a common way to buffer irritation and dryness, though it's worth confirming the oil doesn't contain additional actives that could compound sensitivity.
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