Of all the skincare products on the market, face oils are undoubtedly one of the most intimidating, especially for skincare newbies. Many of us were brought up to believe that oil (in any form) causes breakouts, and that belief can be a hard one to shake. In reality, however, face oils can be a great addition to your skincare routine, regardless of your skin type. The right formula can help boost hydration, improve your skin’s texture and tone, and even help address skin concerns like dryness or irritation. Of course, a face oil that benefits one person may not work for another—the key is to find a formula suited to your skin’s specific needs.
Here, we’ll give you the scoop on using facial oils in your skincare routine. We’ll introduce you to three Kiehl’s face oils and help you determine which is ideal for your skin. You’ll also discover a few tips for incorporating these luxe (and non-comedogenic!) formulas into your regular skincare routine. Grab a glass of water, settle in, and read on to learn how to find the best face oil for your skin.
Tip #1:
Prep Your Skin Properly
No matter your skin type or skin concerns, you should always apply your facial oil to freshly-cleansed skin. We recommend starting by washing your face with a mild cleanser that’ll remove impurities without stripping your skin’s natural moisture barrier. While any gentle cleanser will do (you can find the best Kiehl’s cleanser for your skin type here), we recommend Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil. This luxurious cleansing oil with olive-derived squalane emulsifies with water to create a light, milky foam that dissolves dirt, excess oil, and even waterproof makeup. It’s non-comedogenic and suitable for all skin types, and can be used alone or as part of a double cleanse for soft, supple-feeling skin.
Tip #2:
Choose a Formula Suited For Your Skin Type
Generally, we recommend layering your skincare products in order of weight. In other words, you want to use the thinner, lighter-weight products first and apply the heavier products—like oils—towards the end of your routine.
Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil Herbal Concentrate Face Oil
Once you’re ready for your facial oil, choose a formula suited for your skin type. If you have dry skin, a richer oil may be best. Likewise, if you’re prone to breakouts, you’ll want to reach for a non-greasy face oil for oily skin, like Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil Herbal Concentrate Face Oil.
This calmative and ultra-lightweight face oil with hemp-derived Cannabis sativa* seed oil helps soothe problem skin and strengthens the skin’s natural moisture barrier. When used consistently, it also helps reduce visible redness and other signs of stress. Dispense a few drops of the herbaceous formula into clean palms and rub your hands together. Then, use light pressure to pat your palms onto your face, focusing on problem areas. You can use this non-acnegenic face oil morning and night for calmer, more balanced skin.
Tip #3:
Consider When You’ll Be Using It
Another factor to consider when choosing a face oil is when you’ll be using it. Many skincare products are formulated for specific times of day—moisturizers with SPF, for example, are generally intended for daytime, while overnight masks are (obviously) designed for overnight use. Face oils are no different.
Daily Reviving Concentrate
If you’re looking for a lightweight oil for daytime, we recommend Daily Reviving Concentrate. The antioxidant-packed face oil stars ginger root essential oil and sunflower oil, along with cold-pressed Tamanu oil from Polynesia. When applied in the morning, the non-greasy formula helps protect against damaging free radicals and helps reduce the appearance of fatigue for energized, radiant-looking skin. It’s suitable for all skin types and can be used alone or with another lightweight face oil for added hydration if desired.
Midnight Recovery Concentrate
At night, try a richer face oil, like Midnight Recovery Concentrate. This indulgent, lavender-scented face oil, made with olive-derived squalane and evening primrose oil, is a must-have for your nighttime skincare routine. The moisturizing formula helps replenish the skin at night when it is most receptive to repairing itself from the impact of daily stressors, like air pollution and extreme weather. In one night, it helps visibly reduce fine lines and refine skin’s texture, while continued use leaves skin looking smoother, firmer, and more radiant. For an extra-luxurious application, spread it over your skin with a skincare tool, like a jade roller, or take five minutes to give yourself a relaxing facial massage.
Tip #4:
Apply Your Face Oil Sparingly
While face oil can be an asset to your skincare routine, the key is to use it sparingly. Both face oils for dry skin and face oils for acne-prone skin can leave you feeling a bit oilier than you’d like if applied excessively. Instead of slathering it on like you would sunscreen, start by patting just a few drops of your chosen oil onto your face, focusing on your problem areas (you can always add more if needed).
Note that our facial oils aren’t designed for use on the eye area. If you’re looking to address eye area concerns like crow’s feet or dark under-eye circles, try an oil-infused eye cream, like Midnight Recovery Eye, instead. It’s made with a blend of skin-friendly oils and plant extracts and is suitable for all skin types, even sensitive skin. We recommend applying this luxe eye cream to your under-eye area and along your orbital bone at night to replenish, smooth, and restore the appearance of your eye area. For daytime, swap out your nighttime eye cream for a lightweight cream or eye serum.
Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil Herbal Concentrate Face Oil
