Got Dry Skin? Here’s Why Derms Say Facial Oil Should Be a Non-Negotiable in Your Winter Skin Routine

Your winter skin-care routine is likely made up of a whole bunch of moisturizing products that leave you looking like a glazed donut. That is, until you step outside and all of that hydration evaporates into the air. WOMP. If you want to keep that radiant glow going for as long as possible, you’ll need to add a facial oil into the mix.

Facial oils are a great addition to any dry, winter skin routine because they stave off transepidermal water loss by creating an occlusive barrier over your skin. Translation: They keep all of the hydrating goodness from your serums and moisturizers trapped beneath your complexion, which is extra-important for keeping skin nourished throughout the day.

According to Michelle Henry, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, it’s important to remember that these oils aren’t technically hydrating on their own. Because of their occlusive properties,t though, they help to make your other hydrating products work better when they’re layered on as the final step in your routine. With that in mind, you’ll want to be sure to use yours on top of a moisturizing lotion or cream (instead of all by itself). “If you’re someone who’s very dry, you don’t make enough water,” she says. “So you want something that’s also going to bring in some water.”

While facial oils are undeniably great for dry complexions, you’ll want to be careful with the formula you choose if you’re dealing with skin that’s sensitive, too. “I’ve seen many cases where I’ve had patients swear they want to stick with more natural, organic products, they use essential oils and it’s the cause of their acne or the cause of their contact dermatitis, which is an allergic dermatitis in the skin,” says Ivy Lee, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Pasadena, California. “Oils are not for everyone.”

Both doctors stress that you should look for oils that don’t have a ton of fragrance or dyes and are non-comedogenic, meaning they won’t clog your pores. “Argan oil is a good one,” says Dr. Henry. “Jojoba oil is pretty non-comedogenic. Marula oil is one that’s not so terribly comedogenic.”

That being said, when you have dry skin and find a face oil that works for you, you’ll never want to live without it. Shop the best facial oils for dry skin below.

10 best facial oils for dry skin

Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Luxury Face Oil — $38 to $68

This is a great face oil for anyone with dry, sensitive skin. It’s 100 percent unrefined marula oil, which is rich in antioxidants, and fatty acids to moisturize, nourish, and balance your skin.

Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate Moisturizing Face Oil — $29.00 to $128.00

Dr. Henry is a big fan of this formula from Kiehls, which features oils like squalane, evening primrose, and jojoba. Put it on overnight to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, brighten skin, and improve elasticity while you sleep.

Agrestal Rose Hydrating Oil — $70.00

I personally have a deep love for this face oil from Agrestal. It contains real rose petals, which makes it look gorgeous in the bottle and feel amazing on the skin. My face soaks up the rose oil and feels super soft after I apply. It also contains a moisturizing blend of vitamin E, jojoba oil, and tamanu oil, which helps treat acne scars and repairs the skin.

Solved Skincare 100% Organic Golden Jojoba Oil — $38.00

This oil is 100 percent organic golden jojoba oil, which is the unrefined version of the clear jojoba oil. It naturally moisturizes while also helping to smooth wrinkles, fight free-radical damage, and soothe skin.

The Established Premium Facial Concentrate — $46.00

Get a long-lasting, non-greasy glow with this blend of jojoba oil, camellia seed oil, evening primrose oil, broccoli seed oil, rosemary leaf extract, and vitamin E. The formula is ultra-concentrated, which means you’ll get a heavy dose of hydration every time you slather it on.

Mara Algae + Moringa Universal Face Oil — $40 to $72

This marine-derived oil is packed with algae, antioxidants, phytonutrients, and essential fatty acids, all of which are mixed together to nourish and moisturize your skin. It contains a proprietary algae blend high in omegas 3, 6, and 9 to help improve skin tone, texture, and firmness.

Summer Fridays Heavenly Sixteen All-In-One Face Oil — $55.00

Sixteen non-comedogenic oils including meadowfoam, blackcurrant, and rosehip come together in this Summer Fridays formula. It’s designed to moisturize skin, visibly plump fine lines, support a strong skin barrier, and protect against free-radical damage.

Indie Lee Indie Lee Overnight Facial Oil — $75.00

Brighten and rejuvenate your complexion overnight with this lavender-infused blend of rosehip, jojoba, and sweet almond oil. The scent will lull you to sleep while the oils promote collagen and elastin production, leading to firmer-looking skin.

Sunday Riley Juno Antioxidant + Superfood Face Oil — $75.00

Blueberry seed oil, cranberry seed oil, broccoli seed oil, turmeric, licorice root, and tamarind extract come together in this Sunday Riley oil to moisturize, soothe, protect, and brighten skin.

Rovectin Barrier Repair Face Oil — $26.00

Rich in neroli oil, vitamin E,  plum seed extract, triglycerides, and squalane, this antioxidant-rich oil works to plump, moisturize, repair, and soften the skin.

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