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Developing a skin care ritual should be restorative, not frustrating. But when your skin constantly feels tight, flaky, or dull, even the most generous layer of moisturizer can fall short. If dryness persists despite your efforts, it may be a sign that your skin needs more than just hydration: it needs nourishment.
That’s where the best facial oils for dry skin come in. When used correctly, whether layered over moisturizer or pressed onto damp skin, facial oils help seal in hydration and reduce transepidermal water loss. The result is skin that feels softer, calmer and visibly brighter. As an added bonus, many oils bring a subtle sensory element to your routine, transforming a basic step into something pleasurable.
To help us navigate the rich world of facial oils, we turned to a dermatology nurse and celebrity esthetician. Natalia Aguilar.
Featured image from our interview with Sabeena Ladha by Michelle Nash.
Natalia Aguilar
Los Angeles-based esthetician and licensed dermatology nurse Natalie Aguilar, a true “skin therapist,” works with many celebrities to make them look camera-ready. As founder of N4 Skincare, Natalie brings 19 years of experience to her practice. He spent years training and learning from the best, where he mastered highly sensitive and technical treatments. Combining her medical knowledge with skin care, she also serves as a global educator for others in the skin care industry.
What could be causing dry skin?
Before looking into new products, it’s helpful to understand what’s behind the dryness. Identifying the root cause can guide you to the right ingredients and prevent further irritation. Below, Aguilar analyzes the most common culprits.
The Environment. “Living in cold, windy conditions, low-humidity climates, or constantly flying can strip the skin of its natural moisture,” explains Aguilar. “Heaters and air conditioners also reduce humidity; you can often feel the discomfort of dry air when breathing.” Environmental stressors can compromise the skin barrier, leaving it tight and exhausted.
Stripping the skin too much. Long, hot showers and aggressive exfoliation may be satisfying, but they can weaken the barrier. “Bathing more than once a day or scrubbing too much removes the natural oils that protect the skin,” says Aguilar. Her advice: cleanse gently and moisturize immediately after washing.
Dehydration. Sometimes the solution is simple. “Not drinking enough water can leave your skin dry, dull, and more prone to fine lines,” Aguilar shares. Topical products can help, but hydration and nutrient-dense foods are key.
Genetics and skin conditions. Some people are simply more prone to dryness, especially those with conditions like eczema or psoriasis. In these cases, a barrier support routine is essential.
Aging. “As we age, our skin loses its ability to retain water, especially if it has been exposed to sun damage,” adds Aguilar. Over time, moisture retention naturally decreases, making nutritious products even more important.
What ingredients should I look for in facial oils for dry skin?
Oil is no longer taboo in skin care. In fact, the best facial oils for dry skin work by complementing the natural lipids your sebaceous glands already produce, reinforcing the barrier rather than overwhelming it.
Aguilar highlights the key ingredients to look for:
Lipids and Ceramides. “These natural fats live in the different layers of the skin,” explains Aguilar. “They promote moisture retention and strengthen the protective barrier.” Think of them as a booster for compromised skin.
Hyaluronic Acid. Although most common in serums, hyaluronic acid can also appear in oil blends. “It binds to water and serves as a hydration reservoir,” says Aguilar. Because natural levels decline with age, supplementation can help restore vitality and flexibility.
Natural oils rich in nutrients. Grapeseed, olive, almond, jojoba, marula, avocado and coconut oils contain essential fatty acids that nourish dry skin. Oils high in oleic acid, such as marula and avocado, are especially rich and effective at trapping moisture. Vitamin E is often added as an antioxidant and natural preservative.
Ingredients to avoid if you have dry skin
“When it comes to dry skin, it’s best to avoid products that contain fragrances and alcohol,” explains Aguilar. Fragrance is a common irritant and can trigger allergic reactions, while excess alcohol strips the skin of its natural oils, worsening dryness rather than relieving it.
When should you apply facial oil?
“The oil-over-moisturizer debate is endless,” Aguilar says. While conventional wisdom suggests applying products from thinnest to thickest, facial oils are more versatile than many people realize.
“You can use oil before moisturizer, after moisturizer, or even mix it together,” she explains. Pressing a few drops into the cream helps seal in hydration, while mixing the oil into the moisturizer creates a richer texture, ideal for very dry skin.
The best facial oils for dry skin
When dryness persists despite layering creams and serums, a carefully chosen facial oil can make all the difference. The best facial oils for dry skin don’t just sit on the surface: they reinforce the barrier, minimize water loss, and provide nourishing fatty acids that help skin feel soft, supple, and calm. Below, we’ve organized our favorites by texture and intensity so you can find the one that best suits your skin’s needs.
The best light facial oils
If your skin is dry but easily congested, or you prefer something that absorbs quickly, these lighter oils provide nourishment without heaviness. They are ideal for layering under a moisturizer or pressing onto damp skin for a subtle glow.
The best rich facial oils
For persistently dry or mature skin, richer oils provide deeper replenishment. These formulas work wonderfully at night or as the final step in your routine to seal in hydration.
The Best Splurge-Worthy Facial Oils
These investment formulas combine nutrient-rich oils with high-performance active ingredients. If you’re looking for pleasure and visible results, these deliver.
This post was last updated on February 16, 2026 to include new insights.
