6 Best Face Oils for Glowing Skin This Winter

Last Updated on January 31, 2025 by Amy

Winter can be unforgiving on your skin, often leaving it dry, dull, and in desperate need of moisture. As the temperature drops, it’s time to give your skin the nourishment it craves. Enter face oils—the perfect solution to keep your complexion hydrated, radiant, and winter-proof.

I used to shy away from face oils, convinced they would make my combination skin oilier and trigger breakouts. But everything changed when I tried Indie Lee’s Squalane Facial Oil a few years ago. The lightweight, non-greasy formula completely won me over, and now I can’t imagine my winter skincare routine without a facial oil.

In this post, I’ll share my top face oil picks that will keep your skin glowing even in the harshest of winters. Get ready to discover your new winter skincare best friend!

Why Face Oils Are Essential for Winter Skincare

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Winter brings a unique set of challenges for your skin, from biting winds to indoor heating that sucks moisture from the air. Face oils are the ultimate solution, locking in hydration and protecting your skin during these colder months. Here’s why you should make them a staple in your winter skincare routine:

1. Shield Your Skin from Harsh Weather

Winter weather can be unforgiving. Cold winds and freezing temperatures strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry, flaky, and vulnerable. Face oils act as a protective barrier, locking in moisture and shielding your skin from these harsh elements.

2. Boost and Maintain Skin Hydration

Winter air is notorious for drying out your skin, and indoor heating only makes it worse. Face oils are your best defence—they seal in moisture and prevent dehydration, ensuring your skin stays soft and supple.

3. Strengthen Your Skin’s Barrier

A strong skin barrier is key to surviving winter without irritation. Face oils like argan and rosehip are packed with fatty acids and antioxidants that fortify your skin’s barrier, locking in moisture and creating a resilient shield against the cold.

A robust barrier also means fewer breakouts and less sensitivity. When your skin is well-protected, it can better defend itself against pollutants and irritants. Plus, a healthy barrier improves the absorption of your other skincare products, maximising their benefits and making your routine even more effective.

4. Enhance Skin Texture and Tone

Face oils do more than just hydrate—they can transform your skin’s texture and tone. Oils like jojoba and marula have balancing properties that smooth and even out your complexion, giving you a natural, healthy glow.

Many face oils are rich in vitamins and antioxidants that promote collagen production, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. With regular use, you’ll notice improved skin elasticity and a firmer, more youthful complexion.

Are Face Oils Suitable for Combination, Oily or Acne-Prone Skin?

Most facial oils are suitable for all skin types but you may want to check the ingredients before using. Oils that are high in linoleic acid, such as rosehip oil, squalane, and grapeseed oil, are often recommended because they are less likely to clog pores and can help balance the skin’s natural oil production. I have used the six products below on my oily-combination skin with no issues. Still, only the Indie Lee, Augustinus Bader and Glossier options explicitly state that they are non-comedogenic, meaning they won’t block pores.

My Top Face Oils for Winter

1. Indie Lee Squalane Facial Oil 30mls, £36

Key Ingredients

• 100% Squalane Oil derived from olives

Benefits

• Absorbs quickly and boosts moisture retention
• Smooths and brightens
• Non-greasy texture
• Improves the appearance of fine lines
• Suitable for all skin types
• Eco-friendly glass bottle
• Vegan formula
• Non-comedogenic (won’t cause blocked pores)

How to Use

• Use both morning and night to maintain your skin’s moisture balance.
• Apply a few drops to your foundation for a healthy, glowy appearance.
• Can be used on dry areas of the body, such as elbows and hands.

My Experience

From the moment I first applied it, I was hooked. The oil is incredibly lightweight and absorbs almost instantly, leaving no greasy residue behind. My skin felt immediately hydrated and had a noticeable glow.

After using it consistently for a few weeks, I saw a significant improvement in my skin’s texture and overall appearance. My complexion looked more even, and the dry patches that used to plague me during the colder months were completely gone. I also appreciated that it didn’t clog my pores, which is always a fear with using oils on combination skin.

One of the things I love most about Indie Lee Squalane Oil is its versatility. I have used it as a standalone oil, mixed with moisturiser, and added to my foundation for a dewy finish. I even apply it to the ends of my hair for added shine. My husband frequently tries to get his hand on this product to use as a beard oil too!

2. Augustinus Bader The Face Oil 10mls, £73

Key Ingredients

• Babassu Oil: A vitamin-rich, sustainably sourced oil known for its barrier protection properties.
• Argan Oil: A nourishing antioxidant. Packed with essential fatty acids, which help to restore the skin’s barrier.
• Hazelnut Oil: Known for its moisturising and skin-softening properties.
• Karanja Oil: Prevents visible signs of ageing.
• Pomegranate Seed Extract: An antioxidant oil which supports skin renewal and reduces signs of ageing.
• TFC8 complex: A patented complex in The Face Oil that promotes skin regeneration and renewal

Benefits

• Deep hydration
• Reduces fine lines and dark spots
• Improves skin tone and texture
• Strengthens the skin barrier and maintains elasticity
• Non-comedogenic
• Backed by over 30 years of scientific research
• Luxurious packaging which looks great on your dressing table!

How to Use

• Use it on its own instead of your moisturiser.
• Layer over a moisturiser to lock in hydration.
• If you have dry skin, mix with your usual moisturiser to increase hydration.
• Dab over makeup for a dewy finish.

My Experience

Augustinus Bader The Oil is a lightweight yet highly hydrating facial oil, perfect for tackling winter dryness. This is one of those products that I really didn’t want to like due to it’s eye-watering high price. However, after using it nightly for a few weeks, my skin’s texture significantly improved. It felt smoother, looked more radiant, and even some of the lines on my forehead appeared less noticeable. The oil has a luxurious feel, and a little goes a long way, making it worth every penny.

This oil absorbs quickly into the skin but I did find it leaves a slight film on my combination skin. Due to this, I would only use this product in my evening skincare routine. I loved using this product on the nights I used retinol. It had a calming effect on my skin and reduced any redness and irritation.

3. The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil 30mls, £9.70

Key Ingredients

• 100% Rose Canina Seed Oil

Benefits

• Rich in essential fatty acids which help your skin to retain moisture.
• Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
• Cold-pressed to retain potency.
• Can reduce blemish scars.
• Brightens skin tone.
• Contains some Vitamin A which can reduce signs of ageing.

How to Use

• Apply in the evening, after any water-based serums.
• Use on its own or before moisturiser depending on skin type and preference.

My Experience

I’ve been a fan of The Ordinary’s products for a while, so I was excited to try their 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil.

One of the most impressive benefits has been the improvement in my skin’s overall tone and texture. My complexion looks more even, and my skin feels incredibly soft and smooth. Despite feeling quite greasy on my fingers, it absorbed surprisingly quickly into my combination skin without leaving an oily residue.

I have struggled to find any information from The Ordinary on whether this product is non-comedogenic or not. However, Rosehip Oil is generally considered to be a dry oil which sinks into the skin easily without clogging pores. As always, if you are acne-prone, test any new product carefully. Personally, I didn’t experience any new breakouts with this product and even saw an improvement in some minor acne scars.

I love that this product is 100% organic and cold-pressed, ensuring that all the beneficial nutrients are preserved. Plus, it’s incredibly affordable, making it accessible for anyone looking to enhance their skincare routine without breaking the bank.

4. Beauty Pie Plantastic Overnight Miracle Facial Oil 30mls, £16

Key Ingredients

• A blend of Grapeseed Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Jojoba Oil, Avocado Oil, Baobab Oil, Neroli Oil, and Rosehip Oil. These oils nourish and moisturise the skin.
• Turmeric Oil: Calming anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
• Bakuchiol: Natural alternative to Retinol.
• Kalpariane: Boosts skin suppleness, firmness, and moisture levels.

Benefits

• Hydrating and nourishing
• Absorbs quickly
• Gentle on sensitive skin
• Improves skin texture
• Vegan and cruelty-free

How to Use

Massage 3-4 drops onto the skin after cleansing and before moisturising.

My Experience

Like all the products on this list, this oil easily absorbed into my combination skin without any excess oiliness. After using it at night, I woke to incredibly soft and well-moisturised skin. After using it for a few months my complexion looked noticeably brighter and more even-toned. The oil has also helped to soften some of the fine lines around my eyes and mouth, giving my skin a more youthful appearance.

I used this facial oil during pregnancy as an alternative to retinol as it contains Bakuchiol, a brilliant natural alternative.

5. Votary Super Seed Facial Oil 50mls, £79

Key Ingredients

• Pumpkin Seed Oil: Rich in Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, it provides intense hydration for the skin.
• Borage Seed Oil: Known for its soothing properties, it helps tackle redness and roughness.
• Meadowfoam Seed Oil: Deeply moisturizing and helps balance oil production.
• Other Seed Oils: Includes grape, cranberry, chia, camellia, strawberry, black cumin, poppy, tomato, flax, pomegranate, blueberry, sunflower, broccoli, melon, sour cherry, rosehip, raspberry, marigold flower extract, and passion fruit seed oil.

Benefits

• Packed full of antioxidants, fatty acids and anti-inflammatory ingredients.
• Deeply moisturising with a blend of ingredients to ensure skin stays plump and hydrated.
• Soothes sensitive skin with borage seed oil.
• Versatile and long-lasting.

How to Use

Use 4-5 drops and smooth into the face and neck using gentle upward motions.

My Experience

I have to be honest, the smell of this face oil nearly made me throw it away without giving it a chance. Granted, I did try this out at the beginning of my last pregnancy when even the nicest smells had me running to the bathroom. So it’s probably unfair to judge it too much by this! It is fragrance-free but the natural scent is reminiscent of a vegetable patch, which might not be to everyone’s liking. However, if you can get past this, the product’s effectiveness will make it all worthwhile.

As someone who frequently experiences hormonal blemishes and sensitivity to my skin, this oil was a lifesaver for me through pregnancies and breastfeeding. It provides intense hydration and reduces redness and irritation. It leaves my skin looking and feeling calm and balanced. A few drops go a long way, making the product last for months. However, I would probably buy the smaller 15ml bottle next time as I find it difficult to get through a full 50ml bottle in 6 months. Despite the higher price point, I would wholeheartedly recommend this product for anyone struggling with sensitive or unsettled skin.

6. Glossier Futuredew Facial Oil-Serum Hybrid 30mls, £30

I initially wasn’t going to include this Glossier product on the list. It is a little different from the other products as it sits between the skincare and makeup categories. This oil-serum hybrid is better suited to a morning skincare routine. But as this post is about face oils for glowing skin, and this product delivers the most intense glow I have ever had, I couldn’t leave it out!

Key Ingredients

• Plant-Based Extracts: Formulated with nourishing oils like jojoba, grape seed, evening primrose, and rosehip.
• Evodia Rutaecarpa Extract: Known for its brightening properties, it helps to enhance skin radiance.
• Sugarcane-Derived Squalane: Provides moisture and helps to lock it in.
• Light-Reflecting Minerals: Gives the skin an immediate, dewy finish.

Benefits

• Instant glow: the light-reflecting minerals provide a dewy, radiant finish.
• Long-lasting hydration: the blend of plant-based oils and squalane ensures my skin stays hydrated throughout the day.
• Versatile use: Can be used as the last step in your skincare routine or mixed in with foundation for an added glow. It’s also perfect for no-makeup days when you want a natural glow.
• Non-comedogenic
• Vegan and cruelty-free

How to Use

Use after moisturiser and SPF. You can wear it alone, under makeup, mixed with your foundation or as a highlighter.

My Experience

It took me a while to really figure out how this product would fit into my routine. Once I started treating it more like a makeup primer/highlighter it made much more sense to me. Futuredew definitely delivers on its promise of an instant glow. The light-reflecting minerals provide a dewy, radiant finish that makes my skin look fresh and luminous. It’s perfect for those days when my skin needs a little extra boost.

What makes it different to other highlighter/complexion booster-type products is the long-lasting hydration. The blend of plant-based oils and squalane ensures my skin stays hydrated throughout the day. Unlike some other products that give a temporary glow, Futuredew keeps my skin looking dewy and moisturised for hours.

I do find this product to be a little greasy on my skin so if you have oily or combination skin I would avoid putting it all over your face. My nose would be like an oil slick but when used as a highlighter on my cheekbones and brow bone. I tend to avoid this product in the summer but always rediscover it every winter when my skin becomes a little more dry and dull. It does feel a little sticky initially but quickly settles into the skin and wakes up tired winter skin in an instant.

Let me know in the comments if you have tried any of these products! If you are looking for more winter skin advice, check out this article on the best Hyaluronic Acid Serums for hydrating winter skin!