6 Best Face Oils for Glowing Skin This Winter (And How to Use Them Properly)

Winter can be unforgiving on your skin. Cold air, harsh winds, and indoor heating often leave skin feeling dry, tight, and dull, even if your usual routine worked perfectly well the rest of the year. As temperatures drop, many people turn to face oils for extra comfort and glow.

Face oils can be a brilliant supporting step in a winter skincare routine, helping to seal in hydration and protect the skin barrier. But they’re not a magic fix on their own, and when they’re used incorrectly, they can actually make winter skin feel worse.

I used to avoid face oils altogether, convinced they would make my combination skin oilier and trigger breakouts. That changed when I tried Indie Lee’s Squalane Facial Oil a few years ago. Its lightweight, non-greasy texture completely shifted my opinion, and now a face oil is a staple in my winter routine.

In this post, I’ll share my favourite face oils for winter, explain how they fit into a skincare routine, and help you avoid the common mistakes that stop oils from working properly.

Why Face Oils Are Helpful in Winter (When Used Correctly)

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Winter creates a perfect storm for dehydration. Cold outdoor air and dry indoor heating both reduce moisture in the skin, often leaving it rough, flaky, or sensitised. Face oils can help, not by adding water to the skin, but by locking it in.

Here’s why face oils can be useful during colder months:

1. They Help Shield Skin from Harsh Weather

Cold winds and freezing temperatures strip the skin of its natural lipids. Face oils sit on the surface of the skin, reinforcing the barrier and helping to reduce moisture loss throughout the day.

2. They Support and Maintain Hydration

Face oils don’t hydrate the skin on their own, but they play an important role in preventing dehydration. When layered over water-based serums or moisturisers, they help seal hydration into the skin so it lasts longer.

3. They Strengthen the Skin Barrier

Many face oils are rich in fatty acids and antioxidants that support a healthy skin barrier. A stronger barrier means less sensitivity, fewer dry patches, and skin that’s better able to tolerate actives like retinol during winter.

4. They Can Improve Texture and Comfort

Used consistently, face oils can help soften rough texture, reduce tightness, and give skin a healthier, more comfortable feel, particularly when dryness is the main issue.

How Face Oils Fit Into a Winter Skincare Routine (and When They Can Make Skin Worse)

Face oils work best as a supporting step, not a replacement for hydration. They should be applied after water-based serums and before/after, or mixed with your moisturiser, depending on your skin type. I prefer to apply mine before moisturiser as it helps to take away any greasiness or heaviness.

When face oils are applied directly onto dry skin, or used on their own without any hydrating layers underneath, they can actually make winter skin feel worse. Instead of adding moisture, oils can trap dryness beneath the surface, leading to tightness, flakiness, or skin that feels comfortable at first but dries out quickly.

In cold, dry weather, the key is pairing face oils with hydrating steps underneath and using them to reinforce the skin barrier, not relying on them as the only source of moisture.

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

Face oils can work well for combination and even oily skin, provided you choose the right formulas. Oils high in linoleic acid — such as squalane, rosehip, and grapeseed oil — are generally lighter, less likely to clog pores, and can help support balanced oil production.

I’ve used all of the face oils below on my own combination skin without issues. However, only the Indie Lee, Augustinus Bader, and Glossier options explicitly state that they are non‑comedogenic. As always, patch testing is important, especially if you’re acne‑prone.

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 hands 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 it 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 moisturising 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. I tend to avoid this product in the summer, but always rediscover it every winter when my skin becomes a little drier 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!