12 Hydrating Oils For Your Face + Hair

In an effort to achieve desired beauty results—from targeting a dull complexion to wild hair—introducing an oil into a daily routine may feel counterintuitive. Yet, maybe there’s a reason beauty gurus swear by a few drops of this simple ingredient in their rituals. From face to hair, experience the fast acting results of the trending 12 oils below, and instantly see why they have become a now-essential step. —Julia Dumbrell

Facial Oils

The Dermalogica Retinol Acne Clearing Oil is powered by a lipid-based delivery system that actively nourishes ($129). With skin-mimicking phytoactive lipids from Argan, Rosehip Seed and Golden Jojoba oils, this slow-release Retinol works all night to help optimize skin recovery.

With its Ultime Oil Serum Anti-aging Multi-corrective Infusion, IDC Dermo helps restore lost hydration and intensely nourish dry, dehydrated and mature skin ($109). The oil-serum leaves skin soft, formulated using the brand’s patented ReGen16 protocol and 42% of potent ingredients such as antioxidants, Phyto-Collagen and Vitamin E.

The ELEMIS Superfood Hydrating and Nourishing Facial Oil reveals a healthy-looking glow, as its unique blend of antioxidant-rich oils visibly brightens, firms and hydrates the skin ($93).

Luxurious and fast-absorbing, the First Aid Beauty After-Shower Nourishing Body Oil nourishes and strengthens the skin’s moisture barrier for a healthy glow, without clogging the pores ($49). Formulated with sensitivity, but no artificial fragrance, the oils impart a crisp tangerine aroma.

We’ll never forget our first facial oil; part of the entirely plant-based Obakki skincare collection, which is handmade in Canada. With a brand philosophy of fewer ingredients for greater benefits, the 100% Macadamia Organic Facial Oil is a current standout as it softens and nourishes skin for a balanced complexion ($42).

Cleaning without disputing the skin barrier or stipping the skin of essential moisture, experience the genius drugstore formula in the CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser ($range). Developed with dermatologists, it is formulated with three essential ceramides, plus squalane oil and hyaluronic acid.

Hair Oils

Each drop of L’huile Originale Hair Oil, now refillable from Kérastase, is a deeply luxurious oil treatment for all hair types ($90). This iconic golden hair oil delivers superior performance as it creates a stunning shine on unmanageable hair, all while acting as a thermal hair protector during styling.

A go-to multi-use oil, reveal the hair’s natural shine with the L’Occitane Intensive Repair Sublimating Oil ($50).

The GLOSS.ME Hair Serum by DESIGNME does it all without buildup as a weightless serum that instantly hydrates and enhances shine ($32). This frizz eliminator is wonderful for all hair types and textures.

As a pre-blow-drying or finishing care, the Yves Rocher Ultra-Nourishing Oil is true to its name ($19.95). Ideal for curly or coily hair, see how it illuminates even the driest hair from the first use.

A four-step hair care system designed to restore and protect damaged hair, indulge in the Amla Oil Bond Repair Collection from SheaMoisture ($range). Across the shampoo, conditioner, bonding oil and leave-in conditioner products, the starring amla oil and shea butter ingredients help to reduce breakage, treat weak strands and leave the hair feeling stronger and healthier.

Reveal lustrous shine with the Garnier Smoothing Oil, made with South Pacific Coconut Oil and West African Cocoa Butter Extracts ($range). This silkening formula blooms with an exotic fragrance of coconut oil and cocoa butter.