Australia's Beauty Authority · April 2026 Newsletter Join Now Sign in
Vol. 01 · Issue 04 Glow. Australia · Est. 2014
Editorial Ranking · Skincare · 2026

Best Face Oils in Australia (2026)

Face oils tested for absorption, comedogenicity, and barrier benefit. From cult Aesop to Australian indies.

6 products tested April 2026 editorial visit 5-axis Glow Score 0 paid placements
Full ranking · 1 to 6

Glow's full ranking.

Face oil is the most over-applied product in skincare. Two drops, pressed in damp, is the maximum useful dose. The picks below earn that effort.

№ 1 Glow 9.4
Skincare · Aesop $95

Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Facial Treatment

Best for premium daily oil
Top PickGlow Verified

The cult Aesop oil. Lightweight, fragrant, beautifully blended. Worth the price for daily use over five years.

№ 2 Glow 9.0
Skincare · Drunk Elephant $95

Marula Oil

Best for multi-use luxury
Glow Verified

Cold-pressed marula. Use on face, body, hair, cuticles. Holds in any climate, doesn't oxidise quickly.

№ 3 Glow 9.1
Skincare · The Ordinary $15

Squalane

Best for daily budget
Best Value

100% plant-derived squalane. Non-comedogenic, fragrance-free. The category benchmark for the price of a coffee.

№ 4 Glow 8.5
Skincare · Sukin $22

Crystal Clarity Body Oil

Best for australian + budget
Best Value

Australian-made, sustainable, multi-use. The right choice for face + body double-duty on a budget.

№ 5 Glow 8.8
Skincare · Rationale $165

Cellular Revitalising Oil

Best for premium australian
Best for Luxury

Australian luxury formulation. Premium pricing for the brand and the bottle. The result is solid but not category-leading.

№ 6 Glow 8.6
Skincare · Kiehl's $95

Midnight Recovery Concentrate

Best for overnight repair

Cult Kiehl's overnight oil. Lavender-led fragrance — patch test if reactive. Strong night-time barrier support.

Frequently asked

Common questions.

Should I apply face oil to wet or dry skin?

Damp. Apply to skin still wet from toner or serum, two drops, press in. On dry skin, oil sits on the surface and pills.

Can oily skin use face oil?

Yes, with squalane or jojoba (closest to natural sebum). Avoid coconut, palm, or cocoa butter — these are comedogenic for most oily-skin types.

Should I use oil before or after moisturiser?

Generally after. Oil is the largest molecule in your routine; everything else gets locked in below it. Reverse only if you need extra hydration.

Are face oils worth the premium pricing?

Sometimes. The Ordinary's squalane delivers 80% of the benefit. Aesop and Drunk Elephant earn the premium for blend complexity and texture.

More from Glow.

For more skincare editorial, see our Skincare hub, or browse all brands and brand reviews. For our annual edit, see The Glow 100.