Your essential guide to oils

Oils – both facial and body – have become hugely popular in the beauty industry. And for good reason. Given the benefits they can provide to your hair, skin, and body, you’d only be doing yourself a favour by incorporating oils into your routine.

But we get it – there are so many of them out there. From your rosehips to your jojobas and your coconuts, there are different oils to serve various different purposes. So we thought we’d break it down for you and explain what each oil does, and which products you can find them in.

Rosehip oil

What it does: Made from the seeds of rose bushes, rosehip oil is packed full of vitamins and antioxidants to keep skin seriously hydrated while working to heal and fade dark spots, stretch marks, and scars. It can also work to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

Where you can find it: Trilogy Certified Organic Rosehip Oil; A’kin Brightening Rosehip Oil with Vitamin C; Go-To Face Hero

Jojoba oil

What it does: Pronounced ho-ho-bah, the golden oil is known for its ability to mimic the skin’s natural oils, and can penetrate deep beneath the skin’s layers to keep skin soft, supple, and hydrated.

Where you can find it: L’Oreal Paris Age Perfect Extraordinary Oil; Ella Baché Emulsion Jojoba; Natio Argan & Jojoba Smoothing Face Oil

Argan oil

What it does: Argan oil not only works to nourish dry skin, fight the signs of ageing and prevent free radical damage, it’s also known to heal, firm and strengthen skin while also easing inflammation.

Where you can find it: emerginC scientific organics coconut-argan body oil; Palmer’s Multi-Effect Perfecting Facial Oil; Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil

Sea buckthorn oil

What it does: Perhaps not as well known as rosehip or jojoba oil, sea buckthorn oil offers comparable benefits. Rich in vitamins E and C, the oil works to nourish skin while helping heal wounds, acne, eczema and dermatitis, and rejuvenating the complexion.

Where you can find it: DMK EFA Ultra; Endota Spa Rosehip & Inca Inchi Treatment Body Oil; STEM ORGANICS Rejuvenating Face Oil

Sweet almond oil

What it does: Sweet almond oil contains high levels of fatty acids, which means it acts like a natural barrier on your skin to lock in moisture. It also has emollient properties, making it a great oil for dry, flaky or irritated skin.

Where you can find it: Rodin Olio Lusso; La Mer The Renewal Oil; Natural Instinct Skin Refining Cleansing Oil

Coconut oil

What it does: We could speak for days on the multiple beauty benefits of coconut oil, but when it comes to skin and body care, the ingredient is insanely moisturising, and even has antibacterial properties, making it a great option for problematic skin.

Where you can find it: Estee Lauder Resilience Lift; The Base Body Glow Oil; The Body Shop Spa Of The World™ Polynesian Monoï Radiance Oil

Chia seed oil

What it does: Extremely high in antioxidants, chia seed oil works brilliantly to strengthen skin while helping to prevent and treat the signs of ageing by building collagen, reducing age spots, and improving skin texture.

Where you can find it: Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil; Sukin Super Greens Nourishing Chia Seed Oil+; Goodness Certified Organic Chia Seed Oil

Hazelnut oil

What it does: Featuring antibacterial and oil controlling properties, hazelnut oil can be used to benefit acne-prone skin, as well as those with oily complexions. It also works to soothe and soften skin.

Where you can find it: Clarins Santal Treatment Oil; Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Multi-Purpose Dry Oil; Payot Elixir

Calendula oil

What it does: Calendula oil is excellent for very dry skin as it’s hydrating enough to soothe, nourish, and rejuvenate flaky, chapped, and even split skin.

Where you can find it: Bio Oil; Jurlique Skin Balancing Facial Oil; Alpha-H Age Delay Facial Oil

Think oily skin can't use oils? Read our guide to oily skin to find out why it's actually recommended.

Photography by: Edward Urrutia