"If I could turn back time" is a phrase made famous by the iconic Cher, but it's also a desire of many who are seeking the fountain of youth. Aging is a natural process of life — and something to be celebrated! — however, investing in quality skin care products, such as a face oil, can help achieve a fresher appearance (if that's what you're seeking).
According to Dr. Brooke Jeffy, a board-certified dermatologist, face oils are great for mature skin that tends to be dry, as they can be incredibly hydrating and work to strengthen the skin barrier. "They contain antioxidants to combat free radical damage to collagen and elastin, which improves wrinkles," she says. Jeffy also says face oils "have anti-inflammatory properties that soothe irritation."
Along with Jeffy, we spoke with another board-certified dermatologist and a double board-certified plastic surgeon to help us find the best anti-aging face oils for your skin. Keep scrolling for our comprehensive list of expert-recommended and editor-tested face oils to shop.
What to look for | The best anti-aging face oils, according to experts and editors | More face oils to shop | What to avoid | How we chose | Meet the experts
- Affordable expert pick$39.00$39.00
What to look for in anti-aging face oils
When it comes to finding the right anti-aging face oil for your skin, you should first read the list of ingredients.
Dr. Shari Lipner, a board-certified dermatologist and associate professor of clinical dermatology at Weill Cornell Medicine, recommends looking for an anti-aging face oil with vitamin C, niacinamide and ceramides.
"Vitamin C is an antioxidant," explains Lipner. She also says it "increases collagen production." Lipner continues, "Niacinamide has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and can help with diminishing hyperpigmentation. Ceramides are moisturizers and can help repair dry skin."
According to Dr. Dhivya Srinivasa, a double board-certified plastic surgeon, "retinol or retinol alternative such as bakuchiol promotes cellular turnover and can aid in minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles."
Srinivasa also emphasizes the importance of hydration in anti-aging face oils. "People often overlook this but as we age, we lose fat and volume in our faces," she shares. "To optimize a supple appearance, you need to include ingredients we call “humectants”. These are molecules that are not only hydrating themselves, but draw water within. Examples include polyglutamic acid, glycerin and urea," Srinivasa says.
The best anti-aging face oils, according to experts and tested by editors
Affordable expert pick: Josie Maran The Original 100% Pure Organic Moisturizing Argan Oil
- Good for dry skin
- Super soft
- May be heavy
Size: 1.0 oz. | Key ingredients: Argan oil
Jeffy recommends this pure argan oil from Josie Maran, saying that it is "simple, effective and a reasonable price." The brand suggests using this oil as the final step in your skin care routine every morning and night to lock in hydration. This moisturizing oil is free of parabens and has over 2,400 near-perfect ratings on the Josie Maran website.
Say goodbye to fine lines: Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Retinoid Night Oil
- Nice smell
- Helps remove fine lines
- Dropper can be cheap
Size: 0.5 oz. | Key ingredients: Retinoid ester
Srinivasa specifically loves this face oil for aging, as it's a retinol formulated into an oil. "Avocado and chia seed oil specifically are packed with anti-aging ingredients such as alpha lipoic acid and vitamins B, C, D and A," she explains.
"Most retinol are not formulated as an oil. This oil allows the retinol to be absorbed overnight but also the lipid component restores the skin barrier while you sleep which only enhances the function and efficacy of the trans-retinol," states Srinivasa.
Editor favorite: Alpyn Beauty Clarifying Facial Oil with Retinol & Pink Algae
- Improves skin texture
- Easy-to-read ingredients
- Reduces pore size
- Start with nightly usage only
Size: 1.0 oz. | Key ingredients: Retinol, pink algae, vitamin C and licorice root
Senior SEO editor Jess Bender loves this recently launched facial oil that is made with a blend of retinol, pink algae, salicylic acid and various plant-derived oils and extracts. "While I can’t speak on how effective it is against fine lines, I’ve noticed my skin texture smoothing out and a subtle difference in my pore size after about three weeks of nightly usage thus far," she explains.
Hydrating essential: Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate Moisturizing Face Oil
- Absorbs easily
- Small amount goes a long way
- Smell could bother some
Size: 1.0 oz. | Key ingredients: Squalane, sunflower seed oil
"My mom has emphasized how important it is to have a proper nighttime skin care routine over the years, but I never properly took that to heart until I started to hone in on the subtle signs of aging I’ve started to see in my mid 30s," shares Bender.
While she's a pro at the basics, Bender says it is only recently that she's begun incorporating a night serum into her rotations. She explains that this one from Kiehl's has worked wonders with making her skin look hydrated and refreshed after a long day.
Helps with dryness: Herbivore Phoenix Rosehip Anti-Aging Face Oil
- Great for dry skin
- Very hydrating
- Small amount for price
Size: 1.0 oz. | Key ingredients: Rosehip oil, sea buckthorn oil
Jeffy loves this Herbivore Botanicals Phoenix Face Oil and says she personally uses it often during the winter months when she struggles with more dryness. According to Jeffy, rosehip oil can improve skin elasticity and support a healthy skin barrier so it's good for anti-aging.
No more breakouts: Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow Vitamin C Turmeric Face Oil
- Super hydrating
- Can be used morning or night
- A little goes a long way
- May stain white clothing
Size: 1.18 oz. | Key ingredients: Vitamin C
"I’ve been using this face oil for the last few years and even though it’s more expensive than the beauty products I typically use, I will repurchase it each and every time I run out because it’s that good," says commerce writer Emma Stessman. "Since I started using, I’ve noticed that spots of discoloration and scars from previous breakouts have faded. It’s also super hydrating, which helps fine lines look less noticeable," she explains.
Splurge option: True Botanicals Renew Pure Radiance Oil Home & Away Set
- Hydrating
- Helps with blemishes
- Pricey
Size: 1.0 oz. and 0.3 oz. | Key ingredients: Chia seeds and kiwi seed oils
"This oil is a celebrity fave!" shares Srinivasa. "It is non-retinol based which is great for women who otherwise cannot tolerate retinol due to skin sensitivity. You will again see chia seed oil as well as a great combination of other non-comedogenic oils — key when considering oil formulations for acne-prone skin," she continues.
"The oil really focuses on skin barrier repair: one of the most neglected components of aging skin. Omega fatty acids and 14 seed oils work to restore the lipid layer of the skin barrier to lock in hydration for supple and youthful skin. This serum will give you that glow!" exclaims Srinivasa.
More anti-aging face oils to shop
Most budget-friendly: Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Therapy Oil
- Moisturizing
- Super soft
- Very hydrating
- Some users say it burns
Size: 1.0 oz. | Key ingredients: Rosehip, vitamin C and E
You can't go wrong with this moisturizing face oil that has an impressive 31,000+ five-star ratings on Amazon. This hydrating formula is enriched with rosehip as well as vitamin C and E to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, according to the brand. Its compact bottle is also perfect for traveling and can be easily stored in your makeup bag.
Cost-effective option: Good Molecules Pure Cold-Pressed Rosehip Seed Oil
- Makes skin soft and smooth
- Provides a glow
- Bottle is small
Size: .44 oz. | Key ingredients: Rosehip, vitamin A and C
This rosehip seed oil contains vitamin A and C to help fight the signs of aging, says the brand. Designed for all skin types, this hydrating oil can be used on the skin daily and is free of fragrances. Satisfied customers love the natural glow the oil provides and say it is amazing for dry skin.
What to avoid in anti-aging face oils
“Just remember that as you age, your estrogen decreases and this can affect how you tolerate skin care ingredients,” explains Srinivasa. “Best to avoid fragrances, essential oils directly on the face, sulfates, parabens and silicones as they can be drying,” she suggests.
If you have sensitive skin, Lipner mentions to avoid ingredients that can irritate the skin, including limonene, linalool, and lime/lemon seed oil.
“If you have acne prone skin, avoid comedogenic (pore clogging) oils, including almond and coconut oil. Instead look for anti-aging oils with grape seed or hemp seed oil,” she explains.
How we chose the best anti-aging face oils
The Shop TODAY team rounded up the best anti-aging face oils by enlisting the recommendations of board-certified dermatologists as well as a double board-certified plastic surgeon. We also included a few editor-tested favorite skin care oils as well.
Meet the experts
- Dr. Brooke Jeffy is a board-certified dermatologist in Scottsdale, Arizonia, founder of her practice, Brooke Jeffy MD and youth skincare brand, BTWN.
- Dr. Shari Lipner, MD, PhD, is a board-certified dermatologist and associate professor of clinical dermatology at Weill Cornell Medicine.
- Dr. Dhivya Srinivasa, MD FACS, is a double board-certified plastic surgeon, women’s health and wellness expert.
