Facial oils: benefits, uses and how to incorporate them into your beauty routine

May 5, 2025

By Wakey Cosmétiques

Les huiles visage : bienfaits, usages et comment les intégrer à votre routine beauté

Long considered too greasy or unsuitable for facial skin, plant-based oils are now making a strong comeback in the world of cosmetics. Natural, rich in beneficial active ingredients, and compatible with all skin types, facial oils are now essential in beauty routines. True concentrates of nourishment and hydration, they are prized for their effectiveness, gentleness, and compatibility with daily skincare products .

In this comprehensive article, you'll discover why using a facial oil is an excellent idea, how to choose the right one for your skin, and most importantly, how to easily incorporate it into your beauty routine. We'll focus particularly on French oils , which combine quality, ethical production, and performance. Follow the guide!

Why use facial oils? They're treasures of nourishment for the skin.

Facial oils are not simply greasy substances. They are true elixirs of nourishment , capable of hydrating, repairing, protecting, and enhancing the skin daily. Contrary to some misconceptions, they do not clog pores, cause breakouts, and are even suitable for oily skin, provided they are chosen carefully.

A composition rich in fatty acids and vitamins

High-quality vegetable oils are cold-pressed, often from seeds, kernels, or fruits, to preserve all their nutrients. They contain:

Essential fatty acids (omega-3, 6 and 9): which strengthen the skin barrier, nourish deeply and improve elasticity.
Vitamins A, D, E and K : particularly vitamin E, with antioxidant properties, which fights against skin aging.
Phytosterols : soothing, repairing and regenerating.
Polyphenols : which neutralize free radicals responsible for premature aging.

Thanks to this richness, facial oils are nourishing, restorative and protective.

A targeted action depending on the type of oil

Each facial oil has its own specific benefits:

Jojoba oil : regulates sebum, ideal for combination to oily skin.
Argan oil : firming and anti-aging, perfect for mature skin.
Rosehip oil : reduces scars and regenerates damaged skin.
Hazelnut oil : tightens pores and regulates imperfections.
Sweet almond oil : softens and soothes sensitive skin.
Hemp oil : rich in omega-3, it soothes inflammation and promotes regeneration.

Multifunctional oils: more than just a moisturizing treatment

One of the great advantages of oils is their versatility. They can be used:

As a repairing night serum
As a base for facial massage (gua sha, jade roller)
As a gentle makeup remover
As a repairing after-sun treatment
As a cream booster (a few drops mixed with a cream)
As a one-time nourishing mask

They are suitable for all routines and can replace several products on their own.

How to choose the right facial oil according to your skin type

Not all oils are suitable for all skin types. To get the most out of these elixirs, it's essential to select a facial oil that's right for your skin. Here's a practical guide based on your skin profile.

Dry to very dry skin: maximum nourishment

Dry skin lacks lipids. It needs rich, nourishing and lipid-replenishing oils.

Avocado oil : very nourishing, it soothes tightness and protects against the cold.
Argan oil : fights against dehydration and signs of aging.
Macadamia oil : penetrates quickly and softens without leaving a greasy residue.
Borage oil : deeply repairs and promotes elasticity.

Oily or blemish-prone skin: balancing oils

Contrary to popular belief, oily skin also benefits from facial oils , provided they are light and regulating.

Jojoba oil : very similar to human sebum, it regulates without weighing down.
Hazelnut oil : non-comedogenic, it refines the skin texture.
Nigella oil : purifying and anti-inflammatory, ideal against acne.
Hemp oil : soothes redness and balances sebum production.

Sensitive and reactive skin: gentleness above all

Those with sensitive skin should avoid essential oils and opt for pure, gentle, and hypoallergenic oils.

Calendula oil : very soothing, it calms redness.
Sweet almond oil : soothes and reduces feelings of discomfort.
Camelina oil : rich in omega-3, natural anti-inflammatory.

Mature skin: the anti-aging power of oils

With age, skin loses firmness, radiance, and hydration. Facial oils help restore suppleness and tone.

Rosehip oil : regenerating, it stimulates collagen production.
Evening primrose oil : firms and improves skin texture.
Sea buckthorn oil : rich in antioxidants, restores radiance.
Prickly pear oil : precious, very rich in vitamin E, exceptional against skin aging.

A closer look at French oils: ethics, quality and short supply chains

More and more brands are offering French oils sourced from local, eco-responsible, and cold-pressed supply chains. Here are a few examples:

Gascony plum oil : delicious almond scent, rich in oleic acid, nourishing and anti-aging.
Hazelnut oil from Lot-et-Garonne : fine, non-greasy, perfect for combination skin.
Breton hemp oil : rich in omega-3, excellent for calming and revitalizing the skin
Camelina oil from Burgundy : suitable for reactive skin, with an excellent omega-3/omega-6 ratio.

Choosing French oil means choosing quality, reduced environmental impact, and support for local producers.

Incorporating facial oils into your skincare routine: tips and mistakes to avoid

Incorporating a facial oil into your beauty routine requires a little adjustment, but the results are spectacular when the right techniques are used. Here's how to intelligently integrate them into your skincare .

When should I apply facial oil?

Oil is generally used:

After moisturizing , to seal the water into the skin.
In the evening , to take advantage of nighttime cell renewal.
In the morning , as a replacement or in addition to cream (especially in winter).
As a one-off treatment , such as a mask or after-sun treatment.

Tip : Always apply the oil to slightly damp skin (floral water, toner, hydrosol) for better penetration.

Alone or in association?

For solo use : a few drops warmed between the hands, to be applied by massaging.
As a serum : before your day or night cream.
Mixed : in a neutral cream or a moisturizing treatment.
In layering : in a Korean routine, oil comes after toner and before cream.

The correct application techniques

Heat 3 to 5 drops in your hands.
Apply by gently pressing onto the cheeks, forehead and chin.
Gently massage from the center outwards to activate circulation.
Do not rub violently: the massage should be gentle and enveloping.

Common mistakes to avoid

Choosing an oil that is not suited to your skin type : an oil that is too greasy on oily skin can suffocate, an oil that is too light on dry skin may be insufficient.
Apply to dry skin : oils penetrate better on moistened skin.
Using too much oil : a few drops are enough, otherwise it can leave a greasy film.
Confusing vegetable oil and essential oil : facial oils are pure, undiluted and non-aggressive vegetable oils.
Use an oxidized oil : rancid oil can be comedogenic and irritating. Store them away from light and heat.

Conclusion: Facial oils, a natural ally for healthy and radiant skin

Facial oils are not a passing fad. Their effectiveness lies in their natural richness in fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants, which perfectly meet the skin's needs. Nourishing, repairing, protective, and even anti-aging, they easily integrate into any beauty routine.

Whether you have dry, oily, sensitive, or mature skin, there's an oil suited to your needs. And if you want to combine effectiveness, transparency, and support for local producers, French oils are an excellent option.

So don't be afraid to incorporate these botanical treasures into your daily routine. One drop at a time, your skin will regain comfort, radiance, and vitality.