1. Abyssinian Oil

Out of my 5 best face oils Abyssinian oil comes in at number 1. If you are after a beautiful, light oil oil, full of erucic acid that is non-greasy, non-comedogenic (wont’ clog your pores) then this could be the oil perfect for you. Abyssinian oil is derived from the  Crambe abyssinica crop, which is a multibranched annually-growing oil seed plant in the Brassicaceae family. The seed is then processed and contains some of the highest levels of erucic acid found in any oil.

flax seed and oil in glass bottle

Abyssinian Oil also contains high levels of both Linoleic and Linolenic Acids. Linoleic Acid, an Omega 6 fatty acid, has been reported to assist with skin regeneration, while Linolenic Acid, an Omega 3, is anti-inflammatory, cell-communicating and skin conditioning. As a result Abyssinian oil is said to be a very effective moisturiser that helps promote lovely smooth, supple skin. Abyssinian Oil has also been reported to assist on in reducing fine lines and  wrinkles.  Abyssinian Oil is one of my definite go to oils but as much as I’d like to say that one oil is all we need I don’t believe just one is enough.

It must be noted that Abyssinian oil is inedible unlike a lot of its counterpart oils that are edible.

2. Argan Oil

Out of my 5 best face oils Argan oil comes in at number 2. Argan oil is produced from the argan tree (argania spinosa) and contains oleic and linoleic fatty acids and is packed with vitamin E, antioxidants. Argan oil is light enough to use as an everyday, non-greasy moisturizer.  Argan oil has been used to treat those with skin conditions, such as eczema or rosacea thanks to it antioxidants and it has been reported to help  improve skin’s elasticity by fending off free radical damage, leaving skin looking radiant.

Argan oil is easily absorbed due to it being very light weight. A massive plus for Argan Oil is that it  rates a fabulous 0/5 on the comedogenic scale (it definitely won’t clog your pores).

Bottle of argan oil and nuts on the table

3. Rosehip Oil

Out of my 5 best face oils Rosehip oil comes in at number 3. Rosehip oil is an oil that is so rich and yummy that I absolutely love it in moderation.  Rosehip oil is a powerful skin nourisher rich in essential fatty acids and contains vitamins E, C, D, and beta carotene . Rosehip oil contains oleic, palmitic, linoleic and gamma linoleic acid. Rosehip oil is also a good source of vitamin F, a fatty acid made of linoleic acid and alpha-linoleic acid. Rosehip oil extracted via a cold-press method from the seeds of a specific rose variety, predominantly grown in Chile.

Rosehip oil is known to help to protect and hydrate skin, fight free radical damage, and reduce wrinkles.  The benefits don’t stop there as it is also fabulous in helping to rejuvenate the skin to potentially restore elasticity via all the antioxidants contained in it.  It has also been reported to help correct dark spots, and reduce the appearance of scars.

Of course it wouldn’t be on my list if it wasn’t low or completely non-comedogenic as we definitely don’t want clogged Pores. Rosehip Oil rates 2/5  on the comedogenic scale so if you do have problematic skin it is an oil that should be used sparingly and in combination with another non-comedogenic oil. More on the comedogenic rating of oils  in another blog.

4. Evening Primrose Oil

Out of my 5 best face oils Evening Primrose oil comes in at number4. Evening primrose oil has many properties that are beneficial to the health of your skin. Not only does evening primrose oil help to moisturise and soothe your skin, it has been associated with enhancing  skin texture and elasticity, addressing dryness, irritation, roughness and wrinkles.

The key ingredients in evening primrose oil are essential fatty acids that help strengthen the skin barrier and reduce moisture loss. Linoleic acid which is found in Evening Primrose oil is an omega-6 fatty acid that promotes skin health by reinforcing the skin barrier, preserving water in the epidermis and regulating sebum production. If your skin is deficient of essential fatty acids it can lead to dry, rough, or scaly skin.

Gamma-Linolenic acids (Omega-6) has known anti-inflammatory properties that can help to nourish the skin and promote strong, healthy skin, sustain skin softness and elasticity, and maintain the health and function of skin cells.

5. Grapeseed Oil

Out of my 5 best face oils Grapeseed oil comes in at number 5. I don’t believe this oil gets the rap that it truly deserves. Grapeseed oil is produced from the  seeds of grapes (Vitis vinifera), which are both high in antioxidants that are awesome for your skin.

Linoleic acid is the most abundant fatty acid in cold-pressed grapeseed oil and has been found to play a direct role in maintaining the integrity of the water permeability barrier of the skin but that’s not all…Grapeseed Oil has been associated with reducing skin dryness due to the high content of essential, unsaturated fatty acids, plus its antioxidants, promote hydration.

Applying this oil to your face or body can help to maintain normal skin moisture and have soothing effects. Grapeseed oil  has a great absorption rate more so than normal Olive Oil and it is very low on the comedogenic scale.