Face Oils That Don't Make You Look Greasy: 4 Lightweight Picks by Skin Type
Face oils aren't just for dry skin. The right ones seal in hydration, calm redness, and make makeup sit better. These four are beginner-friendly and won't leave you looking like a fried donut.
What is a treatment oil?
It’s an oil step you use after water-based products to lock in moisture and add extra benefits like glow, elasticity, or calmer skin.
How to use
- Cleanse
- Toner/essence/serum
- Moisturizer
- 2–3 drops of oil, press onto face (last step at night; second-to-last in daytime before sunscreen)
Tip: Oils go on top of moisturizer to seal it in.
The Oils
1. The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane
What it actually is: Lightweight, non-greasy oil that mimics skin’s natural sebum. Country of origin: Canada/UK
Key ingredients:
- Squalane (100%) - prevents water loss, supports barrier
What makes it special: Feels weightless, won’t clog most pores, great over any routine.
The texture: Thin, silky, sinks fast.
Best for: All skin types, especially combo and dehydrated.
Price: ~$9–13 for 30 ml
Where to buy: The Ordinary Squalane Oil on Amazon
2. Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil
What it actually is: Luxe brightening oil that adds glow and bounce. Country of origin: USA
Key ingredients:
- Sugarcane-derived squalane - cushion and moisture
- Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (vitamin C) - brightening
- Rose oil - soft scent, comfort
What makes it special: Glow with a plush, non-greasy finish.
The texture: Silky and cushiony.
Best for: Normal to dry, dullness.
Price: ~$48–72 for 30 ml
Where to buy: Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil on Amazon
3. Innisfree Green Tea Seed Oil
What it actually is: Korean green tea facial oil that locks in moisture and adds glow. Country of origin: South Korea
Key ingredients:
- Camellia sinensis (green tea) seed oil - antioxidant, nourishing
- Plant oils blend - softness
What makes it special: Lightweight for an oil, with a smooth finish under makeup.
The texture: Medium-light oil that spreads easily.
Best for: Normal to dry, dullness.
Price: ~$24–32 for 30 ml
Where to buy: Innisfree Green Tea Seed Oil on Amazon
Our recommendations by skin type
Oily or combination skin
Pick: The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane
Why: Squalane mimics your skin's natural sebum but won't clog pores. It's lightweight and sinks in fast. Great for sealing in hydration without adding shine.
How to use: 2–3 drops at night, pressed into skin after moisturizer. Can use in the morning if you use very little. Works well under makeup when you use a tiny amount.
Dry skin, uneven tone, post-acne marks
Pick: The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil
Why: Rosehip is rich in fatty acids and natural vitamin A-like compounds. It nourishes dry skin and helps fade marks. This is a workhorse oil for repair.
How to use: 3–4 drops at night, pressed onto face and neck. Best after moisturizer to seal everything in. Can mix with moisturizer if you prefer. Consistency is key—use nightly for 8–12 weeks to see mark fading.
Normal to dry, wants luxury glow
Pick: Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil or Innisfree Green Tea Seed Oil
Why: Both add glow while nourishing. Biossance has vitamin C for brightening. Innisfree's green tea is antioxidant-rich and Korean-formulated for that glass skin look.
How to use: 2–3 drops morning or night. Biossance works well in the morning for glow. Innisfree can be morning or night. Both layer beautifully under makeup when used sparingly.
Sensitive, reactive skin
Pick: The Ordinary Squalane
Why: Squalane is the closest to your skin's natural oils. It rarely causes reactions. Pure and simple. Great for when your barrier needs help but you can't handle heavy products.
How to use: Start with 1–2 drops at night. Press in gently. If your skin handles it, increase to 2–3 drops. This is the safest oil option.
Dehydrated skin (tight, not oily)
Pick: The Ordinary Squalane or Innisfree Green Tea Seed Oil
Why: Both seal in hydration without feeling heavy. Squalane is more lightweight. Innisfree adds antioxidants. Either works to prevent water loss.
How to use: After moisturizer, 2–3 drops pressed in. Always use on top of hydrating products, not alone. This locks everything in.
Dull, tired-looking skin
Pick: Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil or Innisfree Green Tea Seed Oil
Why: Both brighten and add that healthy glow. Biossance's vitamin C is active. Innisfree's green tea protects and brightens. Both make skin look alive.
How to use: Morning is best for brightening oils. Use 2–3 drops before or mixed with moisturizer. You'll see glow improvement in 2–3 weeks.
Mature skin, fine lines
Pick: The Ordinary Rose Hip Seed Oil or Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil
Why: Rosehip supports elasticity and tone. Biossance adds vitamin C for brightening and firmness feel. Both nourish without heaviness.
How to use: Nightly, 3–4 drops pressed into face and neck. Can use on décolletage too. Consistency matters—use for 6–8 weeks to see improvements.
Who should buy what (quick reference)
- Oily/combination or oil-curious: The Ordinary Squalane
- Dry or uneven tone: The Ordinary Rose Hip Seed Oil
- Want glow and plush feel: Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil
- Want Korean glass skin glow: Innisfree Green Tea Seed Oil
Quick comparison
| Product | Texture | Scent | Main Benefit | Size | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Ordinary Squalane | Thin, silky | None | Lightweight seal + barrier | 30 ml | ~$9–13 |
| The Ordinary Rosehip | Medium | Natural earthy | Tone, softness | 30 ml | ~$10–15 |
| Biossance Vit C Rose | Silky, cushion | Soft rose | Glow + hydration | 30 ml | ~$48–72 |
| Innisfree Green Tea Seed Oil | Medium-light | Light herbal | Nourish + glow | 30 ml | ~$24–32 |
Final thoughts
If oils scared you, start with squalane. It’s easy. If you want tone help and night nourishment, go rosehip. If you want glow and comfort in one, Biossance is the treat.
Related reads
- Daily hydration layer: Best Hydrating Toners on Amazon
- Smooth and clear: Best Exfoliating Toners on Amazon
- Essence for bounce: Best Essences on Amazon
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