Lavender can help calm irritated skin after a long day in the sun, tea tree is a go-to when breakouts appear, while rosehip has earned a loyal following for giving tired skin a healthier glow. And as more people begin questioning whether complicated 20-step routines, harsh actives and constant exfoliation are doing more harm than good, many are stepping back to long-prized essential oils.
These aren’t simply bottles picked up from the pharmacy shelf and dabbed directly onto the skin. The new wave of essential oil-led beauty is far more refined, combining botanical oils, plant extracts and targeted ingredients. Better still, many are surprisingly versatile, replacing a bathroom shelf cluttered with half-used products – and unlike many modern skincare products, a tiny amount really does go a long way.
In a world of overwhelming product launches and endless ingredient lists, we’ve handpicked some of our favourite tried-and-tested essential oil blends.
Idemo – x6 Superfruits Regenerating Serum (£233.00)
If you want to end the day with a spa-like glow, then Idemo’s award-winning X6 Superfruits Regenerating Serum is your go-to. Handpicked in the Himalayas, this heady mix of essential oils blends antioxidant-rich tomato lycopene, rosehip and squalane with frankincense, mandarin and rosemary. The 100 per cent natural vegan formula also harnesses six superfruits, including Himalayan apricot, pomegranate and pumpkin, alongside nutrient-rich superfoods such as quinoa, amaranth and macadamia to support hydration, elasticity and skin repair.
The texture is silky without feeling heavy, leaving skin supple, nourished and noticeably more radiant by morning. A very grown-up, beautifully formulated serum that genuinely feels worth the investment.
K J Serums Night Rescue Oil (£55)
Blended by hand to order, Kathryn Jones’ Night Rescue Oil is the kind of product that earns a permanent place on your bedside table. The nourishing overnight formula combines calming lavender, restorative frankincense, and hydrating squalane to help replenish tired, stressed skin while you sleep. Rich without feeling greasy, it sinks in quickly and leaves skin noticeably softer, smoother and more balanced by morning. Plus, the scent is almost like giving yourself a mini spa treatment at the end of the day.
Femmue – Ideal Camellia Divine Oil (£55)
Femmue’s Ideal Camellia Divine Oil has become something of a holy grail for those chasing that healthy, lit-from-within glow. Lightweight yet deeply nourishing, it combines antioxidant-rich camellia seed oil with botanical extracts and essential oils to leave skin looking noticeably brighter, softer and far more radiant. Unlike heavier facial oils, it absorbs beautifully without sitting on the skin, making it ideal both as part of a nighttime routine or pressed lightly onto makeup for an extra glow boost. The delicate floral scent also makes the whole experience calming.
Circadia – Hydralox Hydrating Oil
Circadia’s Hydralox Hydrating Oil is the sort of product skin seems to drink up instantly, particularly when dehydration, over-exfoliation or too many active ingredients have left it feeling tight and depleted. Designed to lock in moisture and support the skin barrier, the nourishing blend combines softening macadamia seed oil with antioxidant-rich vitamin E and collagen-supporting rice bran oil, leaving skin smoother, calmer and deeply hydrated. A simple, hardworking facial oil that feels especially good during those moments when your complexion is craving less stress and more support.
Relaxayvoo – Night Serum Renew, (£67)
Relaxayvoo’s Day Face Oil is one of those products that quickly earns a permanent place on the bathroom shelf. Lightweight yet deeply nourishing, it leaves skin looking healthy, protected and naturally radiant throughout the day. Just a few drops pressed into damp skin is enough to create that fresh, glowy finish without any heaviness.
The hero ingredients are camellia and evening primrose oils, both rich in antioxidants and vitamins A, B, D and E to help smooth fine lines and support the skin barrier, while sandalwood and rose otto essential oils add a soft, calming floral scent. Made entirely from organic active plant-based ingredients with no fillers or added water, it will make you wonder why you ever needed a complicated routine in the first place.
Body Shop – Oils Of Life Intensely Revitalising Facial Oil, AED199
Revitalise your skin with this facial oil that is packed with essential nutrients including black cumin, camellia and rosehip seed, delivering deep hydration and radiant skin. Designed for all skin types, this lightweight essential oil moisturiser will perfectly compliment the rest of your skincare routine, just adding a little extra hydration. Made with 99 per cent natural ingredients, including three precious seed oils, it promotes a youthful appearance and improves skin’s elasticity and firmness. It also absorbs quickly, so is ideal for use before makeup. The result? Toned, healthy-looking skin without any stickiness.
Shankara – Kumkumadi Oil, AED 127
Celebrated by VOGUE as the Best Face Oil and boasting a Cosmos Ecocert Natural certification, Kumkumadi Oil is a facial elixir like no other. This 100 per cent pure facial oil is meticulously handcrafted, blending Ayurvedic wisdom with luxurious ingredients. At its heart is the red-gold saffron, known as Kumkuma, carefully simmered over a small flame for several days. This artisanal process culminates in a natural oil that not only nourishes and moisturises but also gives a radiant glow to your skin. Thanks to the traditional taila paka method – an ancient Ayurvedic method of preparing medicated oil – you can embrace the essence of holistic well-being with every drop.
Lush – Naked Argan Facial Oil, AED95
This gorgeous vegan facial oil bar marries nature’s finest with ethical sourcing. Featuring fair trade organic cocoa butter and shea butter for deep nourishment, argan oil and organic rose hip oil to rejuvenate, and organic date syrup for its rich antioxidants which combat skin-damaging free radicals, reduce signs of aging and protect the skin from environmental stressors. The stunning scent comes from Pakistani rose absolute and rose oil, alongside refreshing geranium and lemon oils.
