The 2016-2023 skincare movement embracing plant-based oils as treatment, moisturizer, and glow-enhancer, overcoming “oil clogs pores” myth through education about beneficial fatty acids and skin barrier support.

Origins

Face oils went mainstream in October 2016:

• Sunday Riley Luna Oil ($105): Luxury retinol oil popularized category
• Natural beauty movement: Plant-based ingredients trending
• Oil cleansing success: Made oils less scary
• Dewy skin trend: Oils delivered glow

The shift required overcoming decades of “oil-free” marketing—oils as solution, not problem.

Breaking the Myth

Education changed perception:

Old belief:

• “Oil clogs pores”
• “Oily skin doesn’t need oil”
• “Oil causes acne”

Reality:

• Right oils don’t clog (non-comedogenic)
• Oily skin can benefit (balancing)
• Oils support barrier (reduce inflammation)

Dermatologist education and success stories shifted mindset.

Oil Types

Different oils served different needs:

Rosehip:

• Vitamin A (gentle retinol alternative)
• Vitamin C (brightening)
• Dry skin, anti-aging

Squalane:

• Biomimetic (skin-like)
• Lightweight, non-greasy
• All skin types

Marula:

• Antioxidant-rich
• Lightweight absorption
• Anti-aging, glow

Jojoba:

• Sebum-similar structure
• Balancing for oily skin
• Non-comedogenic

Argan:

• Vitamin E rich
• Nourishing, smoothing
• Dry, mature skin

Oil selection crucial—wrong oil could cause issues.

Product Range

Face oil market grew exponentially:

Luxury:

• Sunday Riley Luna ($105): Retinol oil
• Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Oil ($72): Pure marula
• Tata Harper Retinoic Nutrient Face Oil ($130): Natural retinol

Mid-range:

• The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil ($10): Affordable
• Herbivore Lapis Oil ($48): Blue tansy, balancing
• Indie Lee Squalane Oil ($32): Clean, simple

Drugstore:

• Neutrogena Hydro Boost Oil ($15): Accessible
• Burt’s Bees Complete Nourishment Oil ($15): Natural

Price: $10-130, accessible range.

Usage Methods

Versatile application:

Solo:

• Last step (seal moisture)
• Alone (minimal routine)

Mixed:

• With moisturizer (boost)
• With foundation (dewy finish)

Layered:

• After water-based products
• Before occlusive

The flexibility made oils adaptable to any routine.

Oily Skin Adoption

Breakthrough realization:

• Stripping oily skin triggers more oil production
• Balancing with right oil reduces excess sebum
• Lightweight oils (squalane, jojoba) don’t exacerbate
• Hydration ≠ oiliness

Oily skin users discovering oils beneficial revolutionary.

Glow Enhancement

Oils delivered coveted dewy skin:

• Natural luminosity (light-reflecting)
• Healthy sheen (not greasy)
• Makeup mixing (glowy base)

The aesthetic benefit as important as skincare.

Staying Power

Face oils achieved permanence:

• 820 million+ views (2016-2023+)
• Routine staple
• Category establishment
• Innovation ongoing (blends, targeted formulas)

By 2023, face oils were skincare fundamental—no longer controversial.

Legacy

Face oils demonstrated how education could overcome ingrained beauty myths and how natural ingredients could deliver both efficacy and sensorial pleasure.

Sources:

• Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology: “Facial Oils in Skincare” (2018)
• Allure: “Best Face Oils” (2020)
• Byrdie: “Face Oils for Every Skin Type” (2019)