Face oils have a slightly mysterious reputation, but for dry skin they're one of the simplest upgrades you can make. Used correctly, a good facial oil seals in the hydration from your serum and moisturiser, softens dry patches and adds a healthy glow. Here are the best face oils and hydrating serums for dry skin available in the UK in 2026 — and how to use them properly.
Do face oils actually help dry skin?
Yes — but it helps to understand what they do. Most oils are occlusives and emollients: they soften skin and slow water loss, but they don't add water themselves. So an oil works best applied over a water-based hydrating serum or moisturiser, sealing that moisture in. Oils alone, on dehydrated skin, can leave it feeling soft on top but still thirsty underneath. Pair them with a humectant like hyaluronic acid for the best of both.
Best overall: a squalane oil
The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane
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Squalane mimics the skin's own oils, absorbs beautifully without greasiness, and suits almost everyone including sensitive skin. Lightweight yet effective at sealing in moisture, fragrance-free and brilliant value. A perfect first face oil for dry skin.
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Best budget multitasker: rosehip oil
Rosehip Seed Oil (cold-pressed)
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Rich in fatty acids and naturally occurring vitamin A, rosehip oil nourishes dry skin and supports tone and texture over time. Affordable and widely available. Choose a cold-pressed, single-ingredient bottle and store it away from light.
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Best lightweight hydrating serum: hyaluronic acid
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
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Not an oil, but the ideal partner for one. This humectant serum draws water into the skin; apply it to damp skin first, then seal with your oil or moisturiser. Affordable and a dry-skin staple. Learn more in our hyaluronic acid guide.
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How to use a face oil for dry skin
Use a few drops at night as the final step, after your moisturiser, pressing (not rubbing) it gently into the skin. You can also add a drop or two to your moisturiser in the palm for daytime. Less is more — too much leaves a greasy film and can affect how make-up sits. If you're acne-prone, choose a lighter, non-comedogenic oil like squalane and patch-test first. Avoid using oils as your only source of hydration; always pair with a water-based product underneath.
Frequently asked questions
Are face oils good for dry skin?
Yes, when used correctly. Face oils seal in moisture and soften dry skin, but they work best applied over a water-based hydrating serum or moisturiser rather than on their own. Squalane and rosehip are great options for dry skin.
Should I use a face oil or a moisturiser?
Use both. A moisturiser delivers water and humectants; an oil seals it in as the final step. For dry skin, layering a hydrating serum, then moisturiser, then a few drops of oil gives the best results.
When should I apply face oil in my routine?
Always last, after your moisturiser, because oils form a barrier that can block lighter products from absorbing. At night is ideal; for daytime, a drop mixed into your moisturiser works well under SPF.
What is the best face oil for dry, sensitive skin?
Squalane is the safest all-rounder — it's lightweight, non-greasy, fragrance-free and well tolerated by sensitive skin. Always patch-test a new oil for 24 hours first.
