Hero oils: A guide

If beauty oils are anything to go by, the saying rings true that what goes around comes around. A beloved ancient beauty secret, oils have been used for thousands of years for their countless benefits to the skin and are now well and truly back on the radar of consumers. As Euromonitor comments: “Facial oils’ presence has been increasing since 2012 with most major skincare players adding facial oils to their portfolios. Oils are expected to continue to dominate skincare innovation not only as a format or ingredient but also as an extra product to be added to one’s skin care regimen.”

Key facial oils (and the brands heralding them) include the below:

Chia
Already a favourite of the health food arena, chia seeds produce multiple beauty benefits via their oil. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, the ingredient is anti-inflammatory, calming and full of antioxidants to assist in retaining moisture, diminishing redness and reducing wrinkles.

Sukin
Natural brand Sukin has combined the antioxidant-rich chia seed oil with a green combo of hemp seed oil, olive fruit oil, kale, spirulina, parsley and chlorella. It’s a rich nutrient hit for the complexion.

Goodness -
New Zealand’s own label Goodness has designed a lightweight variation of the facial oil. Certified organic, the nourishing liquid is free from added preservatives, colour or fragrance.

Rosehip
Perhaps the most famous of the beauty oils, rosehip is lauded as a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids, as well as vitamin C. Primarily it is used to combat sun-related damage, as well as repair and regenerate damaged skin tissue – making it an ideal enemy of both ageing and damaged complexions.

Kosmea -
A brand founded on the benefits of rosehip, Kosmea’s hero product is its 100 per cent concentrate. Free from any additives, the rosehip oil is a proven antidote to all manners of skin conditions and concerns, resulting instead in bright, healthy skin.

Essano -
New Zealand brand Essano has a face and body line surrounding the beauty benefits of rosehip. The brand’s serum utilises the anti-ageing properties of the oil, combining with jojoba, sunflower and blackberry leaf extract to target issues such as hyperpigmentation and skin tone.

KORA Organics -
Miranda Kerr is one of the most renowned purveyors of a healthy lifestyle. The model’s brand is no different, embracing natural oils like rosehip to offer hydrating, soothing products for the face and body. KORA Organics’ body oil features both rosehip and noni extract to protect skin tissue and replenish moisture levels.

Jojoba
Golden liquid wax jojoba comes direct from the North American jojoba bean. Its ability to mimic the skin’s natural wax means it is easily absorbed and super effective at healing and boosting the skin thanks to vitamins A, D and E.

The Jojoba Company 
Jojoba masters, The Jojoba Company harvest the bean on their property within Australia. The brand’s pure oil can be used to moisturise lips, face, hands, cuticles, body and hair.

Natio -
The powers of hero oils combine in Natio’s offering. Jojoba mingles with equally beneficial argan to boost skin and protect against free-radical damage. The oil is additionally free from parabens, sulphates and mineral oils.

Jurlique -
Homegrown heroes Jurlique have a jojoba offering intended for aromatherapy and massage (or an everyday moisturiser if you prefer). Use in a sweeping motion to benefit muscles and skin at once.

Coconut

A multipurpose miracle oil – coconut has been embraced by wellness warriors in both the kitchen and the bathroom. Rich in healthy fats and antibacterial properties, the oil can be used to hydrate as well as protect the skin from infection.

pureTAN -
pureTAN’s offering is organic extra virgin – the oil in its purest form. Its small molecular structure allows for easy absorption on the hair and body without clogging pores.

Inecto -
Inecto’s version is infused with vitamin E to boost its beneficial skin properties. The lightweight oil is a non-greasy option for conditioning very dry skin.

Vanessa Megan -
The Vanessa Megan brand is renowned for its natural stance. The brand’s Cocoa Coconut Body Cream utilises the benefits of coconut oil with cocoa butter for ultimate moisture.

Moringa
Rich in vitamins (B and C) and unsaturated fatty acids, moringa oil is extracted from the seeds of the drumstick tree and was a favourite of ancient Rome and Greece. Its antibacterial and hydrating properties have made it a new beauty favourite.

Swisse -
Swisse’s offering cleanses the skin of impurities including make-up. The formula contains the beneficial moringa, combined with certified organic camellia seed oil.

LUSH -
A facial moisturiser with a matte finish, LUSH’s product is a multi-oil hydrator that combines rosehip oil, argan and moringa.

Elemis -
Quartz is combined with moringa oil in this uplifting and hydrating offering that focuses on tackling the signs of ageing and smoothing out fine lines.

Other brands heralding hero oils include:
Skin Juice
MADARA
NUDE
L’Occitane
Designer Brands
Natio
Simple
A’Kin
Sisley
La Prairie
Decleor
Jasmin
Synthesis Organics
Trilogy
Eminence Organics
Ella Bache