Botanical oils are seriously trending right now.
If you haven’t noticed, everybody is swapping synthetics for potent oils derived straight from plants. Plants which heal skin rather than damage it.
But how can you make sure they’re being used correctly?
Which oils should you choose? When do you use them? Do they really work in place of moisturiser?
Everything you need to know is broken down below.
- What Are Botanical Oils?
- Why Skin Oil Is Trending in Clean Beauty Right Now
- Top 5 Botanical Oils To Include In Your Routine
- How To Incorporate Botanical Oils Into Your Routine
- Mistakes To Avoid When Using Botanical Oils
- Are Botanical Oils Suitable For All Skin Types?
- Take Home Message
What Are Botanical Oils?
Botanical oils are oils derived from plants including fruits, seeds, nuts and flowers. They contain fatty acids, nutrients and antioxidants that are absorbed into the skin when applied topically.
Botanical oils are cold-pressed from natural resources and are biocompatible. The skin knows what to do with them.
Popular skin oils include rosehip seed oil, jojoba oil, argan oil, marula oil and sea buckthorn oil. These plant-based oils help to nourish skin, hydrate skin and protect skin from damage.
Why Botanical Oils Are Trending In Clean Beauty Right Now
The rise of clean beauty means everyone is extra cautious about what goes onto their skin.
Consumers research ingredients more than ever before. Transparency is expected. Which is forcing big beauty brands to change how they formulate products.
As a result, the market for plant-derived skincare is exploding. The botanical cleansing oil market grew by 13.7% CAGR in 2024, and is expected to continue growing at that same rate each year.
What’s more: there’s real science behind why skin oils are beneficial. Skin oils, when used correctly, complement the skin’s natural moisture barrier. They trap hydration in AND reduce inflammation. All with none of the harsh chemicals.
Botanical skincare products are worth $1.32 billion as of 2024, predicted to rise to over $2 billion by 2032. Add in the global natural skincare product market sitting at $11.3 billion in 2024. Not to mention skin care product sales in Europe rising 11% year-on-year…
It’s clear that people aren’t just experimenting with natural products. They’ve fully embraced a clean beauty lifestyle.
How interesting.
Top 5 Botanical Oils You Should Be Including In Your Routine
When it comes to skin oils, they’re definitely not created equal.
Below are five of the best botanical oils that everyone should be using:
Rosehip Seed Oil
Rosehip oil is rich in vitamin C, vitamin A and fatty acids. It improves skin tone and reduces dark spots whilst boosting collagen production. It works well on dull skin or skin showing signs of ageing.
Jojoba Oil
Did you know that jojoba oil is actually a liquid wax? It acts similar to natural oils that the skin produces. Making it great for balancing both dry and oily skin. It also helps reduce inflammation when applied topically.
Argan Oil
Liquid gold, packed with vitamin E and fatty acids. Argan oil hydrates skin without leaving a heavy, greasy residue. Perfect for dry skin, ageing skin or sensitive skin types that need a lightweight moisturiser.
Marula Oil
Absorbs quickly into the skin whilst providing an over-abundance of oleic acid. This makes marula oil ideal for retaining hydration and protecting the skin barrier. Apply as a final step after serums and hydrating toners.
Sea Buckthorn Oil
Sea buckthorn oil is hands down one of the standouts on this list. It contains omega-3, omega-6, omega-7 and omega-9. Serious anti-inflammatory benefits with skin regeneration properties — and a little goes a long way.
How To Use Botanical Oils Within Your Routine
This is where most people get it wrong.
Spritzing skin with a nourishing oil before moisturiser is not ideal. It prevents the moisturiser from being absorbed properly and can make skin feel sticky. Here’s how to correctly use botanical oils:
Step 1: Cleanse the face.
Step 2: Apply toner/essence if used in the routine.
Step 3: Apply serums over damp skin.
Step 4: Apply moisturiser as usual.
Step 5: Seal moisture in with a favourite skin oil.
Remember: oil should always be the last thing applied. Anything applied under oil will not absorb as well into the skin.
Using a lightweight oil like jojoba in place of moisturiser works just as well for those who prefer it.
Mistakes To Avoid When Using Botanical Oils
Apart from not following the correct order, here are some other things that might affect the experience with botanical oils:
Using too much oil. Seriously, a few drops will cover the entire face. There’s no need to drench the skin.
Not applying to damp skin. As mentioned above, skin will absorb a skin oil much better when there’s a little bit of water on it.
Picking the wrong oil for the skin type. For those who struggle with excess oil build-up or acne, stay clear of thicker oils like coconut oil. Opt for something light and non-comedogenic like jojoba oil or squalane.
Not conducting a patch test. Always patch test new products. Even natural products can trigger breakouts or irritation.
Incorrect storage. Botanical oils will go rancid if left near sunlight or heaters. Store them in a cool, dry place.
Botanical Oils and Skin Type
For the most part, yes!
Skin care was responsible for 52% of the global cosmetics oil market in 2024. That gives an idea of how versatile botanical oils can be.
For oily skin or those prone to breakouts, lightweight oils are the best bet. Things like jojoba oil or squalane are great for acne-prone skin. Thick, rich oils will most likely clog pores.
Got sensitive skin? Look for fragrance-free options that are cold-pressed and don’t have a long list of excess ingredients.
Like with anything — start with one oil. Use it for 4–6 weeks and assess how the skin feels before adding something new.
Take Home Message
Botanical oils are beneficial for skin.
Period.
Plant-derived oils have been shown to help hydrate, protect and repair the skin. Not to mention, rebuild the skin’s natural barrier.
The trick is understanding which oils work best for a particular skin type. How much to use. And when to use them.
Nail down those three things… and those skin oils will be doing ALL the work!
