When it comes to skincare, few ingredients match the versatility and efficacy of plant-based oils. They’re rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants, making them indispensable tools for any formulator serious about delivering visible, skin-loving results in a natural way.

Whether you’re a beauty brand creating your next glow serum, a cosmetic maker selling to conscious consumers, or a passionate DIYer crafting small-batch skincare in your kitchen lab, this guide breaks down seven high-performance botanical oils that nourish the skin and promote that healthy, radiant glow everyone’s after.

1. Rosehip Oil: The Brightening Powerhouse

Rosehip oil is a go-to for skin renewal. Rich in vitamin A (retinoic acid) and vitamin C, it supports collagen production, helps fade dark spots, and improves skin tone. It’s lightweight, non-greasy, and suitable for all skin types.

Best For: Hyperpigmentation, dull skin, mature skin
Use In: Glow serums, facial oils, night balms

*It absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue, making it ideal for facial serums and eye treatments.

2. Squalane (Plant-Derived): Lightweight & Hydrating

Derived from olives or sugarcane, squalane mimics the skin’s natural oils, it’s a clean beauty favorite. It’s non-comedogenic, highly stable, and delivers hydration without greasiness or heaviness, making it ideal for sensitive, acne-prone, or oily skin.

Best For: All skin types, especially oily or acne-prone
Use In: Emulsions, facial serums, lightweight moisturizers

*It plays well with other ingredients and adds a luxurious slip to emulsions and oil blends.

3. Grapeseed Oil: The Lightweight Antioxidant

Rich in linoleic acid, grapeseed oil is lightweight, fast-absorbing, and full of vitamin E. It is also rich in polyphenols, which add a powerful antioxidant edge. It helps tighten pores, improve skin tone, and balance sebum production without clogging pores. It also has mild astringent properties, great for acne-prone and oily skin.

Best For: Oily, acne-prone, or sensitive skin
Use In: Lightweight serums, body oils, emulsions

* Would be a great alternative to Jojoba if you want something more antioxidant-rich and affordable.

4. Hemp Seed Oil: The Omega King

Hemp seed oil contains a near-perfect omega 3:6 ratio, making it deeply nourishing and calming for irritated skin. It doesn’t clog pores, helps reduce inflammation, and supports skin elasticity. Bonus: it’s green-hued and adds a beautiful earthy tone to formulations.

Best For: Inflamed, dry, or combination skin
Use In: Barrier creams, facial oils, after-sun balms

* Would sit beautifully next to Evening Primrose or Sea Buckthorn for barrier-repair formulas.

5. Sea Buckthorn Oil: Omega-Rich Radiance

Sea buckthorn is a nutrient-dense oil loaded with omega-3, 6, 7, and 9 fatty acids, as well as beta-carotene, giving it that signature orange hue. It supports skin regeneration, reduces inflammation, and enhances radiance. This vibrant orange oil is a skin-regenerating powerhouse. Its high beta-carotene content supports brightening, while its anti-inflammatory properties soothe and restore.

Best For: Dry, aging, or inflamed skin
Use In: Repair balms, serums, nighttime facial oils

*Just a small amount goes a long way in boosting the nutrition and color profile of a product.

6. Evening Primrose Oil: The Skin Soother

Packed with gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), evening primrose oil is a hero for calming sensitive, eczema-prone, or reactive skin. It helps reinforce the skin barrier, soothe inflammation, and lock in moisture.

Best For: Sensitive, irritated, or mature skin
Use In: Barrier creams, night-time facial oils, soothing emulsions

* It’s rich in GLA, making it ideal for soothing, barrier-repairing formulas, especially in night creams, serums, and balms for sensitive or mature skin.

7. Jojoba Oil: The Balancer

Jojoba oil closely resembles the skin’s natural sebum, making it excellent for balancing oil production. It’s rich in vitamin E, long-lasting, and won’t clog pores. A staple in clean formulations for both face and body.

Best For: Combination, oily, or acne-prone skin
Use In: Cleansing oils, face creams, oil blends, hair care

*It’s incredibly stable and works as a carrier oil or active ingredient in virtually any product type!

Formulation Tips for Makers & DIYers

• Choose cold-pressed, unrefined oils for maximum skin benefits.
• Blend oils based on skin concern, texture goals, and absorption rate.
• Combine oils to balance fatty acid profiles and enhance performance.
• Add vitamin E as an antioxidant to protect oils from oxidation.
• Always patch test and run stability checks, especially if selling products.

Plant-based oils are more than feel-good ingredients, they’re functional, active tools in any skincare formulation. Each oil offers unique properties that can help your products stand out and perform exceptionally.

Whether you’re formulating for glow, balance, or barrier support, these oils offer nourishment and radiance your customers are looking for and are worth adding to your ingredient shelf.

Explore our full range of premium oils at Skinfoodie.com.ng  to create better skincare and glow naturally.