Best Korean Face Oils for Every Skin Type — And How to Use Them Correctly

Stella November 22, 2025


K-Beauty Face Oils: How to Use Them, Layering Tips, and the Best Korean Face Oil Recommendations



Stella's Meta Description: Discover how Korean women use face oils for glowing, resilient skin. Learn K-beauty layering methods, the right way to apply face oils for different skin types, common myths, and the best Korean face oil products you should try.



Introduction: Why Face Oils Became a K-Beauty Essential

For years, Korean skincare was dominated by lightweight products like essences, lotions, and gel-type moisturizers. Many people—especially those with oily or combination skin—avoided face oils because they feared clogged pores or breakouts. However, as trends shifted toward “healthy radiance,” barrier repair, and moisture sealing, face oils became a core part of modern K-beauty routines.

Korean beauty experts now regard face oils as a powerful tool to boost elasticity, enhance glow, and lock in hydration. When layered properly, face oils don’t feel greasy—they feel luxurious, soothing, and deeply nourishing. Whether your goal is glass skin, anti-aging care, or moisture-locking during winter, face oils can elevate your skincare routine dramatically.



What Makes K-Beauty Face Oils Different?

K-beauty face oils stand out largely due to their lightweight textures, fast absorption, and skin-barrier focus. Rather than heavy, occlusive oils, Korean brands tend to use blends of botanical oils that absorb quickly and deliver active benefits.

Key characteristics of Korean face oils:
  • Non-greasy formulas that sink into the skin easily
  • Plant-based ingredients such as camellia, jojoba, lotus seed, fermented oils
  • High stability—they don’t oxidize as quickly
  • Designed for layering, not just sealing in moisture
  • Often infused with antioxidants, peptides, or calming extracts
  • Suitable even for oily or acne-prone skin, with the right selection

Where Western face oils often focus on richness and luxury textures, Korean face oils focus on daily usability, skin barrier repair, and balancing moisture levels without overwhelming the pores.



Benefits of Incorporating Face Oils into Your Korean Skincare Routine

Face oils help in multiple ways, making them one of the most versatile products in skincare.

✧ Builds a stronger skin barrier
Face oils reinforce the lipid layer, preventing transepidermal water loss (TEWL). This helps skin stay hydrated longer.

✧ Adds instant glow and radiance
Just 1–2 drops provide a natural luminosity—perfect for achieving glass skin.

✧ Improves elasticity and fine lines
Many Korean face oils contain antioxidants that help with skin resilience.

✧ Balances sebum production
Proper oils can actually reduce excess oiliness by preventing dehydration-triggered oil overproduction.

✧ Enhances absorption of active ingredients
When layered after essences and serums, face oils help “seal in” hydration.

✧ Great for gua sha, facial massage, and anti-aging rituals
Face oils provide slip, preventing tugging during massage.

✧ Locks in moisture during harsh seasons
Especially effective during Korean winters or dry climates.



How to Use Face Oils the Korean Way

K-beauty skincare places great emphasis on layering. Face oils are not applied like Western-style heavy oils. Instead, they are layered thoughtfully depending on skin needs and seasons.

✧ As the last step before sunscreen (daytime)
For dry or combination skin, applying 1–2 drops before sunscreen helps maintain a dewy finish throughout the day. Make sure to use lightweight oils.

✧ As the final moisturizing step at night
For normal to dry skin, face oil can replace or be layered on top of cream to seal hydration.

✧ Mixed with cream for extra nourishment
A common Korean trick is it mix 1 drop of face oil with your night cream to create a mini “sleeping pack.” This gives a smooth, glossy finish without feeling oily.

✧ Before or after moisturizer depending on oil type
  • Lightweight oils (squalane, jojoba, camellia): before moisturizer
  • Heavier oils (rosehip, argan): after moisturizer
This approach helps the skin absorb and retain hydration better.



K-Beauty Layering Rule: “Water First, Oil Later”

Korean skincare usually follows:
    Thinnest to thickest. Water-based → Oil-based.

So the routine typically goes like this:
  • Cleanser
  • Toner
  • Essence
  • Serum / Ampoule
  • Emulsion (optional)
  • Cream
  • Face Oil
  • Sunscreen (morning only)
This order ensures ingredients penetrate effectively and hydration stays locked in.



How Much Face Oil Should You Use?

Korean beauty principles emphasize minimalism in quantity.

Recommended amount: 1–3 drops
  • 1 drop → oily or combination skin
  • 2 drops → normal skin
  • 3 drops → dry skin

Applying too much can interfere with makeup or cause an oily finish, so less is more.



Korean Face Oil Myths (and the Truth)

Myth 1: Face oils clog pores
Truth: Using the wrong oil clogs pores. Non-comedogenic oils like camellia, jojoba, and squalane do not.

Myth 2: Oily skin should avoid oils
Truth: Lightweight oils help balance sebum production.

Myth 3: Face oil makes makeup slide off
Truth: A tiny amount used before foundation creates a radiant, long-lasting base.

Myth 4: Face oils are for older skin only
Truth: They benefit all ages, especially for hydration maintenance.



How to Choose the Right Korean Face Oil for Your Skin Type

✧ For oily or acne-prone skin
  • Squalane
  • Jojoba
  • Green tea seed oil
  • Centella-infused oils
Look for “non-comedogenic” labels.

✧ For dry skin
  • Camellia oil
  • Argan oil
  • Avocado oil
  • Rosehip oil
Choose richer blends for nighttime.

✧ For combination skin
  • Lightweight oils for T-zone
  • Richer oils for cheeks

✧ For sensitive skin
  • Chamomile oil
  • Calendula oil
  • Centella oil
  • Propolis oil
Avoid fragrance-heavy oils.



K-Beauty Face Oil Tips to Boost Radiance

✧ Use with a jade roller or gua sha
    Helps reduce puffiness and stimulates circulation.

✧ Warm the oil in your hands first
    Emulsifies the oil and helps with absorption.

✧ Use after essence to enhance glow
    Keeps moisture inside the skin longer.

✧ Add a drop into foundation
    A classic Korean makeup artist trick for glossy, dewy base makeup.

✧ Use only at night if you live in a humid climate
    Prevents a greasy look during the day.



Best Korean Face Oil Recommendations (Expert-Approved)

Here are top-rated Korean face oils known for fast absorption, balanced formulas, and high-quality botanical blends.

1. The Face Shop Yehwadam Revitalizing Facial Oil
  • Perfect for: normal to dry skin
  • Rich, herbal, anti-aging blend.

2. Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Facial Oil
  • Perfect for: mature or dry skin
  • Luxurious, anti-aging ingredients with ginseng antioxidants.

3. Hanyul Pure Artemisia Facial Oil
  • Perfect for: sensitive and irritated skin
  • Calms inflammation with soothing mugwort.

4. Innisfree Green Tea Seed Oil
  • Perfect for: dehydrated oily or combination skin
  • Lightweight, hydrating, and antioxidant-rich.

5. KAHI Wrinkle Bounce Multi Oil
  • Perfect for: barrier repair
  • Includes salmon collagen and fermented oils.

6. Aromatica Rosehip Oil
  • Perfect for: brightening and scar repair
  • Cold-pressed, organic, deeply nourishing.

7. Bonajour Green Tea Water Bomb Oil
  • Perfect for: oily, acne-prone skin
  • Non-greasy and lightweight.

8. Klairs Fundamental Watery Oil Drop
  • Perfect for: those who hate oily textures
  • A hybrid “watery-oil” essence perfect for beginners.

9. Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Face Oil
  • Perfect for: hydration lovers
  • Smoothes the skin and strengthens the barrier.

10. Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Oil
  • Perfect for: glowing, makeup-friendly finish
  • Lightweight and perfect under foundation.



How to Pair Face Oil With Makeup (K-Beauty Artist Technique)

Korean makeup artists commonly use face oil for creating the “natural shine” look.

✧ Method 1: Use 1 drop before foundation
    Gives a glossy, hydrated finish.

✧ Method 2: Mix a drop into foundation
    Makes matte products more radiant.

✧ Method 3: Apply tiny amounts on high points of the face
    Nose bridge, cheekbones, brow bones → natural glow without shimmer.



Seasonal Face Oil Guide (Korean Climate-Based Tips)

✧ Spring (pollen season)
    Use calming oils like centella or chamomile.

✧ Summer (humid and hot)
    Go ultra-light: squalane or green tea seed oil.

✧ Autumn (dry wind)
    Introduce richer botanical blends.

✧ Winter (Korean freezing season)
    Use oil nightly to prevent cracked or flaky skin.



K-Beauty Face Oils for Specific Skin Concerns

✧ For dull skin
  • Rosehip
  • Camellia
  • For redness
  • Mugwort
  • Azulene oils

✧ For anti-aging
  • Ginseng oil
  • Argan oil
  • For dehydration
  • Squalane
  • Green tea oil



Final Thoughts: Why Face Oils Complete a K-Beauty Routine

In K-beauty, moisture retention and skin barrier health are the foundation of every skincare routine. Face oils fit perfectly into this philosophy. Whether you're aiming for youthful radiance, strong barrier protection, or a dewy finish, incorporating the right Korean face oil can transform your skincare experience.

Face oils are not just for dry skin—they can benefit everyone when chosen and layered correctly. With thoughtful usage, you can achieve the smooth, glowing, moisturized look that defines modern Korean beauty.


For related reading, checkout also:

Stella

Posted by Stella