The Best Face Oils for Winter Skin in Australia (That Won't Clog Your Pores)

By mid-June in Australia, your skin is fighting a losing battle. The cold air outside holds less moisture, and the central heating inside acts like a dehumidifier, actively pulling water from your skin barrier. The result is a complexion that feels tight, looks dull, and refuses to hold onto makeup.

The instinct is to switch to the thickest, heaviest cream you can find. But the smarter, more effective move is to introduce a face oil. Oils are occlusives — they do not add water to the skin, but they create a seal that stops the water you already have from escaping. However, not all oils are created equal. Using a heavy, comedogenic oil on the wrong skin type will only lead to winter breakouts.

The New Rules of Winter Oils

The trend for 2026 is moving away from complex, multi-ingredient oil blends that cost upwards of $100, and returning to single-origin, high-quality pure oils. They are cheaper, less likely to cause irritation, and you know exactly what you are putting on your face.

Here are the three best face oils for Australian winter skin, categorised by exactly what they do best. All three are verified available on Amazon Australia with domestic shipping.

The All-Rounder: Jojoba Oil

If you have never used a face oil before, or if you have combination skin that is prone to breakouts but still gets dry in winter, start here. Jojoba oil is biomimetic — meaning its molecular structure is incredibly similar to the natural sebum our skin produces. Because your skin recognises it, it absorbs quickly and actually helps to balance oil production rather than causing congestion.

• Best for: Combination, oily, or acne-prone skin
• The pick: AVD Organics 100% Pure Jojoba Oil (~$20 AUD)

AVD Organics 100% Pure Jojoba Oil

100% Pure Cold Pressed Jojoba Oil, sourced from premium jojoba seeds and cold-pressed without heat or chemicals. Loosely mimics skin's natural sebum, making this jojoba oil for face suitable for hydrating dry areas, balancing oil levels, and supporting smooth soft skin.

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Squalane is the lightweight champion of the oil world. It is a stabilised version of squalene (a lipid naturally found in our skin that depletes as we age). It feels almost like water, leaving zero greasy residue, but provides exceptional barrier support. It is the perfect choice for sensitive skin that feels tight and irritated by the cold wind.

The Barrier Builder: Squalane Oil

• Best for: Sensitive skin, redness, and those who hate the feel of oil
• The pick: The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane (~$19 AUD)

The Ordinary 100% Plant-derived Squalane

Provides quick-absorbing hydration while supporting the skin’s natural moisture barrier.

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The Regenerator: Rosehip Oil

Sukin's Organic Rosehip Oil is heavier and richer than jojoba or squalane, and delivers over 70% essential fatty acids — the building blocks your skin barrier needs most in winter. It is a genuine powerhouse for mature or severely dry skin, offering both intense moisturisation and anti-ageing benefits through its natural vitamin A and C content. Sukin's formula absorbs well for a rosehip oil and is particularly effective at fading pigmentation and evening out skin tone overnight. Like all rosehip oils, it is best used strictly at night — the natural vitamin A can increase sun sensitivity.r, and is best used strictly at night.

• Best for: Mature skin, severe dryness, and hyperpigmentation
• The pick: Sukin Organic Rosehip Oil (~$24.99 AUD)

Sukin Organic Rosehip Oil

Contains no less than 70% essential fatty acids (amazing for maintaining the healthy building blocks of the skin) and has vitamins to help soothe, soften and hydrate the skin. These nourishing properties help to reduce the appearance of scars and combat the signs of ageing. This unique oil feeds the skin nutrients, and can be used regularly to help relieve redness due to dry/itchy skin and help maintain optimal skin health. Our fast absorbing oil leaves skin looking and feeling radiant and healthy.

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