5 best oils to protect your skin

Walk into any Indian home and you’ll probably find at least one bottle of oil sitting quietly on a shelf—coconut in the kitchen, almond in a steel dabba, maybe even a tiny vial of something “special” your nani swears by. For years, oils were seen as heavy, sticky, and something to avoid if you didn’t want breakouts. But that thinking has slowly changed. Used the right way, facial oils can actually protect your skin, lock in moisture, and give you that healthy glow we’re all chasing.

The key, though, is picking the right oil for your skin and your weather (which, let’s be honest, can go from dry winters to sweaty summers in no time here in India). So if you’re wondering where to start, here are five oils that actually work - and why they deserve a spot in your routine.

Let’s start with the obvious one. Coconut oil is basically a household staple in India, and for good reason. It’s rich, deeply moisturising, and works brilliantly for dry or flaky skin.

It forms a protective layer on your skin, which helps lock in moisture - especially useful during winter or if you have naturally dry skin. A lot of people also use it as a gentle makeup remover.

That said, it’s not for everyone. If your skin is acne-prone or very oily, coconut oil can feel a bit too heavy and might clog pores. But for body care? It’s still a winner.

Almond oil (or badam oil, as we all call it) is one of those underrated heroes. It’s much lighter than coconut oil and absorbs quickly, which makes it great for daily use.

It’s packed with vitamin E, so it helps nourish the skin and improve that dull, tired look - especially if you’ve been dealing with late nights or too much screen time. Many people also swear by it for under-eye care.

If your skin feels dry but you don’t like anything too greasy, almond oil is a safe, easy pick.

Rosehip oil has become quite popular lately, and it’s easy to see why. It’s lightweight, doesn’t feel sticky, and works well for most skin types.

It’s known for helping improve the appearance of uneven skin tone and giving your face a smoother, healthier look over time. If you’ve been dealing with dullness or marks, this is worth trying.

Plus, it layers well under moisturiser, so you can easily add it to your night routine without changing too much.

Jojoba oil is interesting because it’s very similar to the natural oil (sebum) your skin already produces. That’s why it works well for both dry and oily skin types.

It hydrates without feeling heavy and can actually help balance oil production if your skin tends to get greasy. So yes, even oily skin types can use this one without worrying too much.

It’s also super gentle, which makes it a good option if your skin gets irritated easily.

If you’ve ever looked into Ayurvedic skincare, you’ve probably heard of kumkumadi oil. It’s a blend of ingredients like saffron, sandalwood, and herbs, and it’s often used for improving skin radiance.

This one’s a bit more “treatment-focused.” People use it to help with dullness, uneven tone, and that overall tired look. It’s usually applied at night and works slowly over time.

It can be slightly heavier and a bit pricey, but for many, it’s worth it for that soft, natural glow it gives.

This is where most people go wrong. Oils aren’t meant to replace everything—they work best when used with your routine.

A simple way to start:

Use 2–3 drops on slightly damp skin

Apply after your moisturiser to lock everything in

Stick to nighttime, especially in humid weather

And most importantly, don’t mix too many oils at once. Pick one, give it time, and see how your skin responds.

At the end of the day, oils aren’t magic—but they can make a real difference if you use them right. And in a country like ours, where weather, pollution, and lifestyle all play a role, that extra layer of protection can actually help.

You don’t need a 10-step routine or expensive products. Sometimes, going back to simple, time-tested oils is all your skin really needs.