The Best Face Oils and Oil Serums in Singapore, That Work In Spite of the Heat

Face oils have a bit of a reputation. While some of us swear by their favourite bottles others fear they’ll turn their skin into a slippery, shiny mess. The truth? A well-formulated face oil or oil serum can be a game-changer, even in Singapore’s tropical humidity. 

We’ve raved about our favourite skincare essentials before, from herbal remedies to must-have Korean staples. This time, the spotlight is on face oils and oil-based serums—game-changers for any beauty routine. From giving optimum hydration, barrier support, or an extra glow(the best highlighters!), the right facial oil can do wonders without clogging pores or making skin greasy.

Why Face Oils Deserve a Spot in Your Skincare Routine

Did you know that the global face oil market size was valued at approximately USD 1.9 billion in 2023, and is estimated to reach USD 3.1 billion by 2032? This growth is driven by increasing consumer awareness about skincare, but also the interest in natural and organic ingredients as well as a higher disposable income. 

Despite what many assume, face oils aren’t just about adding moisture—they help lock it in. Packed with essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins, they reinforce the skin barrier, keeping dehydration, irritation, and fine lines at bay. Many oils also have anti-inflammatory properties, making them ideal for soothing redness and sensitivity. Plus, they create a protective layer over the skin, preventing moisture loss and keeping environmental stressors out.

Those with oily or acne-prone skin may think face oils aren’t for them, but the right ones can help regulate sebum production, reducing breakouts in the long run. How do you ensure you have the right one? In warm climates, look for lightweight, non-comedogenic options like squalane, jojoba, and rosehip oil. These absorb quickly and won’t clog pores. You can also turn to oil serums, the perfect in-betweener to face serums and oils, giving you the requisite nourishment without the ick of an oil.

Face Oils Work Even in Warm and Humid Climates

The idea of applying oil to your face in Singapore’s heat and humidity might sound counterintuitive, but it works! When skin is exposed to high temperatures and constant air-conditioning, it can become dehydrated, triggering an overproduction of sebum. The result? A greasy yet dehydrated complexion prone to breakouts. Face oils help balance this out by sealing in hydration, preventing the skin from overcompensating with excess oil.

It’s key to choose lightweight, fast-absorbing oils that won’t sit heavily on the skin. Ingredients like squalane, camellia, and grapeseed oil sink in quickly without leaving residue, making them ideal for humid conditions. Oil serums, which are often infused with active ingredients like vitamin C or niacinamide, offer even more targeted benefits, delivering hydration and antioxidants without feeling heavy.

Ready to glow without the dreaded mid-day shine? Read on for the best recommended face oils and oils serums that work in Singapore’s climate. 

Guerlain Abeille Royale Advanced Youth Watery Oil - Reformulation of the Iconic Formula 

Oil-serums have long been a favourite for deep nourishment without the weight of a traditional oil, and Guerlain has perfected the balance with its newly reformulated Abeille Royale Advanced Youth Watery Oil. This lightweight yet potent elixir delivers the replenishing benefits of an oil, the fast-absorbing texture of a serum, and the refreshing sensation of a lotion. A dream for those navigating Singapore’s humidity!

A heritage spanning almost 200 years and backed by 15 years of research, this latest reformulation promises visible results at every stage—from the first drops to the first hour, and even within the first month. With Guerlain’s exclusive Dynamic BlackBee Repair technology, this fusion of three exceptional black bee honeys and royal jelly, help to maximise skin regeneration.

In its recent new avatar, Guerlain has incorporated three powerhouse black bee honeys into its formula: Ouessant honey from France, Trøgstad honey from Norway, and Connemara honey from Ireland. And each one brings a unique skin-revitalising benefit: Ouessant honey enhances skin renewal by over 50%, Connemara honey amplifies hyaluronic acid synthesis by 96%, while Trøgstad honey, rich in amino acids, boosts anti-ageing repair markers by 87%.

Together, these ingredients supercharge the skin’s repair process, increasing cellular energy production by 30% and stimulating stromal cell migration by a whopping 339%. In layman terms, they effectively fight signs of ageing and leave your skin looking stronger, smoother, and more radiant with every application.

Lightweight yet potent, the Abeille Royale Advanced Youth Watery Oil works beautifully on its own or layered under a moisturiser for an extra boost of hydration. The result is a fresh, dewy glow without excess shine—ideal for keeping skin balanced. 

Psst…you can even use it on the dry ends of your hair or during pregnancy to keep those stretch marks at bay! 

Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Oil-Infused Serum - For Rosy Hydration, No Greasy Finish

Humidity might be a given in Singapore, but dehydrated skin? We promise you that it is entirely avoidable! Fresh’s Rose Deep Hydration Oil-Infused Serum is for those who want the benefits of an oil without the weight. This dual-phase formula; part lightweight oil, part hydrating water that merges with a quick shake, delivering deep moisture without a greasy finish.

Infused with rosewater and damask rose, it keeps skin dewy and plumped for 24 hours while softening and nourishing with every use. The oils in the mix are designed for fast absorption, meaning no unwanted shine or clogged pores—just fresh, bouncy skin. Use it alone for a natural glow or layer it under moisturiser for extra hydration. Either way, it’s an easy way to keep skin happy, no matter the weather.

L’occitane Immortelle Divine Youth Oil - Like a Daily Supplement for Your Skin

Next up is a cult favourite, perfect for days when your skin’s been feeling a little off. For rougher, drier, or just lacking that natural glow skin turn to L’Occitane’s Immortelle Divine Youth Oil. Think of it as a daily supplement for your skin, packed with Vitamins A and E alongside Omegas 3, 6, and 9 to strengthen, smooth, and restore radiance.

Despite its powerhouse formula, the texture is surprisingly lightweight, absorbing quickly without any sticky residue. Designed for daily use, it works to reinforce the skin barrier, keeping it firm, hydrated, and luminous even in humid weather. Massage a few drops in every morning and night, and let your skin drink it up. 

KraveBeauty Oil La La - Oily Goodness for Acne-Prone skin

Oils and acne might not seem like a natural pairing, but KraveBeauty’s Oil La La challenges that notion with a formula designed to balance rather than overwhelm the skin. The secret? Rosehip seed oil, rich in linoleic acid, which helps to refine sebum texture making it less sticky and pore-clogging. All while hydrating with great ingredients and strengthening the skin barrier.

Lightweight and fast-absorbing, this oil works to soothe and clarify breakout-prone skin without disrupting its natural moisture levels. It’s particularly effective for those with oily or blemish-prone complexions, offering hydration without the heaviness. Use it at night as part of an evening routine or use it before a gua sha massage(pro tip by Liah, KraveBeauty’s CEO), to enhance absorption and boost skin’s glow. With its sustainable packaging and skin-first approach, Oil La La makes a strong case for rethinking oils in skincare.

Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil - Great for Red Skin

In Singapore's humid climate, maintaining radiant skin can be challenging, but Sunday Riley's C.E.O. Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil could be the one for you. Users rave about its ability to resolve redness, crepey skin and bring back a glow for ageing skin. 

This lightweight oil combines a stable, oil-soluble form of Vitamin C with antioxidant-rich turmeric to brighten and even out skin tone. Infused with cold-pressed red raspberry and evening primrose seed oils, it provides hydration without a greasy feel. 

Regular use can help reduce the appearance of dark spots and fine lines, leaving the complexion luminous and revitalised. Suitable for normal, dry, and combination skin types, this oil absorbs quickly, making it ideal for daily use in humid conditions. However, keep in mind that it also has a peculiar turmeric and citrus smell that some don’t love. We recommend trying a few drops at your nearest Sephora before indulging in this glow-boosting face oil.

Chanel Huile de Jasmin - Iconic Face Oil with a Dreamy Jasmin Fragrance

There are trends and then there are icons like Chanel’s Huile d Jasmin. A modern revival of a classic that was first created by Gabrielle Chanel in 1927, it now comes in a formula that’s bound to be loved by your skin. Made almost entirely from naturally derived ingredients, Huile de Jasmin is infused with a precious jasmine extract from Grasse, cultivated exclusively for Chanel.

The lightweight oil smooths, nourishes, and fortifies the skin, leaving it supple and radiant with a soft satiny finish. Fine lines appear softened from the first use, while continued application helps plump and protect the skin. And can we take a moment to talk about the scent? Not for those who prefer unscented products, but a keeper for any Jasmine lovers in your life, the fragrance is as nourishing for your soul as it is for your skin. 

Use it alone for that luminous glow, layered under your favourite skincare, or mix into your foundation for a seamless, dewy finish. 

Esmi Skin Minerals 24k Gold Nourishing Oil - Face Oil with the Indulgence of Real Gold

Take your skincare a step further with the addition of gold! Few things feel as indulgent as skincare infused with real gold, but Esmi’s 24k Gold Nourishing Oil offers more than that. Designed to combat premature ageing, this antioxidant-rich formula enhances elasticity, boosts circulation, and firms the skin—all while delivering deep hydration to keep dryness at bay. 

A blend of coconut, jojoba, and avocado oils provides essential fatty acids and vitamins, ensuring lasting moisture without a greasy feel. Rosehip oil, prized for its regenerative properties, helps to fade pigmentation and support skin healing, making this a powerhouse for dull or ageing skin. With the calming scents of ylang-ylang and geranium, this gold-infused oil transforms skincare into a sensorial ritual and you get plumped, radiant skin to relish in! 

Banner image credit: Guerlain