What 'Glow' Actually Is, and How to Get It Honestly
Glow isn't a vibe or a filter. It's light bouncing off smooth, hydrated, evenly-toned skin, which means you can reverse-engineer it into a checklist instead of chasing it with a highlighter.
Avoid for Dryness
What Makes This Different
The 13-ingredient formula is remarkably concise for a product delivering vitamins A, C, and E alongside quality plant oils. The salicyloyl phytosphingosine — a molecule combining salicylic acid with a ceramide precursor — is an unusually sophisticated ingredient for a facial oil, providing anti-inflammatory and barrier-support benefits that most oils lack. The 'dry oil' texture sets it apart from heavier botanical oils.
No7
No7 Youthful Replenishing Facial Oil Review
Minimalist Luxury Oil
oil oil pharmacy brand Paraben Free Vegan Not Cruelty Free
A beautifully minimalist facial oil that proves less is more. Thirteen ingredients — jojoba, rosehip, and vitamins A, C, and E — in a fast-absorbing 'dry oil' format that rivals luxury alternatives at a fraction of the cost. The salicyloyl phytosphingosine adds unexpected sophistication. No7's highest-rated product for good reason, though the alcohol denat and isopropyl myristate limit its universality.
Made in United Kingdom Launched 2016 Best for fall-winter PAO: 12 months
Run it through our tools Clashes with my routine? Pregnancy-safe? Find a cheaper dupe Patch-test it first
Verdicts All dryness products →All aging products →All dehydration products →
How well it fits each concern
Verdict by concern tap a concern for the case
Avoidfor DrynessIn your profileYou chose · This formula carries drying alcohol — a known trigger for dryness — so it is not a fit however good its actives are.
The case for it
- Jojoba Seed Oil has trial-supported standing for this concern.
- It is plausibly present at a working level, though the concentration is not declared.
- The formula carries a known trigger for this concern, which decides the verdict before any efficacy question.
Cautions: fragrance.
What would change this: Removing the trigger named above would let the actives be judged on their own.
Same rule for everyone. “Avoid” is the verdict on 1,909 of 45,024 concern verdicts across the catalog; rule R1 decided 1,304 of them. Unchanged since September 5, 2026, engine 5.1.1.
Brand or formulator? Disclose a concentration or correct a fact →
Show the work
- Rule
- R1 — Safety outranks praise (MASTER-PLAN §1.7). A condition-weighted trigger (multiplier ≥ 2 in condition-fit-matrix) decides the verdict before any efficacy question. · the full register
- Carrying active
- Jojoba Seed Oil
- Standing
- supported — its mechanism is established
- Form
- plausible — studied range 1–100%, from the trials on the row; needs leave-on contact
- Tolerability
- harsh — drying alcohol
- Row checked
- against its sources on July 17, 2026 (evidence table ev-2026.09-r228)
The studies behind the evidence row
- International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook — declared function — Personal Care Products Council
Unprovenfor AgingIn your profileYou chose · Vitamin E has early or mechanistic evidence for aging — a reasonable bet, not a recommendation; the other actives here are not yet assessed for it.
The case for it
- Tocopheryl Acetate + Tocopherol has early or mechanistic evidence for this concern, not trial-backed standing.
- It is plausibly present at a working level, though the concentration is not declared.
- The formula carries no trigger this concern is sensitive to, with the cautions noted.
What would change this: A declared concentration would move this to a firmer reading of the dose.
Same rule for everyone. “Unproven” is the verdict on 1,111 of 45,024 concern verdicts across the catalog; rule R9 decided 1,111 of them. Unchanged since September 5, 2026, engine 5.1.1.
Brand or formulator? Disclose a concentration or correct a fact →
Show the work
- Rule
- R9 — Plausible-tier actives alone do not earn a recommendation, and 'not for this' would overstate the case against them. 'Unproven' with the evidence dots lets the reader judge the bet (added 0.2.0 after the first shadow run put a 10% niacinamide serum at 'not for this' for hyperpigmentation). 0.5.0: the closing clause reads the other heroes — "nothing else here addresses it" only when every other active has a researched 'none' row; "not yet assessed" when that is the truth. Rows whose dots read moderate or better now reach R9p first. · the full register
- Carrying active
- Tocopheryl Acetate + Tocopherol
- Standing
- plausible — trials support it
- Form
- plausible — studied range 1%, from the OTC monograph or label; needs leave-on contact
- Tolerability
- standard
- Row checked
- against its sources on July 17, 2026 (evidence table ev-2026.09-r228)
The studies behind the evidence row
- Nanostructured Lipid Carrier Based Gel Containing α-Tocopherol and α-Tocopheryl Acetate for Synergistic Cutaneous Antiaging Efficacy — Scientific Reports (2025), opened July 16, 2026
- Efficacy of a topical serum containing L-ascorbic acid, neohesperidin, pycnogenol, tocopherol, and hyaluronic acid in relation to skin aging signs — Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (2022), opened July 16, 2026
- A serum containing vitamins C & E and a matrix-repair tripeptide reduces facial signs of aging as evidenced by Primos® analysis and frequently repeated self-assessments — Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (2020), opened July 16, 2026
- Vitamin E in dermatology — Clinical Dermatology (2026), opened July 16, 2026
- Effects of tocotrienol on aging skin: A systematic review — Frontiers in Pharmacology (2022), opened July 16, 2026
Avoidfor DehydrationIn your profileYou chose · This formula carries drying alcohol — a known trigger for dehydration — so it is not a fit however good its actives are.
The case for it
- Rosa Moschata has no evidence row yet for this concern — it is in the research queue.
- The formula carries a known trigger for this concern, which decides the verdict before any efficacy question.
What would change this: Removing the trigger named above would let the actives be judged on their own.
Same rule for everyone. “Avoid” is the verdict on 1,909 of 45,024 concern verdicts across the catalog; rule R1 decided 1,304 of them. Unchanged since September 5, 2026, engine 5.1.1.
Brand or formulator? Disclose a concentration or correct a fact →
Show the work
- Rule
- R1 — Safety outranks praise (MASTER-PLAN §1.7). A condition-weighted trigger (multiplier ≥ 2 in condition-fit-matrix) decides the verdict before any efficacy question. · the full register
- Carrying active
- Rosa Moschata
- Standing
- not assessed
- Form
- plausible
- Tolerability
- harsh — drying alcohol
Also listed for Dullness — the actives here (Rosehip Oil, Vitamin E, Retinyl Palmitate, Vitamin C) are in our research queue for that concern; there is no verdict until their evidence rows are written. That is a gap in our table, not a mark against the product.
As a oilNot judged: what a oil is for — fatty-acid profile, seals moisture, resists going rancid — cannot yet be measured from the ingredient list (only pore and malassezia risk can).
A verdict is DermApproved’s assessment of how well a product’s ingredients fit a concern — never a claim about what the product treats. Evidence dots and collected reviews sit beside it and are never blended in. Rules 0.5.1 · evidence table ev-2026.09-r228 · how we decide
Assessment
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Beautifully minimalist 13-ingredient formula — every component serves a clear purpose
- ✓ Fast-absorbing 'dry oil' texture sinks in within seconds without greasiness
- ✓ Jojoba and rosehip oils provide quality nourishment that mimics skin's own lipids
- ✓ Fat-soluble vitamins A, C, and E in forms optimized for oil-based delivery
- ✓ Salicyloyl phytosphingosine adds anti-inflammatory and barrier-support benefits
- ✓ Exceptional value — 3-4 month supply for approximately $23
- ✓ Silicone-free and paraben-free with a short, transparent ingredient list
Cons
- ✗ Alcohol denat seems unnecessary in a nourishing facial oil formula
- ✗ Isopropyl myristate is comedogenic — risky for acne-prone skin
- ✗ Contains fragrance in an otherwise minimalist formulation
- ✗ 30ml bottle is small — no larger size option available
- ✗ Not moisturizing enough alone for very dry skin — works best over a cream
Review
Full Review
In a skincare world that increasingly equates complexity with quality — where serums boast twenty actives and moisturizers read like chemistry dissertations — No7's Youthful Replenishing Facial Oil makes a radical argument for restraint. Thirteen ingredients. That is the whole formula. And yet it remains one of No7's highest-rated products, holding above 4.5 stars across retailers with reviewers who sound less like customers than converts.
The simplicity is the strategy. Every ingredient has a purpose, and nothing is present as filler or marketing decoration. Caprylic/capric triglyceride — fractionated coconut oil — leads as the lightweight carrier and delivers the fast-absorbing 'dry oil' feel that separates this from the heavy botanical bottles gathering dust in wellness shops. Jojoba seed oil follows, and it is not technically an oil at all but a liquid wax ester whose molecular structure closely resembles human sebum. That similarity is why it integrates into the skin's own lipid layer instead of loitering on the surface, and why this absorbs in seconds rather than remaining tacky for a quarter of an hour.
Rosehip seed oil, third on the list, brings the real nutritional weight. Rosa moschata is one of a very small number of plant oils that naturally contains trans-retinoic acid — the active form of vitamin A that skin cells can use directly, without the conversion steps a retinol requires. It is also rich in linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids, the essential fatty acids that build a functional barrier. The rosehip therefore supplies gentle retinoid activity from a botanical source, and the retinyl palmitate further down reinforces the same pathway.
The vitamin trio is elegantly matched to the vehicle. Retinyl palmitate (A), ascorbyl palmitate (C), and tocopheryl acetate plus free tocopherol (E) are all fat-soluble forms, chosen precisely because they dissolve in oil. Water-soluble vitamin C would be inert here; ascorbyl palmitate is the correct choice for a lipid environment, and it delivers its antioxidant protection to the lipid layers of the barrier — which is exactly where UV and pollution do their peroxidation damage. The tocopherols pull double duty, protecting your skin and the oils in the bottle from oxidizing before you finish it.
The most intriguing ingredient sits near the bottom: salicyloyl phytosphingosine. This is a hybrid molecule joining salicylic acid to phytosphingosine, a ceramide precursor. The salicylic half brings mild anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity; the phytosphingosine half supports the skin's own ceramide synthesis. It is an unusually sophisticated thing to find in a twenty-three dollar facial oil, and it hints at a formulation team thinking well beyond simple moisturization. For anyone nervous that an oil will trigger congestion, this ingredient is quietly working the other way.
The texture is what earns the devoted following. Most facial oils fall into one of two camps: heavy, thick and unmistakably greasy, or watery-thin and effectively pointless. This lands between them. Three or four drops from the pipette spread across the face with a silky, immediately absorbing quality that leaves skin luminous rather than shiny. By morning the skin feels plump and genuinely nourished. The 'dry oil' description reviewers keep reaching for is accurate — it behaves more like a finishing treatment than an oil.
But the ingredient list has two entries worth arguing with. Alcohol denat sits fifth, and it is the puzzle of the formula. It explains part of the fast dry-down — alcohol lightens the feel and speeds the set — but in a nourishing oil, a lighter texture could have been engineered through carrier oil ratios instead of by adding a known irritant. The parfum, pleasant as most people find it, is a second departure from the minimalism the rest of the bottle preaches. Isostearyl isostearate and methyl benzoate round out the supporting cast.
Isopropyl myristate, eighth on the list, is the more serious flag. It is a well-documented comedogen, and its presence means this oil is genuinely not for everyone. Dry and normal skin without acne tendencies will almost certainly be fine. Anyone with a history of comedonal acne should patch test rather than trust the jojoba to compensate, and the oil content rules the product out of a Malassezia-avoidant routine entirely. The retinyl palmitate also puts it off-limits during pregnancy.
On value it is hard to fault. Twenty-three dollars for 30ml, at three or four drops a night, means a bottle lasts three to four months — six to eight dollars a month for a rosehip-and-jojoba oil with three fat-soluble vitamins and a ceramide-supporting active in it. Prestige oils built on the same ingredients routinely cost several times that for the same volume or less. The glass dropper bottle is also the right container, keeping light away from the vitamin A and C. The only packaging gripe is that no larger size exists.
One practical note the marketing never mentions: an oil is an emollient and an occlusive, not a hydrator. It has no humectants in it. Layered over a hydrating serum or a moisturizer it seals in water beautifully; applied to bare, dehydrated skin it simply softens the surface and leaves the thirst underneath untouched. Use it last, and it earns every drop.
What this bottle proves is that a pharmacy brand can produce something that feels like a luxury by spending its ingredient budget on quality rather than quantity. Thirteen ingredients, each doing a job, in a texture that converts oil skeptics. The alcohol and the isopropyl myristate keep it from perfection — but for everyone who tolerates both without incident, this is a small bottle of genuine nourishment at a genuinely fair price.
Formula
Key Ingredients
The hero actives that drive this product's performance.
| Ingredient | Function | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Jojoba Seed Oil | Listed second, jojoba oil is technically a liquid wax ester that closely mimics human sebum in molecular structure. In this facial oil, it provides deep emollient hydration that integrates into the skin's own lipid layer rather than sitting on top. Its similarity to natural sebum makes it one of the best-tolerated plant oils across skin types. | Established mechanism for Dryness · established mechanism |
| Rosa Moschata (Rosehip) Seed Oil | Third in the formula, rosehip oil is rich in linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, and natural trans-retinoic acid — a rare botanical source of the vitamin A metabolite that skin uses directly for cell renewal. In this oil blend, it provides both essential fatty acid nourishment and mild retinoid-like activity that complements the retinyl palmitate. | Not yet assessed |
| Retinyl Palmitate | A gentle retinoid ester dissolved in this oil-based vehicle for optimal stability and absorption. The lipophilic oil matrix provides an ideal delivery medium for this fat-soluble vitamin A derivative, promoting cell turnover and collagen synthesis with minimal irritation — particularly well-buffered by the surrounding emollient oils. | Not yet assessed |
| Ascorbyl Palmitate | A lipid-soluble vitamin C derivative perfectly suited to this oil-based formula. Unlike water-soluble vitamin C forms, ascorbyl palmitate integrates seamlessly into the oil matrix and provides antioxidant protection within the lipid layers of the skin — where free radical damage from UV exposure actually occurs. | Limited for Aging |
| Salicyloyl Phytosphingosine | A hybrid molecule combining salicylic acid with phytosphingosine — it provides mild anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity (from the salicylic component) alongside ceramide-precursor barrier support (from the phytosphingosine). An unusually sophisticated ingredient for a facial oil, addressing both skin barrier repair and potential breakout prevention. | Not yet assessed |
| Tocopheryl Acetate + Tocopherol | Two forms of vitamin E — the stabilized acetate ester and the active tocopherol — provide comprehensive lipid-phase antioxidant protection. In this oil formula, they protect both the skin's lipid barrier and the other oil ingredients themselves from oxidative degradation, extending the product's shelf life while delivering anti-aging benefits. | Limited for Aging |
Ingredient standings describe the active at treatment-level doses and vehicles; this product's own condition grades weigh its actual formula.
Full INCI List
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Rosa Moschata Seed Oil, Isostearyl Isostearate, Alcohol Denat, Tocopheryl Acetate, Parfum (Fragrance), Isopropyl Myristate, Retinyl Palmitate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Salicyloyl Phytosphingosine, Tocopherol, Methyl Benzoate
✗ Not Pregnancy Safe ✗ Fragrance Free✗ Alcohol Free✗ Oil Free✓ Silicone Free✓ Paraben Free✓ Sulfate Free✗ Cruelty Free✓ Vegan✗ Fungal Acne Safe
Isopropyl Myristate
Alcohol DenatParfum (Fragrance)Isopropyl Myristate
Parfum (Fragrance)
Compatibility
Skin Match
Routine Step
treatment
Time of Day
PM
Layering Tips
Apply 3-4 drops as the final step of your evening routine, after serum and moisturizer. The oil seals in previous layers and provides an occlusive finish. Can also be mixed with night cream for a richer treatment, or applied alone on well-hydrated skin. In the morning, use sparingly (1-2 drops) mixed into moisturizer if needed.
Results Timeline
Immediate comfort and glow from the first application. Skin feels softer and more supple within 2-3 days of nightly use. Visible improvement in dryness, fine lines, and overall radiance after 4 weeks of consistent use.
Hyaluronic acid serums (apply underneath)Ceramide moisturizersNight creams (mix together or layer)
Planning a combo? Check it against what you already use
Sample AM Routine
- Gentle cleanser
- Hydrating serum
- Moisturizer with SPF 30+
Sample PM Routine
- Cleansing oil or balm
- Gentle cleanser
- Treatment serum
- Night cream or moisturizer
- No7 Youthful Replenishing Facial Oil (3-4 drops)
Evidence
Science & Expert Perspective
The Science
The two primary oils in this formula — jojoba and rosehip — have distinct scientific profiles that complement each other. Simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil is composed primarily of long-chain wax esters that structurally resemble the wax esters in human sebum. One trial published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences has demonstrated that jojoba oil can modulate sebum production and has anti-inflammatory properties. Its molecular similarity to sebum allows it to integrate into the stratum corneum lipid matrix more effectively than most plant oils.
Rosa moschata (rosehip) seed oil contains approximately 77% unsaturated fatty acids (primarily linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids) and naturally occurring trans-retinoic acid (tretinoin). One trial published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology demonstrated that rosehip oil improved skin hydration, elasticity, and the appearance of wrinkles and scars in clinical testing. The natural trans-retinoic acid content — unique among commercially available plant oils — provides a botanical source of the vitamin A metabolite that dermatologists consider the gold standard for anti-aging.
Ascorbyl palmitate, the lipid-soluble vitamin C form in this oil, has been shown to integrate into cell membranes and protect lipid bilayers from peroxidation — a mechanism distinct from water-soluble vitamin C forms that primarily operate in aqueous environments. In an oil-based vehicle, ascorbyl palmitate is both more stable and more biologically relevant than water-soluble alternatives.
Salicyloyl phytosphingosine combines two active moieties: salicylic acid (a BHA with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties) and phytosphingosine (a sphingoid base involved in ceramide synthesis). Research has shown that phytosphingosine itself has antimicrobial activity against Propionibacterium acnes and supports the skin's ceramide synthesis pathway.
Dermatologist Perspective
Dermatologists appreciate the short, transparent ingredient list of this facial oil, noting that fewer ingredients generally means fewer opportunities for sensitivity reactions. Practitioners view jojoba oil favorably due to its sebum-mimicking properties, and rosehip oil's natural trans-retinoic acid content makes it one of the few botanicals with genuine retinoid-class evidence. The fat-soluble vitamin A, C, and E trio is pharmacologically appropriate for an oil vehicle. Dermatologists would flag the isopropyl myristate as a potential comedogenic concern for acne-prone patients and may recommend this primarily for dry, mature skin types where the oil format and gentle retinoid activity offer maximum benefit.
Guidance
Usage & Recommendations
How to Use
Dispense 3-4 drops from the pipette onto clean fingertips or directly onto the face. Press gently into skin as the final step of your evening routine, after serum and moisturizer. For extra nourishment, mix 2-3 drops into your night cream. In the morning, use sparingly — 1-2 drops mixed into moisturizer for a dewy glow, always followed by SPF. Avoid applying directly before makeup application as it may cause foundation to slide.
Value Assessment
At $22.99 for 30ml, this facial oil delivers exceptional per-unit value. With only 3-4 drops needed per application, a bottle lasts 3-4 months, bringing the monthly cost to approximately $6-$8. Comparable quality facial oils with rosehip, jojoba, and vitamins from prestige brands like Drunk Elephant or Sunday Riley typically cost $50-$100 for similar sizes. No7's short ingredient list means the budget is concentrated on quality carrier oils and active vitamins rather than spread across dozens of fillers and extracts.
Who Should Buy
Dry to normal skin types seeking a lightweight, fast-absorbing facial oil for nighttime nourishment and radiance. Ideal for those who want the benefits of rosehip and jojoba oils with added retinoid and antioxidant vitamins. Excellent for anyone who has tried heavier facial oils and found them too greasy, or for facial oil skeptics looking for their first oil experience.
Who Should Skip
Acne-prone skin should be cautious due to the isopropyl myristate — patch test first. Oily skin types may not need additional oil application. Fragrance-sensitive users should note the parfum, and those seeking intense moisture for severely dry skin may need a richer oil. Avoid during pregnancy due to the retinyl palmitate content.
Ready to try No7 Youthful Replenishing Facial Oil?
Buy at Amazon ♥ Details
Product Details
Texture
Lightweight, fast-absorbing 'dry oil' that sinks into skin within seconds without leaving a greasy residue. Feels silky rather than oily. Noticeably lighter than most facial oils.
Scent
Subtle, warm, slightly floral fragrance that users consistently describe as pleasant and non-overwhelming. Fades quickly after application.
Packaging
30ml glass bottle with dropper pipette in warm gold packaging. The dropper allows precise application of 3-4 drops. Glass protects the retinyl palmitate and vitamin C from light degradation.
glowysatinnon-greasy
What to Expect on First Use
Expect an immediate satin glow and deep softness from the first application. The oil absorbs within seconds, leaving skin luminous without greasiness. Morning skin feels plump and nourished. No adjustment period — benefits are noticeable from day one.
How Long It Lasts
3-4 months with nightly use of 3-4 drops
Best Season
fall winter
Background
The Story Behind This Product
No7 developed the Youthful Replenishing Facial Oil during the facial oil renaissance of the mid-2010s, when consumers were rediscovering the benefits of plant oils after years of oil-free skincare dogma. Rather than creating a complex multi-oil blend, No7 took a minimalist approach — two high-quality carrier oils (jojoba and rosehip) with targeted vitamins and a ceramide-supporting active. The result was a stripped-down formula that focused on quality of ingredients over quantity.
About No7 Legacy Brand (20+ years)
No7 was launched by Boots in 1935 and has been a cornerstone of British pharmacy skincare for nearly nine decades. The Youthful Replenishing Facial Oil combines traditional plant oils with No7's vitamin-based approach, delivering a minimalist formula with only 13 ingredients.
Brand founded: 1935 · Product launched: 2016
Myth vs. Reality
Common Myths
Myth
Facial oils clog pores and cause breakouts.
Reality
Jojoba oil, the primary oil in this formula, has a molecular structure similar to human sebum and is generally non-comedogenic. However, this formula does contain isopropyl myristate, which is a known comedogenic ingredient. If you are acne-prone, this is worth patch testing before full-face use. For non-acne-prone skin, the jojoba-dominant base is well-tolerated.
Myth
Facial oils replace moisturizer — you do not need both.
Reality
Oils provide emollient and occlusive benefits but lack the humectant properties (water-attracting ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin) found in moisturizers. For best results, apply this oil over a hydrating serum or moisturizer. The oil seals in the hydration that the water-based products provide — they are complementary, not interchangeable.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Is No7 Youthful Replenishing Facial Oil good for wrinkles?
The formula includes retinyl palmitate (vitamin A) and rosehip oil, which contains natural trans-retinoic acid — both promote cell turnover and collagen synthesis that can soften the appearance of fine lines over time. Combined with vitamins C and E for antioxidant protection, this oil provides mild but genuine anti-aging benefits. For significant wrinkle reduction, pair this oil with a dedicated peptide or retinol serum underneath.
Can I use No7 facial oil on oily or acne-prone skin?
While jojoba oil generally suits oily skin due to its sebum-like structure, this formula contains isopropyl myristate — a known comedogenic ingredient. If you are acne-prone, this product may trigger breakouts. Patch test on a small area for a week before committing. For oily skin without acne concerns, the lightweight 'dry oil' texture may work well in small amounts.
When should I apply No7 Youthful Replenishing Facial Oil in my routine?
Apply 3-4 drops as the final step of your evening skincare routine, after serum and moisturizer. Oil molecules are larger than the water-based ingredients in serums and creams, so applying oil last seals everything in without blocking penetration. You can also mix 1-2 drops into your night cream for a richer treatment, or use sparingly in the morning mixed into your day cream before SPF.
Why does this facial oil contain alcohol?
The alcohol denat at fifth position likely serves as a solvent to help the oil absorb quickly and create the 'dry oil' texture that users prize. It helps the formula feel lightweight rather than heavy and greasy. While unusual in a facial oil, the concentration appears moderate and is buffered by the surrounding emollient oils.
How long does a bottle of No7 Youthful Replenishing Facial Oil last?
The 30ml bottle lasts approximately 3-4 months with nightly use of 3-4 drops. This makes the approximately $23 price point very economical — roughly $6-$8 per month for a quality facial oil with vitamins A, C, and E. Use the dropper pipette for precise application; a little goes a very long way.
Can I use No7 facial oil with retinol or vitamin C serum?
Yes — this oil can be layered over retinol or vitamin C serums as it actually helps buffer and seal in these actives. The oil itself contains retinyl palmitate and ascorbyl palmitate, so you are adding gentle supplementary doses of these vitamins. Apply your water-based retinol or vitamin C serum first, allow it to absorb, then seal with the facial oil.
Reviews
What Reviewers Tend to Say
Recurring themes our editors read across retailer reviews of this product — summaries in our words, not quotations, and not a substitute for your own patch test.
Non-greasy 'dry oil' texture absorbs quickly
Skin looks immediately more radiant and healthy
Beautiful subtle scent
A little goes a very long way — lasts months
Skin feels deeply nourished overnight
Contains alcohol denat which seems contradictory in a facial oil
Not moisturizing enough alone for very dry skin — works better over a cream
Contains fragrance
Isopropyl myristate may cause breakouts in acne-prone skin
30ml size is small for the price
One of No7's highest-rated products across the entire rangeFrequently featured in 'best facial oils' roundups