There’s a bottle of coconut oil sitting in my bathroom cabinet—and one in my kitchen. At one point, it felt like the answer to everything: dry hair, dry toast, frizz, face masks, oil pulling, even “natural” deodorant (that phase didn’t last long). If you’re anything like me, you probably rode the coconut oil wave hard. And while it's earned its place, it’s also not the only oil worth our attention.
The truth is, there’s a world of natural oils out there—each with its own personality, nutrient profile, and glow-up potential. And some of them? They may be even better suited to your skin, hair, or health goals than the trusty coconut.
So let’s go beyond the coconut. In this guide, we’re exploring five under-the-radar (but research-backed) natural oils that deserve a spot in your wellness routine—whether you're chasing glowier skin, healthier hair, or just want to know what actually works.
1. Rosehip Oil
If you’re looking for something that delivers results, rosehip oil is a quietly powerful choice. Sourced from the seeds of wild rose bushes, this lightweight, non-comedogenic oil is rich in:
- Vitamin A (a natural retinoid)
- Vitamin C
- Essential fatty acids (especially linoleic acid)
Rosehip oil is best known for reducing hyperpigmentation, boosting collagen, and improving skin texture—without the dryness that sometimes comes with synthetic retinols. It's particularly helpful for acne-prone or maturing skin.
Personally, I reach for this oil on evenings when I want to look like I slept well (even if I didn’t). It absorbs quickly, layers well under moisturizer, and adds a healthy, dewy finish.
Tip: Apply rosehip oil after your serum but before heavier creams, ideally at night when your skin is in repair mode.
2. Squalane Oil
Squalane might be the most misunderstood oil of all. Derived from olives, sugarcane, or even rice bran, squalane is a stable form of squalene—a lipid naturally found in our skin’s sebum.
Why is that important? Because it means squalane is biomimetic—your skin recognizes it, accepts it, and absorbs it easily without clogging pores or causing irritation.
It’s lightweight, non-greasy, and incredibly versatile. You can use it:
- To seal in moisture after serum
- As a soft, frizz-fighting hair oil
- On lips, nails, or dry patches anywhere
Squalane is especially ideal for sensitive or reactive skin. It strengthens your barrier, locks in hydration, and doesn’t mess with your skin’s microbiome. Squalane has emollient, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, making it beneficial for conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea.
3. Sea Buckthorn Oil
This bright orange oil looks like sunshine in a bottle—and it pretty much acts like it, too. Sea buckthorn oil is extracted from the berries and seeds of the sea buckthorn plant and is uniquely rich in omega-7 fatty acids, a rare nutrient that supports skin regeneration.
Other key benefits:
- High in Vitamin E and C
- Known to improve elasticity and tone
- Encourages wound healing and soothes inflammation
Its vibrant color comes from beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, which adds to its radiance-boosting benefits. That said, a little goes a long way—this oil can stain clothing or pillowcases if overused.
Mix a drop into your face oil or cream, especially in colder months when your skin needs a little more TLC and resilience.
Glow tip: Use sea buckthorn oil 1–2 times per week as a radiance booster or mix with your nighttime moisturizer during dry seasons.
4. Marula Oil
Marula oil comes from the nut of the marula fruit tree, native to parts of Southern Africa. It’s sometimes called “luxury oil,” and it earns that title with its silky texture and elegant absorption.
What sets marula apart?
- It’s rich in oleic acid (a fatty acid known for smoothing and softening).
- It contains antioxidants like Vitamin C and E.
- It helps calm redness and irritation while offering lasting hydration.
Marula is particularly lovely for dry, mature, or sensitive skin, and it can double as a shine serum or scalp treatment. It’s also excellent for locking in moisture without feeling heavy.
Some dermatologists even recommend it for people who struggle with tightness after washing their face—it’s that gentle.
5. Tamanu Oil
Tamanu oil is the underdog of natural oils—but it may be the most healing of the bunch. Sourced from the nuts of the Tamanu tree (native to Southeast Asia), this thick, green oil has been used for centuries in traditional medicine.
Why it’s worth knowing:
- Tamanu oil has powerful wound-healing and antimicrobial properties.
- It supports collagen production and may reduce scarring.
- It's often used for eczema, acne scars, and stretch marks.
It has a distinct earthy scent and a thicker consistency—so it’s best used as a spot treatment or mixed with lighter oils. But if your skin barrier needs repair? This is your secret weapon.
Choosing the Right Oil for You
Just like skincare routines, oils aren’t one-size-fits-all. A few things to consider:
- Skin type: Drier skin often thrives with heavier oils like marula or tamanu. Oily or acne-prone skin may benefit from rosehip or squalane.
- Goals: Are you looking to brighten, hydrate, heal, or protect? Match your oil to your current needs.
- Season: Your skin may love different oils in winter than it does in summer. Let your oil routine evolve.
Always patch test when trying a new oil—and opt for cold-pressed, unrefined versions for maximum nutrient retention.
Wellness You Can Use
- Use oils as the last step in your skincare to seal in hydration. Think of them as a protective barrier over your routine.
- Mix 1–2 drops of oil into your foundation or tinted moisturizer. It gives you a fresh, dewy finish (and bonus hydration).
- Apply oils while your skin is still damp. This helps lock in moisture and improve absorption.
- Try oil layering: Use lighter oils like squalane first, then heavier ones like tamanu or marula for added nourishment.
- Don’t overdo it. More isn’t better—just 2–3 drops is enough for most skin types.
There's a Whole World Beyond the Coconut
Coconut oil will always have its place—but your glow-up doesn’t have to stop there. These natural oils are full of science-backed nutrients, ancient healing wisdom, and practical beauty benefits that go deeper than surface shine.
Whether you're trying to calm irritation, bounce back from winter skin, or simply want to experiment with cleaner, more intentional skincare, there's an oil out there that was practically made for you.
So go ahead—open your beauty cabinet to something new. Your skin will thank you. Your hair might even applaud. And your self-care routine? It just got a serious upgrade.
