Everyone’s raving about Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Oil like it’s the best thing since sliced bread. But did you know it’s not the only oil Sunday Riley makes – nor the best?
Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying it’s a waste of money. Mature skin new to retinoids will dig the gentle antiaging goodness of Luna. But if you’re trying to combat dryness or get your glow back, Sunday Riley has better alternatives for you.
Problem is, how do you know which one to pick? This quick guide to Sunday Riley facial oils will help you find the right match for your skin so you can finally see the results you want:
Best For Dry Skin: Sunday Riley Juno Oil ($36.00-$72.00)
What it is: A blend of non-fragrant moisturising oils, including blueberry, blackberry and grape seed oil.
What it does: All the oils in here have moisturizing and antioxidant properties to fight off dryness and wrinkles at the same time. They strengthen the skin’s protective barrier, make skin softer and suppler, and prevent wrinkles. Cumin oil also helps improve eczema.
Drawbacks: It’s an oil, so it takes a while to sink in.
Best for: Dry skin, sensitive skin, and eczema-prone skin.
Available at: Anthropologie, Cult Beauty, Dermstore, and Sephora
Related: The Best Skincare Routine For Dry Skin
Struggling to put together a skincare routine that minimises wrinkles, prevents premature aging, and gives your complexion a youthful glow? Download your FREE “Best Anti-Aging Skincare Routine” to get started (it features product recommendations + right application order):
Best For Oily Skin: Sunday Riley U.F.O. Oil ($40.00-$80.00)
What it is: A blend of nourishing natural oils + 1.5% salicylic acid to exfoliate pores and fight acne.
What it does: Cumin, cucumber, cranberry oils and co moisturise skin, leaving it soft and supple. Salicylic acid exfoliates the surface of your skin, unclogs pores and reduces inflammation – all things that help you treat and prevent breakouts.
Drawbacks: Treating acne with oils is tricky. The wrong oils clog you pores and give you more acne. Also, salicylic acid works best a low pH. Oils like U.F.O. don’t have a pH (only water-based products do), so it’s hard to say if that affects performance or not (I have yet to see a study on this). In the meantime, I recommend you get your salicylic acid fix from a water-based product instead.
Best for: Very mild, non-fungal acne.
Available at: Anthropologie, Cult Beauty, Dermstore, Revolve and Sephora
Related: The Right Way To Fight Acne With Oils (And Which Oils You Should Use)
Best For Anti-Aging: Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Oil ($55.00-$105.00)
What it is: A blend of nourishing natural oils + hydroxypinacolone retinoate (what The Ordinary calls Granactive Retinoid), a form of vitamin A that fights premature aging.
What it does: Avocado, grape seed, blackberry and chia oils do a wonderful job at strengthening your skin barrier and moisturising skin. Hydroxypinacolone retinoate is an alternative to retinol. Brands claim it’s better at fighting wrinkles, destroying free radicals and boosting collagen production, but I couldn’t find any independent studies supporting these claims. Still, it’s gentler on the skin. If you can’t tolerate retinol, it’s a valid alternative.
Drawbacks: Hydroxypinacolone retinoate may be not as powerful as claimed. If you can, stick with retinol. Also, the fragrance can irritate sensitive skin.
Best for: Mature, sensitive skin that can’t tolerate retinol.
Available at: Cult Beauty, Dermstore and Sephora
Related: What Form Of Vitamin A Is Right For You?
Best For Dull Skin: Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow Oil ($40.00-$80.00)
What it is: A blend of natural oils + Vitamin C.
What it does: Raspberry, jojoba, cranberry oils and co deeply moisturize skin, leaving it softer and plumper. Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, a derivative of vitamin C, brightens the complexion and fights free radicals.
Drawbacks: Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate penetrates skin more deeply than L-Ascorbic Acid (the pure form), but we don’t know if it’s just as effective yet. The fragrance can irritate sensitive skin, too.
Best for: Dry and dull skin.
Available at: Cult Beauty, Dermstore, and Revolve
Related: Is Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate The Best Vitamin C Derivative?
I hope this quick guide helped you pick the best Sunday Riley facial oil for your skin type and needs.
