IMAGE Skincare, VITAL C Hydrating Facial Oil with Argan, Grape Seed and Sea Buckthorn Oils, 1 fl oz Review
Our verdict
IMAGE Skincare's VITAL C Hydrating Facial Oil blends argan, grape seed, and sea buckthorn oils into a nourishing formula that earns a strong 4.7 rating, though its $62 price and smaller review base put it in a more premium tier.
Check price on AmazonBest for
People with normal, dry skin who want a premium, multi-oil blend that visibly softens the look of fine lines.
Skip if
You are on a tighter budget or have oily skin, since this is a richer oil blend priced at the higher end of the category.
- Priced 266% above the category median ($16.95 across 280 tracked models)
Our scorecard
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Owner rating4.7/5
4.7 average across 236 owner ratings
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Popularity2.1/5
236 owner reviews, fewer than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other anti-aging skincare: serums, night creams, facial peels, wrinkle patches and anti-aging devices we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
['This 1 fl oz (30ml) facial oil from IMAGE Skincare blends argan oil, grape seed oil, and sea buckthorn oil, three nutrient-rich plant oils commonly used to nourish and replenish dry skin. It is priced at $62 and formulated for normal skin types.', "The brand's stated goal is to visibly soften the look of fine lines, applied as a dropper of oil to cleansed skin in the morning or evening, either alone or layered under a serum or moisturizer. It comes in a jar rather than a dropper bottle, is paraben free, and carries a fresh, orange-forward scent.", 'At 4.7 stars from 236 reviews, satisfaction is high, though the review count is smaller than some of the bulk or budget oils in this category, which fits its position as a more premium, specialty product.']
Pros
- Blend of three nutrient-rich oils: argan, grape seed, and sea buckthorn
- High 4.7 rating among reviewers
- Paraben free formula
- Formulated to visibly soften the look of fine lines
Cons
- Premium price at $62 for 30ml
- Smaller review base of 236 compared to bigger-name oils
- Formulated for normal skin, so it may be less suited to oily or highly reactive skin types
- Jar packaging rather than a dropper bottle may make dosing less precise
Performance notes
Argan oil, grape seed oil, and sea buckthorn oil each contribute a slightly different benefit: argan and grape seed are rich in fatty acids that support the moisture barrier, while sea buckthorn is known for its carotenoid and vitamin content, which may help support the look of nourished, replenished skin. Together, this blend leans toward hydration and barrier support rather than exfoliation, so it pairs well with an active serum underneath rather than replacing one.
What buyers say
A 4.7 rating is one of the higher averages in this category, and while the 236-review sample is smaller than some competitors, the consistency of the score suggests buyers who purchase this premium oil are largely happy with the results relative to the price.
More from Brand
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Frequently asked questions
What does sea buckthorn oil add to this formula?
Sea buckthorn oil is valued for its carotenoid and vitamin content, and it is often included in facial oils to help support the look of nourished, replenished skin alongside more common oils like argan and grape seed.
Is this facial oil worth $62?
At $62 for 30ml, this sits in the premium tier of facial oils. Whether it's worth it depends on how much you value the specific three-oil blend and the 4.7 average rating, versus a simpler, less expensive single-ingredient oil.
How should I apply this oil in my routine?
The brand recommends applying a full dropper to cleansed skin in the morning or evening, and it can be layered after a serum or moisturizer. Following with a separate SPF product during the day is still recommended, since this oil is not formulated with sun protection.