Mature Skin With Sensitivity? Here Are The Natural Face Oils That Actually Work
Let me tell you something that might sound familiar: you wake up one morning, look in the mirror, and suddenly your skin doesn't feel like your own anymore. It's red, reactive, and seems to hate everything you put on it. And just to add insult to injury, you're also noticing fine lines, loss of firmness, and that glow you took for granted in your twenties? Gone.
Welcome to the club nobody wants to join but most of us over 40 eventually do: the mature-skin-that's-suddenly-sensitive club.
If you're nodding along thinking "yes, this is literally my life right now," you're in good company. This is exactly what happened to me (Cath, Indagare's CEO) when I turned 40. One day my skin just... changed. Redness, flakiness despite being oily, breaking out like a teenager whilst simultaneously showing signs of ageing – it was like my skin couldn't decide what it wanted to be, except definitely not what it used to be.
The big question is: Are there natural face oils that can actually help mature skin with sensitivity?
The short answer is: absolutely, yes. But (and this is important), not all face oils are created equal, especially when you're dealing with the double challenge of mature AND sensitive skin.
Let me explain.
Why Your Skin Changes at 40+ (And Why It Gets So Bloody Sensitive)
Before we dive into solutions, let's talk about what's actually happening with your skin. Because understanding the "why" makes the "how to fix it" make so much more sense.
Perimenopause and menopause are the usual suspects. As our hormones start their chaotic dance, our skin loses resilience. Oestrogen levels drop, which means less collagen production, decreased skin thickness, and reduced natural oil production. Ironically, whilst your skin is producing less sebum, it can also become more reactive and inflammatory – which is why you might experience both dryness and breakouts at the same time. Fun, right?
Your skin barrier weakens. Think of your skin barrier as a brick wall. When it's strong, it keeps moisture in and irritants out. But as we age, especially during hormonal changes, those "bricks" start to crumble a bit. This makes your skin more vulnerable to everything from environmental pollutants to ingredients that never bothered you before.
Inflammation becomes your skin's default setting. Mature skin tends to have more chronic, low-level inflammation. This shows up as redness, sensitivity, and that general feeling that your skin is just... angry.
For Cath (that's me, Indagare's CEO), this meant looking like she had a "nasty, peeling sunburn" despite never being in the sun. My skin became sensitised to everything – even products I'd used for years without issue. And when your naturopath suggests detoxing your entire beauty cabinet? That's when you know things have got serious.
The Problem With Conventional "Anti-Ageing" Products When You Have Sensitive Skin
Here's where it gets tricky. Most anti-ageing products are formulated with ingredients that are far too harsh for sensitive skin.
Retinoids? Fantastic for ageing, terrible for sensitivity.
Strong acids and peels? Great for resurfacing, not so great when your skin barrier is already compromised.
Synthetic fragrances, parabens, phenoxyethanol, phthalates, and sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS)? These can be incredibly irritating and, plot twist, some of them can actually mess with your hormones – which is the last thing you need when your hormones are already throwing a tantrum.
So what's a woman with mature, sensitive skin supposed to do?
This is where natural face oils come in. But not just any face oils – you need oils that can multitask like a boss: soothing sensitivity whilst also addressing signs of ageing.
What Makes A Face Oil Good For Mature, Sensitive Skin?
When you're shopping for face oils to address both maturity and sensitivity, here's what you should look for:
High in Essential Fatty Acids: These help rebuild your compromised skin barrier and reduce inflammation.
Rich in Antioxidants: Particularly vitamins E and K, which fight free radicals whilst soothing and brightening.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Because calming redness and reactivity is priority number one.
Non-Comedogenic: Even if your skin is dry, you don't want oils that will clog your pores and cause breakouts.
Low Irritation Potential: Some essential oils and plant compounds can be irritating. You want oils that have a proven track record of gentleness.
Lightweight Absorption: Nobody wants to feel like they've slathered chip oil on their face, especially if you're wearing makeup during the day.
Now, let's talk about the specific natural oils that tick all these boxes.
The Best Natural Face Oils for Mature, Sensitive Skin
1. Prickly Pear Seed Oil – The Golden Standard
If there's one oil that deserves a standing ovation for mature, sensitive skin, it's prickly pear seed oil. This is the oil that made me fall in love with botanical skincare when I took over Indagare, and once you understand what it does, you'll see why.
Why it's brilliant for sensitive skin: Prickly pear seed oil has a comedogenic rating of 0 out of 5, meaning it won't clog pores. It's incredibly lightweight and absorbs almost instantly, making it perfect even for combination or sensitive skin that's prone to congestion.
Why it's brilliant for mature skin: This golden oil contains 150% more vitamin E than argan oil – making it one of the most vitamin-E-rich beauty oils on the planet. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that fights free radicals and promotes skin regeneration. It's also packed with linoleic acid (an omega-6 essential fatty acid) at 60.5%, which helps repair skin and fade sun-induced hyperpigmentation.
The anti-ageing benefits: Prickly pear seed oil is high in vitamin K, which works to even skin tone and reduce dark circles. The abundant amino acids stimulate collagen production, promoting faster cell turnover. It helps brighten dull skin, tighten the appearance of pores, and leaves skin feeling plump and soft.
The sourcing matters: Here's something important: authentic, high-quality prickly pear seed oil is expensive for a reason. It takes nearly 30 kilograms of seeds (or 8 tonnes of fruit!) to produce just one litre of oil. The production is incredibly labour-intensive – each tiny seed is hand-collected and cold-pressed. Beware of cheap oils that might be made from the fruit instead of the seeds, or "macerated" prickly pear seed oil, as the real magic lies in the oil from the seeds.
At Indagare, we source our certified-organic prickly pear seed oil from Berber women's cooperatives in rural Morocco. It took nearly a year and four thorough trials to find the highest quality oil – and the difference in quality across suppliers was staggering.
Find it in: Illumino Youth Serum, Signature Night Recovery Oil, Argan & Prickly Pear Seed Oil, and the Eye Roller
2. Tamanu Oil – The Gentle Healer
If your sensitive skin gets easily irritated, inflamed, or breaks out, tamanu oil could be your saving grace.
Why it's brilliant: Tamanu oil is deeply healing with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. Several studies have found that tamanu oil helps skin wounds heal faster, reduces inflammation, and promotes collagen production. It's rich in omega-9 fatty acid, which powers healthy cell growth and regeneration.
It gently soothes and helps minimise the appearance of scars and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation – something many of us deal with after breakouts or skin sensitivity flare-ups.
The gentle approach: Unlike some more potent oils, tamanu is known for being gentle whilst still being highly effective. It's the kind of oil that doesn't demand your skin's attention with irritation – it quietly gets to work healing and repairing.
Find it in: Signature Night Recovery Oil
3. Rosehip Oil – The Retinol Alternative
Rosehip oil (specifically rosehip seed oil) is one of the best-studied natural oils for anti-ageing, and here's the kicker: it's a brilliant alternative to retinol for sensitive skin.
Why it works: Rosehip oil contains all-trans retinoic acid – the same compound that retinol converts to in your skin. Basically, you're getting similar benefits to retinol without the irritation that synthetic retinoids can cause.
It's packed with essential fatty acids and carotenoids that fight dryness and fine lines. The high beta-carotene levels (an antioxidant) work alongside the retinoic acid to smooth skin texture and boost your skin's natural glow.
For sensitivity specifically: Rosehip oil has high doses of phenolic acid, which fights against oxidative stress and inflammation – exactly what you want when dealing with reactive, sensitive skin. It helps repair scarring and inflammation whilst smoothing skin texture.
Find it in: Signature Night Recovery Oil
4. Argan Oil – The Moisture Magnet
You've probably heard of argan oil (it's had its moment in the beauty spotlight), but do you know why it's particularly good for mature, sensitive skin?
The vitamin E powerhouse: Argan oil is loaded with vitamin E, antioxidants, and saponins (a powerful skin-softening agent). This combination provides moisture that helps tighten the skin to fend off future wrinkles, whilst also fighting existing fine lines by restoring the skin's plump hydro-lipid layer.
The research: Argan oil is considered even more effective than olive oil for promoting collagen production in postmenopausal women. This is huge for those of us dealing with the collagen drop that comes with hormonal changes.
The texture: One of the best things about argan oil? It's hydrating without being greasy. It absorbs well and doesn't leave behind that oily residue that can feel heavy on sensitive skin.
Find it in: Signature Night Recovery Oil
5. Hazelnut Oil – The Gentle Toner
This is one of those underrated oils that deserves way more attention, especially for sensitive skin.
Why it's perfect for sensitivity: Hazelnut oil is incredibly gentle and excellent for sensitive skin. It's unlikely to irritate even the most reactive complexions. Full of nutrients, flavonoids, and antioxidants, it can reach deep within the layers of skin to strengthen it from within.
The lightweight factor: It's one of the lighter carrier oils with excellent absorbency, making it perfect for daytime use or for those who don't like heavy textures. Despite being lightweight, it's high in phytosterols, polyphenols, oleic acid, and vitamin E – all brilliant for mature skin.
The toning effect: Hazelnut oil works as a natural toner, helping to refine skin texture and minimise the appearance of pores without stripping or irritating.
Find it in: Some artisan face oil blends (though not currently in Indagare's core range)
6. Sea Buckthorn Oil – The Skin Rebuilder
Sea buckthorn is the ultimate skin-rebuilder and regenerator – perfect when your skin barrier needs serious support.
The nutrient profile: Sea buckthorn oil comprises as many as 200 nutrients. Let that sink in for a moment. It contains vitamins C, A, E, K, P, F, B vitamins, plus magnesium, potassium, sodium, iron, and calcium. It's like a multivitamin for your face.
The omega-7 magic: One of sea buckthorn's standout properties is omega-7, which is key for collagen production and quite difficult to find even in luxury products. It provides the building blocks needed to stimulate long-lasting collagen production, giving skin back its plumpness and that 'lifted' shape.
For damaged, sensitive skin: The regenerative properties make it ideal for skin that's been damaged by environmental stressors, sun exposure, or harsh products. It's deeply moisturising and helps promote healthy, glowing skin.
Find it in: Signature Night Recovery Oil
7. Pomegranate Seed Oil – The Rejuvenator
Pomegranate seed oil is predominantly composed of punicic acid, an omega-5 fatty acid that's both rare and potent.
The anti-ageing power: Research from the University of Michigan found that pomegranate seed oil accelerates skin rejuvenation, which slows down the formation of new wrinkles. It stimulates keratinocytes (cells that produce keratin in the epidermis) and boosts the efficacy of firming proteins.
The ellagic acid advantage: Pomegranate contains a high concentration of ellagic acid, which helps prevent wrinkles and inhibits matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) – an enzyme that signals collagen breakdown. Basically, it tells your skin to stop destroying its own collagen.
For sun-damaged skin: As an omega-5 fatty acid, punicic acid is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, making it particularly effective for addressing premature ageing due to sun exposure – something many of us are dealing with in Australia's harsh UV environment.
Find it in: Signature Night Recovery Oil
8. Rose Oil – The Skin Soother
Rose oil is like a gentle hug for irritated, sensitive skin. It's calming, soothing, and brings multiple benefits.
The renewal factor: Rose oil helps skin cells speed up their turnover and renewal rate, allowing your healthiest and most youthful-looking skin to shine through./
The anti-inflammatory magic: Rose oil is a calming anti-inflammatory that soothes away redness and rejuvenates stressed-looking skin. If your skin looks perpetually irritated, rose oil can help calm that chronic inflammation.
The moisture secret: Rose oil is astringent and antibacterial, but its real secret lies in its ability to moisturise. By encouraging increased water content, rose oil helps naturally plump the skin whilst making it more receptive to other skincare ingredients.
Find it in: Signature Night Recovery Oil
9. Neroli Oil – The Elasticity Booster
Derived from bitter orange tree flowers, neroli oil is one of the most stunningly fragrant oils in natural skincare – but it's not just about the scent.
For ageing skin: Neroli oil promotes renewed elasticity and speedy skin cell generation. It encourages your body to work naturally against wrinkles by supporting skin's natural bounce-back ability.
The detox element: Neroli oil clears away toxins produced by bacteria (which can cause harsh ageing effects) and promotes new skin cells for a youthful and fresh look.
The sensory experience: Beyond the benefits, there's something to be said for how beautiful neroli smells. The aromatherapy aspect shouldn't be underestimated – when you're dealing with skin challenges, having a product that smells divine can genuinely lift your mood.
Find it in: Illumino Youth Serum
10. Immortelle (Helichrysum) Oil – The Age-Defier
Also called "Immortelle" because the flower resists wilting, this oil lives up to its name when it comes to fighting visible signs of ageing.
The compounds: Helichrysum contains gamma-curcumene, skin-lightening diketones, and neryl acetate – all of which fight against metabolic cellular ageing and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
The glow factor: Many users report a youthful glow after using products with immortelle. It's particularly effective for the face, neck, and décolletage – areas that often show signs of ageing first.
The anti-inflammatory properties: As a cousin of the sunflower, immortelle is known for its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, preventing dullness and soothing the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
Find it in: Signature Night Recovery Oil
11. Jasmine Oil – The Moisture Locker
Derived from fragrant white jasmine blooms, jasmine oil is beloved for its moisturising properties.
Why it helps: Old scars and rough patches can make skin appear more aged. Jasmine works to soothe and heal that roughness, hydrating troublesome areas and locking in moisture for long periods.
For neck and décolletage: Jasmine oil is particularly good for the neck area, which is often one of the first places to show age and can become crepey or dry.
Find it in: Signature Night Recovery Oil
12. Carrot Seed Oil – The Detoxifier
Don't let the name fool you – carrot seed oil is a sophisticated ingredient that does serious work.
The detox power: Carrot seed oil provides carotol, which tackles bacteria and harmful environmental pollutants before they can hurt your skin. Once those substances are removed, it encourages moisture.
For eczema and sensitivity: It can help treat conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and acne whilst limiting signs of ageing. If you have sensitive, reactive skin that occasionally flares up, carrot seed oil can be particularly helpful.
The brightening effect: Thanks to its concentration of vitamins A, K, C, and biotin compounds, carrot seed oil promotes cell growth speed and helps protect against some effects of ageing UV light.
Find it in: Signature Night Recovery Oil
Other Soothing Ingredients for Sensitive, Mature Skin
Beyond pure face oils, there are other natural ingredients that work beautifully for sensitive, mature skin:
Colloidal Oatmeal: Used for centuries to soothe sensitive skin, colloidal oatmeal reduces redness and locks in hydration. It's gentle enough for even the most reactive skin and provides that soft, supple feel without any irritation. You'll find this in our Luminesq Dust Face Cleanser.
Jojoba Oil: Actually a wax (not an oil), jojoba closely mimics your skin's own sebum, making it incredibly compatible with sensitive skin. It's non-comedogenic and helps balance oil production.
How to Use Face Oils for Mature, Sensitive Skin
Now that you know which oils to look for, let's talk about how to actually use them without overwhelming your sensitive skin.
Start slowly: If you're new to face oils or your skin is particularly reactive, introduce oils gradually. Start with once a day (preferably at night) and see how your skin responds before increasing frequency.
Less is more: A few drops go a long way. For most face oils, 4-6 drops is plenty for your entire face and neck. Using too much can leave your skin feeling greasy without providing extra benefits.
Apply to damp skin: This is a game-changer. After cleansing, whilst your skin is still slightly damp, apply your face oil. The moisture helps the oil spread more easily and locks in that hydration.
Use upward movements: When massaging face oil into your skin, use gentle upward and outward movements. This not only helps with absorption but also promotes circulation and lymphatic drainage.
Layer correctly: If you're using other products, the general rule is: thinnest to thickest. So: cleanser → toner/serum (if water-based) → face oil → moisturiser (if needed). However, many people find that a good face oil eliminates the need for a separate moisturiser.
Morning vs. evening: Some oils are better for morning use (lightweight, fast-absorbing like prickly pear seed oil), whilst others are richer and better for overnight repair (those with multiple botanical ingredients). Indagare's approach is to use Illumino Youth Serum in the morning and Signature Night Recovery Oil at night for a complete day-and-night ritual.
The Indagare Approach: Simplified, Effective, Affordable Luxury
After my skin went haywire at 40, I spent months – actually, over a year for some products – conducting endless research and hundreds of formulation trials. What I discovered was that botanical oils delivered results that couldn't be denied.
But it wasn't just about effectiveness. It was about finding ingredients that were:
Gentle enough for sensitive, reactive skin
Powerful enough to address real signs of ageing
Ethically sourced (working with fair-trade cooperatives and family farms)
Free from hormone-disrupting chemicals and irritants
Certified organic wherever possible
The result? A streamlined range of products that actually work, using the best-quality raw ingredients on the planet. No parabens, sulphates, phthalates, or synthetic fragrances – just potent botanical oils that you can use less of and still see visible results.
Think of it as affordable luxury – premium ingredients and formulations that deliver results without the eye-watering price tags of department store brands.
Real Results from Real Women
We're not going to ask you to just take our word for it. Our face oils have enjoyed more than 1,000 five-star reviews from women (and men!) using them to fight the signs of ageing on sensitive skin.
Here's what Anne C. said:
"I am 66 years old with some age spots and redness. I have only been using these oils for about a week, but I'm loving them. My skin feels like silk and the redness has calmed down. My skin looks beautiful and creamy in the morning. I'm hoping with continued use that my age spots and dark under eye circles diminish. I would highly recommend."
And Naomi Y.:
"I am 52 years old and I'm absolutely obsessed with your products. My skin is glowing and has never been smoother. The youth serum and night oil are divine. You feel like you've had a facial!"
The common thread in these reviews? Women with mature, sensitive skin who were looking for something that would actually deliver results without irritation.
The Bottom Line: Yes, Natural Face Oils CAN Work for Mature, Sensitive Skin
To answer the original question: absolutely, yes – there are natural face oils specifically suited for mature skin with sensitivity. But the key is choosing oils that:
Contain anti-inflammatory compounds to calm reactivity
Are rich in antioxidants to fight free radicals and signs of ageing
Provide essential fatty acids to rebuild your compromised skin barrier
Are lightweight and non-comedogenic so they don't cause congestion
Come from high-quality, ethical sources so you know exactly what you're putting on your skin
The oils we've covered in this article – particularly prickly pear seed oil, tamanu, rosehip, argan, and the others – tick all these boxes. They work synergistically to address both sensitivity and signs of ageing without overwhelming your skin.
Your Two-Step Solution: Morning and Night
You don't need a seven-step routine to transform your skin. In fact, sometimes less really is more, especially when dealing with sensitivity.
Indagare's approach is beautifully simple: a morning oil and a night oil, formulated to work together to hydrate, brighten, nourish, and repair skin daily.
Morning: Illumino Youth Serum
This lightweight, fast-absorbing serum features 100% certified organic prickly pear seed oil with a touch of uplifting neroli and sebum-balancing geranium. It sinks in immediately, leaving your skin bright, hydrated, and perfectly prepped for the day (and makeup, if you wear it).
Evening: Signature Night Recovery Oil
Winner of the Best Overnight Facial Oil at The Beauty Shortlist Awards 2023, this luxurious blend contains 18 potent botanicals including rosehip, argan, tamanu, pomegranate seed, sea buckthorn, immortelle, rose, jasmine, and carrot seed oils. While you sleep, it delivers a power-packed cocktail of hydrating omega fatty acids and naturally occurring antioxidants that stimulate cellular turnover, enhance elasticity, and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
Together, they deliver that healthy radiance that only balanced, happy skin has.
A Feel-Good Approach to Beauty
Beyond just what these products do for your skin, there's something to be said for how they make you feel when you use them.
When you're dealing with skin challenges – sensitivity, redness, breakouts at an age when you thought you were done with that, fine lines that seem to appear overnight – it can genuinely affect your confidence and mood.
Having a simple, luxurious ritual with products that smell beautiful, feel gorgeous on your skin, and actually deliver results? That's not just skincare. That's self-care. That's taking a moment for yourself in a hectic day. That's connecting with botanical wisdom that women have used for centuries.
And knowing that your products are ethically sourced, supporting fair-trade cooperatives of women in Morocco, using fresh ingredients from family farms, and containing zero questionable chemicals? That's caring for more than just your skin – it's caring for the planet and the people on it.
Ready to Give Your Skin What It's Been Asking For?
If your skin has been trying to tell you something – through sensitivity, redness, reactivity, or visible signs of ageing – maybe it's time to listen. Not with harsh chemicals or invasive treatments, but with the gentle power of botanical oils that have stood the test of time.
Your skin deserves ingredients that nourish and heal, not irritate and inflame. You deserve a skincare routine that's effective without being complicated, luxurious without breaking the bank, and backed by both ancient wisdom and modern results.
Start with our best-selling Organic Face Oil Duo – Illumino Youth Serum and Signature Night Recovery Oil – and experience what it's like when your skincare finally works with your sensitive, mature skin instead of against it.
With a 100% risk-free money-back guarantee, you've got nothing to lose except the redness, sensitivity, and signs of ageing you've been living with.
Because you deserve to look in the mirror and recognise – and love – the woman looking back at you.
Radiant, Happy Skin Starts Here
Browse our complete range of face oils, cleansers, and treatments – all formulated for sensitive skin and backed by our 30-day money-back guarantee.