Heavenly Sixteen All-in-One Face Oil
Clean Multi-Oil Glow Blend
Verified reviewer
Pros & cons.
- +Radically clean formula — only oils, vitamin E, and oat extract with zero fillers or sensitizers
- +16-oil diversity provides an unusually broad spectrum of omega-3, 6, 7, and 9 fatty acids
- +Squalane inclusion ensures faster absorption than typical multi-oil blends
- +High-linoleic sunflower and grape seed oils as primary carriers benefit sebum-imbalanced skin
- +Premium oils like prickly pear, sea buckthorn, and rosehip add genuine antioxidant and renewal value
- +Fragrance-free and suitable for the most sensitive skin types
- +Vegan, cruelty-free, and environmentally conscious packaging
- −$54 for 30ml of botanical oils may feel steep when single-oil alternatives exist for less
- −Olive oil inclusion creates comedogenic risk for acne-prone users
- −Not suitable for very oily skin — even lightweight oils can feel heavy on oily types
- −Glass dropper bottle is fragile and not ideal for travel
- −The brand's relatively short track record may give cautious consumers pause
The full review.
The Heavenly Sixteen names itself after its exact oil count and delivers precisely that. The Heavenly Sixteen contains sixteen botanical seed oils, plus squalane, vitamin E, and an oat kernel extract. That is the entire formula. No water. No emulsifiers. No preservatives. No fragrance. No silicones to fake a lightweight feel. No marketing ingredients at trace amounts to justify a claim on the box. Just oils.
This simplicity is the product’s greatest strength and its most effective marketing tool. In a skincare market saturated with products containing 40-60 ingredients — many of which exist purely as formulation aids or marketing hooks — a face oil with fewer than twenty ingredients, all of which are recognizable plant-derived oils, communicates a specific philosophy. Summer Fridays bets that consumers will pay a premium for the absence of ingredients as much as their presence.
The oil selection is more thoughtful than a simple greatest-hits collection. Sunflower seed oil leads the formula by design. High-linoleic sunflower oil is rich in omega-6 fatty acids, which research shows are depleted in the sebum of acne-prone individuals. By leading with a high-linoleic carrier, the formula aims to normalize rather than aggravate oily skin — though success depends on individual skin chemistry.
Grape seed oil follows, another high-linoleic, lightweight oil that absorbs quickly and provides polyphenol antioxidants. Meadowfoam seed oil contributes long-chain fatty acids that create a protective barrier without heaviness. These first three oils establish the formula’s character: lighter than expected, fast-absorbing, and glow-enhancing rather than greasy.
The more exotic oils add genuine value. Rosehip seed oil brings natural trans-retinoic acid — the same active metabolite as prescription tretinoin, but at far lower concentrations — along with omega-3 fatty acids for anti-inflammatory support. Sea buckthorn is one of the few plant sources of palmitoleic acid (omega-7), a fatty acid found naturally in human skin that supports tissue regeneration. Prickly pear seed oil, one of the most expensive botanical oils in the world, delivers high concentrations of vitamin E and unsaturated fatty acids. Pomegranate seed oil contributes punicic acid, a conjugated fatty acid with emerging evidence for anti-inflammatory activity.
The less celebrated oils in the blend — cucumber seed, watermelon seed, broccoli seed, cranberry seed — contribute their own fatty acid profiles and antioxidants, but their positions lower in the ingredient list suggest they support the heavy hitters above.
Squalane makes this oil blend feel different from most face oils. Where many botanical oil blends feel thick and heavy, the squalane provides a lightweight, fast-absorbing element that helps the entire formula sink into the skin rather than sitting on top of it. The result is an oil that delivers the nourishment and glow you expect from a face oil without the two-hour absorption time that makes many oils impractical.
In practice, pressing two to three drops into the skin after moisturizer creates an immediate warm glow — dewy without being slippery. The oil absorbs within one to two minutes, and by morning, skin feels softer and more supple. Over weeks of nightly use, the barrier-rebuilding effects become apparent: skin looks healthier, feels more resilient, and shows improved moisture retention throughout the day.
The olive oil inclusion is the one ingredient that raises an eyebrow. While olive oil is a nutritious plant oil rich in oleic acid and squalene, it is also one of the more comedogenic botanical oils. For acne-prone users, this is worth considering. The high-linoleic oils that dominate the formula may partially offset this concern, but individual skin chemistry varies widely, and some acne-prone users have reported breakouts.
At $54 for 30ml, the pricing is moderate for a multi-oil face oil. The blend includes premium oils — prickly pear, sea buckthorn, rosehip — that individually command high per-ounce prices. The clean formulation with no filler ingredients means you pay for oil, not the water and emulsifiers that bulk up many face oil products.
The Heavenly Sixteen is not a revolutionary product. It is a well-curated collection of plant oils in a transparent formula that does exactly what it promises. For dry and normal skin seeking a nourishing, glow-giving final step with zero irritation risk, it delivers. The name is honest. The formula is honest. In skincare, that is enough.
Formula
Ingredient analysis.
Full INCI list
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Rosa Canina Seed Oil, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Oil, Squalane, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Tocopherol, Plukenetia Volubilis Seed Oil, Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Seed Oil, Punica Granatum Seed Oil, Ribes Nigrum (Black Currant) Seed Oil, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Brassica Oleracea Italica (Broccoli) Seed Oil, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Seed Oil, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Seed Oil, Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Seed Oil, Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract
Skin match.
The science.
The Science
The Heavenly Sixteen uses the specific fatty acid profiles of each botanical oil to create a complete lipid treatment. Sunflower seed oil (Helianthus annuus) has high linoleic acid (omega-6) levels. Research in Experimental Dermatology shows acne-prone sebum lacks this acid. Applying high-linoleic oils helps normalize sebum composition.
Rosehip seed oil (Rosa canina) has natural trans-retinoic acid and alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3). The International Journal of Molecular Sciences documented its wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties, which supports its use for scar reduction and skin renewal.
Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) is a rare plant source of palmitoleic acid (omega-7), a fatty acid that makes up 16-19% of human skin lipids. The Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry shows its high carotenoid and tocopherol content provides antioxidant protection.
Squalane comes from plant squalene and is hydrogenated for stability. It is biocompatible with human skin lipids. Studies in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science show topical squalane application improves skin elasticity and hydration.
Vitamin E (tocopherol) acts as a skin-conditioning antioxidant and formulation stabilizer. It protects the polyunsaturated fatty acids in the other oils from oxidative degradation.
Dermatologist Perspective
Dermatologists favor multi-oil blends for patients with dry, barrier-compromised, or eczema-prone skin because diverse fatty acids provide more comprehensive lipid barrier support than a single oil. Board-certified dermatologists often recommend high-linoleic oils like sunflower and grape seed for acne-prone patients, but the olive oil in this blend may concern comedone-prone individuals. The fragrance-free, preservative-free formulation follows dermatological guidance for sensitive and reactive skin. Dermatologists say face oils work best as the final step in a routine — applied after water-based products — and should not replace moisturizer for patients with significantly compromised barriers.
Where it fits in your routine.
Press 2-3 drops into clean skin using your fingertips. Use this as the last step of your evening routine, after all water-based serums and moisturizer. The oil seals in the hydration layers beneath it. Mix it with moisturizer for a lighter application, or apply it to dry patches only. For AM use, apply 1-2 drops sparingly and wait several minutes for absorption before sunscreen.
At $54 for 30ml, the Heavenly Sixteen is a moderately priced premium face oil. The 16-oil blend uses expensive botanical oils; prickly pear seed oil alone costs $30+ per ounce. Because it lacks filler ingredients (water, emulsifiers, silicones), every drop is active oil. Using 2-3 drops each night makes the bottle last 2-3 months, costing roughly $18-27 per month. Single-oil alternatives like pure rosehip oil cost less, but they lack the fatty acid diversity and antioxidant breadth of this blend.
Dry and normal skin types wanting a clean, multi-oil nourishing treatment. People with compromised or dehydrated skin who want to rebuild the lipid barrier naturally. Sensitive skin types needing a fragrance-free, preservative-free oil. Users who prefer transparent, minimalist ingredient lists.
Oily skin types who find face oils too heavy. Acne-prone individuals must patch test because of the olive oil content. Budget shoppers seeking single-oil alternatives at lower price points. Anyone who finds face oils impractical for their daily routine.
Product details.
fall winter Certifications Cruelty-FreeVegan
The backstory.
Named for its 16 botanical oils, the Heavenly Sixteen was Summer Fridays' entry into the face oil category. The founders wanted to create a face oil that addressed the common complaints about the category — too greasy, too heavy, too breakout-inducing — by carefully selecting oils known for lightweight absorption and non-comedogenic profiles. The inclusion of squalane as a fast-absorbing base and the high-linoleic sunflower seed oil as the primary carrier were deliberate choices to make a face oil that even oil-wary consumers might embrace.
About Summer Fridays
Emerging Brand (2–5 years)Summer Fridays was co-founded in 2018 by influencers Marianna Hewitt and Lauren Gores Ireland. While the brand's track record is still under a decade, their formulations have earned respect for thoughtful ingredient choices and clean formulations, with the Heavenly Sixteen being one of their most popular launches.
Common myths.
Face oils clog pores and cause breakouts; acne-prone skin avoids them.
The Heavenly Sixteen uses high-linoleic oils like sunflower and grape seed. Research shows these oils help normalize sebum composition in acne-prone skin. Because it contains olive oil, which has comedogenic potential, acne-prone users must patch test carefully.
Mixing 16 oils is a marketing gimmick; one good oil works just as well.
Plant oils have different fatty acid profiles and bioactive compounds. Sunflower provides linoleic acid, rosehip provides trans-retinoic acid, sea buckthorn provides palmitoleic acid, and pomegranate provides punicic acid. This blend delivers more nutrients than any single oil.
FAQ.
Is Summer Fridays Heavenly Sixteen good for acne-prone skin?
High-linoleic oils like sunflower and grape seed form the base. Research links these oils to better sebum quality in acne-prone skin. The formula also contains olive oil, which has comedogenic potential. Some acne-prone users tolerate it well, but others breakout. Patch test on your jawline for 1-2 weeks before full-face use.
What are the 16 oils in Summer Fridays Heavenly Sixteen?
Sunflower, grape seed, meadowfoam, rosehip, sea buckthorn, olive, sacha inchi, cranberry, pomegranate, black currant, camellia, broccoli seed, prickly pear, cucumber seed, watermelon seed, and hemp seed oils. Plus squalane (a plant-derived oil), vitamin E, and oat kernel extract.
When should I apply the Heavenly Sixteen in my routine?
As the last step in your evening skincare routine, after all water-based serums and moisturizer. Oils are occlusive — they sit on top of water-based products and lock them in. Apply 2-3 drops and press into the skin. Can also be mixed with moisturizer for a lighter application.
Is Heavenly Sixteen face oil worth $54?
The blend uses prickly pear, sea buckthorn, and rosehip oils with more accessible oils. This fragrance-free, preservative-free, silicone-free formulation is clean. Basic face oils cost less, but the 16-oil blend and specific oil selection justify the moderate premium for dry and normal skin types.
Can I use Heavenly Sixteen in the morning?
You can, but it works best at night so oils absorb for hours without sunscreen or makeup. If you use it in the morning, apply 1-2 drops and wait several minutes before sunscreen. Oily skin should use this at night only.
What the community says.
"Absorbs faster than expected for a face oil"
"Delivers a beautiful natural glow without greasiness"
"Skin feels deeply nourished and soft overnight"
"Clean ingredient list with only oils — no fillers"
"Fragrance-free and gentle for sensitive skin"
"Expensive at $54 for 30ml of botanical oils"
"Some users with acne-prone skin still experience breakouts"
"Olive oil inclusion is a comedogenic concern"
"Can feel too heavy for oily skin, especially in summer"
"Glass dropper bottle is fragile for travel"
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