Zelens Z-22 Absolute Face Oil: Is It Worth It?

Last Updated on August 3, 2026 by Giorgia Guazzarotti

Zelens Z-22 Face Oil is one of those products that sends you mixed messages. On the one hand, it’s super moisturising. It’s not loaded with synthetic crap like most other fancy oils. And it smells divine. On the other, all those fragrant oils that make it smell divine could trigger a nasty rash in sensitive skin. I get it that brands want their products to smell nice, but is that a good enough reason to sneak a few irritants in? So do I recommend it? Read on to find out if this fancy oil is really worth the splurge.

What’s In Zelens Z-22 Face Oil?

NATURAL OILS (DUH!) TO MOISTURISE SKIN

Zelens Z-22 Absolute Face Oil is made up of 99% oils. A refreshing change from most expensive oils out there that claim to be natural and yet contain all kinds of silicones, fillers, & co. The main oils here are:

• Perilla Frutescens Seed Oil: It’s derived from the seeds of Shiso, (Japanese mint), the richest plant source of omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids make it very moisturizing and soothing.
• Oryza Sativa (Rice) Germ/Bran Oil: Rich in B vitamins and vitamin E, it’s very moisturizing.
• Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil: Used for centuries by the Geishas of Kyoto, it is loaded with omega-9 fatty acids. It deeply moisturizes skin and boosts collagen production.

All these oils work because they create a barrier on the skin that slows down water loss. Moisture is now forced to remain into the skin, plumping it up and hydrating it from within. That hydration makes your skin softer, plumper, and better able to withstand attacks from the environments, pollutants, and all that jazz.

Unfortunately, it’s also loaded with citrus oils lavender oil, and way too many fragrant oils which could irritate sensitive skin. Mine isn’t, so I can safely use it without side effects. But still I’m concerned. There are just too many of them here and that’s NOT something I want to put on my skin every single day, know what I mean?

Related: The Complete Guide To Facial Oils

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Texture

It’s an oil, so it has an oily texture. Duh! Surprisingly, it absorbs pretty quickly and leave no greasy residue behind one it’s fully sunk in. Granted, I don’t have oily skin. It may feel different on you. To me, it just feels silky.

Fragrance

Refreshing and energising. Just like you’d expect from so many citrusy oils paired with lavender, sandalwood and those herbal oils. It smells amazing, but again this is supposed to be a moisturising facial oil, not a perfume for skin. For the wrong person, this is just an irritation waiting to happen.

How To Use It

It’s the last step of your skincare routine at night. Or you could also add a few drops to your fave moisturizer. Either way, I wouldn’t use it every day. Too. Many. Essential. Oils.

Packaging

It comes in a sleek with a black cap that looks pretty good on your vanity. If you like that minimal chic vibe, this nails it.

Performance & Personal Opinion

I try not to like products that smell good because the fragrance can be irritating. But man, Zelens is making it so hard. I’m a sucker for anything citrus even though the skincare expert in me is like, “it’s bad for your skin, Giorgia! Just like chocolate…” (Is it me or all the best things are bad? *sighs*)

As I was testing it for this review, I used it at night as the last step of my skincare routine to lock in all my serums. When I wake up in the morning, my skin is softer and smoother and has a luminous glow. FYI, this for me is a winter step. Oils are fine in summer but it’s in winter, when skin needs extra protection from the cold, that they truly shine.

Why? In winter, your skin’s protective barrier is constantly under attack. Those freezing cold winds, artic temperatures, and dry heating indoors all conspire to break down this barrier and suck the moisture out of your skin. There’s nothing like an oil to repair and strengthen this barrier, keeping skin safe in the cold. If your skin gets drier in the winter months (I know mine does), an oil is a life saver.

Despite all this, I’ve stopped using it. I may have a few drops every now and then (just like I have a few bites of chocolate every now and then), but it’s not something I can put on my skin guilt-free every night. If you have sensitive skin, stay away.

What I Like About Zelens Z-22

• Absorbs quickly for an oil, leaving skin silky rather than greasy
• Leaves skin visibly softer, smoother and glowier by morning
• Strengthens the skin barrier when it’s under attack from cold, dry winter air

What I DON’T Like About Zelens Z-22

• Loaded with irritating essential oils

Who Should Use This?

I personally can’t recommend this. Even if you have resistant skin that never gets irritated, I’m never been a fan of essential oils in skincare and I’m not going to start now, just because this smells so good.

Does Zelens Z-22 Absolute Face Oil Live Up To Its Claims?

Price & Availability

£80.00 at Cult Beauty and Look Fantastic

Do You Need It?

No, there are more essential oils than nourishing oils here, unfortunately, and that’s never good news for skin.