The Ultimate Guide on Facial Oils and Serums for Beginners

December 23, 2021

By now you have probably seen all the hype around facial serums and oils versus regular moisturizers and you may be wondering how you could add one into your own beauty routine.

Perhaps you have some concerns and questions, such as how do you know which one is right for you, is there a difference between an oil and a serum and the big one for all our trouble-skinned beauties, “will it make me break out?”

These are all valid questions, ones you deserve to know the answer to before embarking on your serum and oil quest, and we are more than happy to help you out in today’s latest article!

So get comfy and get reading, we hope you are ready to try one for yourself by the time you reach the end!

Facial serum versus facial oil

The biggest difference between a facial serum and a facial oil is that a serum is quite a bit lighter, more easily absorbed and always applied before an oil, not after.

Serums are a variety of oils/extracts, often suspended in a water base, meaning the particles are smaller and easily absorbed by the pores. Or in the case of our bestselling Collagen Boosting Serum, an aloe vera base, as aloe vera provides the hydration with a kick of minerals, antioxidants, vitamins and amino acids to really give your skin what it needs and craves.

Serums are not always water-based, but they do tend to be lighter than facial oils and are the step that comes after cleansing and toning, before your oil. You would apply a few drops to your face using your fingertips to first press the oil into your skin before massaging in until fully absorbed. We recommend waiting a couple minutes before applying your facial oil.

Shop our serums here.

A facial oil is thicker and the last step in your routine to leave a veil of dewy antioxidant-rich hydration on your skin, while locking in the goodness of your serum.

An oil absorbs best when applied to slightly damp skin so if you wear an oil on its own, try a few spritzes of our beautiful Rose water and then apply your oil before your toner is fully dry. You could also spritz a spray or two right on top of your serum before applying your oil. If your serum is fully absorbed it’s perfectly okay.

If you are wondering which oil is best for your skin then click here.

And as for that old myth, that “oil causes more oil” let’s sort that out right now, shall we? Problem skin can greatly benefit from an oil thanks to the rich array of antioxidants that will help to reduce inflammation and prevent future breakouts.

So for all our problem-skinned gals and guys, please know an oil can be just as beneficial for your skin type as it is for our dry-skinned loves!