For too long, facial oils have had a bad rap in the skincare world, and it’s based on the misconception that we need to dry out our skin in order to keep it clear.
Contrary to popular belief, facial oils can work wonders for all skin types: they deeply hydrate, lock in moisture, and are often rich in several different antioxidants, such as vitamins A and E, as well as polyphenols.
But as plump, dewy skin continues to grow in popularity, facial oils have risen in demand, and with them, questions about how to use them. For starters, what is the best face oil for each skin type? And do you use it before or after the serums? Are facial oils suitable for daytime use?
In this blog, we answer all of your biggest questions about face oils, so you can start using them with confidence for glowing skin.
Face oil vs serum vs essence: what’s the difference?
Before we get into the best face oils for each skin type, let’s first clear up any confusion surrounding face oils and how they differ from serums and moisturizers. Here is the breakdown:
Face Oil
A face oil is thicker than a serum and is usually derived from high-fat plants, such as jojoba, squalane, and rosehip. While facial oils are strongly associated with fat and are often considered unsuitable for acne-prone skin, these are actually misconceptions. As we’ll soon see, there’s a suitable face oil for every skin type, and each offers its own benefits.
face essence
While some might think that an essence is just a fancy type of toner, that actually couldn’t be further from the truth! Compared to toners, essences are extremely gentle and nourishing, and they’re designed to be used after a cleanser and before a serum. Essences prepare the skin to absorb your serums and are usually concentrated in beneficial ingredients. Essences are usually quite watery and are much lighter than face oils.
Face Serums
Face serums are highly concentrated products for the skin and tend to have a slightly watery, gel-like texture. Serums are available in a wide range of different formulas, containing ingredients like vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, retinol and more. Serums are generally a bit lighter than face oils.
What are the best oils to use on your face for each skin type?
Now that we have a better understanding of what distinguishes face oils from serums and essences, let’s talk about the best face oils for glowing skin of all skin types.
normal skin
Those with normal skin type tend to have consistent oil levels in their skin, and breakouts are relatively rare. Because normal skin types are generally low maintenance, we encourage you to stick with deeply hydrating facial oils with lots of antioxidants, like jojoba oil.
Jojoba oil is naturally derived from the seed of the jojoba plant, native to the deserts of Arizona and California. Known for its long-lasting hydration and lightweight, non-greasy feel, jojoba oil provides normal skin with the ideal amount of nourishment and hydration.
Best face oil for dry skin
Those with dry skin can often experience dryness, flaking, and roughness. Naturally, these skin types will benefit from a face oil with deeply hydrating properties, which is why we love marula oil.
Besides its moisturizing benefits, marula oil is similar to the skin’s natural sebum, making it a great fit into any skincare routine. Even better: it doesn’t clog pores. Marula oil is also known for its anti-aging benefits, as it is known to protect the production of collagen and elastin in the skin. Plus, it’s great for inflammation, which is prevalent for dry skin types.
Best face oil for oily skin
Although it may seem counterintuitive, people with oily skin can benefit from a face oil as much as any other skin type. Of course, it’s all about choosing the right face oil for oily skin, like squalane, for example.
Known for its deeply hydrating benefits, squalane is an antioxidant-rich oil that is known to behave like the oils in your skin. In addition to that, squalane also helps protect oil in the skin against the lipid peroxidation processwhich is known to damage the surface of the skin deep down from inside the pore, often leading to breakouts.
Best face oil for combination skin
If you have a combination skin type, you may experience a mixture of dry patches and oily skin. This calls for a versatile and nourishing face oil, like pomegranate face oil.
Derived from the pits of pomegranate fruits, pomegranate oil is known for its light, non-greasy texture, perfect for combination skin. Plus, it can also prevent inflammation, fade acne scars, and boost skin firmness! To learn more about pomegranate oil for the face, check out our blog here.
Is it better to apply face serums or face oils first?
When it comes to ordering face serums and face oils, the easiest way to figure it out is to start with the lightest, wateriest products and work your way up to the thicker steps.
Indeed, the thinner a product is, the faster it penetrates the skin. Because of this method, facial oils are usually applied after serums. That being said, there are almost always exceptions to every rule, so always read your facial oil’s usage guidelines.
Does face oil go before or after moisturizer?
In the case of skin care, it is generally recommended to follow the instructions of the product you are about to apply. With that in mind, the general rule of thumb for face oils and moisturizers might surprise you. Typically, you’ll want to make face oil the last step in your skincare routine.
It may seem counterintuitive: many times face oils seem lighter and thinner than moisturizers and face creams, but they actually tend to be heavier than most products.
Since the consistency of facial oils tends to be heavier and denser, they can actually penetrate your moisturizer and reach your skin. However, it doesn’t work the other way around. If you’re looking to up the hydration factor in your skincare routine, we recommend applying your face oil after applying your moisturizer to damp skin. This way, the moisturizer will be effectively absorbed by your skin, while the face oil nourishes and adds a layer of protection.
That being said, a face oil can be used both day and night. In fact, applying face oil during the day is a great way to create a glowing makeup look, and you can even use it as a highlighter.
If you’re still curious about why facial oils usually come second to moisturizers, check out our blog post here.
What is the best face oil for mature skin?
As we age, oil production in our skin tends to decrease, along with collagen and elastin, leading to loss of elasticity and firmness. For this reason, mature skin can benefit greatly from a face oil, especially something that provides a moisture boost. This is when argan oil is an excellent choice.
Although argan oil is best known for brightening dull, dry skin, it is also rich in antioxidants like vitamin E and polyphenols, as well as fatty acids.
Argan oil is also particularly suitable for mature skin as it prevents transepidermal water loss by sealing in moisture.
