When creating a skincare routine that meets your skin’s needs, face oils and serums often top the list of must-haves.
Yet, these powerful products can cause confusion - how do they differ, and which one is right for you? This guide will demystify the differences between face oils and serums, explain their benefits, and help you decide how to integrate them into your daily skincare ritual.
What is a serum?
A serum is a lightweight, water-based skincare product packed with active ingredients designed to address specific skin concerns.
Serums penetrate deeply into the skin, targeting issues like fine lines, uneven tone, or dehydration. They are usually applied after cleansing and before moisturising, making them a vital step in achieving healthy, radiant skin.
Some of the benefits of serums:
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Hydration: Ingredients like DNA HP draw water into the skin for plump, dewy results.
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Brightening: Vitamin C targets dullness and uneven tone.
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Anti-ageing: Peptides like Argireline smooth fine lines and boost skin firmness.
- Antioxidant protection: Ingredients like Chaga Mushroom extract defend against environmental stressors.
What is face oil?
Face oils are rich, emollient products made from plant-based oils or botanical extracts that nourish and protect the skin’s barrier.
These luxurious elixirs seal in moisture and provide lasting hydration, making them particularly effective for dry or mature skin. Oils can also balance sebum production, helping to soothe and regulate oily or acne-prone skin types.
It’s often assumed that face oils are unsuitable for oily or acne-prone skin. However, oils like jojoba can regulate sebum production, making them an excellent choice for balancing and soothing.
Common oils and their benefits:
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Argan Oil: Hydrates and boosts elasticity.
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Rosehip Oil: Brightens and reduces the appearance of scars.
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Kukui Nut Oil: Deeply nourishes and restores skin’s natural barrier.
- Abyssinian Oil: Lightweight and non-greasy, perfect for balancing moisture.
For more insights, explore our guide to choosing the best face oils.
What’s the difference between face oil and serum?
At first glance, face oils and serums might seem interchangeable - they often come in similar bottles and are applied in small amounts. However, these products serve distinct purposes and offer unique benefits.
Understanding their key differences will help you choose the right one for your skin or even combine them effectively in your routine. Here’s a closer look at how face oils and serums differ in texture, ingredients, and application...
| Feature | Serum | Face Oil |
| Texture | Lightweight, water-based | Richer, oil-based |
| Function | Targets specific skin concerns | Seals in hydration and strengthens the skin barrier |
| Common Ingredients | Hydrating acids like DNA HP, peptides, antioxidants | Non-comedogenic such as Argan Oil or Jojoba Oil |
| Application |
Daily, AM and PM Apply after cleansing but before moisturising |
Daily, AM and PM Use as the final step to lock in moisture (or before SPF) |
Which is better: face oil or serum?
Whether face oil or serum is better depends on your skin type, concerns, and goals.
Both products serve unique purposes and excel in different areas, so it’s less about one being better than the other and more about finding the right product - or combination - for your needs.
Dry skin
For those with dry skin, face oils are often better at locking in moisture and preventing water loss. Their emollient properties create a barrier that helps the skin stay hydrated for longer. However, pairing an oil with a hydrating serum, such as one with a hydrating acid like DNA HP (which can carry ten times more water than Hyaluronic Acid), can maximise the benefits. The serum draws moisture into the skin, and the oil seals it in for all-day hydration.
Oily or acne-prone skin
Lightweight serums are great for oily or acne-prone skin because they hydrate while keeping pores clear. Ingredients like Chaga Mushroom or peptides help calm inflammation and treat active concerns.
Meanwhile, using the right non-comedogenic oil, like Jojoba or Abyssinian Oil, can complement a serum by regulating sebum production and restoring the skin barrier. Look for natural face oils with a comedogenic rating of 0.
Sensitive skin
Sensitive skin can benefit from serums and face oils as long as the formulation targets this type of skin.
Serums with gentle, calming ingredients like Silver Hydrosol are ideal for reducing redness and irritation. Face oils, such as Kukui Nut or Rosehip Oil, can also soothe sensitive skin and reinforce its barrier function.
For many, a combination works best: use a calming serum first to address sensitivity, then apply a lightweight, non-comedogenic oil to lock in hydration and provide an extra layer of protection.
Ageing skin
Combining both products is a good approach for ageing skin.
Serums with anti-ageing ingredients, such as peptides or antioxidants, deliver targeted results for fine lines and wrinkles, while face oils provide deep nourishment and support elasticity. Together, they create a powerful duo for improving texture, firmness, and hydration.
Seasonal considerations
Seasonal changes can also determine whether face oil or serum is better for you at a given time.
In summer, lightweight serums help hydrate without feeling heavy or greasy, making them ideal for warmer weather.
In winter, face oils shine by adding an extra layer of protection against dryness and harsh environmental conditions.
The verdict
Neither face oil nor serum is inherently better - it depends on your skin’s needs, concerns, and goals, as well as what the weather is asking of it.
If you’re unsure, start with one based on your primary concern (e.g., hydration, anti-ageing, or oil control) and consider incorporating the other after two to four weeks to create a balanced, well-rounded routine.
Layering tips:
- Dispense 2-3 drops of serum into your palm or fingertips.
- Using your fingers, gently pat (not rub) the serum onto your clean, dry skin. Focus on areas of concern, such as fine lines, dark spots, or dehydrated patches.
- Wait 2-3 minutes for absorption.
- Dispense 2-3 drops of face oil into your palms.
- Rub your hands together to warm the oil slightly; this helps it glide effortlessly onto your skin and improves absorption.
- Gently press the oil into your skin using your palms. Start at the centre of your face and work outward, covering your forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin.
- Don’t forget your neck and décolleté.
Always avoid dragging your skin when applying skincare products to prevent irritation.
Face oil vs. serum FAQs
How to layer face oil with serum?
Always apply serum first to deliver active ingredients, then use face oil to lock in hydration.
Can I use a face oil instead of a serum?
If your primary concern is hydration, face oil can suffice. However, serums can be more effective for specific concerns like fine lines.
What if I only want to use one or the other?
For targeted treatments, opt for a serum. For lasting hydration, choose a face oil.
Skincare that nourishes and restores
Face oils and serums play unique roles in skincare, creating a balanced and restorative routine together. Whether targeting specific concerns or nourishing your skin, our formulations are crafted with care to help you achieve a radiant complexion.
Discover l’étoile infinie, an organic, natural face oil blending Kukui Nut, Argan, and Abyssinian oils. Lightweight yet deeply hydrating, it protects your skin’s barrier while enhancing its glow.
Explore le sérum infini, our silver serum enriched with Argireline and Chaga mushroom, for targeted hydration and renewal to smooth, brighten, and restore balance.
Begin your skincare journey with these thoughtfully crafted products and find the perfect balance for your skin.
