Facial Oils vs Serums: Which One Should You Use in Your Skincare Routine?

Quick Answer

Serums deliver concentrated active ingredients deep into the skin, while facial oils seal in moisture and support the skin barrier. For most routines, apply a serum first, then an oil to lock in hydration. Choose a serum for targeted concerns like dullness or fine lines, and an oil for extra nourishment and barrier support.

When building a skincare routine, it's easy to confuse facial oils and serums. Both come in small bottles and promise glowing skin, but they work in very different ways. Understanding their roles helps you get the most from each product without overloading your skin.

Serums are lightweight, water-based formulas packed with active ingredients that penetrate quickly. Oils are richer, lipid-based, and create a protective layer on the skin's surface. Knowing whether you need a serum, an oil, or both can transform your routine.

What Are Facial Oils and How Do They Benefit Skin?

Facial oils are composed of lipids that mimic your skin's natural sebum. They help strengthen the skin barrier, lock in moisture, and leave skin soft and supple. Oils are especially beneficial for dry or dehydrated skin because they prevent water loss and keep the skin plump.

A good facial oil can also provide antioxidant protection. For instance, the Revitalise & Glow Serum—despite its name—works like a lightweight oil to hydrate and protect from free radical damage. If you're looking for a dry oil that absorbs quickly, formulas with squalane or jojoba are excellent choices.

• Use oils as the last step in your routine to seal in previous products.
• Oils are great for nighttime when your skin repairs itself.

What Are Serums and How Do They Differ from Oils?

Serums are concentrated solutions that deliver active ingredients like vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, or peptides deep into the skin. They are typically water-based, so they absorb quickly and target specific concerns such as dullness, dark circles, or fine lines.

For example, the Brightening Eye Serum is designed to brighten the under-eye area and smooth fine lines. Serums are lighter than oils and are meant to be applied before moisturizers or oils. They address the 'what' of your skincare goals, while oils address the 'seal'.

• Apply serums to clean, slightly damp skin for better absorption.
• Choose a serum based on your main skin concern, like brightening or anti-ageing.

Can You Layer Oil and Serum? How to Do It Right

Yes, you can and often should use both. The general rule is to apply from thinnest to thickest: serum first, then oil. This ensures the serum's active ingredients penetrate, and the oil seals them in. Wait a few minutes between layers to let each product absorb.

If your skin is oily, you might skip the oil during the day and use only a serum. At night, a few drops of oil can help balance oil production. For dry skin, layering a hydrating serum under a nourishing oil can provide lasting comfort.

• Start with a few drops of serum, press into skin, then follow with oil.
• Adjust the amount of oil based on your skin's needs—start with 2-3 drops.

Trade-Offs: Oil vs Serum

• Hydration vs. Nourishment: Serums hydrate by attracting water, while oils nourish by sealing it in. If your skin feels tight, a serum with hyaluronic acid helps. If it feels rough, an oil adds lipids. Assess your skin's immediate feeling to decide which to prioritize.
• Targeted Treatment vs. Barrier Support: Serums deliver high concentrations of actives to address specific issues like dullness or fine lines. Oils focus on overall barrier health and prevention of moisture loss. If you have a specific concern, choose a serum; for overall maintenance, an oil suffices.
• Lightweight vs. Rich Texture: Serums feel weightless and absorb quickly, making them ideal for daytime or oily skin. Oils are richer and more occlusive, better for nighttime or dry skin. Consider your skin type and time of day when choosing.

Product Facts

• Revitalise & Glow Serum: Hydrates skin and supports skin water retention for plump and bouncy skin If you're looking for a serum that also provides oil-like hydration, this product bridges the gap, offering both active ingredients and moisture retention.
• Brightening Eye Serum: Brightens skin to minimise the appearance of dark circles For targeted eye concerns, a serum is the right choice because oils are too heavy for the delicate under-eye area.

Which Should You Choose?

Best for

• Those with dry or dehydrated skin who need extra nourishment and barrier support.
• People looking for a multi-purpose product that hydrates and protects, like the Revitalise & Glow Serum.
• Anyone who wants to seal in moisture and enhance their skin's natural glow.

Not for

• Those with very oily or acne-prone skin who may prefer water-based serums only.
• If you're targeting specific concerns like dark circles, a dedicated serum like the Brightening Eye Serum is more effective than a general oil.

Both facial oils and serums have valuable roles in skincare. Serums deliver targeted active ingredients, while oils lock in moisture and support the barrier. You don't have to choose one—layering them can give you the best of both. For most skin types, a serum followed by a facial oil will keep your skin balanced, hydrated, and glowing. Start with your specific concern, then seal it with the right oil.