The Key Differences Between Face Oil and Face Serum

You may think that facial serums and oils are interchangeable, but the reality is that each serves a very different, often very specific, purpose. What’s more, the order in which you apply these two products makes a critical difference in how well they actually work. Here are the key differences to know between facial oil and facial serum.

THE SCIENCE BEHIND IT…
OVERALL CLINICAL DATA ON SPECIFIC INGREDIENT(S) & HOW THEY FUNCTION:

FACIAL SERUM

Lightweight and potent, facial serums are generally meant to be applied directly after cleansing and toning, layered underneath your moisturizer. Because they are lightweight and often water-based, they are also better able to penetrate the skin on a deeper level—which is why serums also often contain a hefty concentration of active ingredients.

These active ingredients are also typically targeted, meaning that you can use facial serums to address specific skin concerns, such as fine lines and wrinkles, skin tone, pore size, and more. When it comes to facial serums, you also aren’t only limited to one—depending on your skin type and concerns, you can layer on as many different facial serums as you like.

FACIAL OIL

Unlike facial serum, facial oil sits on top of the skin—it does not penetrate. Instead, facial oil is meant to lock in moisture and all of the other beneficial ingredients in your serums and moisturizer, which is also why oil should always, be the final step in your skin care routine. Most facial oils typically contain a singular or blend of botanical oils that are rich in antioxidants, nutrients and fatty acids, which help to both nourish and protect the skin.

There’s one exception to the facial oils should always go last rule, and it’s if your facial oil contains a concentrated, targeted ingredient, such as a retinoid blend. In this case you can layer your facial oil underneath a heavier moisturizer.

HOW TO USE FACIAL SERUM AND FACIAL OIL IN A SKIN CARE ROUTINE

Given all of the many different types of beneficial skin care products on the market, the order in which to actually use them can often feel confusing. Here is the correct way to layer both facial serum and facial oil as part of your daily routine:

STEP 1: Cleanser

STEP 2: Toner (this step is optional)

STEP 3: Facial Serum (Layer on one that is targeted to address your individual skin concerns, whatever they may be that day).

STEP 4: Moisturizer

STEP 5: Facial Oil