The Best Face Oils for Softness - Non-Comedogenic Serums
Most skincare serums are water-based such as hyaluronic acid serums, skincare acid serums or liquid peptides. While water-soluble actives do penetrate the epidermis, it’s oil-based formulas that are more readily and deeply absorbed. Our cellular membranes are composed of lipids so lipid-soluble ingredients can pass through when water-soluble ones can’t.
Some hero skincare ingredients, such as retinol serums or vitamin E are lipid-soluble which means they’re much more nourishing in oil-based formulations. Moreover, fats act as occlusives which help to reduce water loss and soften textural irregularities. You can use both oil and water-based serums in your routine for the ultimate skincare benefits. Use an oil serum as a treatment or as part of your facial massage or gua sha routine.
We highlight our favourite products for every complexion and why you should give them a try. Learn the difference between oil serums and traditional treatments and identify the best serum ingredients to look out for in your next face elixir. Finally, understand how to use a face serum to achieve your softest, most radiant skin yet.
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The Difference Between Face Oils and Serums
Face oils and traditional serums have a lot in common and some major differences. They both supply concentrated active ingredients to deep layers to treat specific skin concerns. However, lipid-based serums and water-based serums are a completely different experience to use.
Water-based serums
Weightless serums are usually water-based ones as these absorb without leaving a greasy residue
Hydrators such as hyaluronic acid, peptides or polyglutamic acid rely on water-based formulas to draw in moisture.
Water-based ingredients such as acids, vitamin C and niacinamide are water-soluble so only penetrate the epidermis when paired with water.
These serums can feel heavy on certain complexions but once absorbed, they supply skincare benefits deep into the epidermis
Oil serums nourish the skin barrier and seal off moisture loss (and entry)
These serums are ideal for oil-soluble ingredients such as vitamin A, vitamin E and seed extracts
The Best Face Oils For Your Skin
Serums for Oily Skin
You might think that these types of serums would make oily complexions worse but this is not always the case. You should select products with a lightweight consistency. Non-comedogenic face serums are essential as pores can be more prone to clogging. Here are our favourite oil serums that are suitable for oily skin.
1. Clarins Lotus Face Treatment Oil 30ml
Clarins Lotus Face Treatment Oil is a balancing treatment specifically designed for oily and combination skin types. Formulated with 100% pure plant extracts, it helps to purify, tighten pores, and refine texture while maintaining optimal hydration levels. This lightweight serum leaves the skin feeling soft, smooth, and perfectly balanced. The non-comedogenic fast-absorbing formula is also suitable for acne-prone complexions.
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| €48.00 |
Face Serums suitable for Blemish-Prone Skin
Acne-prone skin and oil-based products are a temperamental pairing because some products can be pore-clogging. However, this product from Bioderma targets acne, scars, blemishes and pigmentation without drying out the surface.
2. Dermalogica Retinol Clearing Oil 30ml
Dermalogica Retinol Clearing Oil is a dual-action formula that combines retinol and salicylic acid to resurface the skin and help clear blemishes and uneven texture. This treatment works overnight to reduce the appearance of acne scars, fine lines and hyperpigmentation while clearing breakouts and preventing future ones. Ideal for those dealing with adult acne and the first signs of ageing.
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| €98.00 |
Facial Oils for Mature Skin
With age, the skin struggles to hold onto moisture. Hyaluronic acid levels drop and the moisture barrier loses crucial fatty acids. Lipid-based serums are perfect for older complexions as they replenish lipid levels, soften the appearance of fine lines, boost firmness and fight photodamage. Explore some of the most transformative anti-ageing serum oils.
3. IMAGE Vital C Hydrating Facial Oil 30ml
IMAGE Vital C Hydrating Facial Oil is a luxurious treatment from the popular Vital C range by IMAGE Skincare. It combines the power of fat-soluble vitamin C with retinol and a blend of botanical extracts to boost antioxidant action, cell renewal, and rejuvenation. Designed to improve elasticity and luminosity, this treatment reduces the appearance of fine lines, pigmentation and provides a radiant glow after just one use. Suitable for all skin types, it helps to combat moisture loss and protects against environmental damage.
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4. Trilogy Rosapene Bakuchiol Oil 30ml
Trilogy Rosapene Bakuchiol Oil combines the power of Rosapene, a potent antioxidant serum complex, with Bakuchiol, a plant-based alternative to retinol. This facial serum targets signs of ageing, such as fine lines and uneven skin tone, without as much of the irritation often associated with retinoids. This oil is non-comedogenic and suitable for all skin types including acne-prone skin. It creates a smoother, firmer, and more radiant appearance overnight.
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| €39.95 |
Oil Serums for Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin is often characterised by a damaged moisture barrier and is associated with allergies or conditions such as eczema, rosacea and psoriasis. Essential oils, and some plant extracts can be irritating on sensitive complexions. Here is our recommendation if you want a serum to repair the moisture barrier without irritating it.
5. Trilogy Very Gentle Microbiome Oil 30ml
This is the most gentle facial oil yet, formulated with pre-biotics and plant extracts to nourish and rebuild the moisture barrier without causing a reaction. This lipid-rich formula helps restore a youthful appearance and even better, it contains 100% natural origin skin-soothing ingredients.
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What Ingredients to Look for in a Face Oil
Before you try a face oil, you need to understand the ingredients suitable for your goals and concerns. Consider the carrier ingredient, the active ingredients and plant extracts/antioxidants when choosing a facial oil.
Carrier Oil
These form the base of your serum, they should be lightweight, fast-absorbing, widely tolerated and non-comedogenic. Good examples to look for are jojoba, rosehip, grapeseed, avocado, macadamia seed oil or squalane, as these also have additional beauty benefits.
Active Ingredients
Several hero ingredients in skincare are fat-soluble so look for these in your lipid-based skincare. Actives such as retinol (vitamin A), bakuchiol, vitamin E and fat-soluble vitamin C (Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate) target signs of ageing, pigmentation or uneven texture.
Plant extracts
Many plant extracts, particularly leaf, nut and seed extracts have potent antioxidant, healing or soothing effects but these tend to be fat-soluble. Rosemary leaf and nigella seed extract soothe and protect against free radical damage. Oat kernel extract and tamanu oil are calming for irritated skin and support skin barrier repair. Sea buckthorn extract is a magical fat-soluble ingredient which has moisturising and age-fighting superpowers. Tea tree oil also has anti-microbial and anti-acne properties.
How to Use a Face Oil for the Best Results
Facial oils work slightly differently than water-based serums - they help to seal in moisture from the rest of your skincare routine so should be applied after your hydrating steps. Most users won’t find these lipid-rich formulations hydrating enough to replace your moisturiser.
Here are six expert tips for using a face oil
Apply as the final step in your PM skincare routine
Apply in the evening and wait 30 minutes before sleeping to allow the product to fully absorb
Use hydrating serums to draw moisture into the skin before sealing with an occlusive.
Massage your facial oil for 1-2 minutes to stimulate blood flow, lymphatic drainage and product absorption
If you’re using a product containing retinol or bakuchiol, you should apply an SPF daily to prevent UV damage
Patch test if you have sensitive, oily or acne-prone skin
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is an oil serum good for your face?
These types of serums are an excellent addition to your skincare routine if you struggle with dullness, textural irregularities, moisture loss or a damaged moisture barrier. Our favourite products are packed with powerful plant extracts, antioxidants, vitamins and retinol for the ultimate age-defying elixir.
What oil is best for anti-ageing?
Retinol and bakuchiol are fat-soluble so are ideal for including in your anti-ageing serum collection. However, antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E and botanicals are another great way to fight photodamage, reduce dark spots and target the signs of ageing.
What is the best oil to put on your face overnight?
You should generally apply these at night because environmental particles and pollutants can be drawn to oil-based beauty products. Also, to avoid excessive greasiness during daytime wear, apply lipid-rich products before bed. Retinol serums such as the Dermalogica Skin Clearing Oil work best overnight and can also increase sun sensitivity.
