Which Oil Or Facial Serum Is Best For Your Skin? Leave a comment
If cleansers, toners and moisturizers are the basics of skin care, then serums, oils and concentrates are the high-level superstars. Building on the simple skin care routine, serums, oils and concentrates add the powerful steps your complexion needs to optimize its health. They deliver potent benefits directly to the skin by correcting concerns, nourishing the skin and boosting hydration.
With the wide variety of products available, you want to pinpoint the best serum, oil or concentrate to target your skin concerns. Here’s a handy guide to help you choose the best one for your unique complexion.
Key Takeaways: Facial Serums, Oils & Concentrates
Facial serums are lightweight treatments packed with concentrated active ingredients that penetrate deep into the skin to target concerns like aging, dehydration and uneven skin tone.
Facial oils are rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants that nourish the skin, reinforce the moisture barrier and seal in hydration, providing comfort and protection for dry and sensitive skin.
Concentrates combine the benefits of serums and moisturizers, offering both targeted treatment and lightweight hydration. They can be layered with serums and oils or used alone.
Choose facial serums, oils or concentrates based on your skin type and specific concerns and layer them properly to maximize benefits in your skin care routine.
Serums, Oils & Concentrates | Oils, Serums & Concentrates By Skin Type | By Skin Concern Or Condition | Layering Serums 101
Serums, Oils & Concentrates
First things first: What are the differences between serums, oils and concentrates?
Serums
Serums are lightweight treatments brimming with a high concentration of active ingredients that target specific skin conditions and concerns. They are fast-absorbing and penetrate deeply into the skin, delivering potent skin-restoring and hydration-boosting ingredients. Serums have a light fluid or gel-like consistency and should be applied after cleansing and toning.
Oils
Oils are chock full of essential fatty acids and lipids that restore the skin’s moisture barrier. They are often composed of plant oils like jojoba, rosehip or seabuckthorn, which are rich in antioxidants and replenishing emollients. Facial oils can be beneficial for all skin types (even oily) and should be applied before a moisturizer.
Concentrates
Concentrates bridge the gap between the two, offering a lotion-like texture that provides both absorbent treatment benefits and protective hydration. Concentrates are similar to serums in that they contain — you guessed it — a concentrated amount of active ingredients. Unlike serums, which have a gel-like consistency, concentrates are lightweight lotions with both absorbent and protective qualities. Because of this versatility, they can be layered with serums and moisturizers, or simply used on their own.
Read on for the best oil, serum and concentrate for your particular skin type and concerns.
Oils, Serums & Concentrates By Skin Type
Your skin type comes down to genetics. Your genes determine the amount of oil secreted by your sebaceous glands, the size of your pores and the texture of your skin. Each of these factors contributes to the dryness — or oiliness — of your complexion and, in turn, dictates how your skin looks, feels and behaves. Your skin type cannot be changed, but it can be managed with active ingredients that are beneficial for your complexion.
Normal Skin
Normal skin can best be described as “well-balanced”: It has even sebum production and moisture content. According to Dermascope, “Normal skin displays a smooth texture and rosy, clear surface, with fine pores. There are no visible blemishes, greasy patches or flaky areas.”
All skin can benefit from potent antioxidants that can improve the visible signs of aging. We recommend the Eight Greens Youth Serum to protect skin from the drying and aging effects of environmental stressors like pollution, blue-light and UV rays.
Dry Skin
Dry skin produces less sebum than normal skin. This skin type lacks the lipid and oil production needed to retain moisture (which is what gives skin its soft and supple feel) and therefore appears tight, flaky and dull. Those with dry skin often have nearly invisible pores and display more prominent visible signs of aging.
Oils are the perfect addition to a dry skin routine. These treatments are composed of essential fatty acids and ingredients that boost skin’s hydration and moisture. We recommend our Camellia Glow Solid Face Oil and our Rosehip Triple C+E Firming Oil. The Camellia Glow Solid Face Oil contains camellia oil and marula oil to hydrate and soften the appearance of the skin. The Rosehip Triple C+E Firming oil contains rosehip, jojoba and seabuckthorn oil to improve moisture, soothe dry skin and fight the visible signs of aging. The Rosehip Triple C+E Firming Oil was even voted “Favorite Face Oil” in the 2024 NewBeauty Readers’ Choice Awards!
Watch below for a demonstration of how to use the Rosehip Triple C+E Firming Oil.
Combination Skin
Combination skin is neither oily nor dry; it’s both. This skin type is characterized by non-uniform oil production: more active oil glands in the T-zone and less active oil glands elsewhere. As a result, it tends towards oiliness on the forehead, jaw and nose, and dryness on the cheeks, jawline and hairline.
Believe it or not, combination skin can benefit from our Cornflower Recovery Serum. This serum is enriched with results-driven, Biodynamic® ingredients like cornflower and chamomile to calm and soothe dryness.
Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin is caused by a genetic predisposition to skin sensitivity and irritation. According to the Eminence Organics Product Support Team, it is typically described as “skin that endures the regular occurrence of unpleasant sensations such as heat, stinging, burning and tingling caused by forms of stimulation that wouldn’t normally create this type of reaction in a ‘normal’ skin type.”
If your skin is the sensitive type, opt for a gentle treatment like the Facial Recovery Oil, infused with clary sage oil and ylang ylang to keep skin looking even and perfectly balanced.
Oily Skin
The opposite of dry skin, oily skin has overactive sebaceous glands. These produce an excess of oil which enlarges pores as well as coats the skin’s surface. For this reason, oily skin is often shiny and can be prone to breakouts due to blocked pores.
For oily skin, we recommend a lightweight option like the Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Serum. This fast-absorbing advanced serum immediately sinks into the skin to deliver potent antioxidant and vitamin-rich ingredients. We explore this serum in depth below.
By Skin Concern Or Condition
You may struggle with a skin concern or condition on top of your general skin type. Skin conditions are influenced by various internal and external factors such as hormonal changes, lifestyle choices and environmental stressors. Unlike skin types, they can be changed and treated, and it is not uncommon to tackle more than one at a time (for example, breakouts as well as an uneven skin tone).
Fine Lines & Wrinkles
As we age, intrinsic and extrinsic factors contribute to a depletion of hyaluronic acid, elastin and collagen in the skin. These materials are essential for a plump and firm complexion and, as they diminish, skin begins to sag and fine lines and wrinkles start to set in.
When it comes to wrinkles, you’ll want to add vitamin C into your skin care arsenal. This vitamin helps improve the appearance of skin exposed to environmental stressors such as UV rays and pollution.
Formulated with vitamin C, the fast-absorbing Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Serum reduces the appearance of uneven skin tone. Vitamin E and leafy greens such as kale and spinach provide additional support for your skin — you may notice a brighter appearance in your complexion and an improvement in the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Learn more about what a serum does here, or the correct amount to apply here. Otherwise, you can learn all about the effects of free radicals and oxidation on the visible signs of aging by watching this video demonstration:
In addition to vitamin C, you can counteract the visible signs of aging with skin care reinforced with botanical peptides and natural retinol alternatives. Our Marine Flower Peptide Serum delivers concentrated plant peptides to plump skin and smooth the appearance of wrinkles. The Bamboo Firming Fluid is infused with a Natural Retinol Alternative Complex derived from chicory root and tara tree to improve the appearance of firmness and elasticity.
Uneven Skin Tone
Do you struggle with dark spots? Whether from sun damage, hormonal changes or bouts of acne, hyperpigmentation can be tricky to tackle. When your skin is exposed to stressors, it protects itself by going into overdrive and releasing melanin, a type of pigment in the skin. The result: dark spots and uneven skin tone.
Before you reach for hydroquinone, try a natural alternative. Our Bright Skin Licorice Root Booster-Serum contains bearberry and licorice root extracts, tara tree, African potato and Swiss Alpine Plant Extracts to improve the appearance of dark spots.
Large Pores
Large pores are a common skin concern. While everyone has visible pores, some naturally produce more oil, causing them to stretch and enlarge. Pore size can also increase with age as skin loses its elasticity and ability to “bounce back.”
You can’t “get rid of” pores, but you can shrink them down to size. Our Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Concentrate includes a lactic acid (an AHA), ribose and red clover flower extract to remove pore-clogging buildup and minimize pore size.
Breakouts
Up to 85% of Americans report having experienced acne-related symptoms at some point in life. Whether you tackle tiny whiteheads or painful cysts, acne is treatable and you can find relief. We recommend adding the Clear Skin Willow Bark Booster-Serum to your skin care routine. This concentrated serum is infused with willow bark and tea tree oil to improve the look of breakouts and problem skin.
Dehydration
Dryness and dehydration are two separate skin care issues. While dryness pertains to a dry skin type and is characterized by a lack of moisture (sebum), dehydration is a skin condition that is caused by insufficient hydration (water). Dehydrated skin often suffers from itchy patches, increased sensitivity, inadequate skin cell turnover and accelerated signs of aging.
Hyaluronic acid is a miracle worker for dehydrated skin. Our product pick is the Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Serum, which is infused with our Botanical Hyaluronic Acid Complex designed to deeply hydrate the skin and replenish moisture.
As expert esthetician Brian Goodwin tells us: “Hyaluronic acid is a skin essential that provides hydration and protection. Our Botanical Hyaluronic Acid Complex restores deep hydration for radiant-looking skin.”
Find out about the best serums for glowing skin from our Lead Skin Care Trainer Natalie Pergar:
Most Commonly Asked Questions About Facial Serums, Oils & Concentrates
What is the difference between a facial serum and a facial oil?Facial serums and facial oils serve different purposes in a skin care routine. Serums are typically water-based, with smaller molecules that allow active ingredients to penetrate deeply into the skin, addressing specific concerns like aging or pigmentation. Facial oils are oil-based, with larger molecules that remain on the skin’s surface, providing hydration, nourishment and a protective barrier. While serums treat and correct, oils moisturize and seal in the benefits of other products.
Can I use both a facial serum and a facial oil in my routine?Yes, incorporating both a facial serum and a facial oil can be beneficial. Apply the serum first, allowing it to absorb fully into the skin to address specific concerns. Follow with a facial oil to lock in the serum’s active ingredients, provide additional hydration and strengthen the skin’s barrier.
What are concentrates and how do they differ from serums and oils?Concentrates are skin care products that combine the benefits of serums and moisturizers. They have a lotion-like texture and contain a high concentration of active ingredients, similar to serums, but also provide hydration like moisturizers. Concentrates can be used alone or layered with serums and oils, depending on individual skin needs.
How do I choose the best facial serum, oil or concentrate for my skin type?Selecting the appropriate product depends on your skin type and specific concerns. For dry skin, look for hydrating serums with hyaluronic acid or nourishing oils like rosehip. Oily or acne-prone skin may benefit from lightweight, non-comedogenic serums containing niacinamide or salicylic acid. Sensitive skin types should opt for calming ingredients like chamomile or calendula. Concentrates can be suitable for those seeking both treatment and hydration in one product.
When should I apply a facial serum, oil or concentrate in my skin care routine?In general, apply products in this order: cleanser, toner, serum, facial oil and moisturizer. Always apply products from the thinnest to the thickest consistency to ensure optimal absorption and efficacy.
How often should I use facial serums, oils and concentrates?Most facial serums and concentrates can be used once or twice daily, depending on the product’s formulation and your skin’s tolerance. Facial oils are typically applied once daily, often in the evening, to lock in moisture overnight. Always follow the instructions on the product packaging.
Are there specific ingredients I need in facial serums, oils or concentrates?Yes, selecting products with ingredients tailored to your skin concerns can improve your results. For hydration, look for hyaluronic acid or glycerin. Antioxidants like vitamin C can brighten the skin and reduce signs of aging. Peptides are effective for fine lines and wrinkles. Facial oils rich in omega fatty acids, such as argan or jojoba oil, can nourish and protect the skin. Always consider your skin type and sensitivities when choosing products.
Are you ready to add these products to your skin care routine? Find out more about serums, oils and concentrates with your favorite Eminence Organics Spa Partner.
