Maybe it’s due to their unique consistency or perhaps it’s because they’re outside the realm of a basic, three-step skincare routine, but serums and facial oils seem to frequently cause confusion. Yes, they both often come in a bottle with a dropper, but what they do and how they do it is a very different proposition.

Read on for a little about both skin health essentials, and which one might be the right choice for you…

So, what is a serum?

Serums are lightweight, concentrated liquids that have been specifically designed to help correct certain skin concerns, such as an uneven skin tone, dehydration, or texture. They’re typically water-based and often contain lightweight moisturising ingredients, like hyaluronic acid, along with high concentrations of active ingredients. Their watery texture and fluid consistency allow serums to penetrate the skin quickly and easily, and as such, they’re generally applied after cleansing and toning onto clean, dry skin.

Try:

Nuori Bio Fusion Serum

This beauty is perfect for addressing Trans Epidermal Water Loss (TEWL), which occurs during the cooler months when the humidity decreases and moisture is drawn out of the skin and into the air. It includes a bio-extract, derived from the bakuchiol plant, offers a natural alternative to retinol with the same skin-renewing results, and the latest generation of natural hyaluronic acid.

Tailor Skincare Hydrate

From local skincare legends Tailor Skincare, this serum has two percent hyaluronic acid plus niacinamide (Vitamin B3) and kōwhai extract. It’s designed to top up moisture levels as well as soothe inflammation and fight bacteria.

Trilogy Microbiome Complexion Renew Serum

This formula is all about supporting your barrier in the best possible way, helping build resilience, balance, and vibrancy using natural postbiotic technology. Promising a healthy and glow-y complexion, this silky serum also includes moisture plumping hyaluronic acid, conditioning white tea, and powerful antioxidants from fermented goji extract. 

And what’s an oil?

As you can probably guess, facial oils are oil-based liquid formulas designed to be used as an extra boost of moisturisation. They’re typically formulated with non-comedogenic botanical oils and essential oils, which won’t cause breakouts or clogged pores, and often also include plant extracts and antioxidants. These rich, emollient formulas can help moisturise and soften the skin, nourish the skin barrier, and help address some skin concerns, like dryness or dullness.

Try:

Trilogy’s Rosehip Oil Antioxidant+ 

This super-powered wonder contains the unique antioxidant complex Rosapene, which helps to boost skin condition to achieve your best glow ever. The rich seed oil blend delivers intensive nourishment, replenishes softness, and improves elasticity while providing daily antioxidant protection for radiantly healthy skin.

Trilogy Hemphip Balancing Oil.

This oil is a unique antioxidant and omega-rich blend of hemp, rosehip, grape, and jojoba seed oils. Along with olive oil to hydrate and salicylic acid to mildly exfoliate, this specialist beauty oil quickly absorbs to nourish and clarify oilier skin types without leaving any residue behind.

Do you apply face oil or serum first?

The absolute easiest way to remember the order in which to apply skincare products is by thinking about how you’d dress for a cold day: start with the thinnest item (say, a t-shirt), and conclude with the thickest (a puffer jacket). So in regards to the beauty products in question, that would mean applying your serum before your face oil.

If you’re extra dry and using a face cream and an oil, you’ll still apply your oil last. Oils are thicker in consistency, even when they may not immediately appear so!

Want more natural skincare? We’ve combed the globe to bring you the best skincare serums and oils, made with the best and cleanest ingredients around. You can browse our full range of natural skincare here.