The difference between a facial serum and facial oil
There are a few key differences between facial serums and facial oils. Firstly, the texture. A facial oil feels similar to any other oil you may have used, while a serum is usually a lightweight, half-way point between a water-based product and a thicker cream moisturiser. Usually a facial oil will contain a potent amount of one or two key ingredients (some of my favourite facial oils really are just one pure oil!), while serums often contain multiple ingredients to target different skin concerns at once. Deciding which serum or oil is right for you really comes down to your own skin needs, and if you can't decide, you can even layer a serum over your favourite facial oil to give your skin a super boost.
Benefits of natural facial serums and oils
The real beauty of facial serums and oils is that their ingredients are far more concentrated than what you'd find in a standard moisturiser, so they work to supercharge your skincare routine by delivering a potent amount of antioxidants, vitamins and essential fatty acids. Once you've identified your primary skincare concerns, such as dryness, scarring or adult acne, you can use a serum or oil to target them and improve the texture and appearance of your skin. If you're not sure which ingredients you should be looking for to solve your complexion woes, follow my guide to facial serums and oils by skin type.
Facial serums and oils for scarring and pigmentation
Pai BioRegenerate Rosehip Oil
If scarring and pigmentation are of concern, Rosehip Oil provides a powerful boost of goodness to help skin cell regeneration. I'm a huge fan of the Pai BioRegenerate Rosehip Oil because it's so C02 extracted rather than cold press and looks super rich and potent as it has a deep amber shade. It can be used on the face and body to target scars, pigmentation, fine lines, stretch marks and sun damage. This deeply regenerative oil supports the skin's natural processes and also contains Vitamin E to improve texture and elasticity.
100% Pure Vitamin C Serum
Another great ingredient for treating the appearance of pigmentation is Vitamin C. The 100% Pure Vitamin C Serum contains Vitamins C and E in a base of soothing Aloe Vera to target the appearance of sun spots, pigmentation and signs of ageing as well as help boost collagen production and brighten skin tone. Containing Green Apple and Grape Extracts as well as Evening Primrose Oil and Broccoli Seed Oil, this lightweight serum is ideal for all skin types and can be used in conjunction with your usual skin care routine.
Facial oils for sensitive and acne prone skin
The Jojoba Company Jojoba Oil
If breakouts and acne are getting you down, you can't go past Jojoba Oil. The Jojoba Company's Jojoba Oil is a wonderful Australian made product from locally grown Jojoba trees. Jojoba actually works to balance the skin's sebum production, regulating the skin and helping to manage breakouts. Containing 100% pure Australian grown Jojoba, this cold pressed oil is rich in Vitamins A, D and E and provides similar moisturising properties as our skin's own sebum, delivering deeply penetrating hydration. Use on its own or beneath moisturiser for extra nourishment.
Dr Alkaitis Nourishing Treatment Oil
The Dr Alkaitis Nourishing Treatment Oil is another great option for acne prone and even sensitive skin as it uses a unique blend of organic cold pressed oils and herbal ingredients including Liquorice, Country Mallow and Turmeric. Ideal for targeting dehydration and improving general skin appearance, this active, plant-based serum can be used on a wide range of skin conditions including rosacea, blemishes, pigmentation and sun damage.
Serums and oils for dry skin
Lariese Moroccan Argan Oil
Argan Oil is great for dry skin types as it's really rich in hydrating Vitamin E. One of my favourite Argan facial oils is the Lariese Moroccan Argan Oil which is ideal for ry, damaged and mature skin as it is rich in Vitiamin E, Squalene and Omegas. This multi-purpose oil is also rich in natural Keratin, and can be used on the ends of your hair as a conditioning treatment.
Ethique Saving Face Serum
A unique solid bar serum, the Ethique Saving Face Serum can be used beneath your usual moisturiser or worn alone. Ideal for dry skin types, this moisturising blend contains Shea, Cupuacu and Kokum Butters as well as nourishing Pomegranate, Rosehip and Coconut Oils to provide a boost of antioxidants and essential fatty acids. Designed to soften, and smooth the skin, this vegan and gluten-free bar can be warmed in the palm of your hand and gently pressed or massaged into the complexion.
Best serums for mature skin
Black Chicken Nocturnalist Night Serum
The Black Chicken Nocturnalist Night Serum is beautiful overnight serum made from a blend of 12 carefully selected natural oils designed to help stimulate the skin's natural renewal processes while you sleep so you wake up with a healthy looking glow.
Pollen Botanicals Super Seed Serum
Enriched with antioxidants, vitamins and essential fatty acids, the Pollen Botanicals Super Seed Serum contains a calming blend of Rosehip Oil, Evening Primrose, Chia, Pomegranate and Raspberry. Rich in Vitamins A, C and E this serum is suitable for all skin types including those with mild forms of eczema. This serum is designed to help rejuvenate skin, stimulate cell turn over and fight the signs of ageing.
