Serums & Oils

With the wide range of oils and serums now out in the market, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices available. And with both kinds of products purporting to address the same beauty problems, even a beauty maven can get confused. So which one is better for you? Here are 5 things that you should keep in mind:

1. While both oils and serums have similar benefits, if you’re looking for hydration and nutrition, oils are more effective. But if your top concern is other benefits, go for a serum. Serums usually focus on brightening, anti-aging, exfoliating, firming, and so on. Meanwhile, oils are a better choice for dry and aging skin.

2. As the name suggests, facial oil are often composed of essential oils derived from natural sources and other plant-based ingredients. A facial oil with synthetic ingredients can be less effective than pure, all-natural ones.

3. Most serums are oil-free and contain no thickeners. These make them light and faster-absorbing, compared to creams and lotions. However, for those with eczema, rosacea, and other chronic skin conditions, that feature of serum may cause irritation—so make sure to proceed with caution, or consider an oil instead.

4. Both can be used before moisturizer, and some serums can be used in lieu of oil. If you have oily skin, a serum can be mixed in or completely replace your nighttime moisturizer. (This is not advised for those with dry skin, however, as they will need all the moisturizing they need!)

5. Don’t let the price point scare you. You only need to use a little of either oil or serum—a few drops will usually suffice. Hence, an expensive bottle can actually last for months. And don’t worry about accidentally using too much product, as serums and oils usually come with medicine droppers to control dispensing.