Whether due to their similar consistency or because they're not as common in skincare routines as cleansers and toners, facial serums and oils have always caused confusion and have been a topic of conversation in the skincare world. How, when, and with what to use them may be some of the questions you've asked yourself when considering purchasing one of the two, so take notes and learn to differentiate their features and benefits.

What are facial serums ?

Cosmetic serums are treatments characterized by a high concentration of active ingredients and a liquid texture that promotes rapid and deeper absorption. Because this allows the product to penetrate deep beneath the skin's surface, serums are ideal for addressing specific skincare concerns, from acne to aging and dullness.

Facial serum is a complement to your treatment and isn't mandatory or necessary, but it can help if you want to achieve more visible effects in less time. There are many different types of serums with different purposes. For example, a serum can provide firmness, hydration, radiance, be anti-blemish, help control excess sebum, protect against pollution , exfoliate the skin, be an antioxidant , etc.

When should serum be used?

Following the rule of applying skincare from lightest to heaviest, your facial serum should be applied after cleansing and before moisturizer. It can be used morning and night, and you can even use different serums depending on your skin's needs. For example, in the morning, you can use an antioxidant vitamin C serum and at night treat your skin with an exfoliating glycolic acid serum. After applying it, wait a few minutes for the product to be absorbed by your skin before applying the rest of your routine.

Some examples of facial serums are:

1. Vitamin C Brightening Drops by Indeed Labs

2. 2% Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum by Revolution Skincare

3. Super Soothing Cica & Aloe Facial Serum by Jumiso

What are facial oils ?

Unlike serums, oils aren't formulated with water and have a thicker consistency , which is beneficial for keeping your skin's barrier soft and nourished . You can think of these as a replacement (or complement) to your moisturizer, depending on your skin's needs. The purpose of facial oil is to retain the water already in our skin, preventing it from evaporating and causing dryness and tightness .

When should the oil be used?

Facial oils can replace your moisturizer and are ideal for applying to damp skin. However, if you want to add a little something extra to your routine when your skin feels too dry, you can mix a few drops into your moisturizer to benefit from its properties. Allow the oil to sit on your skin for 2-3 minutes before moving on to the next step of your skincare or makeup routine.

Some examples of facial oils are:

1. Facial Oil - Geranium and Tea Tree (NAE Blend) by NAE Cosmetics

2. Bakuchiol Oil Blend for Oily Skin by Good Molecules

Can or should people with oily and acne-prone skin use oils?

Despite what your instinct might lead you to believe, facial oil isn't just for dry skin. Combination and oily skin have benefited from the advancement of product formulations. In fact, as long as your product is formulated with skin-friendly oils, like jojoba and camellia, facial oils can help acne-prone skin.

Currently, there are oils specifically designed for these skin types, known as dry oils. These are quickly absorbed and leave little residue on the skin. The formulas for these products often blend different oils, whose properties complement each other.

So, to summarize: