Why Use a Facial Oil
Whether you call them facial oils or facial serums, well-formulated oils made from nourishing, unrefined botanical ingredients play an important role in healthy skin care.
A well-formulated facial oil helps:
- soften and condition the skin
- support the skin’s natural moisture barrier
- reduce the feeling of dryness and tightness
- improve overall skin comfort and suppleness
Although oils don’t add water to the skin, they help soften, condition, and support the skin’s natural moisture barrier, which in turn helps skin retain hydration and stay comfortable.
As we age, our skin naturally becomes thinner, produces less oil, and loses some of its ability to hold onto moisture. This can make dryness more noticeable and can exaggerate the appearance of fine lines. Facial oils help reduce moisture loss and support skin suppleness.
How to Use a Facial Oil
Apply facial oil to clean, slightly damp skin. Oils work best when they are applied after cleansing, when there is still water on the skin’s surface. This helps the oil seal in moisture and support the skin barrier. Facial oils can be used alone or layered with another moisturizer, depending on your skin’s needs.
Facial Oils Can Help Different Skin Types
Oily Skin
If you have oily or acne-prone skin, it may seem counterintuitive to use oil—but the right oils can actually help improve balance. Lightweight, non-comedogenic botanical oils can help soften skin and support the surface barrier, which may reduce the skin’s tendency to overproduce oil.
Using harsh products designed to “dry out” oily skin can strip the skin’s surface, triggering oil glands to produce even more oil. A thoughtfully chosen moisturizer or facial oil helps support balance rather than fight it.
Dry Skin
For dry skin, an organic facial oil made with unrefined plant oils creates a breathable barrier that helps slow moisture evaporation. This helps skin feel softer, smoother, and more comfortable throughout the day.
Sensitive or Easily Stressed Skin
Facial oils are often well-suited for sensitive skin because they are free from the surfactants and alcohols commonly found in many lotions. When skin is adequately supported and moisture loss is reduced, it often feels calmer and less reactive.
Maturing Skin
As we age, the skin’s natural oil production declines, making moisture loss more noticeable and fine lines more pronounced. A nourishing facial oil helps support the skin barrier, improve softness, and maintain a supple, comfortable feel—especially important for mature skin.
Choosing the Right Facial Oil
The most beneficial facial oils are made with unrefined, certified organic plant-based oils.
Unrefined oils are typically cold-pressed or expeller-pressed and minimally processed without harsh chemicals or excessive heat. This helps preserve their natural fatty acids and skin-supportive compounds.
USDA Certified Organic oils are produced without synthetic pesticides, preservatives, or additives.
Avoid petroleum-based products containing mineral oil or petrolatum, which coat the skin without providing the same skin-supportive benefits as plant-based oils.
👉 Learn More
What are Natural Face Oils & How to Use Them?
Creating A Facial Skin Care Routine
What Is A Facial Cleansing Oil? How Do I Use It?
