{"id":125905,"date":"2019-08-09T16:51:34","date_gmt":"2019-08-09T15:51:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.schoolofnaturalskincare.com\/?p=125905"},"modified":"2024-10-29T02:55:35","modified_gmt":"2024-10-29T02:55:35","slug":"face-oils-vs-face-serums","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.schoolofnaturalskincare.com\/face-oils-vs-face-serums\/","title":{"rendered":"Face Oils, Face Serums, and High-Performance Serums: What\u2019s the Difference?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Face oils and serums are two of the hottest trends in facial care products right now, and for good reason. Both types of products can be amazing for the skin, and create dramatic changes due to their nourishing and emollient ingredients. If you\u2019ve done any experimenting at all in creating or blending your own face oils, you have probably seen what wonderful effects they can have on the skin. With the right ingredients, skin looks dewy, refreshed, and rejuvenated! And there are so many great oils that can be combined to great effect. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because face oils and face serums are two different product types which are sometimes confused, you may also be wondering, what\u2019s the difference between them? That\u2019s one of the topics we wanted to cover in this article, along with showing you that there\u2019s so much more you can create beyond face oils. And if face oils are already amazing, just imagine what kinds of products you can make with a bit more knowledge! So, let\u2019s get started. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Face Oils<\/i> vs Face Serums<\/i>: Some Basic Definitions<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

First off, a face oil is usually defined as <\/span>a blend of skin-safe oils intended primarily to moisturize, smooth and soften the skin<\/span><\/em>. Like we said before, the definitions for these products can vary from brand to brand, and formulator to formulator, and there is no set standard, but generally speaking, face oils usually contain right what it says on the tin: Oils. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A face oil is usually an effective but quite basic formula, typically formulated for a skin type, but not meant to target a specific skin condition. However, face serums are targeted for conditions as well as skin types. This is one of the primary differences between the two product types. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Face oils will always appear as oils, of course, but face serums can take several different forms. They can be oil-based, gel-based, or emulsion-based (and other types, too, which we\u2019ll talk more about in an upcoming article!) <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, what\u2019s in the formula for an oil-based facial serum, and how does it differ from a facial oil?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Similarities<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Face oils and oil-based serums are both primarily made of oils! In natural and organic products this means carrier oils. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Carrier oils are made of fatty acids and other beneficial ingredients such as phytosterols, vitamins, carotenoids, and squalane. Fatty acids penetrate the upper layers of the epidermis and help the skin to function properly. They improve the skin\u2019s condition and appearance. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other ingredients, often referred to as <\/span>unsaponifiables, <\/span><\/i>can have different beneficial effects on the skin: They can protect from moisture loss, soften skin, or even have a rejuvenating effect.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When oils are applied on the skin they fill up small spaces between epidermal cells, which is seen and felt as smoother, healthier and softer skin. Because of this, both face oils and face serums leave the skin smoother and softer.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Differences<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The main differences between face oils and anhydrous (oil-based) face serums are the additional ingredients included in the formula which go beyond just oils. These other ingredients mean that the serum offers additional benefits.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

While face oils are primarily used for moisturizing, and do a beautiful job of it, anhydrous facial serums are usually formulated to target specific skin concerns. You can find serums which are focused on: <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n