Facial oils are one of the most misunderstood products in skincare. Many people avoid them because they assume oils will make their skin oilier, clog their pores or cause breakouts. The reality is more nuanced — and the right facial oil, used correctly, can benefit almost every skin type.
What facial oils actually do
Facial oils work primarily as occlusives — they create a barrier on the surface of the skin that helps prevent moisture loss. They don't add water to the skin (that's what serums and moisturisers do) but they seal in the hydration already there, preventing it from evaporating throughout the day or night. Some oils also deliver beneficial fatty acids, antioxidants and plant actives directly to the skin.
Which skin types benefit from facial oils?
Dry skin benefits most obviously — oils provide rich, lasting nourishment and help restore a depleted skin barrier. Our Nourishing Facial Oil with its blend of 11 organic oils is particularly suited here.
Mature skin benefits from the rich fatty acids in oils, which help improve the look of firmness and combat dryness associated with ageing. Our Natural Retinol Alternative Oil Serum combines oil nourishment with anti-ageing bakuchiol.
Sensitive skin often responds well to plant-based oils, particularly those with calming properties. Our Calming Facial Oil with 1% CBD is specifically designed for reactive skin.
Oily skin — counterintuitively, some oils can actually help regulate excess oil production. The key is choosing non-comedogenic oils (oils that don't clog pores) like jojoba, which closely mimics the skin's own sebum.
Acne-prone skin should be more cautious — avoid heavy, occlusive oils like coconut oil, and stick to lighter, non-comedogenic options used sparingly.
How to use a facial oil correctly
Apply facial oil as the second-to-last step in your routine — after serums but before or mixed into your moisturiser. Never apply oil before a water-based serum, as oil will prevent the serum from absorbing. In the evening, a facial oil applied over your serum and before your night cream creates a powerful moisture-sealing layering effect.
Use sparingly — 2 to 3 drops is usually enough for the whole face. Warm between your palms first, then press gently into the skin rather than rubbing.