Face oils can also be called oil serums. They are liquid products made of only oils or oil soluble ingredients. This means they don't contain water (or water soluble ingredients).
Face Oil FAQ
We love our introductory User Guide to Face Oils. However, we still get a lot of questions from people who are thinking about trying a face oil or working to figure out the one that's best for their skin.
We hope this practical FAQ will help answer your questions quickly and completely.
Still have questions? Call, text, or what's app us at 1-855-828-5893 or email us at info@bareluxe.ca
What is a Face Oil?
How Do You Apply Face Oil?
Face oils can be used twice a day, but don't have to be. Generally speaking, the face oil is usually the last product you apply to your skin because it will lock in the other products used before it. If you're just starting out, try using a face oil at night first, until you're used to the texture.
Won't My Face Feel Greasy?
The greasy feeling will happen if you use some products (thick balms with waxes or something like petroleum jelly) and also if you use too much oil. If you think you've overdone it, just blot with a paper towel.
Start with only 1-2 drops. Many face oils are considered dry oils that actually sink into your skin rapidly and just leave everything feeling soft and smooth - not slick.
Is Coconut Oil Good For Your Face?
Not for most people. Coconut oil is great for your body, but it tends to clog pores a lot more than many other oils. For your face, you want to look for non-comedogenic oils (see below).
Which Oils Are Best For the Face?
This question is a long one because the type and number of carrier oils that exist is growing exponentially. In general, you would want to choose oils that are high in linoleic acid, non-staining (ie. sea buckthorn seed oil will turn you yellow if you use a concentration higher than about 1%), and pleasant or unscented. Some oils like sweet almond, plum kernel, and passionfruit have a hint of pleasant aroma. Others, like broccoli seed carrier oil, are downright stinky.
Choosing non-comedogenic carrier oils is always best when selecting one for your face.
We have a more details in some blog articles you might find helpful.
Will Face Oils Clog Your Pores?
Face oils that are most comedogenic, meaning more likely to clog your pores, are:
-coconut oil
-marula oil
-wheat germ oil
-palm oil
-flaxseed oil
-cocoa (butter)
If you have dry skin and aren't prone to breakouts, many of these oils could be safe for you. However, generally speaking these are best to avoid for your face.
Which Oils Are Best For Oily or Acne Prone Skin?
These face oils are great for all skin types. For those who have oily skin and are prone to breakouts, these are unlikely to make things worse. They may even regulate your own oil/sebum production and help sort your skin out:
-abyssinian (crambe abyssinica)
-grapeseed
What is the Best Face Oil for Dry Skin?
The ones listed above for oily skin will also work well. However, if you're looking for a bit more emollience then try out:
-plum kernel oil
-jojoba oil
If your skin is especially sensitive, look for oils like squalane and meadowfoam seed oil.
Do Face Oils Need Preservatives?
No. Face oils do not spoil the same way as water containing serums and creams.
However, they can go rancid. Some delicate oils can go off in as little as 3-6 months.
Generally face oils have anti-oxidants added to increase their shelf life. This might include vitamin e (tocopherol) or rosemary oil, or others.