Facial Oil

A facial oil is a leave-on product made mainly of plant or synthetic oils, used to soften the skin and help reduce moisture loss. It usually sits at or near the end of a routine and works as an emollient and partial occlusive rather than as a source of water-based hydration.

Facial oils are typically built from lipids such as jojoba, squalane, rosehip and other plant oils, each with a slightly different fatty-acid profile and skin feel. As emollients they fill in and smooth the surface of the skin, and by forming a light layer on top they can slow transepidermal water loss, helping hydration applied earlier stay in place. Because oils do not contain water, they seal and condition rather than hydrate on their own, so they are usually applied over water-based hydrating steps.

In a routine, a facial oil is generally applied after serums and, in many cases, after or mixed with moisturiser; in a daytime routine sunscreen is still applied as the final protective step. A few drops pressed into the skin are usually enough. Oils suit dry and normal skin especially well, while those prone to congestion or fungal acne may prefer lighter, non-comedogenic options and should check which oils a formula contains.