Face Oils and Serums

Serums and oils can be very useful for targeting specific skincare concerns, such as dryness, dullness, redness, dark spots, or congestion. If you’re not using one, you’re probably (unfortunately) not getting everything you could be out of your daily skincare routine.

Let’s fix that!

If your skin is dull or you want to treat pigmentation, you need a serum that will brighten. Top of the radiance list is vitamin C, a notorious glow-booster, with a heap of antioxidant properties that can also help promote collagen production. Kakadu plum is another brilliant ingredient that is known for being one of the richest sources of vitamin C in the world. (Sorry, oranges.)

If your skin is feeling dry, tight, or uncomfortable, you need a serum that will hydrate. Load up your routine with humectants (that draw water into the skin and keep it there), and hyaluronic acid (which binds water to the skin and helps maintain balanced hydration levels). In other words you’re after moisture, fast.

If your skin is losing firmness or feeling a little more lined than usual, you need a serum that is proven to treat the signs of ageing. Retinoids, also known as vitamin A, are widely regarded as the gold standard in treating the breakdown of collagen, helping to fade pigmentation and age spots, and helping to minimise the appearance of wrinkles.

If your skin is feeling angry or irritated, you need an oil that will calm or soothe. An oil that incorporates vitamin E (a particularly brilliant option for sensitive skin, by the way) is going to gently nourish your skin and provide some antioxidant protection.

If your skin is feeling congested or breakout-y, you need a treatment (dry) oil. This is going to help balance sebum production and clear blemishes, ‘cos, knowing what we know, it will likely include heroic ingredients like: bakuchiol, tea tree, vitamin F. To nurture the skin barrier.

What is the difference between a serum and an oil?

Serums are targeted skincare products, more often than not, containing highly concentrated ingredients and smaller water-based molecules (meaning they can sink deeper into the skin).

Oils are brilliant all-rounders that simultaneously nourish, protect, and restore. Particularly rich in fatty acids and antioxidants, they act as the skin’s lipid barrier. Like cling wrap. Locking all that moisture in. Whilst providing a quick boost of glow.

Where should I use a serum in my routine?

Serums should always be applied on fresh, clean skin. Slot them into your routine after cleansing and exfoliating, but before your face oils, creams, or SPF.

Where should I use an oil in my routine?

If you’re using a lightweight oil (like Face Hero) it should go after cleansing, exfoliating, serum-ing, and before applying any creams. If you’re using a treatment (dry) oil it goes on after exfoliating or on freshly-cleansed skin. A little higher up in your routine.

Can I use serums and oils together?

Totally. So long as you mean layering your serums and oils. Not mixing them together. Following the cardinal skin rule of thinnest to thickest, serums will always come before oils.

How often should I use serums?

Usage very much depends on the type of serum, the ingredients they contain, and at what concentration. As well as your skin type.

Retinoids, for example, might be best tolerated every other day. Instead of every day. Make sure you’re reading the packaging and following instructions for use. (Consult a derm if still unsure.)

Also: Not all serums are for night and day. Save retinoids, AHAs, BHAs for the evening, and generally speaking, vitamin C performs its best in the morning.

Last hack! Make sure your serums aren’t fighting. That is, don’t layer ingredients that have the potential to impact efficacy. Or more importantly, irritate the skin. More on that here.

Go-To acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation who are the Traditional Custodians of this land on which we work. We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia. We recognise their continuous relationship to the land and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.