Facial oils have been hailed as a beauty essential thanks to celebrity fans like Keira Knightley and Charlize Theron. Rich in antioxidants, vitamins and essential fatty acids, it’s easy to see why organic facial oils have captivated the beauty scene.
Before you splash out on a luxurious oil, there are a few things you need to know. We reveal the truth about putting oils on your skin, how to choose the best oil for your skin type, and how to use them in your skincare routine.
Popular misconceptions about using facial oils
Facial oils cause breakouts
Oil has a bad reputation when it comes to skin. The reality isn’t as clean cut! Although heavy mineral oils can cause congestion, plant-based oils are non-comedogenic, which means they won’t clog your pores. "Using jojoba oil in moderation can actually reduce oil production, making a great addition to your topical acne regimens, which can be drying," says Dr Rebecca Tung.
Facial oils should only be used as a heavy-duty moisturiser
Facial oils aren’t strictly classed as moisturisers at all! Moisturisers are humectants — they pull moisture from an external environment to hydrate skin. Facial oils are occlusives which mean they form a protective barrier on the surface of the skin to lock existing moisture in.
Organic facial oils aren’t potent enough for anti-aging
Organic facial oils offer a vegan skincare alternative to anyone hoping to avoid synthetic formulations. Because they’re so packed with antioxidants, facial oils are a natural way to repair and brighten the skin, without the need for chemicals or animal testing.
Choosing an organic facial oil for your skin type
Anything you put on your face should be as pure and high quality as possible. Before you buy a facial oil, pay close attention to the purity and origin of the ingredients — try to avoid oils filled with synthetic ingredients or anything which hasn’t been cold-pressed and extracted organically at its natural source.
You’re more likely to achieve your skincare goals and remedy problem areas if you buy facial oils according to your skin type. Here are some basic tips to get you started:
Jojoba oil
Jojoba oil is a great go-to facial oil for anyone suffering from oily skin. It absorbs quickly and is hypoallergenic, so it’s suitable for sensitive skin.
Prickly pear
The Fatty Acids, Triterpene and Flavonoids in prickly pear oil are ideal for helping to reduce the redness that acne can cause. It’s incredibly rich in Vitamin E, to help skin heal itself faster.
Sweet almond
Sweet almond oil is an excellent facial oil to help combat itchy, flaky dry skin. Its high Vitamin E content makes it very soothing and nourishing and it’s excellent at helping the skin retain moisture.
Argan
A high quality argan oil can help reduce the signs of aging, without any expensive chemical formulations. It’s high in Fatty Acids which the body can use to reduce blemishes and is also rich in anti-ageing agents like Vitamin E, Phenols and Carotenes.
Using facial oils in your skincare routine
There are several ways to use facial oil, but the general rule of thumb is to apply it at the very end of your regime. Remember — oils are an occlusive which form a barrier over the skin, so use this to your advantage by applying them after your toner or serum.
For extra moisture, especially during cold winter months, apply your facial oil over a moisturiser to lock in the additional hydration. You can even choose to blend a few drops of your facial oil with your moisturiser if you want something lighter.
Some facial oils can also be used as a primer for makeup. Gently pat a small amount into your skin after your morning cleanse and allow it to sink in before applying your makeup.
Browse our collection of luxurious organic facial oils to find your perfect skincare match.