Face Oils 101: Your Complete Guide to Facial Oils

Face Oils 101: Everything You Need to Know

Face oils can transform your skincare routine—but only if you know how to use them. This guide will help you understand what face oils are, how they work, and how to layer them for glowing, healthy skin.

The Foundation: Start with Damp Skin

The most important rule: Face oils work best on damp skin. Always apply toner or hydrosol first to prep your skin for oil absorption.

Why? Oils don't add moisture—they seal it in. When you apply oil to damp skin, you're locking in that hydration. On dry skin, oils can actually sit on the surface without penetrating.

Pro tip: Mist your face with Rose Hydrosol or apply Facial Toner before any oil. This creates the perfect base for absorption.

What Are Face Oils?

Face oils are concentrated botanical oils that nourish, protect, and balance your skin. Unlike moisturizers (which contain water and emulsifiers), pure face oils are 100% oil—no fillers, no water.

They can:

  • Lock in moisture and prevent water loss
  • Deliver vitamins and antioxidants deep into skin
  • Strengthen your skin's natural barrier
  • Balance oil production (yes, even for oily skin!)
  • Soothe inflammation and redness

Types of Face Oils We Use

Organic Jojoba Oil

Jojoba is technically a liquid wax that closely mimics your skin's natural sebum. It's lightweight, non-comedogenic, and perfect for all skin types—even oily or acne-prone skin.

Benefits: Balances oil production, absorbs quickly, won't clog pores

Found in: Facial Toner, Moisture Balm

Squalane Oil (Olive-Derived)

Squalane is an ultra-lightweight oil that sinks in instantly without any greasy residue. It's one of the best oils to use before moisturizer as a serum.

Benefits: Deeply hydrating, non-greasy, boosts skin elasticity, suitable for sensitive skin

Found in: Squalane Oil Facial Serum

Lavender-Infused Oil

Our house-made lavender oil is infused with real lavender buds for a calming, aromatic experience. Lavender is known for its soothing and balancing properties.

Benefits: Calms irritation, promotes relaxation, balances skin

Found in: Lavender Infused Facial Oil

Coconut Oil

Rich and nourishing, coconut oil is best used in balms and thicker formulas. It's deeply moisturizing and creates a protective barrier on skin.

Benefits: Intense moisture, protective barrier, antimicrobial properties

Found in: Moisture Balm

Shea Butter

While technically a butter, shea is oil-rich and incredibly nourishing. It's packed with vitamins A and E and works beautifully in moisturizers and balms.

Benefits: Deep nourishment, anti-inflammatory, rich in antioxidants

Found in: Facial Moisturizer, Moisture Balm

How to Layer Face Oils: Two Methods

Method 1: Lightweight Oil as a Serum (Before Moisturizer)

This method works beautifully with thin, fast-absorbing oils like squalane.

Order:

  1. Cleanser
  2. Toner or Rose Hydrosol (damp skin is key!)
  3. Squalane Oil Facial Serum (lightweight serum)
  4. Facial Moisturizer

Why it works: The lightweight oil penetrates quickly and delivers active ingredients, then your moisturizer seals everything in.

Method 2: Richer Oil as a Final Seal (After Moisturizer)

This method is perfect for dry skin, nighttime routines, or when you need extra nourishment.

Order:

  1. Cleanser
  2. Toner or Rose Hydrosol
  3. Facial Moisturizer
  4. Lavender Infused Facial Oil or Moisture Balm (richer oil or balm)

Why it works: Your moisturizer hydrates, and the oil creates a protective barrier that locks everything in overnight.

Quick Tips for Using Face Oils

  • Always apply to damp skin (after toner or hydrosol)
  • Use 2-3 drops for your entire face—a little goes a long way
  • Warm the oil between your palms before pressing into skin
  • Layer thinnest to thickest (squalane before moisturizer, heavier oils after)
  • Give it time to absorb before applying the next layer
  • Use oils at night for deeper nourishment, or in the morning under SPF

Why We Don't Use Seed Oils

Not all oils are created equal. We intentionally avoid seed oils in our skincare formulas because of their instability and potential to cause irritation.

What are seed oils? Seed oils are extracted from the seeds of plants using high heat and chemical solvents. This processing can damage the oil's natural structure, making it prone to oxidation (going rancid) when exposed to light, air, or heat.

Why we avoid them:

  • Oxidation: Seed oils can oxidize quickly, which may lead to free radical damage and skin irritation
  • Inflammatory potential: Many seed oils are high in omega-6 fatty acids, which can be pro-inflammatory when out of balance
  • Processing concerns: The extraction process often involves harsh chemicals and high heat that degrade the oil's beneficial properties
  • Shelf stability: Seed oils have a shorter shelf life and can go rancid, especially in skincare products

Common seed oils we avoid:

  • Grapeseed oil
  • Sunflower seed oil
  • Safflower oil
  • Canola oil
  • Soybean oil
  • Corn oil

Instead, we choose stable, minimally processed oils like organic jojoba, olive-derived squalane, and coconut oil that maintain their integrity and deliver consistent benefits to your skin.

Enhance Your Routine with Gua Sha

Face oils are the perfect medium for facial massage and gua sha. The slip allows your tool to glide smoothly without tugging on delicate skin.

Try our Facial Care Gua Sha Set with your favorite face oil for a spa-like experience at home.

Final Thoughts

Face oils aren't just a trend—they're a time-tested way to nourish and protect your skin. The key is choosing the right oil for your skin type and layering it correctly.

Remember: Thinnest to thickest, always on damp skin, and give each layer time to absorb. Your skin will thank you.