Natural Face Serums & Facial Oils

Face serums and facial oils are a lovely way to give your skincare routine a little extra attention, whether you're looking for lightweight hydration, richer moisture or ingredients suited to your particular skin concerns. From carefully formulated serum blends to pure botanical oils, there's plenty of choice without needing to complicate your daily routine. Serums often have a lighter texture and focus on specific skincare needs, while facial oils help soften, condition and support moisture retention.

Explore our range of Face Serum Blends, Facial Oil Blends and individual botanical oils, including Argan Oil, Batana Oil, Castor Oil, Hemp Seed Oil, Jojoba Oil and Rosehip Oil. Whether you prefer a simple, single-ingredient oil or a serum combining several skincare ingredients, we'll help you find something that suits your skin, your preferences and the products you already enjoy using.

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Natural Face Serums & Facial Oils

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Natural Face Serum & Facial Oil Buying Guide

Choosing a face serum or facial oil doesn't have to be complicated. The best place to start is with what you'd like to add to your skincare routine. Perhaps your skin needs a little extra hydration, you're looking for something richer to soften dry areas, or you'd like a serum that focuses on the appearance of fine lines, dullness or uneven skin tone. Once you know what you're looking for, it's much easier to choose a product that works alongside your existing skincare.

What's the Difference Between a Face Serum and a Facial Oil?

Face serums are formulated to deliver particular skincare ingredients, often in a lightweight texture that layers easily with other products. They may contain ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, vitamin C, peptides or botanical extracts, depending on their purpose. Some serums are water-based, while others contain oils, so the texture and ingredients can vary quite a bit.

Facial oils, on the other hand, are primarily oil-based and are generally chosen for their softening and conditioning qualities. They can help skin feel smoother and more comfortable, particularly when dryness is a concern. Some oils feel light and absorb readily, while others leave a richer finish. Neither format is automatically better; it depends on what your skin needs and what you enjoy using.

Choosing a Face Serum Blend

If you'd like a product that combines several skincare ingredients, explore our Face Serum Blends. These ready-made formulas are developed with particular cosmetic goals in mind, such as improving hydration or the appearance of uneven skin tone, dullness and fine lines.

Look beyond the ingredient featured most prominently on the label and consider the complete formula. A simple hydrating serum and one containing exfoliating acids or retinol alternatives can have very different roles in

Face Serum vs Face Oil

Face serums and facial oils can both be useful additions to your skincare routine, but they work in different ways. Serums often focus on particular skincare ingredients or cosmetic concerns, while facial oils are generally chosen for their softening and conditioning qualities. Here's how the two formats usually compare.

Feature	Face Serum	Face Oil
Formulation	Often water-based, but varies by product	Predominantly oil-based
Texture	Usually lightweight and fluid	Light to rich, depending on the oils
Main purpose	Hydration or targeted cosmetic ingredients	Softening, conditioning and helping reduce moisture loss
Hydrating ingredients	Often contains humectants such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin	Generally relies on oils rather than water-binding ingredients
Botanical oils	May contain plant oils	Usually the main ingredients
Single-ingredient options	Less common	Available as pure botanical oils
How to apply	Usually after cleansing, before moisturiser	Before or after moisturiser, depending on the formula
Can it replace moisturiser?	Not necessarily	May suit some routines, but not everyone

Do You Need Both a Face Serum and Facial Oil?

Not necessarily! Some people love using both, while others are perfectly happy with a serum and moisturiser, a facial oil and moisturiser, or just a good moisturiser on its own. Think about what your skin needs rather than adding extra steps for the sake of it. If you're layering several products, lighter water-based formulas are generally applied before richer creams and oils, but always follow the directions for your particular products.

Pure Face Oil vs Facial Oil Blend

Both pure oils and facial oil blends can be lovely choices. The difference is whether you prefer one botanical ingredient or a ready-made combination.

Feature	Pure Face Oil	Facial Oil Blend
Ingredients	Usually one botanical oil	Two or more oils, sometimes with additional ingredients
Formulation	Simple and ingredient-focused	Carefully combined, ready-to-use formula
Texture	Depends on the individual oil	Varies according to the combination of oils
Versatility	Often suitable for multiple cosmetic uses	Depends on the particular formulation
Best for	Those who prefer a particular botanical oil	Those who enjoy a ready-made blend without mixing oils themselves

Compare Pure Botanical Face Oils

Botanical oils vary considerably in texture and richness. Some feel light and spread easily, while others are thicker and better suited to smaller areas. Many can also be used for body or hair care, depending on the individual product.

Botanical Oil	Texture	Popular Uses
Argan Oil	Light to medium	Facial skincare, body moisturising and hair conditioning
Batana Oil	Rich and substantial	Hair conditioning and selected skincare applications
Castor Oil	Very thick and rich	Dry skin, targeted facial moisturising and multi-purpose conditioning
Hemp Seed Oil	Relatively lightweight	Facial skincare and body moisturising
Jojoba Oil	Light, smooth and wax-like	Face, body and hair conditioning
Rosehip Oil	Light to medium	Facial skincare and conditioning dry-feeling skin

Choosing a Pure Facial Oil for Targeted Application

If you enjoy using pure botanical oils but don't necessarily want to apply them across your entire face, consider a more targeted approach. Castor oil is a good example because its naturally thick consistency makes it particularly suited to smaller areas. The Vrindavan Castor Oil Roll On offers a convenient way to apply a little oil to dry patches or eyebrows without having to pour it from a bottle. It's a handy alternative to traditional bottled castor oil when you only need a small amount.

Natural Face Serums & Oils FAQs

Does face serum go before moisturiser?

Usually, yes. Most lightweight, water-based face serums are applied after cleansing and before moisturiser. This allows you to layer your skincare from lighter textures to richer ones. However, some serums are oil-based or have particular application requirements, so it's always worth checking the directions on your chosen product, especially if it contains active ingredients.

Can oily skin use a face serum or facial oil?

Absolutely. Having oily or combination skin doesn't mean you need to avoid facial oils or serums. A lightweight, water-based serum may be appealing if you prefer a less rich finish, while botanical oils such as jojoba or hemp seed oil can offer a lighter feel than thicker oils. The important thing is choosing a formulation that feels comfortable on your skin rather than assuming all oils are too heavy or all serums are suitable.

What's the difference between a hydrating serum and a facial oil?

A hydrating serum typically contains ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin that attract and hold water, helping skin feel hydrated. Facial oils work differently. They provide oil-based conditioning, soften the skin and may help reduce moisture loss. Both can be useful, but they don't do exactly the same job. Depending on your skin and moisturiser, you might enjoy using one, both or neither.

Can I use face oil instead of moisturiser?

Some people enjoy using facial oil on its own, particularly if they prefer a simple skincare routine. However, facial oils don't usually contain the water-binding ingredients found in many moisturisers. If your skin feels dehydrated, you may prefer using a moisturiser or hydrating serum alongside your oil. There's no need to use both if your existing routine already leaves your skin feeling comfortable.

Does organic mean the whole serum or oil is certified organic?

Not always. A face serum might contain several organic ingredients without the finished product being certified organic. Similarly, a pure botanical oil may be described as organic because of how its source ingredient was grown and processed. If certification matters to you, check the individual product details for recognised organic certification rather than relying on the word 'organic' alone.

Can I use more than one face serum?

Yes, but you don't necessarily need to. Some serums complement one another, while others contain similar ingredients or active ingredients that may not be ideal to combine without considering the complete routine. Check what you're already using in your cleanser, toner and moisturiser before adding more products. Introducing one new serum at a time also makes it easier to see how your skin responds.

Why do some products called serums feel like oils?

Not all face serums are water-based. Some are made primarily with botanical oils or other oil-soluble ingredients, giving them a richer, oilier texture. The word 'serum' describes the product's format or purpose rather than guaranteeing a particular consistency. Checking the ingredients and product description will give you a better idea of how it feels and where it fits into your routine.

Our Expert Advice for Face Serums & Oils

You don't need a bathroom shelf full of serums and facial oils to enjoy a good skincare routine. A few simple habits can help you get the most from your products, whether you're trying your first face serum or already have a favourite botanical oil.

Introduce One New Product at a Time

When you discover an interesting new skincare ingredient, it can be tempting to change several products at once. We recommend introducing one new serum or facial oil at a time so you can see how your skin responds and whether you enjoy the texture. This is particularly helpful with formulas containing active ingredients such as exfoliating acids or retinoids. A patch test is also a sensible first step, especially if your skin is sensitive.

Check What You're Already Using

Before adding another serum, take a quick look at the ingredients in your cleanser, toner and moisturiser. You might already be using niacinamide, vitamin C or exfoliating ingredients without realising it. Doubling up isn't always necessary, and combining several strong active formulas can be uncomfortable for some skin types. A simpler routine with products that complement each other is often easier to manage.

Start with Just a Few Drops of Facial Oil

Facial oils can vary enormously in richness, so there's no single amount that works for every product. A lightweight oil such as jojoba may spread easily across the face, while thicker oils such as castor oil are often more comfortable when applied sparingly to smaller areas. Start with the amount recommended on the packaging and add more only if needed. Using extra oil won't necessarily improve the result, but it can leave your skin feeling greasy.

Be Gentle Around the Eyes

The skin around your eyes is delicate, and not every facial oil or serum is formulated for use in that area. Check the directions before applying a product near your eyes, particularly if it contains essential oils, exfoliating ingredients or other concentrated actives. For eyebrows or small areas of dry skin, a little plain botanical oil may be enough, provided the product is suitable for that application. Avoid getting oils directly into your eyes.

Find a Layering Routine That Feels Comfortable

Lightweight, water-based serums are generally applied before moisturiser, while facial oils can be used at different stages depending on their formulation. Rather than worrying about a rigid set of rules, follow the directions for your chosen products and pay attention to how they feel together. If your skincare starts pilling or feels too heavy, try smaller amounts, allow each layer to settle or simplify the number of products you're using.

Take Care of Your Botanical Oils

Pure plant oils deserve a little care once opened. Keep bottles tightly closed and store them away from direct sunlight and excessive heat, following any specific instructions on the label. Some oils are more prone to oxidation than others, so it's worth checking their recommended shelf life. If an oil develops an unusual or rancid smell or changes noticeably in appearance, it's best not to continue using it.

Choose Products You'll Actually Enjoy Using

There's no point buying a rich facial oil if you dislike the feeling of oil on your skin, or adding a complicated serum routine when you prefer to keep things simple. Texture, fragrance, application and how a product fits into your day all matter. The best addition to your skincare routine is one that meets your needs and that you're happy to use regularly.