Why You Should Try a Facial Oil Serum + 7 of My Favorites

Learn why a facial oil serum could be a great addition to your skin care routine, plus the top, natural, non-toxic brands to buy.

What is a Facial Oil Serum?

When you see the term facial serum on a label, you’ll want to take a look at the label to see what type of serum it is. Facial serums can be either water-based or oil-based. Both can have wonderful benefits for your skin, depending on the ingredients included in the formula.

Today, we’re talking about the oil-based variety, but first I want to make sure you know the difference. A water-based serum is very lightweight and absorbs very quickly into the skin. These serums are usually used as a base layer, under your moisturizer.

A facial oil serum is a highly concentrated blend of nourishing oils mixed with powerful plant extracts, intended to penetrate deeply into the skin to deliver the active ingredients and combat specific skin conditions. 

Facial oil serums tend to be rich enough to use on their own (after cleansing and toning), without any added moisturizer on top. I tend to use them at night when I’m not worrying about layering on SPF or foundation. Then, they can simply absorb into my skin and do their good work overnight!

Who Should Use a Facial Oil Serum?

Contrary to what you might think, anyone can use a facial oil serum – even people with oily skin and acne. Oily skin is actually a symptom of overly dry skin – it’s counter intuitive but your skin is producing extra oil to try to moisturize your dry skin. Adding oil to your skin care routine can actually stop your skin from producing so much oil!

If your skin is on the dry side, like mine, it will drink up these oils like nobody’s business! They will add the moisture you need to keep your skin healthy and glowing.

7 Favorite Facial Oil Serums

(Note: There are affiliate links in this post. If you make a purchase through a link, I may receive a small commission at no extra charge to you. Thank you for supporting Mindful Momma if you do!)

Over the years, I’ve tried a a lot of facial oils – I’m kind of a facial oil junkie! Some of them were samples from brands and some I’ve purchased on my own dime. Needless to say, I’ve done the research on a bunch of the natural brands with clean, non-toxic ingredients. Hope the notes below help you find a facial oil serum that works well for you!

The plant-based oils in all of these blends absorb into your skin nicely – leaving no stickiness or greasy residue behind. I’ve included a variety of price-points here – and keep in mind, you don’t need more than a few drops of these oils each time. A little goes a long way!

1. Earth Tu Face Nourish + Balance Facial Serum

A blend of skin nourishing oils with roman chamomile and carrot seed extracts to balance, repair and reduce inflammation. Ylang ylang, rose geranium and vetiver help create the subtle but addicting fragrance. Mostly organic ingredients and 100% Non-GMO. Created by two herbalists in California. $62 for .9 oz bottle

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2. Cowgirl Extreme C Serum

Use this targeted vitamin C treatment to improve skin texture, lighten age spots and help reduce those fine lines and wrinkles. Formula also includes sea buckthorn and elderberry extracts in a jojoba oil base. Small Colorado based company making natural skin remedies from healing desert botanicals. $70 for 1-oz bottle

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3. Osmia Organics Restore Facial Serum

Formulated for mature, damaged or chronically dry skin, this blend includes pomegranate, amaranth, borage, and sea buckthorn oils for their powerful antioxidant and anti-aging properties. A blend of lavender, rose and frankincense essential oils makes it smell divine. Made with wild harvested herbs and 65% certified organic ingredients. Created by an emergency room physician turned soap maker in Colorado. $50 for .5 oz bottle

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4. Evan Healy Rosehip Treatment Facial Serum – Rose 

Organic rosehip seed oil is the star ingredient in this nourishing treatment for all skin types (even oily skin!), due to its naturally occurring vitamins and essential fatty acids. Meant to be used in conjunction with their Facial Tonic Hydrosols, based on the premise that oil and water together help restore the natural balance of the skin. Amazing rosey, sandalwood, lavender scent. Made in California from ingredients sourced from small, regional farms around the world. $29.95 for a .5 oz bottle (my top pick if I had to choose just one!)

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5. Beautycounter Facial Oils

Luxurious is the word I would use to describe Beautycounter’s facial oils. Made with a blend of seven natural oils, including Omega-rich argan and marula oils, they are lightweight and silky smooth. Three formulas available – Brightening, Plumping and Balancing. $69 for .67 oz bottle

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6. Balanced Guru Nourish Me Facial Serum

My love affair with Balanced Guru continues with this knock-out blend of oils (evening primrose, argan, rosehip) and extracts (shiitake mushroom, goji berry and acai berry) that help reduce the signs of aging. Certified USDA Organic. Small business dedicated to sustainability and based in Boca Raton, Florida. $22.95 for 1-oz bottle

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7. Acure Seriously Glowing Facial Serum

I’ve written about this one before but it’s worth adding to the list as a high-quality, affordable option. A blend of argan and other nourishing oils including borage seed oil to reduce inflammation and cranberry seed oil for firmer skin. Certified USDA Organic with a lovely lavender scent. Family owned company based in Florida. $12.99 for 1-oz bottle

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Have you tried a facial oil serum? Do you have a favorite?