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.
Let’s talk facial care today. Natural, non-toxic facial care with clean, plant-based ingredients, of course! More specifically, I want to share some of the oil-based facial serums I’ve been using lately. These beauties keep me glowing through dry skin season and all year round.
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.
RELATED: Homemade Facial Oil for Any Skin Type
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. $34.95 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. $24.99 for 1-oz bottle
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7. Acure Brightening 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. $19.99 for 1-oz bottle
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Have you tried a facial oil serum? Do you have a favorite?
Green Bean says
How interesting. My knee jerk reaction was “put oil on my skin!” but you may have convinced me to try it. Pinning.
Micaela says
Yeah, oil for oily skin is definitely counter-intuitive but I’ve heard it can really help!
Lindsay says
Face oils are all the rage these days and I can testify that they are great for my skin. Thanks for sharing all these great companies – I should try some of these! I have acne prone and problematic skin so putting oil on my face was hard at first, but it has drastically helped my skin. Who knew?! (Have you tried Beautycounter’s face oils by chance?)
Micaela says
I haven’t tried Beautycounter oils yet Lindsay but they are on the list of things I want to try!
Leigh (@greenforu) says
I just started using a facial serum a week ago and I wish I had started at the beginning of winter. My husband even made a comment on how much softer my skin looked (now that is a testament to what it can do).
I wonder if I will need to switch to a different brand when summer rolls around??
Micaela says
Leigh – I do tend to use lighter products in the summer – but if my skin gets dried out in the sun, my skin drinks up the facial oil!
Anne says
I’m so excited that we have more soothing choices of face oils these days! These serums seem to our skin what a kale smoothie is to our bodies – pure nutritional goodness. I admit being partial to Beautycounter face and body oils, and am glad everyone has lots of choices these days.
Micaela says
Love your comparison to a kale smoothie Anne – you are right on! Our skin drinks up the nutrition!
Sara says
I’ve been hearing more and more about oils as part of a skin care routine. I tried a very small sample last year but it wasn’t enough for me to see the benefits. I’m intrigued and want to give it a chance. I haven’t heard of any of these brands. It’s nice to have more options to choose from.
M from K&M: The Stay-at-Home Life says
I love roses that one is my fav on your list.
Jen @ Go Green says
I switched to oil last month and was shocked at how quickly my skin responded. Hopefully more people will make the switch with the great list you provided.
Lisa Sharp says
I have very dry skin so this seems like something I should try. Thanks for sharing, I’ve pinned this post!
Tessa says
Great serums! I didn’t really know much about serums until now.
Cristina says
Serums are new to me. I thought they would make me breakout, but my skin just soaks up the goodness! Ava Anderson Non Toxic has a night serum with organic meadowfoam seed oil, organic helio carrot root oil, organic rose hip seed oil, organic sea buckthorn oil, ubliquinone (COQ10), organic pink grapefruit oil.
Felecia Hunt says
Love your article!! I love facial serums especially when my face is dry. I’m also all about organic products. Have you ever tried NYR Organic (Neal’s Yard Remedies from the UK)? We offer a wonderful Frankincense Facial Serum which is Vegan, Award winning, and made with certified organic ingredients. Check it out at https://us.nyrorganic.com/shop/feleciahunt
Micaela says
Yes, I am familiar with Neal’s Yard but haven’t used their products for years. That serum sounds fantastic!
Debra Ferrie says
Absolutely! Oils and serums are fantastic for skin, and especially winter-dry or aging skin. I use them every day! You didn’t mention NYR Organic but their line is my favorite by far!
Ava says
The Acure serum sounds so great and the price point isn’t bad either. Excited to try!!
Micaela says
Yes, I love that one! Plus you can find it at Target!
Katie Gardner says
https://www.intelligentnutrients.com/anti-aging-serum-all-sizes
This is my fav!
Micaela says
Good to know! I want to try that one too!