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Serum vs. face oil: What's the difference?

Beauty concept of asian girl.
(PHOTO: Getty Images)

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The beauty industry is brimming with thousands of new products every year, that it can be challenging to keep up with the latest offerings. Building your skincare routine shouldn't be that difficult; you just need to try and stick to the products that work for your skin.

On top of the usual face moisturiser you use in your skincare routine, some of us may opt for serums or face oils. But what exactly do these skin products entail?

Serums are considered the lightest moisturiser products, are used to target specific skin conditions. Serums are also commonly used together with a moisturiser.

Because the molecular structure of a serum is small, it can penetrate deep into our skin's epidermis to deliver the results we want: brightening, firming and repairing. Serums are often packed with active ingredients such as Vitamin C, glycolic or even alpha hydroxy acids.

Face oils tend to have a larger molecular structure, so the oil only penetrates the surface of our skin. Face oils generally contain plant-based oils and essential oils that help boost hydration, keeping our skin healthy and glowy. The oils also help strengthen our skin's moisture barrier and protect it from environmental damage which can lead to ageing and acne.

Depending on your skin's needs, small doses of oils deliver radiance. So as a rule of thumb, you may want to apply oils after your cream-based moisturiser, as oils can penetrate moisturiser. However, if you're using more than two serums under your moisturiser, you should skip the face oils.

Buy these now:

Cosmedica Skincare, Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum, S$20.72

Comesdica serum. (PHOTO: iHerb)
Comesdica serum. (PHOTO: iHerb)

Advanced Clinicals, Vitamin C, Anti Aging Serum, S$13.81

Advanced Clinicals. (PHOTO: iHerb)
Advanced Clinicals. (PHOTO: iHerb)

Pure Body Naturals, Brilliance C Face Serum, S$23.41

Pure Body Naturals. (PHOTO: iHerb)
Pure Body Naturals. (PHOTO: iHerb)

The Face Shop Energy Seed Serum Essence, S$38

The Face Shop. (PHOTO: Lazada)
The Face Shop. (PHOTO: Lazada)

Dr. Jart+ Biome Essence | now S$65, before S$83

Dr. Jart + Biome Essence. (PHOTO: Lazada)
Dr. Jart + Biome Essence. (PHOTO: Lazada)

Avene A-Oxitive Antioxidance Defense Serum, S$63.92

Avene. (PHOTO: Lazada)
Avene. (PHOTO: Lazada)

Pixi Beauty, Rose Oil Blend, Nourishing Face Oil, with Rose & Pomegranate Oil, S$33.15

Pixi Rose Oil Blend. (PHOTO: iHerb)
Pixi Rose Oil Blend. (PHOTO: iHerb)

Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil, S$30

Pai Rosehip oil. (PHOTO: Sephora)
Pai Rosehip oil. (PHOTO: Sephora)

Azelique, Serumdipity, Anti-Aging Facial Oil with Peptides, S$27.62

Azelique Face Oil. (PHOTO: iHerb)
Azelique Face Oil. (PHOTO: iHerb)

Bio-Oil, Skincare Oil, S$37.10

Bio-Oil. (PHOTO: iHerb)
Bio-Oil. (PHOTO: iHerb)

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