Face Oil vs. Face Serum: What's the Difference (and Which One Goes First?)
What the Face Serum does
Our Bi-Phase Face Serum contains organic aloe vera gel and cucumber hydrosol — both mostly water. That's the "bi-phase" part: a water phase and an oil phase in the same bottle, so you're getting hydration and nourishment together instead of having to choose one.
That water-based foundation is what lets it absorb rather than sit on the surface. Layered into it are organic jojoba oil, hibiscus oil, sea buckthorn oil, vitamin E, lavender, and helichrysum — the botanicals doing the actual work on fine lines, uneven tone, and dryness.
What the Face Oil does
The Face Oil's main job is different from the serum's — once applied, it slows how much water your skin loses over the day (transepidermal water loss) and softens the surface.
That said, it doesn't just sit there. Most people notice our face oil absorbs, and along with it comes a subtle tightening, smoothing feel as it settles in — not dramatic, but noticeable, especially right after applying.
It's still true that oil alone doesn't do much for dry skin on its own — sealing in "nothing" isn't hydrating. It works best layered over something wet underneath, which is exactly why the order below matters.
So which goes first?
Serum, then oil. Water-based before oil-based, thinnest before thickest. Serum goes on clean, slightly damp skin so it can absorb. Oil goes on last, sealing that hydration in before it evaporates. Flip the order and the serum can't get through
Serum treats. Oil protects and nourishes.
Do you need both, every day?
We'd say yes, but not necessarily at the same time of day. The serum is light enough to wear both morning and night — it's your everyday hydration step. The Face Oil can be used morning and night or just during the nighttime routine: it's richer, so it pairs well with sleep.
You don't need a ten-step routine for this to work. Cleanse, serum, oil. That's it.
Don't forget the eyes
The skin around your eyes is thinner and dries out faster, which is why we made a separate, fragrance-free Eye Balm. We like it applied last — after the oil, once everything else has settled — since the eye area benefits from that final, targeted layer rather than getting layered over.