Korean Face Oils

We’re moving past the days of fear-mongering about oils in skincare and the oil-free phase that characterized much of the 90s and early 2000s. These days, face oils are among the most popular products in skincare.

In this episode, we’re running through how to get the best bang for your buck out of your face oil, which oils work best for each skin type, and some Korean face oils you might like to try.

If you’re confused about where face oils fit into your routine — or you’re trying to balance dryness, dehydration, sensitivity, breakouts or dullness — book a 1:1 K-Beauty Routine Builder Session and we’ll help you choose products that make sense for your skin and goals.

Episode Summary

With a huge range of benefits ranging from balancing to locking in moisture, there are face oils to suit every skin type, budget and beauty routine.

How Do Facial Oils Work?

Unlike moisturisers, oils don’t absorb deeply into the skin nor draw moisture to it. Instead, they sit on the surface of the skin to prevent moisture from escaping.

As a result, oils have an occlusive effect, which means they form a protective layer on the skin to lock in moisture.

Why Do You Need an Oil?

The skin needs 70% water and 30% oil to maintain its balance. Neither a facial oil nor a moisturiser can deliver water — for this you need a hydrator (this is why we love things like hyaluronic acid serums).

The job of an oil is to help the skin retain the water that’s put into it. Moisturiser then helps protect your skin against free radicals and environmental damage.

Benefits of Using Facial Oils

When face oils are coupled with moisturisers, they make for a seriously hydrating combo. Other positives include:

• Maintaining your skin’s ideal sebum levels (especially for acne-prone and oily skin)
• Helping your skin to naturally glow
• Promoting softer, plumper skin
• Helping protect your skin barrier from outside irritants like dust and pollution

Which Face Oil Works Best for Which Skin Type?

1. For normal skin, opt for face oils like jojoba, marula and squalene which aren’t as heavy on the skin.
2. For dry skin, argan, grapeseed, marula, squalene, apricot kernel, extra virgin, almond and rosehip oils work best.
3. For oily skin, try tea tree, jojoba, argan and grapeseed. Buckthorn seed oil is another good one.
4. For combination skin, marula, jojoba, flaxseed, grapeseed and tea tree oils are good.
5. For sensitive skin, moringa oil is great.
6. For acne-prone skin, try tea tree, jojoba, squalane, evening primrose and rosehip oils.

How to Use Face Oils in Your Routine

One of my favourite techniques for using a face oil is to incorporate it into my Korean facial massage .

To do this, start with a clean face and massage the oil in, using one of the techniques discussed in the podcast.

Other ways to get the benefits of your oil include:

1. Adding a few drops to your moisturiser
2. Layering your oil before or after your moisturiser
3. Using it under your SPF in the morning
4. Blending 2–3 drops with your foundation or BB Cream

The Best Korean Face Oils

Have you tried any of these Korean Face Oils? Let me know in the comments!

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STYLE STORY is a Korea-based K-Beauty consultancy for global beauty professionals. We bring clarity to Korean beauty, from products and claims to clinics and strategy.

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