How To Apply Serums, Oils And Concentrates

Serums, oils and concentrates are high-value skin care products, so every drop counts! If you’ve ever wondered if you’re using too much product or applying too frequently, we have some simple tips so you don’t waste a single dollop of these luxurious facial oils or serums. 

Why Serums, Oils & Concentrates? | How To Layer | Serum Layering Basics | How Much To Apply | What If You Don’t Layer Them On Properly?

Why Include Serums, Oils & Concentrates In Your Skin Care Routine?

It can be confusing to decipher the difference between serums, oils and concentrates. Serums contain a high concentration of active ingredients that target a multitude of skin issues at once (like wrinkles and fine lines) and have a gel-like texture. In comparision, facial oils are designed to provide hydration and keep moisture in the skin and typically contain botanical and herbal ingredients to nourish the skin. Concentrates, on the other hand, focus their high potency of one active ingredient and usually have the consistency of a lightweight lotion. You can learn which oil, serum or concentrate to use for your skin type here, or read more about using the right amount of serum here. 

How To Layer Serums, Oils & Concentrates

We recently looked at the best serum or oil for your skin type in this blog. All your skin care products should be used in a specific order to get the most out of each product. Ideally, you want to limit your selection to a maximum of two serums, oils and/or concentrates so they can effectively absorb into the skin.

We advise applying your skin care products beginning with the thinnest consistency and ending with the richest: 

1. Serums
2. Concentrates
3. Oils

After cleansing and toning, start with layering your facial serum, the thinnest consistency product, as it delivers active ingredients into the skin most efficiently. Concentrates are next, followed by facial oils. Facial oils come last as they’re designed to prevent water loss and “seal” the formulations in the skin. 

As our Eminence Organics Product Support Team explains, “Applying a facial oil after your serums helps lock in moisture and the nutrient-rich ingredients you just applied to the skin while allowing for optimal product penetration.” 

Watch this video to find out more from Lead Skin Care Trainer Natalie Pergar about how to layer your skin care products in the right order: 

Serum Layering Basics

Now that you know how to layer serums, oils and concentrates, some of you may simply want to layer serums on top of each other. A classic serum that you can layer is our Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Serum. It contains a unique Botanical Hyaluronic Acid Complex formulated with strawberry and rhubarb to give your skin deep hydration. You may also like the Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Serum, a cocktail of stabilized vitamin C, citrus fruit oils, sodium ascorbyl phosphate (also known as vitamin C salt) and vitamin E. This cocktail improves the appearance of skin health for a younger-looking complexion. If you’re concerned with skin firmness, the Marine Flower Peptide Serum is formulated with a Smart Collagen+ Complex that rejuvenates the look of the complexion while unique algae extracts increase firmness and provide long-lasting hydration. For oily and combination skin types, our Charcoal & Black Seed Clarifying Oil is designed to visibly reduce the look of uneven skin while absorbing excess oil.

These holidays, you may enjoy the Limited Edition Essential Serum Trio Gift Set. These three potent serums can be layered to target your skin’s unique needs. The Essential Serum Trio Gift Set features some of our most beloved serums, each packed with natural, antioxidant-rich ingredients. It contains the Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Serum and the Marine Flower Peptide Serum as mentioned above. The third travel-size serum is the Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Serum which is infused with our hydrating Botanical Hyaluronic Acid Complex to plump the look of the skin. 

When & How Much Serum Should I Apply?

Apply a thin layer (three to four drops) of each product over the entire face. You can use a serum every day during your morning and nighttime routines. Gently press the product into your complexion, and don’t forget your neck area. Allow each product time to absorb fully before layering the next to maximize effectiveness. If you are using an Eminence Organics facial oil, you can follow up with an Eminence Organics moisturizer, as our oils are designed to be used flexibly in your routine. 

How To Apply Face Oils

If you’re using another brand, you should stick to the order of serums, concentrates and then oils, followed by a moisturizer. If you apply products in the incorrect order, applying serums on top of oils could leave your skin dry and dehydrated, as not enough water is reaching your skin, according to The Skincare Edit. Additionally, you could irritate your skin and create new skin issues. You may also experience pilling and the skin might feel sticky or tacky. But as our Product Support Team advises, waiting approximately one minute between the steps should help prevent pilling from happening. 

If you’re wondering how to apply face oils, you can watch Natalie discuss this in the video below.

Are you ready to add these products to your skin care routine? If you’d like to customize your own skin care regimen, we highly recommend visiting your nearest Eminence Organics Spa Partner where an esthetician can see your skin in person and help develop a custom routine with you. In the meantime, discover our serums, oils and concentrates here.