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My Reward PointsThe market today is flooded with a wide variety of skin serums with different primary ingredients. The most common ones are the oil-based serums and water-based serums. While both have their own set of pros and cons, today we see people discussing oil-based serum vs water-based serum to make an informed choice. Here we are to do the same for you.
What Is Serum?
A serum is a clear, pale yellow liquid or sometimes a transparent liquid that is highly concentrated with potent skincare ingredients. It features fast-absorbing active ingredients that are designed to penetrate deeply and target major skincare concerns.
What Is Water-Based Serum?
As the name suggests, it is a lightweight, potent, concentrated skincare liquid that is primarily formulated with water and active ingredients to target specific skin concerns. This type of serum contains hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, peptides, niacinamide, and green tea extracts that make it hydrating and suitable for all skin types.
What Is Oil-Based Serum?
It is the kind of serum where the base is plant or synthetic oil, which helps seal in moisture. The main ingredients of an oil-based serum are rosehip oil. Argan oil, vitamin E, and primrose oil. This serum provides vitamins and antioxidants to the skin and is very suitable for dry or mature skin types.
Difference between Oil-Based & Water-Based Serum
To get a conclusion of Oil-Based Serum vs. Water-Based Serum, here we are discussing the common differences between these two.
1. Base Ingredients
The base ingredients of water-based ingredients are water, hyaluronic acid, and green tea extracts. On the other hand, oil-based serums are water-free serums and feature plant-based carrier oils along with certain active ingredients.
2. Texture
Generally, the texture of water-based serum is quite light and non-greasy, making it suitable for oily skin. However, on the other hand, the texture of oil-based serum is a bit concentrated and forms a protective barrier on the skin, making it suitable for dry skin.
3. Main Function
Water-based serums are meant to add moisture and help with skin issues such as fine lines or dullness. Oil-based serums, on the other hand, repair the skin and strengthen the skin cell barrier to lock in moisture.
4. Absorption
Because of the lightweight texture, water-based serums are absorbed by the skin faster than oil-based serums. The oil-based serums take longer to get absorbed by the skin.
5. Best For
For people who have a combination skin type or dry skin type, you need intense hydration from water-based serums. On the other hand, if you have acne-prone, sensitive, and dry skin, then oil-based serums are your best bet.
6. Layering Step
Water-based serums should be applied after cleansing the skin. Oil-based serums can be applied as moisturizers as the final step of your skincare regimen to lock in moisture.
Oil-based vs. Water-based Serum: Benefits
To help you make an informed choice, we have listed the top benefits of oil-based vs. water-based serum in detail.
Benefits of Water-Based Serums
1. Instant Hydration
Water-based serums offer a refreshing complexion to the skin by giving instant hydration due to the presence of hyaluronic acid.
2. Lightweight Texture
Due to light, thin, and runny lightweight texture, water-based serums absorb into the skin instantly and give you a weightless, glowy feel.
3. Fast Absorption
The water-based formula allows for fast absorption in the skin and offers intense hydration to the deep layers of the skin.
4. Oil Control
For oily skin, it is quite important to use non-comedogenic products, and water-based serums are the ones that help regulate excess sebum.
5. Versatile Layering
Lastly, because of the lightweight texture, water-based serums can be layered with other skincare products easily without worrying about skin heaviness.
Benefits of Oil-Based Serums
1. Deep Nourishment
Oil-based serums offer deep nourishment because it is packed with emollient ingredients that provide the skin with intense and deep repair of the skin cells.
2. Long-Lasting Moisture
Oil-based serums are occlusive in nature and thus they offer long-lasting moisture to the skin. These serums form a protective layer on the skin and prevent loss of moisture.
3. Barrier Protection
Like we said earlier, oil-based serums are known for forming a barrier protection on the skin. This helps in shielding the skin from pollutants and other harmful factors that affect skin health.
4. Soothing and Calming
The oil-based serums are made of natural active ingredients like plant oils. Many plant oils have anti-inflammatory properties, which makes the serum soothing and calming.
5. Natural Glow
Lastly, oil-based serums, when used regularly, offer you a radiant and glowing skin because of the lipid-rich content found in them. It gives your skin a natural shine and softness.
Oil-Based Serum vs Water-Based Serum: How to Choose for your Skin Type
1. Oily or Acne-Prone Skin
If you have oily or acne-prone skin, then you must go for water-based serums. These serums won't make your skin texture heavy and will provide you with intense hydration.
2. Dry or Mature Skin
If you have dry or mature skin, then you should choose oil-based serums. This is because oil-based serums provide nourishment and moisturization to your skin.
3. Combination Skin
For combination skin, you have to use both in the right way. You can use water-based serum in the morning after cleansing and oil-based serum before bed for moisturization.
4. Sensitive Skin
If you have sensitive skin, then it is always best to first do a patch test of both the serums and understand which one will best align with your skin concerns.
Can We Use Oil-Based & Water-Based Serum Together?
If you want to use both oil-based and water-based serums together, then you have to customize your skin care routine. This means you can use water-based serums in the morning and oil-based products at night for a well-rounded skincare approach. This skincare regimen makes sure that your skin is well hydrated and protected altogether.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we can say that in the discussion of Oil-Based Serum vs Water-Based Serum, there’s no fixed winner. This is because both serums have their own set of pros and cons for different skin types. So, it all depends on an individual's skin type, which base serum they should choose. Read this blog thoroughly, and you may find your answer.
