Serum or oil? Or both? If you’ve ever been unsure about where these two skincare options fit in your routine—or what makes them different in the first place—pas de panique. We’ve got you.
In this guide, we’re breaking down the basics—what each one does, how to layer them, and why a multitasking face oil (like ours) that offers serum-like benefits might just be the step your routine is missing.
Serums are lightweight, concentrated formulas designed to deliver active ingredients deep into the skin. Think of them as targeted treatments—focused on things like hydration, brightening, firming, or smoothing. Serums are typically used before moisturizer and can be layered to address multiple skin concerns.
Serums are like the espresso of your skincare routine—small, strong, and packed with purpose.
Face oils are richer, more occlusive formulas made to nourish the skin and help lock in moisture. Unlike serums, which are all about delivering active ingredients, face oils primarily provide moisture (and seal it in) and give skin a healthy glow.
Think of face oils as the finishing touch to your routine—like adding a silk scarf around your neck for a touch of je ne sais quoi after getting dressed.
The biggest differences between serums and face oils come down to texture, function, and when to apply them:
Serums are generally lightweight (making them great for layering) and designed to treat specific concerns.
Oils are richer, thicker, and help lock in moisture while supporting skin barrier health.
Serums go on before moisturizer or oil. Oils come last, sealing in all that good hydration.
And then there’s the face oil that does it all. Alpha-Bet Élixir Multi-Vitamin Soothing Oil was designed to offer the moisturizing benefits of an oil with the targeted treatment of a serum.
This unique formula is powered by a blend of vitamins A (1% bakuchiol), B (panthenyl triacetate), C (THD ascorbate), and E (tocopheryl acetate) to support multiple skin concerns in one: reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, smoothing skin tone and texture, brightening dark spots, and soothing visible irritation. All while sealing in moisture, too!
It’s a dreamy final step that leaves your skin looking glowy, and more even and calm over time.
Whether you’re team serum, team oil, or—like us—team why not both, understanding the benefits each offers is the first step to building a routine that works for your skin. Serums deliver targeted, potent ingredients. Oils nourish, protect, and lock it all in.
And with a multitasking formula like Alpha-Bet Élixir, you don’t have to choose. It’s the best of both worlds!
