Skincare can sometimes feel like walking through a maze. There are cleansers, toners, moisturizers, serums, and now oils all promising healthier, glowing skin. With so many products on your shelf, it is natural to feel confused and ask yourself: “Do I really need all of these? Or should I just pick one?”

Two products that often cause the most confusion are face oils and face serums. At first glance, they may look similar both come in small bottles, both are applied in drops, and both claim to improve your skin. But here is the truth: they are not the same.

• Face oils focus on nourishment and barrier repair. They work like food for your skin, locking in hydration and keeping your skin soft, smooth, and protected.
• Face serums, on the other hand, are treatment-focused. They are lightweight, fast-absorbing, and packed with concentrated actives like Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, or Retinol. Serums target specific problems like pigmentation, fine lines, or dullness.

So, which one is right for you oil or serum? The answer depends entirely on your skin type, your concerns, and your skincare goals. For example:

• If you want to repair dryness and add glow → Oils are your best friend.
• If you want to fade acne scars, brighten dullness, or fight wrinkles → Serums are non-negotiable.
• And if you want complete, long-term skin health → You will get the best results by using both together.

In this blog, we will break down the differences between oils and serums, explain how to use them in the correct order, and guide you on whether you need just one or both in your skincare routine.

Example: Avry1 Pretty’s Purity Face Oil is a nourishing blend of 10 natural oils that hydrate and repair, while Prime Face Serum is a multi-correctional treatment serum designed to tackle multiple skin concerns. Together, they make a powerful duo for skin that is glowing, balanced, and healthy.

What is a Face Serum?

A face serum is like a concentrated shot of skincare actives. It’s usually water-based or gel-based, with a lightweight texture that absorbs quickly into your skin.

Key Features of Serums:

• High concentration of actives like Vitamin C, Niacinamide, Retinol, or Hyaluronic Acid.
• Designed to target specific concerns such as pigmentation, dullness, acne, fine lines, or dehydration.
• Penetrates deeper into the skin compared to creams or oils.
• Works best when layered before heavier products.

Think of a serum as your problem-solver. If you want to fade dark spots, hydrate from within, or fight wrinkles, a serum is your go-to product.

What is a Face Oil?

Face oils are oil-based products made from plant oils (like jojoba, rosehip, or argan) or blends of multiple oils. They work more on the surface of your skin by nourishing and sealing in hydration.

Key Features of Oils:

• Rich in fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins.
• Strengthen the skin barrier and lock in hydration.
• Add glow and softness to skin.
• Work as the last step of your skincare (before sunscreen in AM, final step in PM).

Think of oils as your skin’s food and shield. They keep the skin healthy, nourished, and protected from dryness or environmental stress.

Face Oil vs Face Serum – Key Differences

Here is a simple comparison to help you see the differences clearly:

 Bottom line: Serums treat, oils nourish. They are not replacements. They complement each other.

Do You Need Both or Just One?

This depends on your skin type and main concern:

• If you want targeted results (like reducing pigmentation, brightening dullness, or anti-aging): Serum is essential.
• If you want nourishment and glow (like repairing dryness, calming irritation, or strengthening your skin barrier): Oil is essential.
• If you want complete care: Use both serum to treat, oil to nourish.

How to Layer Face Oil and Serum Correctly

Getting the order right is crucial.

Golden Rule: Apply from thinnest to thickest.

AM Routine (Morning)

1. Cleanser
2. Serum (e.g., Vitamin C Serum like Prime Face Serum)
3. Moisturizer
4. Face Oil (few drops, like Purity Face Oil)
5. Sunscreen (final step)

PM Routine (Night)

1. Cleanser
2. Serum (hydrating or repair serum)
3. Moisturizer
4. Face Oil (seals everything in while you sleep)

This way, the serum penetrates deep, while the oil locks everything in for maximum results.

Which is Better for You?

• Oily/Acne-Prone Skin: Lightweight serums (Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid) are more useful. Oils can still be used sparingly jojoba or grapeseed are safe.
• Dry Skin: Best combo = hydrating serum + nourishing oil. Together they hydrate and seal in moisture.
• Anti-Aging Skin: Use actives like Retinol or Peptides (serum) + a repairing oil for barrier support.
• Sensitive Skin: Gentle serums + calming oils (like marula, rosehip) work beautifully together.

In short: Serum fixes problems, oil keeps skin healthy.

Recommended Avry1 Pretty Combo

If you do not want to spend time figuring out combinations, here is an easy duo:

• Prime Face Serum → A multi-correctional serum with powerful actives to tackle multiple skin issues.
• Purity Face Oil → A blend of 10 natural oils for hydration, nourishment, and glow.

Using both together gives you the best of treatment + nourishment in one simple routine.

FAQs

1. Can I use serum and oil together?
Yes! They are designed to complement each other. Serum first, oil last.

2. Should I apply oil before or after serum?
Always after. Serum is lightweight and needs to go first, then oil seals it in.

3. Which is better for wrinkles oil or serum?
Serum (with Retinol, Vitamin C, or Peptides) targets wrinkles directly. Oil supports by keeping skin nourished. Best results come from using both.

4. Can serums replace moisturizers?
No. Serums hydrate but do not lock in moisture. You still need a moisturizer (and oil if your skin is dry).

5. Are oils safe for oily skin?
Yes, if you choose non-comedogenic oils like jojoba or rosehip. Avoid heavy oils like coconut.

Conclusion

Face oils and face serums may look similar, but they serve completely different purposes in skincare. Serums are your problem-solvers they dive deep into the skin with powerful actives to target issues like pigmentation, fine lines, or dullness. Oils are your protectors and nourishers they strengthen the skin barrier, seal in hydration, and give you that radiant, healthy glow.

So, which one is better? The truth is, neither replaces the other. Instead, they complement each other beautifully when used in the right order. Think of it this way:

• A serum is like a specialist doctor. It treats the root cause of your skin problems.
• A face oil is like a healthy diet. It keeps your skin nourished, balanced, and strong every day.

For some, just a serum or just an oil might be enough. But for most people, combining the two creates a complete skincare routine that covers both treatment and nourishment.

If you are looking for an easy way to bring this balance into your routine, try the Avry1 Pretty Duo:

• Prime Face Serum → a multi-correctional serum that targets multiple skin concerns.
• Purity Face Oil → a nourishing blend of 10 magical oils that hydrate and protect.

Together, they work as a powerful team to give you skin that is glowing, healthy, and future-ready.