Welcome to the first post in our Facial Oil Series! If you've ever stood in front of a shelf of oils feeling completely overwhelmed, you're not alone. The world of facial oils can feel like a maze, especially when everyone seems to have a different opinion about what works and what doesn't.
Here's the good news: finding the right facial oil doesn't require a chemistry degree. It just takes a little understanding of your skin and what it actually needs. So let's break it down together.
Why Facial Oils Deserve a Spot in Your Routine
Before we dive into the specifics, let's talk about why facial oils have earned their place in clean beauty routines everywhere.
Your skin produces its own natural oil called sebum. When that production gets thrown off, whether from harsh products, environmental stress, or just genetics, your skin can swing from too dry to too oily (sometimes both at once). Facial oils work with your skin's natural processes, helping to restore balance rather than stripping everything away.
Think of a good facial oil as a translator between your skincare and your skin. It helps lock in hydration, delivers nutrients directly where they're needed, and creates a protective barrier against daily environmental stressors.
Let's Bust a Myth: Oily Skin Can Absolutely Use Oil
This is the big one. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, you've probably heard that oils are your enemy. That adding oil to already oily skin is basically asking for a breakout.
Here's the truth: that's outdated thinking.
When your skin is stripped of moisture (hello, harsh cleansers and alcohol-based toners), it often overproduces oil to compensate. It's your skin's way of saying, "Hey, I'm parched over here!" By giving your skin the right kind of oil, you're actually signaling that it can calm down and produce less sebum on its own.
The key word here is right. Not all oils are created equal. Some are heavy and pore-clogging. Others are lightweight, fast-absorbing, and actually help regulate oil production. That's where knowing your skin type comes in.
Finding Your Perfect Match: Our Facial Oil by Skin Type (#ReadYourLabels)
Instead of chasing a dozen different bottles, let's talk about what’s actually in Hyssop Beauty Apothecary Facial Oil and how those ingredients can support different skin types.
Our formula features: Crambe Abyssinica (Abyssinian), Jojoba, Grapeseed, Pomegranate, Camellia, Rosehip, Carrot Seed, Lemon Balm, Lavender, Hyssop, and Frankincense.
Below is a simple way to match the formula to what your skin is asking for.
Dry Skin
If your skin feels tight, flaky, or like it “drinks” product and still wants more, you want oils that support your barrier and help seal in moisture.
In our Facial Oil, these ingredients do that beautifully:
- Abyssinian (Crambe Abyssinica): lightweight but cushiony, helps soften and smooth without feeling heavy.
- Jojoba oil: mimics the feel of natural sebum, helping skin feel more balanced and less reactive to dryness.
- Camellia oil: known for a silky, comfort-first feel that helps reduce that rough, tight sensation.
- Rosehip + Carrot seed: support the look of tone and texture (especially when dryness makes skin look dull).
Pro tip: Dry skin types can often use 4-5 drops and apply twice daily. You might find that a good facial oil eliminates the need for multiple products.
Oily Skin
Yes—oily skin can use facial oil. The goal is choosing oils that feel lightweight and help skin look more balanced instead of greasy.
In our Facial Oil, this is where the blend shines:
- Grapeseed oil: lightweight and fast-absorbing, helps the skin feel less slick over time.
- Jojoba oil: supports a “balanced” feel because it’s so sebum-like.
- Pomegranate oil: rich in antioxidants—great when your skin feels stressed or looks congested and dull.
- Lavender, hyssop, and frankincense: traditionally loved in skincare for their clarifying and complexion-supportive feel (especially when your skin looks unbalanced).
Start with 2-3 drops, press into slightly damp skin, and give it a minute to sink in before you add anything else.
Combination Skin
Combination skin needs a blend that can moisturize dry areas without overwhelming an oilier T-zone. Our Facial Oil is built for that middle ground because it mixes lighter-feel oils with more nourishing, glow-supportive ones.
- Jojoba + Grapeseed help keep the feel light and breathable.
- Camellia + Abyssinian add slip and comfort where you need it most (cheeks, around the mouth).
- Rosehip supports the look of texture and post-breakout marks that combo skin can deal with.
Tip: apply 1-2 drops to your T-zone and 2-3 drops to drier areas, instead of using the same amount everywhere.
Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin is all about keeping things calm and simple. Our Facial Oil includes oils that are known for a gentle, skin-comforting feel, plus botanicals that many people find soothing.
- Jojoba + Camellia: soft, non-heavy moisturizers that help support a comfortable barrier.
- Grapeseed: lightweight, helps reduce that “coated” feeling that can trigger sensitivity for some.
- Lemon balm: often used in skincare for a calming, “settled” feel.
- Lavender, hyssop, and frankincense: aromatic botanicals—if you’re sensitive, start slow and patch test.
If your skin tends to react to new products, start slow. Try applying your new oil every other night and always do a patch test first. Give your skin time to adjust before committing to daily use.
Mature Skin
For skin that’s showing signs of aging (fine lines, loss of bounce, uneven tone), think: nourishment + antioxidant support.
Our Facial Oil includes:
- Rosehip oil: supports the look of smoother texture and more even tone.
- Pomegranate oil: antioxidant-rich and loved for supporting the look of firmness and glow.
- Carrot seed: often used for a revitalized, “healthy glow” look.
- Frankincense: a classic in facial care for improving the look of tone and overall radiance.
The Expert Layering Tip You Need to Know
Here's where we let you in on a little secret that makes a big difference.
For the best results, apply a hyaluronic acid serum first, then follow with your Facial Oil.
Why? Hyaluronic acid is a humectant: it pulls moisture into your skin. But it needs something to lock that moisture in. That's where your Facial Oil comes in. The oil creates a protective seal over the hyaluronic acid, keeping all that hydration exactly where you want it.
Think of it like this: the hyaluronic acid serum is the drink of water, and the facial oil is the lid that keeps it from evaporating. Together, they're a hydration power couple.
Our Hyaluronic Acid Serum with Hibiscus Flower Extract pairs perfectly with any of our facial oils for this exact reason.
A Few Final Tips
Quality matters. Look for cold-pressed oils that retain more of their nutrients. This isn't the place to cut corners.
Start simple. You don't need five different oils. Find one that works for your skin type and stick with it long enough to see results.
Listen to your skin. It's smarter than you think. If something feels off, it probably is. Give yourself permission to adjust.
What's Next in the Series
This guide is just the beginning. Coming up in our Facial Oil Series, we'll be doing deep dives into specific skin concerns: including a closer look at oils for acne-prone skin and anti-aging powerhouses.
Have questions about which oil is right for you? We're always here to help you find your perfect match.
Here's to happy, balanced skin.