4 Surprising Facts About Face Oils

Do you need one or don’t you? Debunking facial oil myths with Codex Beauty’s Tracey Ryan

Herbalist and clean skincare brand Codex Beauty’s Tracey Ryan happens to be obsessed with oils. “But I’ve noticed that some people are hesitant to use them in their skincare routine because either they have oily skin or are unsure how oils can benefit their skin,” says the Master Formulator of their best-selling skincare range, Bia. Even in today’s world, where many of us are well-versed in skincare ingredients and rituals, certain myths and misconceptions persist about these botanical elixirs. The Gaggler asked Tracey to set the record straight on what facials can – and can’t – do your skin.

The Myth: Oils Moisturize Your Skin

The Truth: “Oils do not introduce moisture to the skin, they help to seal in the moisture already present in the skin by stopping it from evaporating from the skin’s surface,’ says Tracey. ‘In order to actually add moisture you’ll need to use a hydrating moisturiser which contains sodium hyaluronate – a small molecule hyaluronic acid derivative that attracts water deep into the skin.”

The Myth: All Facial Oils Are the Same – And Make You Breakout

The Truth: “There are so many differences between oils – from the viscous, thick and surprisingly drying, like castor oil, to the fatty and nutritious, like avocado oil, to thin and fast absorbing, like kiwi seed oil,” says Tracey. Selecting the correct one for your skin type and needs is key. “In our Bia Facial Oil we have chosen mostly thin, short oils, including kiwi seed, prickly pear and rosehip, that are light, fast-absorbing and give the skin a beautiful primed appearance without clogging pores.”

The Myth: Applying Oils Will Make Your Skin Oilier

The Truth: Cleansing with oils can actually help balance your skin and prevent it from being too oily. “The theory is based on the scientific principle that fatty compounds dissolve similarly fatty compounds,’ says Tracey. ‘When you cleanse with Bia Wash Off Cleansing Oil, it easily breaks down and removes excess sebum and makeup but doesn’t overly strip the skin of healthy, necessary oils, thereby helping to maintain moisture balance.”

The Myth: Facial Oils Don’t Do Much

The Truth: “In addition to cleansing and protecting the moisture in our skin, facial oils also contain antioxidant constituents, anti-inflammatory compounds and essential fatty acids that help protect, calm and nourish skin,” says Tracey. “So there genuinely are a lot of benefits!”