Botanical Facial Oils: How to Use Face Oil | Urban Apothecary
Jun 6th 2023
Botanical Facial Oils: How They Fit Into a Simple Skin-Care Routine
Facial oils have become a familiar part of modern skin care, but they are not all the same — and more oil is not always better.
At Urban Apothecary, we think facial oil works best when it is treated as one part of a simple routine rather than a miracle product.
A thoughtfully formulated oil can help soften the skin, reduce moisture loss, and make dry or tight-feeling skin feel more comfortable.
The key is choosing a formula that fits your skin and using it in a way that makes sense.
Urban Apothecary Skin Therapy Face Oil in a simple botanical skin-care setting
What Does Facial Oil Actually Do?
Facial oils are primarily used to condition and soften the skin.
Many plant oils contain fatty acids and other naturally occurring compounds that help support the feel and appearance of the skin.
Depending on the formula, facial oil may help:
- soften dry-feeling skin
- reduce the feeling of tightness
- improve the look of dullness
- add a smoother finish
- help seal in moisture from products applied underneath
That last point is important.
Facial oils do not necessarily “add water” to the skin. They are often most useful as a finishing step that helps reduce moisture loss.
Where Does Facial Oil Go in a Routine?
A simple routine might look like:
- Cleanse
- Apply any water-based serum or moisturizer
- Add a few drops of facial oil
- Finish with sunscreen during the day
You do not need a large amount.
Start with just a few drops and adjust based on how your skin feels.
For many people, facial oil works especially well in the evening or during colder, drier months.
The Formula Matters
A good facial oil is more than one “hero” ingredient.
The carrier oils, botanical extracts, essential oils, texture, and overall formulation all matter.
Our Skin Therapy Face Oil uses a blend of botanical oils and full-spectrum hemp as part of the formula.
Rather than assigning a medical benefit to every ingredient, we prefer to think about how the oils work together as a conditioning, moisturizing skin-care blend.
A Few Oils You May See in Facial Formulas
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba is actually a liquid wax rather than a traditional oil.
It is widely used in skin care because it has a lightweight texture and helps soften and condition the skin.
Argan Oil
Argan oil contains fatty acids and vitamin E and is frequently used in products designed for dry or mature-feeling skin.
Avocado Oil
Avocado oil has a richer texture and is commonly used in moisturizing formulations.
Safflower Oil
Safflower oil is generally lightweight and contains a high proportion of linoleic acid, making it a common ingredient in facial and body oils.
Evening Primrose Oil
Evening primrose oil contains gamma-linolenic acid and is often included in formulas designed for dry or delicate-feeling skin.
The important thing is not to treat each ingredient as if it independently “fixes” a skin concern.
The whole formula matters.
Botanical oils used in a facial oil skin-care formula
What About Hemp in Skin Care?
Hemp-derived ingredients have become increasingly common in skin-care products.
Full-spectrum hemp extract contains CBD along with other naturally occurring plant compounds.
Research into cannabinoids and skin continues to develop, but that does not mean a cosmetic hemp product should be marketed as a treatment for acne, eczema, psoriasis, inflammation, or other skin disorders.
At Urban Apothecary, we prefer to position hemp as one ingredient within the broader formula rather than make it responsible for every benefit.
Full-spectrum hemp and CBD isolate
Can Oily Skin Use Facial Oil?
Sometimes.
Having oily skin does not automatically mean you should avoid all facial oils.
But the right formula and amount matter.
If your skin is naturally oily or prone to breakouts, start with a small amount and watch how your skin responds.
If a product feels heavy, increases congestion, or causes irritation, it may not be the right fit for you.
Skin care should be responsive, not rigid.
Facial Oil + Gua Sha or Jade Rollers
Facial oil can also provide slip when using tools such as gua sha stones or facial rollers.
That can make the tool easier to glide across the skin without unnecessary pulling.
The benefit here is primarily about comfort and gentle massage.
You do not need to promise that a facial tool will:
- drain toxins
- permanently lift facial muscles
- dramatically increase circulation
- make an oil penetrate deeply
- reshape the face
Use light pressure and follow the instructions that came with your tool.
Facial oil used with a gua sha tool for gentle facial massage
Less Can Be More
One of the easiest mistakes with facial oil is using too much.
A few drops are usually enough for the face and neck.
Warm the oil gently between your fingertips and press or smooth it into the skin.
If your face feels overly greasy long after application, try using less next time.
A facial oil should make your routine feel easier — not heavier.
Know When Skin Needs More Than a Cosmetic
Facial oil is a cosmetic product.
It should not replace professional care for:
- persistent acne
- eczema
- psoriasis
- unexplained rashes
- infected or broken skin
- rapidly changing lesions
- significant irritation
- other persistent skin concerns
If something is ongoing or worsening, talk with an appropriate healthcare professional or dermatologist.
How We Think About Skin Care at Urban Apothecary
Our approach is fairly simple.
Use fewer products you understand.
Pay attention to how your skin responds.
Protect your skin from the sun.
Moisturize when it needs moisture.
And avoid turning every wrinkle, pore, or change in texture into something that needs to be “fixed.”
Skin changes over time.
That is normal.
A good skin-care routine should support the skin you have — not make you feel as though you are constantly fighting it.
Our approach to plant-based body care
Final Thought
Facial oil can be a simple, enjoyable addition to a skin-care routine.
It can help soften the skin, add a conditioned feel, and create a moment of intentional care at the beginning or end of the day.
No dramatic transformation required.
Sometimes a few drops and a consistent routine are enough.