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How to Choose The Final Takeaway
Nowadays, there are countless ways to moisturize your body. You can opt for something thick like a balm or a cream, or go the opposite route and reach for a lightweight lotion or a serum. While each product will inevitably do the same job, there are some fundamental differences.
Take body serums and body oils, for example. While both boost moisture and lead to softer skin, they vary in ingredients, absorption, texture, and application. Serums, with their smaller molecules and water-based formulas, penetrate deeper into the skin, while body oils, composed of larger molecules, sit on the surface to lock in moisture. Below, we asked two board-certified dermatologists to give us the full breakdown between body serums and body oils. Now, you can spend more time on self-care and less time figuring out how to apply each.
What Is a Body Serum?
“Serums are usually water-based, lightweight moisturizers designed to hydrate and often deliver ingredients like hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, or peptides to the skin,” says Texas-based dermatologist Dr. Jennifer Gordon. Serums are crafted to provide hydration without a greasy feel and serve as an effective delivery system for beneficial ingredients. “Serums can penetrate deeper into the skin than oils since they contain smaller molecules and are water-based,” she explains, recommending that serums be applied after cleansing and before a heavier moisturizer.
Dr. Nathan Newman, a stem cell specialist and board-certified dermatologist in Beverly Hills, adds that body serums are quickly absorbed, delivering hydration and essential ingredients to deeper layers of the skin. “This helps improve cellular turnover, boost collagen production, and rejuvenate the skin from within,” he notes.
If you’re considering a body serum, Dr. Gordon assures that serums work well for all skin types. “Acne-prone and sensitive skin types generally respond well to serums—just be mindful of additional ingredients. For very dry skin, you can always layer a heavier moisturizer on top.” Dr. Newman adds that body serums can be particularly beneficial for normal to oily skin or for those with specific concerns, such as hyperpigmentation, dullness, or signs of aging.
What Is a Body Oil?
As the name suggests, body oils are oil-based lubricants designed to moisturize, though not necessarily hydrate. “They give the skin a glowing, hydrated look,” says Dr. Gordon, adding that body oils consist of larger molecules that sit on the skin’s surface rather than penetrating deeply, which makes them less effective as a delivery mechanism for other ingredients. The best body oils will often contain essential oils or other ingredients with specific claimed benefits and can offer a degree of barrier protection, creating a cushion between the skin and external elements.
While most skin types can benefit from body oils, Dr. Newman suggests they are especially suited for dry, mature, or dehydrated skin. Body oils work by forming an occlusive layer on the skin to lock in moisture, helping to keep skin hydrated and soft, particularly in drier or colder conditions. “Some anti-inflammatory ingredients in body oils may offer benefits for acne and rosacea,” Dr. Newman advises. “But proceed cautiously, as oils are occlusive and can easily lead to comedones.”
The Difference
Ingredients and Composition
According to Dr. Gordon, serums can deliver higher concentrations of active ingredients because many can be dissolved and delivered in a water-based formula. In contrast, oils are limited to oil-based ingredients. While there are creative delivery systems, oils generally lack the ability to penetrate deeply enough to repair barriers, provide anti-aging benefits, or influence cell signaling as serums can. That being said, Dr. Newman lists common ingredients found in both body serums and body oils below.
Common Ingredients in Serums
- Hyaluronic Acid
- Peptides
- Vitamin C
- Niacinamide
- Plant Extracts
- Antioxidants
Common Ingredients in Oils
- Jojoba Oil
- Almond Oil
- Argan Oil
- Rosehip Oil
- Squalane
- Essential Oil
Texture and Absorption
When it comes to absorption, Dr. Newman explains, “Serums have smaller molecules, allowing them to absorb quickly without leaving a greasy residue. Oils, on the other hand, take longer to absorb due to their larger molecules and tend to remain on the skin’s surface, often leaving a greasy feel.”
Hydration vs Moisturization
Serums can deeply hydrate the skin, promoting moisturization by delivering hydration at a deeper level—perfect for plumping and revitalizing. Dr. Newman adds, “Oils excel at moisturizing, which focuses on sealing in hydration and providing a protective barrier.”
Application and Usage
Per Dr. Gordon, the key to application is to go “thinnest to thickest” throughout your routine. Start with cleansing, then apply serums, followed by thicker moisturizers or oils. And don’t forget SPF in the morning!
How to Apply
Dr. Newman recommends applying serums on damp skin after showering for enhanced absorption; simply use a few pumps and massage in. Oils, on the other hand, can be applied after a serum or on their own, especially at night, as they tend to leave a buttery feel. “Apply oils to damp or slightly moisturized skin to lock in hydration,” he advises.
Skin Concerns
For dry skin types, Dr. Gordon explains that active serums may be more beneficial than oils, though oils can mimic the effect of sebum on the skin. “Inflammation from conditions like acne and rosacea may be addressed with either serums or oils, depending on the active ingredients,” he adds. It’s also important to note that serums often contain active ingredients that can target fine lines, dark spots, overall tone, texture, and many other skin concerns.
How to Choose Between Body Serum and Body Oil
The key to choosing between a body serum and a body oil (although you can use both together) is to consider your skin type, concerns, and seasonal changes.
For normal to oily skin or targeted concerns: Dr. Newman says that “serums are ideal due to their lightweight feel and deep-penetrating actives.”
For dry, mature, or winter skin: Dr. Newman recommends body oils for enhanced moisturization and barrier support, especially during colder months.
For combination skin or specific needs: Dr. Newman advises “a combination approach—serum first, followed by oil—to deliver both hydration and lasting moisturization.”
The Final Takeaway
A body serum is a lightweight, highly concentrated formula designed to address specific skin concerns with potent ingredients, while a body oil sits atop the skin to lock in moisture. Serums typically target fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, dehydration, and dullness, whereas body oils are best suited for dry, rough patches, eczema-prone areas, and overall moisture retention. If you were to choose only one, experts tend to favor serums, as they often contain active ingredients and are more lightweight. However, both can be used together—just remember to apply products from thinnest to thickest in your body care routine.
