Everything you need to know

The difference between skin care products based on oil and water and how they affect your skin has become a popular subject in online beauty forums – and for a good reason.

“Water and oil are used to deliver ingredients to the skin, the difference being the first translates into light skin care products, the latter more emollient,” explains Ron Robinson, cosmetic chemist and founder of Beauty Stat. If it is not applied properly, the mixture can cause pearls and a patch on the skin or ingredients that have not been properly absorbed. “Water -based products tend to hydrate and penetrate quickly, while oil -based products lock in humidity and feed the skin,” notes Krupa Koestline, a clean cosmetic chemist and founder of KKT Labs. “Knowing the difference, you will be guided on how to superimpose skin care products, which are quite simple – water -based products should always continue first, followed by oils, so that oils do not create a barrier that blocks absorption and clogged pores. »»

“It is possible that these two different formulas have higher chances of separating when they are poorly superimposed on the skin, but keep in mind that there may also be additional factors involved, including the quantity of ‘Oil produced by your skin and the other ingredients found in the products, ”explains Michelle Wong, PHD, cosmetic chemist and author of The basic care laboratory muffin guide.

Below, find a ventilation of everything you need to know about oil and water-based skin care.

Understand the product bases

A product “base” is essentially the main ingredient or the ingredients that make up most of the product. “It would be the sauce or the broth in a food dish,” says Koestline. “In skin care, water, oils or other solvents help effectively deliver active ingredients.”

“In water -based products, water or an ingredient like aloe are often the most concentrated ingredients in the product,” explains Jeannette Graf, MD, certified dermatologist and Deputy Professor of Dermatology at MT. Sinai School of Medicine. “With oil -based products, it is usually an oil like coconut or jojoba.”

Identification of oil -based products

“If the product is thick or fatty on the skin, leaves a fatty residue after application, or contains oils of jojoba, argan or coconut as the first ingredient, it is most likely based on oil” , explains Koestline. “The texture will also be heavier and will sit on the skin longer. Keep in mind that there are oil -based products that contain water as second or third ingredient. »»

“An oil -based product would be recommended to someone with dry or dehydrated skin that needs additional TLC to meet their skin needs,” adds Dr. Graf.

Identify water -based products

Water -based products generally list water as the first ingredient and contain other water -based components, including glycerin and humectors such as hyaluronic acid. “These products are generally light and easily absorb the skin without leaving a greasy sensation,” explains Dr. Graf. “They can contain certain oils which would be listed at the lower end of the label, but the vast majority of ingredients are derived from water. Water -based products are suitable for someone with oily skin, combined and subject to acne. »»

“An easy way to test if a product is based on oil or water is to put a spoonful of product in a cup full of water. If it floats, it is an oil -based product. If he settles down, it is a water -based product, ”explains Koestline.

Why the products are formulated as with oil or water

The fact that a product is based on oil or water determines the operation of the product on the skin. “Everyone has their own advantages,” says Koestline. “Water -based formulas are ideal for hydration and rapid absorption, while oil -based formulas offer durable humidity and can feed the skin deeply. The type of formulation depends on the desired effect – hydration compared to food – or a combination of the two. »»

Choose the right product for your skin type

“If you have oily skin or subject to acne, water -based products are generally a better option because they are light and will not butcher the pores,” explains Koestline. “For dry or mature skin, oil -based products work better because they provide deep hydration and humidity lock. Combined skin can benefit from the use of the two types, just at different times or by superposition. »»

“Consumers must use the manufacturer’s complaint on packaging as a guide during their purchases to direct them to the right product – for example, a label will specify if it is for dry or oily skin,” explains Robinson. The same goes for Dr. Wong, “the label is the best starting point when you are looking for the right formula for your skin type.”

How to decode the ingredient lists

For products based on oil and water, pay attention to the first ingredients, as these constitute most of the formulas.

On a water -based product: The first ingredient must be water (aqua) followed by other moisturizing ingredients such as glycerin, aloe or hyaluronic acid.

On an oil -based product: The first ingredients will probably be argan, olive or squalane oils, as well as butters like Karia and cocoa, as well as emollients or silicones labeled in skin.

Conclusion

If you are looking for hydration and a lighter texture, water -based products are the way to follow. If your skin needs additional food or humidity, oil -based products are a better choice. A balanced skin care routine may include both – be aware of how and when you superimpose them. “If you worry about the skin or liquid makeup products that separate on your skin, take skin care samples and try them before buying,” explains Dr. Wong, who also suggests criticisms of Reading to refine the products more likely to separate.