$18.00

Specially formulated with oily and acne prone skin in mind, this light serum is designed to improve the factors that cause acne, reduce the appearance of ‘active’ acne, and help skin heal afterward. Towards these ends we have specifically chosen ingredients that reduce sebum (oil) production, contain natural antibacterial and/or antifungal agents, reduce inflammation and redness, and improve collagen production (a key skin component that among other functions renews and repairs skin cells).

What Is an Oil Serum?

In skincare terminology, serums are highly concentrated formulas intended to target specific skin outcomes with higher doses of specific active ingredients. The concentrations of active or luxury ingredients is so much higher that serums tend to be the most expensive category of skincare product. For example, the concentration of Rosehip Oil in this serum is more than double the concentration in its companion Pore Refining Tea Tree Oil Cleanser. As such, serums should be used sparingly – only a few drops at a time. The key benefit, particularly in an oil serum, is that you get a high concentration of the ingredients you want with as little “extra stuff” as possible. This means quick absorption time and easy layering. The downside is that you can absolutely get too much of a good thing by using too much product, resulting in irritation and/or greasiness from the product not absorbing fully.

Oil... For Oily Skin?

Yes! It sounds counterintuitive, but oil is not the enemy of oily skin. Instead, it is your skin’s ability to regulate oil production that is the problem, and some oils can actually help to reduce oil production, resulting in less greasy skin. In our oily skin line, we are careful to select only noncomedogenic (non-acne-forming) oils that absorb quickly without clogging pores that help keep the skin hydrated but not greasy.

To Use

Gently massage two to three drops of serum into freshly cleaned skin once or twice daily. Should be used after toner and other water-based treatment, and before lotion.

What's in the Bottle

Tea Tree Oil is anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal and reduces sebum production, meaning it makes skin less oily. It also reduces itchiness, helps wounds heal and may reduce scarring, although more study is needed on this last property.

Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate is a highly stable, oil-soluble form of Vitamin C. Topical use can mitigate the effects of UV exposure better than any other form of Vitamin C, stimulates stronger collagen production than pure Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), and offers the same clarifying and brightening effect as ascorbic acid, without its irritating or exfoliating effect.

Argan Oil is fast-absorbing and will not clog pores. It inhibits the proliferation of the bacteria that causes common acne and is strongly antioxidant. Most interestingly, it has an anti-sebum effect, meaning it reduces the amount of oil skin produces. Combined with a significant emollient effect from its high fatty acid content, this means that argan oil improves skin’s hydration and smoothness while reducing greasiness.

Rosehip Seed Oil is high in Vitamin A, C and E and essential fatty acids. As Vitamin A & C are synergistic, strengthening their respective the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, exfoliative, brightening and collagen forming properties. Its primary differentiating element is an ability to reduce redness and hyperpigmentation.

Jojoba Oil is chemically so similar to sebum (skin’s natural oil) that the body responds to it the same way it responds to sebum. This means that jojoba oil penetrates easily and deeply into skin, and regulates sebum production, as skin will respond to the presence of this additional ‘sebum’ by reducing sebum production. Unlike sebum however, jojoba oil is (selectively) antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, speeds wound healing, and minimizes the appearance of acne scars. We say “may” because while early studies are promising, not enough research has been done to be conclusive. Jojoba oil is also a humectant, which combined with its ability to penetrate so deeply, allows it to pull water into the deepest layers of skin.

Castor Oil does not clog pores and is both anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial despite being thick, sticky and deeply moisturizing. Specifically, the ricinoleic acid present in castor oil can inhibit the growth of the bacterium responsible for common acne, while most of the pain, redness and puffiness that characterize acne is caused by inflammation that accompanies acne rather than pimples themselves.

Vitamin E, properly termed tocopherol, is not the all-round natural wonder drug it is often hawked as, but it does have two very specific, well-studied benefits for skin: it is antioxidant, and an excellent moisturizer, with both emollient and occlusive properties. Tocopherol is most effective as an antioxidant when paired with Vitamin C.

Full Ingredient List

Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Rosa Mosqueta (Rose) Hip Seed Oil, Melaleuca Alternafolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (Vitamin C), Ricinus Communis (Castor) Oil, Tocopherol (Vitamin E)

Also See:

Pore Refining & Brightening Duo

Pore Refining & Brightening Cleanser

Smoothing & Rejuvinating Serum Thumbnail

Smoothing & Rejuvenating Serum