If you've ever wondered how to use a face oil, how much you actually need, or where an oil fits into your skincare routine, you're not alone. Face oils can be wonderfully simple to use, but there's a little more to getting the most from them than simply putting oil on your skin.
And while face oils are often thought of as a product just for the face, a well-formulated botanical oil can be much more versatile. At Natural Kind, we created our oil to be used from head to toe—on your face, hair, scalp, and body—so you can simplify your routine without sacrificing nourishment.
Here's how to make the most of it.
Start with clean skin
Begin with freshly cleansed skin. There's no need to completely dry your face, though. In fact, we like applying Natural Kind to slightly damp skin.
After cleansing, gently pat your skin with a towel, leaving just a little moisture behind. Then apply your oil.
If you prefer a little more moisture, try misting your face with rosewater before applying your oil. A simple rosewater mist can leave your skin lightly dewy, while the oil helps seal in some of that moisture.
It's a lovely combination, especially when you're looking for a simple alternative to a more complicated skincare routine.
How much face oil should you use?
This is probably the question we get asked most often—and the answer is: less than you think.
Start with a pump or even a half-pump. Warm the oil between your palms or fingertips, then gently massage it into your skin.
If you're using Natural Kind on your face, neck, and décolletage, you may need a little more. If your skin still feels oily or the product hasn't absorbed after a few minutes, try using less next time.
A good oil shouldn't leave you feeling like you've coated your skin.
Why apply face oil to damp skin?
Oil and water play different roles in skincare. Water provides moisture, while oils help soften the skin and reduce moisture loss.
Applying a few drops of oil to slightly damp skin can help seal in some of that moisture, leaving your skin feeling soft and nourished.
You can simply use water after cleansing, or keep a bottle of rosewater nearby for an extra-light, refreshing mist before applying your oil.
It's a simple step, but one we find makes a noticeable difference.
Where does face oil go in a skincare routine?
There's no need to build a complicated routine around a face oil.
As a general rule, apply lighter, water-based products first and oil-based products toward the end of your routine. If you use a serum or moisturizer, you can apply your face oil afterward.
But you don't necessarily need all of those steps.
One of the reasons we created Natural Kind was to simplify skincare. If your skin is happy with a cleanser and a nourishing botanical oil, there's no prize for adding five more products.
And if you're using Natural Kind in the morning, remember to apply sunscreen as the final step in your skincare routine.
Can you use face oil every day?
Absolutely. Face oil can be used daily, as long as your skin responds well to it.
Some people prefer oil in the evening as part of a nighttime ritual. Others like using it in the morning before getting ready for the day. You can also use it whenever your skin feels like it needs a little extra nourishment.
There's no single "right" schedule. Your skin is a better guide than a skincare trend.
What about scent?
For some people, skincare is purely functional. For others, scent is part of the experience.
That's one of the reasons we created two versions of Natural Kind. Volume 0 is completely unscented, while Volume 1 uses sweet orange, palo santo, and patchouli essential oils to create a bright, earthy scent.
We love hearing how people experience the difference. One customer recently told us that using Volume 1 makes her feel like she always has a little bit of a spa with her.
We couldn't have said it better.
If scent adds something to your daily routine, Volume 1 transforms a few moments of skincare into a brief sensory escape. And if you prefer your skincare completely unscented, Volume 0 offers the same nourishing botanical oil blend without essential oils.
Can you use botanical oil on your body, too?
This is where we think botanical oils get especially interesting.
If you've found an oil that works beautifully on your face, there's no reason it has to stop there.
Natural Kind was designed as an all-over oil, so the same formula can be used on your face, neck, hands, elbows, legs, and anywhere else your skin needs a little nourishment.
We love it on damp skin after a shower, when your skin is still warm and slightly moist.
And it doesn't stop with skin. Natural Kind can also be worked through the ends of your hair or gently massaged into your scalp.
One bottle, many uses.
What if I have oily skin?
Using an oil doesn't necessarily mean making your skin feel oily.
The type of oil and the formulation matter. Some oils can feel heavy, while others are lightweight and absorb readily into the skin.
Natural Kind is made with argan, golden jojoba, and squalane—three oils selected for their nourishing, lightweight qualities. The formula is also non-comedogenic, meaning it is formulated not to clog pores.
If you're new to using face oil, start with a small amount and give your skin a little time to adjust. You may be surprised by how little you actually need.
The simplest way to use Natural Kind
If you don't want to overthink it, here's our favorite approach:
After a shower, start with your body while your skin is still slightly damp. Apply a few pumps of Natural Kind to your hands, warm the oil between your palms, and gently massage it into your skin.
As you move through your body, you’ll naturally use most of what’s in your hands—legs, arms, torso, anywhere that feels like it needs a little extra care.
When you reach your face, you’ll be left with just a light residue of oil on your hands. Use this to gently press and massage into your face, neck, and décolletage for a softer, more minimal application.
If you’re not using it after a shower, you can follow the same idea: begin with the body, then finish with the face using whatever remains on your hands.
Use it on your hair, scalp, or anywhere else your skin could use a little extra care.
That’s really it.
We created Natural Kind because we wanted skincare to feel less like a list of things to keep up with and more like something you enjoy doing.
A few pumps. A little time. And a product that can go wherever you need it.
Beautifully simple skincare, made for everyday rituals.