I have to admit that I'm a bit of a hypocrite when it comes to using face oil. Because despite being aware that oil isn't necessarily "bad" for oily skin, I still try to steer clear of them as much as possible in fear that it could break me out. Don't get me wrong—I've tried many that I liked, it's just that I could never make myself use them consistently. I usually only go through half of a bottle before I completely pass it on to my friend who has dry skin. So dear face oils, don't worry—it's not you, it's me. I am determined to be better though, hence why I told myself one day that I would commit to the next face oil that would land on my desk. Lucky for me, it was a product that ended up being more than a success.
What: Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil
It's a vegan face oil that contains sugarcane-derived squalane oil, rose extract, chios crystal oil, and a stable form of vitamin C. It claims to brighten, firm, hydrate, and protect skin from moisture loss to give you a healthy, rosy glow.
BIOSSANCE Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil, P1815 (12ml) P4475 (30ml), Sephora.ph
Current Condition
As stated above, I have oily and acne-prone skin, which explains my minor face oil phobia. I first heard of Biossance products from Aimee Song and Jonathan Van Ness, the latter being the face of the brand. I've been intrigued by their "clean" formulations since then, and the Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil is the first product I'm trying from their range.
How I Used It
I always do a quick patch and sniff test before applying anything on my face. It helps me check the texture and scent of a product so I don't end up regretting putting it on in the first place. Color- and texture-wise, this squalane-based oil is clear and thin—almost like a dry oil. It has a very faint rosy scent that's almost negligible and disappears shortly after application. In short, it has a friendly texture and scent for those with oily-prone skin and those sensitive to scent.
When I first began using this oil, it was exclusively part of my nighttime routine as a last step, right after my serum and moisturizer. I would dispense around four drops on my palms, warm it up, and then pat it all over my face and neck. Of course, my skin would get that oil-induced glow after, but believe me when I say that it barely felt like anything on my face. In contrast, I've tried face oils that would sit on my skin and take the entire night to be absorbed. That wasn't the case here, because after about an hour, I looked in the mirror to find that the "oily" film was almost gone—my skin just drank that stuff up, basically. That said, I still felt as moisturized as I did when I first put it on. I think it's worth mentioning that my hands didn't feel sticky after applying it either. I'd usually have to wipe off the excess on a towel because there would be too much.
Every time I used this oil at night, I would wake up to soft, plump-looking skin that feels neither tight nor overly greasy. I'd just have a subtle, healthy glow that I bet any oily-skinned girl would appreciate. This result eventually made me start using it in the morning, which actually makes more sense because it contains vitamin C that helps protect against free radicals. I use only two drops of it over a gel-based moisturizer and under sunscreen. Applying less product helped it absorb even faster, and I actually found it much lighter than some of my non-oil vitamin C serums. It made a huge difference in sealing in moisture, especially in the office where the air-conditioned room would dehydrate my skin and make it even oilier.
Conclusion
I never thought this day would come, but this product has officially turned me into a face oil person. The light, non-greasy texture is perfect for my oily skin type because it never feels heavy, to the point where I can use it day and night. It locks in moisture as well as a face oil should with the added antioxidants of vitamin C that makes it a worthy addition to any skincare routine. It's quite an investment, but I feel that a high quality formulation like it would be worth it, especially if you use an oil on a daily basis. I do recommend trying more affordable squalane-based products first to test if it's an ingredient your skin agrees with, though!
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