Water Based vs Oil Based Serums: What Your Skin Actually Needs

What a water based serum does

Water based serums absorb fast. They are lightweight and deliver actives into the skin quickly before heavier products go on top.

This is why they go on first, right after cleansing and toning. Our Hyaluronic Acid Serum is water based. It helps skin look plumper and feel more comfortable. Our 10% Niacinamide Serum is also water based. It helps the look of pores and supports a more even skin tone over time.

Water based serums work well across most skin types. Oily skin, combination skin, skin that feels congested. Nothing heavy, nothing greasy.

What an oil based serum does

Oil based serums work differently. They do not absorb the same way. They work closer to the surface, sealing in what went on before and supporting how skin looks and feels over time.

At Sanbe, most of our serums are oil based . That is intentional. Plant based oils carry actives in a way that feels good on skin and works with your skin barrier rather than stripping it.

Here is what we have and who each one is for.

Beloved Serum is a lightweight balancing night oil. It is a good starting point if your skin looks uneven or dull by morning. Use it as your last step at night.

THDA 20% Vitamin C Serum uses tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, an oil-soluble form of Vitamin C. Because it is oil based it stays stable and does not oxidize. It helps skin look brighter and more even with consistent use. Last step at night.

Organic Mature Skin Serum is for skin that is starting to look less firm or more tired. Lightweight but nourishing. It helps skin look more lifted and rested.

Balance Face Oil is for sensitive skin that looks red or reactive. It helps visibly calm the look of redness and smooth skin texture over time.

Vibration Face Oil is for mature skin that wants to look firmer. Richer than the others. Best as your final step at night.

The order that makes everything work

Water based always goes first. Oil based always goes last.

Oil repels water. If an oil based serum goes on first it blocks everything that comes after from absorbing properly. That is the main reason people use products for weeks and feel like nothing is happening.

A simple night routine with Sanbe looks like this. Cleanse. Tone. Apply your water based serum if you use one. Then finish with your oil based serum as your last step.

For beginners, start with one oil based serum at night. Be consistent for 4 to 6 weeks before adding anything else.

Not sure which serum to start with?

Take our Skin Quiz. Two minutes and it points you to the right product for where your skin is right now.