Often there's very little difference between a face oil, a hair oil and a body oil. Many use the same plant oils. What really matters is how light the blend feels and whether it has added fragrance, which is why one well-made multipurpose oil can do all three jobs.
What makes a face oil a face oil?
Face oils are usually lighter, so they sink in without feeling heavy. They tend to avoid strong fragrance, because the skin on your face is thinner and often more reactive than the skin on your body.
What makes a hair oil different?
Hair oils need to coat the hair without weighing it down. Light oils work best for this, smoothed through the mid-lengths and ends rather than the roots. Some hair oils also contain silicones for extra slip.
And body oil?
Body oils are often richer and cheaper per millilitre, and many are heavily scented. That's the main reason not to put just any body oil on your face: the fragrance, not the oil.
Can one oil do all three?
Yes, if it's light, fast-absorbing and unfragranced. That combination works on your face, slips through dry ends without greasiness, and is gentle enough for dry patches on your body.
| Use | What you need | How much |
|---|---|---|
| Face | Light, fragrance free | 2–3 drops |
| Hair | Light, won't weigh hair down | 1–2 drops |
| Body | Spreads easily, softens dry skin | As needed |
| Beard | Softens hair and the skin underneath | 2–3 drops |
Why use one oil instead of four?
- Less to buy. One bottle costs less than a separate face, hair, beard and cuticle oil.
- Less to think about. One product, one set of directions.
- Less waste. Fewer bottles in the bin or recycling.
That's the idea behind Universal Oil, our multipurpose oil for face, body, hair, beard, nails and cuticles. It's a dry oil, so it sinks in fast and leaves skin soft rather than shiny.
Quick answers
Can I use body oil on my face?
You can if it's light and fragrance free. Avoid heavily scented body oils on your face.
Can you use face oil on your hair?
Yes. A drop or two through dry ends works well. Here's how.
Is a multipurpose oil as good as separate oils?
For most people, yes. A well-made light oil covers the same needs with fewer products.