Hi friends!
I hope all the skincare lovers and connoisseurs out there are reading cause I’m talking about face oil today – The Ordinary Chia Seed Oil to be exact. This is actually my first ever purchase from the uber-affordable, much-buzzed-about, kinda-controversial brand. I know, right? Where have I been? Well in the past I usually stuck to what I knew and what worked for me when it came to skincare (see: anything from Clinique). But lately I have been branching out more with other products and other brands. Variety being the spice of life, and all that.
Case in point: this oil from The Ordinary. One of my good friends is a big believer in the brand and was always going on and on about how I should try something from them. Well, one day we finally ventured into a Deciem store in NYC to have a look. I was a bit overwhelmed, truth be told, but I was most interested in trying one of the oils. I grabbed one of the salespeople and gave her the quick low-down on my skin type and what my needs were.
Quick interruption here – if you’re new to my blog, I have dry (and likely dehydrated) skin. It doesn’t suffer as badly in the summer, but as soon as cooler weather rolls around it’s all about redness, tightness, & flakiness. It’s also dull, dull, dull! My skin can be sensitive and reactive at times, and I’m prone to eczema flare-up’s now and again.
Read this: My speedy skincare routine for dry skin
Back to our scene at the Deciem store. I told the salesperson that I wanted a lightweight oil that would help hydrate me but not be rich enough to clog my pores or anything nasty like that. Without hesitation she recommended the 100% Organic Virgin Chia Seed Oil. So without hesitation – 30 ml is only $7.70 after all – I bought the bottle!
WHAT IS THE ORDINARY CHIA SEED OIL EXACTLY?
This formulation contains 100% pure Chia Seed Oil that is sustainably-sourced, organic, virgin and cold-pressed. This immediately-soothing, calming and nourishing skin oil contains an exceptionally-high concentration of alpha-linolenic acid, an important essential fatty acid, and linoleic, oleic, stearic as well as palmitic acids, together with multiple vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. This oil also adds softness, sheen and strength to hair.
Water-free, alcohol-free, silicone-free, nut-free, vegan, gluten-free, & cruelty-free.
For even more info, check out this post from Paula’s Choice about the best face oils. For reference, chia seed oil is ninth from the top.
HOW DO I USE IT IN MY ROUTINE?
I’ve been using this oil for about six weeks now. I use it primarily at nighttime, after my shower and before bedtime (obvs). This is when I do my full skincare routine. I’m a bit lazy so I like to combine steps to get into bed quicker. So after my eye cream and serum are applied, I combine anywhere between 1 – 2 drops of this oil with my moisturizer (still using and loving the One Ocean Beauty Replenishing Deep Sea Moisturizer, fyi). I combine them on the back of my hand, and rub the mixture over my face and neck.
I have used it once or twice during the day before my makeup application, primarily on my cheeks, nose and forehead. It does seem to layer very well with product and doesn’t shift anything around. But please note, I only apply a very small amount of the oil – really rubbed into my skin – plus I use very light coverage bases over top.
Read this: Quick thoughts! One Ocean Beauty Replenishing Deep Sea Moisturizer
MY VERDICT
I like this oil very much. I agree that it’s really lightweight and easy to use, as it doesn’t feel overly slippy or greasy. Huge bonus: it hasn’t broken me out or distressed my skin in the slightest, so hooray! I’d imagine this would be good for people with oily or combo skin as well, due to its lightness.
I’m really intrigued to see how hydrated this keeps my skin as the seasons change and the weather gets cooler. If I remember I will update you guys on that at a later time. I definitely plan to keep using this until I run out, and when I do I will repurchase!
Read this: Quick thoughts! Glossier Bubblewrap Eye Cream
Have you ever used chia seed oil before? Favorite products from The Ordinary I should try? Let me know below!
xo, Erica
PIN IT!
I love how affordable this skincare line is as well. I hope you get good results off of this and the rest of the line. Never heard of Chia oil hmmm. I know the benefits of it are great. I do add chia in my oatmeal and smoothies and it keeps hunger at bay! Lol
I’ve actually never jumped on the whole chia seed thing in my food, but I do love this oil! It’s going to take me quite a while to use up, but I’m curious to try more of the line one day!
I was curious about the line, but so scared to give it a try. My skin is so funny and sensitive. Ugh. I love Chia seed. I actually started using it when I was pregnant with my daughter and I’ve been hooked since. Lol it tastes like nothing, but there’s great benefits.
Yea I don’t like to change up my skincare very much either. My skin can be really sensitive too sometimes. I think as long as you just change one thing at a time, you’ll be fine though!
I know a lot of people love putting chia seeds on oatmeal and things like that, but I guess it just never intrigued me!
That makes sense. I’ll have to try it out one day. I’m looking for a new eye cream…maybe they have good ones.
Haha I like it in Yogurt as a snack. It’s so odd yet so good. Maybe it’s a texture thing.
I love how inexpensive it is! There’s so much stuff out there that is ridiculously expensive. I’ve never tried this, but I’d love to! I would probably mix it in with my moisturizer, too.
Yea, The Ordinary was kinda game-changing when they first came out because their prices were so incredibly affordable for what they were offering.
I hate too many steps in skincare, so I love combining them!
I’ve never heard of chai seeds as a skincare ingredient, how fascinating! I’m glad this oil is working well for you. I’m definitely curious to see how it works through the colder seasons as well x
I’d never heard of their skincare benefits either! I’ve never even eaten chia seeds before! But it’s a great lightweight oil, been loving using it 😊.
I have a bag of them in my pantry but I’ve never actually tried them 😂
They look a little ’sus to me, to be honest 😆
Their packaging is so fancy, I can’t believe they’re so affordable! The ingredients sound so luxurious, too.
This was my first time trying The Ordinary and I’ve been super impressed. Now I’m curious about more!
Me too! Can’t wait to see what else you try! 😀