Quick answer

Multi-Active Oil is the better fit if your main goal is everyday hydration, softness, and antioxidant support. Choose a retinol face oil such as Expert Retinol Face Oil if you also want to target texture, tone, and radiance with vitamin A. They are not either/or forever: many people use Multi-Active Oil in the morning and a retinol face oil at night.

What separates a multi-active oil from a retinol face oil

Both are facial oils, but they are built for different jobs. Multi-Active Oil focuses on a potent Seed Oil Complex that boosts the skin's ability to retain moisture, improving hydration and skin softness. It also delivers a surge of antioxidant-rich ingredients to help fortify skin against free radical damage while aiding repair and calming skin.

Expert Retinol Face Oil takes a different route. It uses vitamin A to create change deep within the skin while revitalising and retexturising surface texture, tone, and radiance. The catalog describes it as a 0.9% active retinol treatment oil that is super nourishing for a retinol product and formulated to avoid the irritation often associated with vitamin A.

How to use Multi-Active Oil in a routine

After cleansing and prior to moisturising, use a few drops morning and evening to face and neck while avoiding the eye area. The brand notes that dry skin may want more, so start with a few drops and adjust. Because it is a leave-on oil, it layers well under moisturiser and can be pressed over the top if your skin still feels tight.

How to use a retinol face oil without irritation

If you are new to vitamin A, introduce Expert Retinol Face Oil slowly rather than nightly from the start. Apply it as your treatment step after cleansing and before moisturiser, using the amount directed on the product. Pairing it with a simple, hydrating routine and daily sunscreen helps most people stay consistent. If your skin is reactive, alternate nights or buffer with a moisturiser first.

Can you use both oils together?

Yes, but keep the roles clear. Use Multi-Active Oil in the morning for hydration and antioxidant support, then Expert Retinol Face Oil at night for texture and tone. If your skin is dry or sensitive, you can layer Multi-Active Oil over the retinol oil to cushion it, or use Multi-Active Oil on off nights. Avoid stacking two retinol products in the same routine.

Face oil vs serum: where oil fits

A face oil is not a replacement for a serum, and a serum is not a replacement for an oil. Serums are typically water-based and deliver targeted actives; oils are emollient and help seal in moisture while supporting the lipid barrier. If you use a serum, apply it first, then follow with Multi-Active Oil or your retinol face oil, then moisturiser. This order lets each step do its job without the oil blocking the serum.

Trade-offs at a glance

  • Hydration and barrier support: Multi-Active Oil is built around moisture retention and antioxidant defence, so it excels at softening dry skin and calming it. Best for daily comfort and dryness.
  • Texture, tone, and radiance: Expert Retinol Face Oil uses vitamin A to create change deep within the skin, which is why it targets surface texture and tone rather than only hydration. Best when you want visible retexturising over time.
  • Irritation risk: Retinol can cause irritation, but this formula is described as super nourishing and less irritating than many vitamin A products. Multi-Active Oil carries no retinol, so it is the lower-risk option for reactive skin. If your skin is sensitive, start with Multi-Active Oil or introduce retinol slowly.
  • Routine simplicity: Multi-Active Oil can be used morning and evening with no adjustment period. Expert Retinol Face Oil usually needs a gradual introduction and daily sunscreen. Choose based on how much routine management you want.

Product facts

  • Multi-Active Oil: A potent Seed Oil Complex boosts the skin's ability to retain moisture, improving hydration and skin softness; antioxidant-rich ingredients help fortify skin against free radical damage while aiding repair and calming skin. This makes Multi-Active Oil a strong daily hydrator and antioxidant step for dry or stressed skin, especially in the morning.
  • Expert Retinol Face Oil: Vitamin A creates change deep within the skin while revitalising and retexturising surface texture, tone, and radiance; the 0.9% active retinol treatment oil is formulated to be super nourishing without the irritation often associated with vitamin A. This makes Expert Retinol Face Oil the choice when texture, tone, and radiance are the priority, with a gentler feel than many retinol products.

Which one fits your routine?

Best for

  • Dry or dehydrated skin that needs daily moisture and softness
  • Anyone wanting antioxidant support without retinol
  • People new to facial oils who want a simple morning and evening step
  • Sensitive skin that reacts to vitamin A

Not for

  • Anyone whose main goal is retexturising and tone improvement from vitamin A
  • Those who want a single oil to address both hydration and retinol-like results
  • Skin that is already using a prescription retinoid and does not need another retinol product