Facial oils offer a wealth of skincare benefits from hydration and repair to antioxidant support and a glowing boost. We caught up with Wendy Viola, Founder of Haylo Botanicals, a skincare range which has African oils at its core.
How and why did you start Haylo Botanicals?
I have always been passionate about natural beauty and wanted to find alternatives to the harmful synthetics found in many skincare products. This led me to discover Africa’s powerful oils and active botanicals, renowned for their skin-nourishing and protective properties for centuries. It ultimately inspired the creation of Haylo Botanicals, where I embraced the principle of ‘skinalism’ – a minimalist approach to luxury that combines functional simplicity with pure, natural beauty.
What are face oils and how do they differ from serums?
A face oil and a serum differ in their composition, texture, and purpose. Face oils are rich, plant-based oils that lock in moisture and nourish the skin, typically used on their own, with a few drops added to a moisturiser as a booster, or as a final step in a skincare routine to create a barrier against environmental damage. Face oils also strengthen the skin barrier, protect the microbiome and prevent moisture loss. They are rich in fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants as well as other powerful active ingredients in more complex formulations, such as Haylo Botanicals face oils. Face oils can be used on their own, or in combination with moisturisers and serums. Serums are lightweight, fast-absorbing water-based treatments, designed to target specific concerns, used before applying a moisturiser or face oil. While serums penetrate deeply to treat the skin, face oils focus on hydration and creating a protective barrier to protect the skin. Both can have ingredients that combat specific areas of concern such as dryness, wrinkles or blemishes.
How do you ensure the quality and purity of your oils?
Our products are deeply rooted in African tradition, using heritage ingredients such as Rosehip, Baobab, Marula, Mongongo, Yangu, Kalahari melon seed, Argan, Ximenia, and acmella oleracea (Electric Daisy), also known as ‘nature’s Botox’. These ingredients are scientifically proven to rejuvenate and protect the skin, delivering luxurious, multitasking solutions that simplify and elevate the skincare routine. Our oils are purchased either directly from local farms or from reputable purveyors of fine oils. We use only the best quality ingredients, and each oil is fully traceable, with certification in place verifying the source of the oil and its purity. We also prioritise sustainability. The products are 100 percent natural, vegan, cruelty-free, plant-based, and waterless. We source organic ingredients whenever possible and use recyclable and reusable packaging. Produced in an ISO/GMP and Soil/COSMOS-approved facility, the quality and traceability of every element are assured.
What are the benefits of incorporating face oils into a beauty routine?
Face oils are a powerful addition to a mindful and balanced skincare routine. They can either replace your moisturiser, or they can be used in conjunction with your current regimen to boost your products and add extra protection to your microbiome. As with any skincare product, not all face oils are equal. It is important to find a formula that has been specifically blended to support your skin concern and a good oil will lock in moisture, keep your skin soft and hydrated, and nourish your skin. Face oils also strengthen the skin’s barrier, protecting it from environmental stressors, and can help regulate oil production, making them suitable for all skin types. They also create a smooth base for makeup and enhance the absorption of other skincare products, promoting overall skin health and radiance.
What types of face oils (ingredients) do you recommend for different skin types/ concerns?
For less visible wrinkles: Haylo Botanicals Renew Drops facial oil enhances elasticity, tone, and texture while reducing fine lines and wrinkles, and protects against free radical damage. This formulation is packed with active ingredients to aid in collagen production and the prevention of premature ageing. This formulation includes Electric Daisy.
For a general glow: The Glow Drops facial oil supports a daily youthful glow by reducing inflammation and pigmentation, improving texture, and leaving the skin soft and supple. The skin smoothing properties are an excellent primer for the application of makeup so that your foundation glides on and you’re not left with a ‘caked’ makeup look. One of the active ingredients in this blend is Bakuchiol, a natural alternative to Retinol, which is safe to use day and night.
For even skin tone: The Revive Drops facial oil acts as a booster and natural healing elixir for sensitive, problematic, tired or dry skin. It subtly soothes, calms, repairs and moisturises while evening out imperfections, skin tone, and texture. The rare African Ximenia oil is a hero in this formulation as it is high in oleic acid which penetrates skin layers to deeply hydrate, repair damaged cells and protect and strengthen the skin barrier.
What’s the difference between synthetic and natural oils?
Synthetic oils are chemically engineered in labs to mimic natural oils but may include additives or preservatives that can potentially irritate sensitive skin. They are derived from byproducts of the petrochemical industry, or other chemical compounds which are not natural. Natural oils, on the other hand, are derived from plants, seeds, or nuts and contain pure, unaltered compounds that offer skin-nourishing benefits. These oils are extracted mechanically without any chemical intervention. Natural oils often have a more complex blend of vitamins, fatty acids, and antioxidants, making them generally more compatible with the skin’s natural processes and less likely to cause irritation. We use only pure, natural, plant-based ingredients in our formulations.
What is the best way to apply face oils?
Cleanse your skin with our reusable bamboo face glows, using only water, as this protects your skin barrier and microbiome. Start with slightly damp skin to help lock in moisture. Dispense a few drops onto your fingertips and warm the oil in your hands by gently pressing your palms together. If you are using a Haylo Botanicals face oil, inhale deeply to get the full benefit of the formulation. Gently press the oil into your skin and avoid rubbing. For the delicate eye area, use your ring finger to lightly tap a small amount of oil, avoiding direct contact with the eyes to prevent irritation. Always apply oils in an upward motion to support the skin’s natural elasticity. Finish by allowing the oil to absorb fully before applying any other products. Our Gua Sha and Roller sets are perfect to use after applying your oil, to aid in penetration, stimulate blood flow for a brighter, more radiant complexion and promote lymphatic drainage which releases toxins and reduces fluid retention.
What is your skincare routine?
I have simplified my skincare routine down to two elements and have seen a definite improvement in my skin as my barrier and microbiome are now strengthened and protected. Each morning and evening I cleanse with our reusable bamboo face glow cleansing rounds, using only water. While my skin is still slightly damp, I apply a few drops of either the Renew Drops or the Glow Drops face oil depending on whether or not I will be applying makeup afterwards (the Glow Drops are excellent as a makeup primer). In the evenings I apply the Revive Drops and I use the Gua Sha and Roller for five minutes to help penetrate the oil to the deeper layers of my skin. This routine repairs any damage while I’m sleeping so that my skin is smooth and plump when I wake up.
What next for Haylo Botanicals?
I’m proud to say we have won numerous awards, validating the benefits of our luxury face oils, a category which is relatively new to South Africa. Although face oils are firmly established in global markets, their benefits are not yet well known locally, and we aim to communicate the effectiveness of using oils as they are so beneficial. We are also increasing our local distribution footprint and are in negotiations with a distributor to take Haylo Botanicals into key global markets. We are also increasing our offering to include eye oil, body oil and beard oil, which are currently in development.
