Apr
Skincare
What Goes First Moisturizer or Facial Oil
You’ve got a shiny new serum, a rich moisturizer, and a decadent facial oil. You’re ready to treat your skin like royalty. But then you pause, palm hovering mid-air, unsure whether to press in the oil or slather on the moisturizer first. The order of application seems like a trivial detail – until your face feels greasy instead of glowing, or dry patches pop up hours later. So, what does go first, moisturizer or facial oil?
Let’s break it down with precision, because this seemingly small step can make or break your skincare routine.
Why Layering Order Actually Matters
Here’s a simple principle with major implications: skincare products work best when they’re applied in the correct order. It’s not about brand loyalty or fancy packaging; it’s about chemistry, molecular weight, and how your skin absorbs ingredients.
If you’ve ever noticed your skin pilling – those annoying little rolls of product that ball up on your face – or if your face feels oddly suffocated despite using quality products, it might be because you layered them incorrectly.
Facial oils and moisturizers have different compositions and play distinct roles in your skincare regimen. Moisturizers are usually a mix of water-based humectants (like glycerin or hyaluronic acid), emollients (like squalane or shea butter), and sometimes occlusives (like petrolatum or beeswax). They hydrate the skin and then seal in that hydration.
Facial oils, on the other hand, are lipophilic, meaning they love oil and repel water. They don’t hydrate skin; instead, they lock in whatever moisture is already there. That means facial oil should ideally go last, after your moisturizer, not before.
The Science Behind Moisturizer vs. Facial Oil
Let’s go deeper.
Water molecules are tiny. They absorb into the skin more readily than oils do, especially when the skin is clean and damp. Moisturizers take advantage of this by delivering hydration through water-based ingredients and then softening and conditioning the skin with emollients.
Facial oils are made up of larger molecules. They can’t penetrate the skin as deeply as water-based products, but they form an occlusive barrier. This barrier helps prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL), which is a fancy term for the water your skin naturally loses to the environment.
If you apply oil first, you effectively seal off your skin. Anything applied afterward – like your moisturizer – won’t be able to penetrate as effectively. It’s like putting on a raincoat and then trying to apply lotion underneath. Not going to happen.
But if you flip it – moisturizer first, then facial oil – you’re hydrating the skin and sealing that hydration in with oil. That’s the combo that leaves your face soft, balanced, and radiant.
Why Some People Still Apply Oil First
Despite the science, some skincare aficionados swear by applying facial oil before moisturizer. Why?
Often, it’s a matter of personal preference – or misunderstanding.
Some people feel that their facial oil is more lightweight or absorbs faster than their moisturizer. That may be true on the surface, especially with dry oils like rosehip or squalane. But absorption isn’t always the best indicator of efficacy. Just because something “sinks in” quickly doesn’t mean it’s going where it’s most needed.
Others apply oil first because their skin is very dry or dehydrated and they want immediate comfort. In this case, what they’re experiencing is the occlusive nature of the oil calming the skin’s surface, not necessarily a sign of proper hydration.
If you’ve ever layered products this way and it worked for you, that’s okay. Skincare is personal. But if you’re struggling with dullness, breakouts, or a feeling that your products aren’t working, switching the order might change everything.
How Skin Type Affects Layering
Now, here’s where things get interesting. While the general rule is moisturizer first, then oil, different skin types can benefit from slight tweaks in approach.
If your skin is dry, flaky, or prone to tightness, applying a thick moisturizer followed by a nourishing oil (like marula or argan) is ideal. This combo creates a protective barrier and helps retain moisture throughout the day.
For oily or acne-prone skin, you might want a lightweight, gel-based moisturizer followed by a non-comedogenic oil like squalane or jojoba. These oils mimic the skin’s natural sebum and help regulate oil production without clogging pores.
Combination skin? Treat different zones accordingly. You might need a heavier moisturizer and oil on your cheeks, but only a thin layer of both on your T-zone.
Sensitive skin types should patch test everything. Look for fragrance-free formulas and consider layering a calming serum (like centella asiatica or panthenol) under your moisturizer before sealing everything in with oil.
Timing Is Everything
If you’re layering products too quickly, even in the right order, you can still run into problems. That dewy glow you want? It needs patience.
Give each product a moment to absorb before applying the next. After your moisturizer, wait at least 30 seconds – ideally a full minute – before adding oil. This pause lets the moisturizer settle and reduces the chance of pilling or product conflict.
Some oils absorb faster than others, too. Rosehip and squalane tend to sink in quickly, while heavier oils like avocado or castor can sit on the skin longer. If your oil feels greasy hours later, it might be too heavy – or you might be using too much.
A drop or two is all you need. You’re not cooking with it; you’re sealing your skin.
Facial Oil as a Standalone
What if you want to skip moisturizer altogether and just use oil?
It can work – if your skin is already well-hydrated and you live in a humid environment. But if you’re in a dry climate or dealing with dehydrated skin, oil alone won’t cut it.
Remember, facial oils don’t add water to your skin. They seal in what’s already there. If you’re skipping moisturizer and relying solely on oil, make sure you apply it over damp skin or mist your face beforehand with a hydrating toner or essence.
This way, the oil has moisture to lock in, instead of sealing in dryness.
Morning vs. Night Layering
Your skincare routine doesn’t live in a vacuum. Day and night routines often require different approaches.
In the morning, most people prefer lightweight hydration that plays well under makeup or sunscreen. A lightweight moisturizer followed by a fast-absorbing oil is a solid combo. If you’re wearing foundation, test compatibility – some oils can cause slippage or break down makeup.
At night, the rules loosen up a bit. That’s when you can slather on richer creams and thicker oils without worrying about shine or texture. Your skin enters repair mode while you sleep, so it’s the perfect time to maximize moisture retention.
Some people even use facial oil as a final step after retinol, moisturizer, and spot treatments. Think of it as the cherry on top – a little extra sealant to help everything underneath do its job.
How the Seasons Affect Your Routine
Just like your wardrobe, your skincare routine needs seasonal updates.
In colder months, the air is dry, and your skin loses more moisture. A heavier moisturizer and a more occlusive oil (like almond or castor oil) will help protect your barrier.
In warmer months, your skin may produce more natural oil, so lighter products are better. This is when you might reach for a gel moisturizer and a few drops of squalane or even skip the oil during the day altogether.
Listen to your skin. It tells you what it needs – tightness, flakiness, oiliness, or breakouts are all clues.
Common Mistakes When Using Facial Oils
It’s easy to overdo it with facial oils, especially if they smell nice or have a luxe texture.
Using too much oil can suffocate your skin, cause clogged pores, or make makeup slide off. You only need a few drops – no more than a pea-sized amount for your whole face.
Another mistake? Rubbing the oil into your palms before applying. Most of it gets absorbed by your hands. Instead, apply the drops directly to your face or use the fingertips to gently press and pat.
Also, make sure your oil is appropriate for your skin type. Coconut oil is trendy but highly comedogenic. If you’re acne-prone, it’s a poor choice. Instead, look for oils labeled non-comedogenic, and always scan the ingredient list.
FAQs
Can I mix facial oil with my moisturizer?
Yes! Mixing a few drops of oil into your moisturizer is a great way to streamline your routine and customize your hydration level. This is especially helpful if you’re short on time or want a lighter finish.
Should I use facial oil every day?
Not necessarily. Some people benefit from daily use, while others may only need it during dry spells or winter months. Pay attention to how your skin responds.
What’s the best time to apply facial oil?
Nighttime is ideal for most skin types, but lightweight oils can work well in the morning too. Just avoid heavy oils if you’re wearing makeup or SPF afterward.
Can facial oils replace serums?
No. Serums are usually water-based and packed with active ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, or peptides. Oils don’t replace those benefits – they complement them by sealing in hydration and adding nourishment.
Does facial oil go before or after sunscreen?
Always apply facial oil before sunscreen. Sunscreen is your final step in the morning. Think of it as your skin’s armor. Anything applied after will dilute its effectiveness.
So, What Goes First?
Moisturizer, then facial oil. That’s the science-backed, skin-barrier-friendly answer that works for most people.
When in doubt, think like a chemist: water-based products first, oil-based products last. That way, your skin gets the hydration it needs – and holds onto it. And that’s what healthy, glowing skin is all about.
