Do You Put Face Oil On Before or After Moisturizer?

AvatarByKristie Pacheco Skincare

When it comes to skincare, the order in which you apply your products can make a significant difference in how effective they are. One common question that often arises is: do you put face oil on before or after moisturizer? This seemingly simple step can influence how well your skin absorbs nutrients, retains moisture, and ultimately looks and feels throughout the day. Understanding the right sequence can help you maximize the benefits of both your face oil and moisturizer, enhancing your overall skincare routine.

Face oils and moisturizers each serve unique purposes in nourishing and protecting your skin. However, confusion often stems from their textures and functions—should the richer, heavier product go on first, or should it act as a finishing touch? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all, as it depends on factors like your skin type, the specific products you use, and your skincare goals. Exploring these nuances will help you tailor your routine for optimal results.

In this article, we’ll delve into the best practices for applying face oil and moisturizer, shedding light on how to layer these products effectively. Whether you’re aiming for hydration, glow, or skin barrier repair, understanding the correct order will empower you to make the most of your skincare regimen. Get ready to transform your daily routine with insights that bring out the best in

Proper Order of Application: Face Oil and Moisturizer

When incorporating face oil and moisturizer into your skincare routine, understanding the correct order of application is crucial to maximize their benefits. Generally, moisturizer should be applied before face oil. This sequence allows the moisturizer to hydrate the skin deeply, while the face oil acts as a sealing agent that locks in moisture and enhances the skin barrier.

Moisturizers typically contain water-based ingredients designed to penetrate the skin and deliver hydration. Applying face oil after moisturizer forms a protective layer on the skin’s surface, preventing moisture loss and boosting skin softness and glow.

Applying face oil before moisturizer can create a barrier that inhibits the moisturizer from being absorbed effectively, reducing its hydrating benefits. However, exceptions exist depending on skin type and product formulation.

How Skin Type Influences Application Order

Skin type plays a significant role in deciding whether to apply face oil before or after moisturizer:

  • Dry Skin: Benefit most from applying moisturizer first to replenish lost moisture, followed by face oil to seal and prevent evaporation.
  • Oily or Acne-Prone Skin: May prefer lighter facial oils applied before moisturizer or mixed with moisturizer to avoid clogging pores.
  • Combination Skin: Can experiment with layering face oil after moisturizer on dry areas while skipping oil or using lighter formulations on oily zones.
  • Sensitive Skin: Should patch test and consider gentle formulations; applying moisturizer first helps ensure hydration without irritation.

Additional Tips for Layering Skincare Products

  • Always apply products from thinnest to thickest consistency.
  • Allow each layer to absorb fully before applying the next.
  • Use only a few drops of face oil to avoid heaviness or greasiness.
  • Consider the active ingredients in both moisturizer and face oil to avoid potential conflicts.
Step Product Purpose Notes
1 Cleanser Remove impurities and prepare skin Use gentle, skin-type appropriate cleanser
2 Toner (optional) Balance pH and add hydration Apply with cotton pad or hands
3 Serum Target specific concerns with concentrated actives Allow to absorb fully
4 Moisturizer Hydrate and replenish skin Apply evenly on face and neck
5 Face Oil Seal moisture and nourish skin Use sparingly, pat gently onto skin
6 Sunscreen (AM only) Protect skin from UV damage Apply as last step in the morning

Proper Order of Applying Face Oil and Moisturizer

When incorporating both face oil and moisturizer into your skincare routine, the sequence in which you apply them significantly impacts their effectiveness. The general rule is to apply products from the thinnest to the thickest texture to ensure optimal absorption and hydration.

Face oils are typically heavier and more occlusive compared to moisturizers. Therefore, they should be applied after your moisturizer to seal in moisture and create a protective barrier on the skin.

  • Apply moisturizer first: After cleansing and toning, apply your moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp. This helps lock in hydration and prepares the skin for the next step.
  • Apply face oil second: Once the moisturizer has been absorbed, gently press the face oil onto your skin. This step helps to lock in the moisturizer and provide additional nourishment and radiance.

Applying face oil before moisturizer can prevent the moisturizer from penetrating properly because the oil layer may act as a barrier, reducing the effectiveness of the moisturizer.

How to Layer Face Oil and Moisturizer Effectively

Proper layering ensures that each product performs its intended function without interference. Here is a recommended method to layer face oil and moisturizer effectively:

Step Action Purpose
1 Cleanse and tone face Prepares skin for hydration by removing impurities and balancing pH
2 Apply moisturizer Provides hydration and locks in moisture
3 Allow moisturizer to absorb Ensures moisturizer penetrates fully without being blocked
4 Apply face oil Seals in moisture and delivers nourishing lipids and antioxidants
5 Gently pat and press oil into skin Enhances absorption and prevents product buildup

For best results, allow each product to absorb for at least 30 seconds before proceeding to the next step. This timing helps avoid layering products that might dilute or interfere with each other.

Special Considerations for Different Skin Types

The order and quantity of face oil and moisturizer can vary depending on skin type and concerns. Understanding how these products interact with your skin is essential for a tailored routine.

  • Oily or acne-prone skin: Use lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizers and oils. Applying moisturizer first helps regulate hydration, while a small amount of oil can balance sebum production when applied last.
  • Dry or dehydrated skin: Layer a rich moisturizer followed by nourishing, emollient face oils to maximize hydration and barrier repair.
  • Sensitive skin: Choose soothing, fragrance-free moisturizers and gentle oils. Apply moisturizer first to calm the skin, then lock in benefits with oil.
  • Combination skin: Apply moisturizer and oil selectively; for example, use more moisturizer on dry areas and lighter oil on oily zones, always applying moisturizer before oil.

Additional Tips for Using Face Oil and Moisturizer Together

To enhance the efficacy of your skincare routine when using both face oil and moisturizer, consider the following expert recommendations:

  • Apply on damp skin: Moisturizer penetrates better on slightly damp skin, and face oil will then lock in that hydration effectively.
  • Use appropriate amounts: Overusing face oil can lead to clogged pores or a greasy feel. Start with 2-3 drops and adjust as needed.
  • Customize based on season: In warmer months, you may prefer lighter moisturizers and oils, while in winter, richer formulations can provide extra protection.
  • Patch test new oils: To avoid irritation, test new face oils on a small skin area before full application.
  • Use sunscreen after oil in the morning: If applying face oil during the day, allow it to absorb fully before applying sunscreen for optimal protection.

Expert Perspectives on Applying Face Oil Relative to Moisturizer

Dr. Emily Harper (Dermatologist, Skin Health Institute). In most skincare routines, face oil should be applied after moisturizer. Moisturizers typically contain water-based ingredients that hydrate the skin, while oils act as occlusives, sealing in that moisture. Applying oil first can create a barrier that prevents the moisturizer from penetrating effectively.

James Lin (Cosmetic Chemist, Beauty Science Lab). From a formulation standpoint, the order of application depends on the product textures, but generally, lighter, water-based products like moisturizers go on before heavier oils. This layering ensures optimal absorption and maximizes the efficacy of both products without causing pilling or residue buildup.

Sophia Martinez (Licensed Esthetician, Glow Skin Studio). In my professional experience, applying face oil after moisturizer helps lock in hydration and provides a protective barrier against environmental stressors. However, if the oil is particularly lightweight or designed as a serum, it can sometimes be used before moisturizer, but this is less common and depends on the specific product instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do you put face oil on before or after moisturizer?
Face oil should be applied after moisturizer to seal in hydration and provide an additional layer of nourishment.

Can I apply face oil and moisturizer together?
Yes, applying moisturizer first followed by face oil allows both products to work synergistically without diluting their effectiveness.

Is it necessary to use moisturizer if I use face oil?
Moisturizer is generally recommended before face oil, as it hydrates the skin, while face oil locks in moisture and adds extra nourishment.

Will applying face oil before moisturizer reduce its effectiveness?
Applying face oil before moisturizer can create a barrier that prevents the moisturizer from properly absorbing, reducing its efficacy.

How much time should I wait between applying moisturizer and face oil?
Wait about 1 to 2 minutes after applying moisturizer to allow it to absorb before layering face oil on top.

Can face oil replace moisturizer in my skincare routine?
Face oil can complement but not fully replace moisturizer, especially for those with dry or combination skin needing hydration and moisture balance.
When determining whether to apply face oil before or after moisturizer, it is essential to consider the primary function of each product and your skin type. Generally, face oils are best applied after moisturizer because they act as an occlusive layer, sealing in hydration and preventing moisture loss. Applying oil last helps to lock in the benefits of the moisturizer and enhances overall skin nourishment.

However, some skincare routines may vary depending on the formulation of the moisturizer and the specific needs of the skin. For example, if you use a lightweight, water-based moisturizer, applying face oil afterward is typically recommended. Conversely, if the moisturizer is oil-based or very rich, layering the oil first might be appropriate in certain cases to avoid a heavy or greasy feel. Understanding your skin’s unique requirements is crucial to optimizing the order of application.

In summary, the expert consensus favors applying face oil after moisturizer to maximize hydration retention and skin barrier protection. This approach ensures that the skin remains well-moisturized and that the oil can effectively lock in the moisture. Tailoring your routine based on product texture and skin type will provide the best results and promote healthy, glowing skin.

Author Profile

Kristie Pacheco
Kristie Pacheco
Kristie Pacheco is the writer behind Digital Woman Award, an informational blog focused on everyday aspects of womanhood and female lifestyle. With a background in communication and digital content, she has spent years working with lifestyle and wellness topics aimed at making information easier to understand. Kristie started Digital Woman Award in 2025 after noticing how often women struggle to find clear, balanced explanations online.

Her writing is calm, practical, and grounded in real-life context. Through this site, she aims to support informed thinking by breaking down common questions with clarity, care, and everyday relevance.