Can you replace moisturiser with oil?

Author: Marvin Schowalter  |  Last update: Sunday, January 25, 2026

Many people make the erroneous assumption that face oil can replace moisturizer because it's so rich and emollient. But because face oil adds nourishment and seals in moisture, using it alone is like eating food without drinking water. You'll get by, but your skin won't be adequately hydrated.

Can you replace moisturizer with oil?

Moisturizers and face oils are not interchangeable. You cannot use oil in place of moisturizer because oils are too heavy for the skin. They will make your face oily and greasy, which is something you definitely want to avoid as it will make your skin look worse than ever.

Can you skip moisturizer if you use oil?

No, it is not recommended to skip moisturizer even if you have oily skin. Moisturizer helps to hydrate the skin and maintain the skin's barrier function, which can actually help to reduce oil production in the long run.

Can I replace moisturizer with body oil?

Yes, you can use oil to moisturize your skin instead of lotion. Oils can be an effective moisturizer because they help to lock in moisture and create a barrier on the skin. Here are some points to consider:

Is it better to use oil or moisturizer?

Both oil and lotion are helpful in moisturizing skin, however oil is probably more effective in locking in moisture for a longer period of time and can also heal blemishes, dark spots, cuts, etc. depending on what particular oil you use.

Can Face Oil Replace Moisturizer?

Does oil absorb into skin better than lotion?

Oils sit on top of the skin, rather than being absorbed into it, Siso adds. Layering these two products is going to deliver the best results. Siso suggests moisturizing first and adding oil right after to ensure your skin is getting the hydration it needs while locking it in.

Why is oil free moisturizer better?

Those with oily, stressed and combination skin will find the most benefits in an oil-free formula. These products are often non-comedogenic, meaning they do not contain ingredients that clog or congest pores. This makes them a great option for those who suffer from acne, breakouts, and blackheads.

Can oil act as moisturizer?

Moisturizers are typically water-based, which allows them to absorb easily into the skin, but they also evaporate relatively quickly. Face oils are more occlusive because they're oil-based, so they're an ideal choice for preventing moisture loss and sealing moisture into the skin for deep, long-lasting hydration.

Is body oil enough to moisturize skin?

Body oils contain nourishing vitamins and hydrating nutrients that work wonders for the look and feel of your skin. These formulations work just as well as your favorite lotions or moisturizers to nourish, hydrate, and revitalize the skin on your body.

Can I use oil instead of moisturizer at night?

It's important to note that you can customise your skin care routine by using both face oil and moisturiser, according to your needs. For example, you may find that your skin feels best with moisturiser during the day and a face oil as the last step in your nighttime routine.

Do I really need face moisturizer?

Moisturizing Reduces Skin Problems - Moisturizing everyday can reduce the chance of developing extreme dryness or oiliness. Both extremes are harmful for skin and cause common skin conditions like acne. Conceals Other Skin Blemishes - Using a daily moisturizer ensures that the skin's blemishes are camouflaged.

Is it good to let your skin breathe without moisturizer?

Letting your skin breathe can bring numerous benefits. Some of which includes: When the skin pores are less clogged, they can absorb skincare products in a better way leading to better results. Your skin gets the opportunity to return to its natural pH levels, which can assist with dryness or oiliness issues.

Can you skip moisturizer if you use face oil?

While some individuals may choose to use only oil, particularly those with oily skin, it is generally recommended to use both products. Moisturizers hydrate the skin, while oils lock in that hydration. Skipping moisturizer can leave the skin dehydrated, especially in dry or cold climates.

How to rehydrate face?

How to Hydrate Skin
  1. Use a humidifier. Low-humidity environments often lead to dry skin. ...
  2. Hydrate skin with lotion, ointments, or face creams. ...
  3. Try moisturizing serums. ...
  4. Use a vitamin C serum for brighter skin. ...
  5. Apply a facial toner. ...
  6. Drink plenty of water. ...
  7. Exfoliate a couple of times a week at most. ...
  8. Use sunscreen.

Can I use oil instead of cream?

Face oils shouldn't replace your daily moisturizer. Instead, they should work in conjunction with the rest of your routine. Face oils can help keep your skin smooth and soft, but they don't typically contain the nutrients your skin needs to stay hydrated.

Are oils better than moisturizers?

Each one plays a unique role in achieving healthy, radiant skin. While facial oils offer a natural and nourishing way to hydrate the skin, moisturizers work well to lock-in moisture and creams provide more intense hydration.

Is it better to use oil instead of lotion?

While oils help to replenish nutrients in the skin, lotions work to treat different skin care concerns ranging from dryness to itch relief. They come in various forms and, according to the Mayo Clinic contain a higher percentage of water which makes them an ideal pick for those with sensitive or oily skin.

Do you need Moisturiser after oil?

Let's take a closer look at deciding between face oil before or after moisturizer. More recently – thanks to science-backed research – it is now widely accepted that a face oil should go on AFTER moisturizer. That's right: that oily essence that doesn't play well with water can actually penetrate moisturizers.

Does body oil actually moisturize?

For ultimate hydration, using a combination of a body oil and a body lotion will seal and retain moisture in the skin. Body oils support hydration and add a natural sheen to your skin. “They make skin feel smooth, soft, and provide a shine or glow.

Does oil get absorbed into skin?

The oil itself does not add any moisture to the skin as it can't absorb. A plant oil is obviously from plants and unlike mineral oil, it can absorb into the skin. Some plant oils will have higher absorption abilities due to smaller molecules in the oil that allows them to penetrate the skin.

Which oil is the best moisturizer?

Coconut oil is one of the best oils for your skin. Its vitamin E and medium-chain fatty acids (MCTs) help nourish and support the skin. Plus, coconut oil's cleansing properties are essential for a clear-looking, moisturized complexion.

Which moisturizer is best for dry skin?

  • 4.6|4.2k. AD. Reequil. ...
  • AD. CeraVe. Moisturizing Cream - 454 g. ...
  • 4.5|905. Aveeno. Daily Moisturizing Lotion-71ml. ...
  • 4.3|21. Shahnaz Husain. Intensive Moisturiser. ...
  • AD. Vrija. Moisturizer Night Cream- 45 g. ...
  • 4.8|44. Novology. Skin Barrier Protect Cream-50g. ...
  • REVOLUTION MAN. Hydrating Moisturiser - 75ml. 594 699 (15% OFF)
  • 4.5|16.6k. AD. Ponds.

Can normal skin use oil-free moisturizer?

Skin types: Oil-free moisturizers are mostly suitable for all skin types, especially oily, combination, and acne-prone skin.

Is Cetaphil moisturizer oil-free?

This ultra-light, oil-free moisturizer with hyaluronic acid instantly hydrates and locks in moisture for 24 hours to leave skin feeling balanced. Ideal for sensitive, combination skin. Defends against 5 signs of skin sensitivity including dryness, irritation, roughness, tightness and a weakened skin barrier.

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