Applying face oil after moisturizer respects the general rule of skincare application: from lightest to heaviest. Since oils are generally heavier and denser, they are best applied after lighter, water-based products like moisturizers.
You should generally apply facial oil after your moisturizer. The typical skincare order is to apply lighter products first and heavier products last. Since facial oils are thicker, applying them after moisturizer helps to seal in hydration and provide an extra layer of nourishment.
Always apply your moisturizer first, as it contains water-based ingredients that are absorbed into the skin's surface. Then apply your facial oil for deep-down, long-lasting nourishment, and hydration.
Layering: Applying lotion first allows it to absorb into the skin, while the oil can create a barrier on top, enhancing hydration. Skin Type Consideration: If you have very dry skin, using oil first can provide an extra layer of moisture, but for most people, oil after lotion is the most effective method.
You should generally apply body oil after lotion. Here's why: Moisture Sealing: Lotion typically contains water and other hydrating ingredients. Applying oil afterward helps to seal in that moisture, preventing it from evaporating.
Applying a facial oil like Jojoba should be done before you apply a moisturiser, but after cleansing, toning and applying a serum. You'll want to apply your skincare products lightest to heaviest, and because Jojoba has a heavier, oil-like consistency, it should be left toward the end of your routine.
In general, it is best to apply serum before moisturizer. This gives the active ingredients in the serum the best chance of working. Otherwise, the best order and time of day for a skin care routine depends on the products' ingredients and the person's goals.
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. The reasoning is in its makeup.
The oil acts as a barrier to seal your skin, so you want to put the moisturizer then oil.
You might be surprised to learn that unlike a serum, your face oil should go after your moisturizer. Meaning, it should be the very last step in your skincare routine. Check this out. Face oil acts as a magic sealer if you will, that locks in all of the amazing benefits from your skincare routine.
Moisturisers 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.
Since those who have more natural oils and hydration often skip the moisturizer altogether, using a body oil is a healthy alternative to protecting your skin barrier by locking in the moisture you already have.
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.
When used as a standalone product, sweet almond oil can be used either before or after applying a moisturizer, depending on your personal preference. While some people enjoy using sweet almond oil on its own as a moisturizer, others prefer to layer it under their regular moisturizer to help lock in hydration.
Because oil is the heaviest — or most dense — product in your routine, it's able to penetrate your moisturizer, allowing it to reach your skin, but the reverse isn't true. If you want to really amp up the moisture, apply your oil after applying moisturizer onto damp skin.
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.
For your morning skincare routine, always follow the correct sequence: cleanse, tone, apply serums, moisturize, and finish with sunscreen. Skipping Sunscreen: Not using sunscreen daily can damage your skin and increase the risk of skin cancer.
When to use facial oil? Apply your facial oil as the second to last step ahead of SPF in the day or as the grand finale to your skincare routine at night, after cleansing, toning, and treatment products like our retinol Skin-renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum and over your moisturiser of choice.
Light oils (jojoba, squalane, avocado, almond, apricot, argan) mimic the texture of sebum, help rebuild the lipid layer, and absorb into skin fast. These are fine to be applied before moisturiser so long as you're not using a super light moisturiser (more on how to spot those in a bit).
Besides the ingredients, both moisturizer and oil have the same purpose: to soften the skin. All skin types will benefit from a moisturizer while dry and aging skin may prefer a facial oil. If you're super thirsty or looking to up your barrier's defenses during the winter months, we recommend using both.