Should I use face oil or moisturizer first?

Author: Erica Abshire  |  Last update: Thursday, June 12, 2025

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.

Should I put face oil on before or after moisturizer?

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.

Should you put oil or moisturizer on last?

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.

In what order should I apply face products?

The general order for applying skincare products is: 1. Cleanser 2. Toner (optional) 3. Exfoliant (if applicable) 4. Serum (eg, vitamin C or niacinamide) 5. Moisturizer 6. Sunscreen (morning routine only). Be sure to adjust based on your specific routine and product instructions. For more, check out my Quora Profile.

Can you skip moisturizer if you use face 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.

Oil Or Moisturizer First? For Facial Skincare What Order Should You Apply/Layer Oils/Moisturizers?

Is it okay to use face oil every day?

For maximum hydration, mix your face oil into your moisturizer or apply it directly afterward to lock in its water content. While you can use face oil every day, consider reserving it for nighttime; face oil can make sunscreen less effective, and you should be applying sunscreen every morning—including in winter!

Do you fail oil before or after moisturizer?

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.

What are the 7 steps of skincare?

  • Step 1: Cleansing. Start with the basics: skin cleansing. ...
  • Step 2: Exfoliation. Eliminate impurities and dead cells by carrying out an effective exfoliation. ...
  • Step 3: Mask. Apply a mask specific for you. ...
  • Step 4: Toner. ...
  • Step 5: Serum or concentrate. ...
  • Step 6: Eye contour. ...
  • Step 7: Moisturising cream. ...
  • Step 8: Sun protection!

What is the correct way to layer face products?

What is the best way to layer your skincare?
  1. Cleanse. Washing your face is the first step in any skincare routine. ...
  2. Exfoliate. Exfoliation always comes after cleansing and before applying other products in your skincare routine. ...
  3. Tone. ...
  4. Treat. ...
  5. Moisturize. ...
  6. SPF.

What is double cleansing?

“Double cleansing means cleansing your face twice, first with an oil-based product and then followed by a water-based cleanser,” explains Dr. Wu. The first step of using an oil-based cleanser is helpful when it comes to removing waterproof makeup and sunscreen.

Does moisturizer go on top of oil?

More recently – thanks to science-backed research – it is now widely accepted that a face oil should go on AFTER moisturizer.

What does toner do for your face?

what does toner do for your face? It removes any dirt or grime that remains after cleansing, but does so gently. And toners help prep your skin for those products you're putting on after — think serums, moisturizers, night creams, etc. The outer layer of your skin is a mixture of oils and proteins.

Is it better to put lotion or oil first?

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.

Do you put jojoba oil or moisturizer first?

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.

What is the best moisturizer oil for skin?

Sunflower seed oil is widely available, high in vitamin E, and absorbs easily into the skin, making it an excellent choice as a natural moisturizer. One study found that sunflower oil better protected the skin's barrier in infants and didn't cause or aggravate atopic dermatitis (a form of eczema) as much as olive oil.

What is the correct order for face products?

How to Layer Your Skincare Products in the Right Order
  • Step 1: Cleanser.
  • Step 2: Toner.
  • Step 3: Spot Treatment.
  • Step 4: Serums.
  • Step 5: Retinol.
  • Step 6: Eye Cream.
  • Step 7: Moisturizer.
  • Step 8: Face Oils.

What is a good face oil?

Our top picks for face oils in 2024:
  • Best Face Oil Overall. Naturium Plant Squalane Face Oil 100% Read more.
  • Best Drugstore Face Oil. Bio-Oil Skincare Oil. Read more.
  • Best Face Oil on Amazon. Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Moisturizing Skin Therapy Oil. Read more.

Can you layer too much skincare?

Chances are, if your skin is becoming oilier, drier, sensitive, red, flaky, or even painful, you might be overdoing it. The products you use may include extremely effective active ingredients, but mixing and matching them incorrectly can cause negative results like irritation and inflammation.

What is the best morning face routine?

What You Need to Build Your Morning Skincare Routine
  • Step 1: Wash Your Face. Let's start with the fundamental step: washing your face. ...
  • Step 2: Tone The Skin. ...
  • Step 3: Apply a Face Serum or a Complex Serum. ...
  • Step 4: Apply a Face Moisturizer with SPF Protection. ...
  • Step 5: Apply Eye Cream.

What is the best night moisturizer?

Our top pick for the best night cream is Kiehl's Ultra Facial Advanced Repair Barrier Cream, as it's great for all skin types and provides long-lasting hydration. Another fantastic option is La Roche-Posay's Double Repair Moisturizer, which leaves the skin feeling nourished, soft, and supple—all for under $25.

Do you put serum or moisturizer first?

It's best to apply face serum first, as it can penetrate the skin more deeply and deliver active ingredients. Wait a minute or so after applying the serum to let it absorb before applying moisturizer on top. Note that you should always refer to the label to properly use the product.

Can I put moisturizer over oil?

As a rule of thumb, you should put your skincare products on from thinnest to thickest, so if the moisturizer is thicker than your oil, then you put it on last. If your moisturizer is thinner than the oil, then you put the moisturizer on first.

Can you skip moisturizer if you use oil?

Yes, oily skin still needs moisturizer because it helps regulate oil production. Not moisturizing can cause your skin to produce more oil to hydrate itself. Did you know that oil is one of your skin's most valuable assets? With the right amount, your skin can ward off wrinkles and keep it smooth and moist.

Do you put moisturiser first or oil?

If you want to amp up the moisture, applying our Face Oil after Face Moisturiser is the best way. This will help the Face Moisturiser absorb while the Face Serum seals and adds an extra layer of nourishment.

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