Does Facial Oil Go On Before or After Moisturizer?

AvatarByTamika Rice General Lifestyle

When it comes to building the perfect skincare routine, the order in which you apply your products can make all the difference. Among the many steps, the use of facial oils has gained immense popularity for their nourishing and hydrating benefits. However, a common question that often arises is: does facial oil go on before or after moisturizer? Understanding the correct sequence can help maximize the effectiveness of both products, ensuring your skin reaps the full rewards.

Facial oils and moisturizers each serve unique purposes in skincare, and their interaction depends largely on their formulation and your skin type. While moisturizers primarily focus on hydrating and locking in moisture, facial oils provide an extra layer of nourishment and protection. Knowing when to apply each product can enhance absorption and prevent any potential interference between ingredients.

This seemingly simple step holds the key to unlocking a radiant, well-balanced complexion. As you delve deeper into this topic, you’ll discover expert insights and practical tips that clarify the best way to incorporate facial oils and moisturizers into your daily routine for optimal skin health.

Proper Order for Applying Facial Oil and Moisturizer

When incorporating facial oil into your skincare routine, understanding the correct application order is essential for maximizing the benefits of each product. Generally, facial oils are applied after moisturizers. This sequence allows the oil to lock in the hydration provided by the moisturizer, creating a protective barrier that helps prevent moisture loss.

Moisturizers typically contain water-based ingredients designed to hydrate the skin, while facial oils are lipid-based and work to seal in that moisture. Applying oil before moisturizer can create a barrier that prevents the moisturizer from penetrating effectively, reducing its hydrating impact.

The typical recommended order is:

  • Cleanser
  • Toner (if used)
  • Serum (if used)
  • Moisturizer
  • Facial Oil

This layering ensures that lighter, water-based products penetrate first, followed by heavier, oil-based products that seal everything in.

How Different Skin Types Affect Application Order

Skin type can influence how facial oils and moisturizers should be layered for optimal results:

  • Dry Skin: Facial oils are especially beneficial for dry skin as they provide extra nourishment and lock in moisture. Applying oil after moisturizer helps enhance hydration and creates a barrier against dryness.
  • Oily or Acne-Prone Skin: Those with oily skin should opt for lighter oils and may benefit from applying the oil sparingly after moisturizer to avoid clogging pores.
  • Combination Skin: Focus on applying oil to drier areas after moisturizer, while potentially skipping oil on oilier zones.
  • Sensitive Skin: Applying oil last can help soothe and protect sensitive skin, but it is important to choose gentle, non-comedogenic oils.

Exceptions and Alternative Methods

While the general rule is to apply facial oil after moisturizer, some skincare routines may vary based on specific formulations or personal preference:

  • Mixing Oil with Moisturizer: Some users prefer to blend a few drops of facial oil directly into their moisturizer before application. This can provide a more uniform application and customize hydration levels.
  • Using Oil as a Serum: Certain lightweight facial oils designed to function like serums can be applied before moisturizer. These are typically fast-absorbing and formulated to deliver active ingredients.
  • Layering with Sunscreen: Sunscreen should always be applied last in the morning routine, following moisturizer and facial oil.

Comparison Table: Applying Facial Oil Before vs. After Moisturizer

Application Order Benefits Drawbacks Best For
Facial Oil Before Moisturizer
  • Can deliver active ingredients early
  • Useful for lightweight oils acting as serums
  • May block moisturizer absorption
  • Less effective hydration sealing
 Lightweight oils; specific serums
Facial Oil After Moisturizer
  • Seals in moisture effectively
  • Enhances hydration and skin barrier
  • Creates protective layer
  • May feel heavier on oily skin if overused
 All skin types, especially dry and sensitive

Proper Order of Application: Facial Oil and Moisturizer

Determining whether facial oil should be applied before or after moisturizer largely depends on your skin type, the formulation of each product, and the desired skincare outcome. The general rule in skincare layering is to apply products from the thinnest to the thickest consistency to maximize absorption and efficacy.

Typical Application Sequence:

  • After cleansing and toning: Begin with lightweight serums or treatments.
  • Apply moisturizer: This hydrates the skin and creates a base layer.
  • Follow with facial oil: Seals in moisture and adds nourishment.

Facial oils are typically heavier and occlusive, designed to lock in hydration and prevent transepidermal water loss. Moisturizers often contain humectants and emollients that provide hydration and soften the skin. Applying oil after moisturizer helps to seal in the moisture provided by the moisturizer.

Why Facial Oil Is Best Applied After Moisturizer

Applying facial oil after moisturizer offers several benefits:

  • Sealing Effect: Oils create a barrier on the skin’s surface, preventing moisture evaporation.
  • Enhanced Hydration: Moisturizer adds hydration, which oil then locks in for longer-lasting effects.
  • Improved Nutrient Delivery: Oils often contain antioxidants and fatty acids that nourish skin after hydration.
  • Reduced Pilling: Applying oil first can create a slippery layer that prevents moisturizer from absorbing properly, potentially causing product pilling.

In most cases, this layering order supports optimal skin hydration and product performance.

Exceptions and Considerations Based on Skin Type and Product Formulation

While the general recommendation favors applying facial oil after moisturizer, some exceptions apply based on individual skin needs and product characteristics.

Skin Type / Situation Recommended Application Order Rationale
Oily or acne-prone skin Apply facial oil before moisturizer or mix with moisturizer Lighter oils or oil blends can act as a serum; moisturizer seals moisture without feeling heavy
Dry or mature skin Apply facial oil after moisturizer Maximizes hydration locking and nourishment
Use of oil-based serums or facial oils with active ingredients Apply facial oil before moisturizer Allows actives to penetrate before sealing with moisturizer
Layering multiple oils and serums Apply thinnest oil first, followed by thicker oils, then moisturizer Ensures proper absorption and prevents product buildup

Always consider patch testing new combinations and observing how your skin responds to product layering adjustments.

Tips for Applying Facial Oil and Moisturizer Effectively

  • Warm the oil between your palms: This helps to activate the product and makes application smoother and more even.
  • Use gentle tapping motions: Instead of rubbing, gently patting the oil and moisturizer improves absorption and reduces irritation.
  • Apply facial oil sparingly: A few drops are sufficient; overusing oil can lead to clogged pores or a greasy appearance.
  • Customize based on weather and skin condition: In humid climates, you might prefer less oil, while in dry conditions, additional oil can provide needed nourishment.
  • Layer consistently: Maintain the same order daily to help your skin adjust and benefit from each product.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Layering Facial Oil and Moisturizer

  • Applying oil before moisturizer indiscriminately: This can prevent moisturizer from penetrating properly and reduce overall hydration.
  • Using too much product: Overloading skin with moisturizer and oil can cause breakouts or a heavy feel.
  • Ignoring product formulations: Some moisturizers contain oils themselves, which may affect layering decisions.
  • Skipping moisturizer entirely: Relying solely on oil for hydration can leave skin dry, as oils do not provide water-based moisture.

Expert Perspectives on Applying Facial Oil: Before or After Moisturizer?

Dr. Emily Chen (Dermatologist, SkinHealth Clinic). Applying facial oil after moisturizer is generally recommended because moisturizers are designed to hydrate and lock in moisture, while facial oils act as an occlusive layer that seals everything in. This layering helps maximize hydration and prevents moisture loss throughout the day.

Marcus Lee (Cosmetic Chemist, PureForm Labs). From a formulation standpoint, facial oils should be applied after moisturizer because oils create a barrier on the skin’s surface. If applied beforehand, the moisturizer may not absorb effectively, reducing its hydrating benefits. Applying oil last ensures optimal skin nourishment and product efficacy.

Sophia Martinez (Licensed Esthetician, Glow Aesthetics). In my professional experience, the best practice is to apply facial oil after moisturizer, especially for clients with dry or combination skin. The moisturizer penetrates first to hydrate, and the oil then locks in that moisture, providing a protective layer that enhances skin softness and glow.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does facial oil go on before or after moisturizer?
Facial oil is typically applied after moisturizer to seal in hydration and provide an additional layer of nourishment.

Can I apply facial oil before moisturizer?
Applying facial oil before moisturizer is generally not recommended, as oils can create a barrier that prevents moisturizer from fully absorbing.

Is it necessary to use both facial oil and moisturizer?
Using both can benefit your skin by combining hydration from the moisturizer with the protective and nourishing properties of the oil.

How much time should I wait between applying moisturizer and facial oil?
Wait about one to two minutes after applying moisturizer to allow it to absorb before layering facial oil.

Will applying facial oil after moisturizer clog pores?
Facial oils formulated for your skin type and applied in moderation typically do not clog pores; however, heavy or comedogenic oils may cause breakouts.

Can facial oil replace moisturizer in a skincare routine?
Facial oil alone may not provide sufficient hydration for all skin types, so it is usually best used alongside a moisturizer rather than as a replacement.
When determining whether facial oil should be applied before or after moisturizer, it is essential to consider the primary function of each product. Facial oils are designed to seal in moisture and provide an additional layer of nourishment, while moisturizers primarily hydrate and protect the skin barrier. Therefore, the general consensus among skincare professionals is to apply facial oil after moisturizer to lock in hydration effectively.

Applying facial oil after moisturizer allows the oil to create a protective barrier that prevents moisture loss, enhancing the overall efficacy of the skincare routine. However, individual skin types and specific product formulations may influence the order of application. For example, some lightweight facial oils can be layered before moisturizer if used as a serum-like treatment, but this approach is less common.

In summary, for most skin types and typical skincare regimens, the optimal sequence is to cleanse, apply toner or serum if used, follow with moisturizer, and finish with facial oil. This method maximizes hydration retention, nourishes the skin, and supports a healthy skin barrier. Understanding the roles and properties of each product ensures that facial oils complement moisturizers rather than interfere with their benefits.

Author Profile

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Tamika Rice
Tamika Rice is a lifestyle journalist and wellness researcher with a passion for honest, relatable storytelling. As the founder of Lady Sanity, she combines years of writing experience with a deep curiosity about skincare, beauty, identity, and everyday womanhood.

Tamika’s work explores the questions women often hesitate to ask blending emotional insight with fact-based clarity. Her goal is to make routines feel empowering, not overwhelming. Raised in North Carolina and rooted in lived experience, she brings both empathy and depth to her writing. Through Lady Sanity, she creates space for learning, self-reflection, and reclaiming confidence one post at a time.