Face oil or moisturiser?
They're not the same thing, and for dry skin the answer is usually both. Here's what each does, which order to use them in, and when one is enough.
It's one of the most common skincare questions: if I use a face oil, do I still need a moisturiser? The honest answer depends on your skin, but it starts with understanding that the two do different jobs.
01Two different jobs
Skin stays comfortable when two things are in balance: enough water in its outer layer, and enough lipids around that water to stop it evaporating. A moisturiser is mainly about the first. It's mostly water, with humectants that draw and hold moisture in the skin. A face oil is mainly about the second. It supplies lipids similar to those in the skin's barrier and forms a thin layer that slows water loss.
Neither does the other's job well. An oil on its own adds little water; a light moisturiser on its own may not stop that water leaving, especially in dry winter air.
| Moisturiser | Face oil | |
|---|---|---|
| Main job | Adds water and humectants | Adds lipids, slows water loss |
| Texture | Cream, lotion or gel | Oil |
| Order | First | Last |
| Best for | Every skin type | Dry, mature, tight-feeling skin |
02Which goes first
Thinnest to thickest, water before oil. Apply serums first, then moisturiser, then press a few drops of oil over the top. Oil applied first can make it harder for water-based products to spread evenly.
03When one is enough
04Routines by skin type
| Skin | Morning | Evening |
|---|---|---|
| Oily | Cleanse · light moisturiser · SPF | Cleanse · light moisturiser |
| Normal | Cleanse · moisturiser · SPF | Cleanse · moisturiser · oil in winter |
| Dry or mature | Cleanse · moisturiser · a drop of oil · SPF | Cleanse · moisturiser · 2–3 drops of oil |
05Our pairing
Our Retinol Alternative Moisturiser is a light cream with glycerin, sodium PCA and two forms of hyaluronic acid, plus 2% Bidens Pilosa. Our Nourishing Facial Oil is a blend of eleven organic oils and extracts led by argan. Used together, the moisturiser adds water and the oil helps keep it in. The evidence behind each ingredient is in the research behind our Nourishing Facial Oil and the research behind our moisturiser.
06Your questions, answered
Can a face oil replace a moisturiser?
For very dry skin at night, sometimes. For most people, no: an oil adds little water on its own.
Do I put face oil on before or after moisturiser?
After. Water-based products first, oil last.
Will a face oil make my skin greasy?
A few drops pressed in shouldn't. If your skin is oily, you may not need one.
Does the 60-Day Promise cover both?
It covers your first order, up to two products, conditions apply.
- Lin T.K., Zhong L., Santiago J.L. Anti-inflammatory and skin barrier repair effects of topical application of some plant oils. Int J Mol Sci 19(1):70, 2017. Read the source
- Fluhr J.W., Darlenski R., Surber C. Glycerol and the skin. Br J Dermatol 159(1):23–34, 2008.
- Pavicic T. et al. Hyaluronic acid of different molecular weights in anti-wrinkle treatment. J Drugs Dermatol 10(9):990–1000, 2011.
This article is for general information and isn't medical advice. Cosmetic product: all claims describe the appearance of skin.