Quick answer: Moisturizers add water to the skin and help lock it in, while face oils seal in that moisture and add nourishing lipids. Most skin types benefit from using both — moisturizer first, face oil on top to seal it in — except very oily or acne-prone skin, which may only need a lightweight oil occasionally.
What Moisturizer Actually Does
Moisturizers typically combine humectants (which draw water into the skin) with emollients (which smooth the surface) and occlusives (which reduce water loss). This combination hydrates the skin directly and helps maintain its water balance throughout the day.
What Face Oil Actually Does
Face oils don't add water to skin the way moisturizers do — instead, they sit on top of the skin's surface, sealing in existing moisture and adding lipids the skin barrier can absorb, which supports the barrier and adds a soft, dewy finish.
Comparing the Two
| Factor | Moisturizer | Face Oil |
|---|---|---|
| Main function | Adds and locks in hydration | Seals moisture in, adds lipids |
| Texture | Cream, gel, or lotion | Liquid oil |
| Best applied | After serum, before oil | Last step, on top of moisturizer |
| Best for | All skin types, daily use | Dry, mature, or barrier-compromised skin |
How to Layer Them Correctly
Apply moisturizer from our moisturizing collection to slightl y damp skin first, then follow with a few drops of face oil from our face oil range, pressed gently into the skin rather than rubbed. This order ensures the oil seals in the moisturizer rather than blocking it from absorbing.
Do Oily or Acne-Prone Skin Types Need Face Oil?
Not necessarily every day — lightweight, non-comedogenic oils used sparingly can still support the skin barrier without adding excess shine, but many oily skin types do fine with moisturizer alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can face oil replace moisturizer?
Generally no — face oil doesn't add water to the skin the way a moisturizer does, so most skin types still need a moisturizer as the hydrating base layer.
Should I apply face oil before or after moisturizer?
After — face oil works best as the final step, sealing in the moisturizer underneath rather than blocking it from absorbing if applied first.
Is face oil good for oily skin?
Lightweight, non-comedogenic oils can still benefit oily skin in small amounts, though many people with oily skin find moisturizer alone sufficient.
Shop our face oils and moisturizers to build your ideal layering routine.
