The basic rule is simple: skincare products are generally applied from the most water-based to the most oil-based. This is why face oil is usually applied after moisturizer.
However, not all face oils are the same, and neither is everyoneās skin. Letās look at when, how and why to use a face oil.
What does face oil do for your skin?
Face oils contain fatty acids and other lipids that help soften the skin and support its natural protective barrier. Oil can reduce water loss from the skinās surface, helping the skin retain the moisture provided by products applied underneath.
It is important to understand that oil itself does not contain water. This means that face oil does not hydrate the skin in the same way as a serum or moisturizer containing ingredients such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid or urea.
Put simply:
- a serum provides active ingredients chosen for a particular skin concern;
- a moisturizer helps provide and retain moisture;
- a face oil adds lipids, softens the skin and helps reduce moisture loss.
Face oil is therefore usually an additional step rather than an automatic replacement for serum or moisturizer.
In what order should you apply face oil?
The most common evening routine is:
- cleanser;
- toner or face mist, if you use one;
- water-based serum;
- moisturizer;
- face oil.
In the morning, sunscreen follows:
- cleanser;
- toner or face mist, if you use one
- serum;
- moisturizer;
- face oil, if needed;
- SPF.
Sunscreen should always be the final step in your morning skincare routine. Do not mix face oil into sunscreen or apply oil over sunscreen, as this may affect the evenness of the protective layer formed on the skin.
If using face oil in the morning makes your sunscreen apply unevenly or causes the products to pill, keep the oil in your evening routine instead.
Can face oil be applied before moisturizer?
A traditional face oil is generally best applied after moisturizer. This allows water-based products to reach the skin first, while the oil forms the final softening layer that helps reduce moisture loss.
Oil serums and treatment oils containing active ingredients may be an exception. Some are specifically formulated to be used before moisturizer. In this case, follow the instructions provided with the individual product.
The correct order therefore depends not only on your skin type but also on the productās formula and purpose.
How should you apply face oil?
More is not necessarily better when it comes to face oil. Two or three drops are usually enough to begin with.
Apply face oil as follows:
- place 2ā3 drops in the palm of your hand;
- gently rub your palms together to warm the oil and help it spread more evenly;
- lightly press the oil onto your face and neck;
- massage using gentle movements if desired.
You can apply the oil while the serum or moisturizer underneath is still slightly damp. This usually helps a smaller amount of oil spread more evenly across the skin.
Warming the oil between your palms does not change its composition or help it penetrate more deeply. It simply makes the oil easier to spread.
Can face oil be mixed with moisturizer?
Yes. This can be useful when your usual moisturizer feels a little too light on a particular day or during a colder season.
Mix together in your palm:
- one normal amount of moisturizer;
- 1ā2 drops of face oil.
Mix them immediately before applying them to your face. Do not add oil directly to the moisturizer jar, as this changes the original formula and may affect its stability, consistency and shelf life.
Face oil should not be mixed into sunscreen or a medicated skincare product. These products should be used in the form and amount recommended by the manufacturer or healthcare professional.
Can face oil be mixed with serum?
It is usually better to layer a water-based serum and face oil rather than mix them together in your palm. Water and oil do not combine evenly on their own, making it more difficult to control how much of each product reaches the skin.
Apply the serum first, followed by moisturizer and finally face oil.
A product described as an āoil serumā may already be formulated as an oil-based treatment. In that case, follow the instructions provided with the product.
Can face oil replace serum?
Generally, no. A serum is usually chosen to address a particular skin need. It may contain ingredients such as hydrating hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, niacinamide or other active ingredients.
A face oil may also contain beneficial compounds, but its primary role is to provide lipids, soften the skin and support its protective barrier. Serum and face oil therefore serve different purposes.
A specially formulated oil serum may combine some of the functions of both products.
Can face oil replace moisturizer?
For some people with normal or oilier skin, face oil alone may occasionally feel sufficient in the evening. However, this does not make face oil equivalent to moisturizer.
If your skin is dry, dehydrated, tight or flaky, it is usually better to use both a hydrating moisturizer and a small amount of oil on top. Moisturizer provides water-binding ingredients, while oil helps the skin retain the moisture provided.
If your skin still feels dry or tight after using oil alone, it probably needs water-based hydration as well.
Who can benefit from using face oil?
Face oil may be particularly useful if:
- your skin feels dry or tight;
- cold weather, wind or dry indoor air has affected your skin barrier;
- moisturizer alone does not feel sufficient;
- your skin has become drier with age;
- you want more slip for facial massage.
Having oily skin does not automatically mean that face oil is unsuitable. However, the claim that oil always balances sebum production is not accurate either. If your skin is prone to acne, choose a lightweight product labelled non-comedogenic and begin with a small amount a couple of evenings per week.
If you have sensitive, rosacea-prone or easily irritated skin, be cautious with products containing essential oils or strong fragrances. Test a new product on a small area of skin before applying it to your whole face.
How often should you use face oil?
Face oil does not need to be used every day. The right frequency depends on your skin, the season and the rest of your skincare routine.
You can begin by using it two or three evenings per week. If your skin feels comfortable and you do not notice congestion or irritation, you can use it more frequently.
Dry skin may benefit from daily use. If you have combination skin, you can apply oil only to the drier areas. Some people need face oil mainly during autumn and winter, while others use it throughout the year.
The most important rules:
- Apply water-based products before face oil.
- A traditional face oil usually goes on after moisturizer.
- Begin with 2ā3 drops.
- When mixing oil with moisturizer, add it only to the single amount in your palm.
- Do not mix face oil with SPF or apply it over sunscreen.
- Face oil does not automatically replace serum or moisturizer.
- Choose an oil according to your skin rather than a currently popular ingredient.
- Stop using the product if your skin becomes irritated, develops congestion or shows increased redness.
Face oil can be a simple and effective part of your skincare routine. You do not need to use a large amount or apply it every evening. The right oil, a few drops and a frequency that suits your skin are enough.