Skincare Stacy

Skincare Stacy
Oil or moisturizer first?

Oil or moisturizer first?

Category:

Tags:

Socials:

You should apply moisturizer first, wait 1-2 minutes for it to absorb, then apply face oil.

While moisturizers are used to add water and free fatty acids back into your skin, they are lighter products than facial oils. Face oils are heavier products made of blends of synthetic and natural oils to seal in moisture and protect your skin barrier.

Regardless of your skin type, facial oil should be one of the last steps in your skin care routine. The only step that should come after it is would be occlusive ingredients.

This article will explain everything you need to know about facial oils and how to use them with moisturizer.

When to Apply Face Oil in Skincare Routine

The Ordinary Rosehip Oil with BowTiedFawn branding

Face oils should be applied after cleansing, toning, hydrating serum, and facial moisturizer.

Cleansing should be the first step in your skin care routine to remove dirt and excess oil. This is especially important for oily skin and acne prone skin types. Then, apply your toner.

If you dehydrated skin, you may also benefit from a hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid or glycerin.

Finally, finish off by applying moisturizer and a few drops of your favorite facial oil to keep your skin supple.

What is Face Oil?

The Ordinary Rosehip Oil with Box and BowTiedFawn branding

Face oils are skin care products with fatty acids and antioxidants used to lock in moisture and leave you with healthy, hydrated skin.

Certain skin types, such as a dry skin type, do not produce as much natural oil as others due to genetics. This natural oil is called sebum.

Therefore, by applying face oil as the last step in your skincare routine, you can restore balance to your natural skin barrier.

Best Facial Oils

My favorite facial oil is rosehip oil. That being said, some people may perfer jojoba oil or a blend of oils as found in Stratia Fortify.

I suggest trying a few different face oils before settling on one that your skin likes.

What goes first, face oil or moisturizer?

The Ordinary Rosehip Oil and Dropper with BowTiedFawn branding

Moisturizer goes first before face oil.

Traditional moisturizer has a lightweight formula compared to oils, and the general rule of thumb is to apply skincare products from thinnest to thickest.

Therefore, moisturizer should be applied before any face oil.

How to Use Facial Oil and Moisturizer Together

The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors

To use facial oil and moisturizer together, first apply a suitable layer of your favorite moisturizer with nourishing ingredients.

Then, wait 1-2 minutes for your moisturizer to absorb into your skin. Finally, apply a few drops of your facial oil and gently massage into your skin until absorbed.

Do you put face oil or moisturizer first?

La Roche Posay Cream with BowTiedFawn branding

You should put moisturizer before face oil to ensure proper the active ingredients penetrate your skin appropriately.

Oil or serum first?

The Ordinary Rosehip Oil with Tilted Dropper and BowTiedFawn branding

First, apply a thin layer of your favorite serum. Then, follow up with moisturizer and finish off with face oil. You can always add more oil afterwards if your skin needs it.

Oil or moisturizer first at night?

SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore with BowTiedFawn branding

Regardless of night time or daytime use, moisturizer goes first before oil.

Oil or lotion first?

Stratia Fortify facial oil with BowTiedFawn branding

Lotion should be applied first before oil.

Lotions are a type of lightweight moisturizer. Therefore, they are lighter and thinner than oils and should be applied first.

Oil or cream first?

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream with BowTiedFawn branding

Cream should be applied first before oil.

Creams are a type of thick, heavy moisturizer. However, they are still typically water based products and will be lighter than face oil.

Therefore, you should apply facial oil first before applying cream.

Face oil before makeup?

You should apply face oil before makeup to help seal moisture and protect your skin barrier.

Is face oil good for your skin?

Yes, face oil is good for your skin.

Your skin barrier is made up of many different types of fats which can be replenished by moisturizers and face oils.

That being said, face oils are typically more suitable for people with dry skin or dealing with flaky patches. People with oily skin may find that face oils are too heavy for their skin type and lead to clogged pores.

Can you use face oil with retinol?

SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.5 with BowTiedFawn branding

Yes, you can use face oil with retinol.

Because retinol can cause skin issues like flaking and irritation, it is a good idea to use nourishing skin care products like moisturizer and oil with it.

Should I use facial oil?

Stratia Fortify Face Oil Upside Down with BowTiedFawn branding

You should use facial oil in your skin care routine if you feel like your skin could benefit from extra hydration and oil.

Face oils are particularly beneficial for individuals with dry skin or those living in dry, cold climates.

Are face oils good for oily skin?

Face oils can be good for oily skin if you’re using harsh active ingredients that dry your skin out like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.

However, if you find that face oils are too heavy for your skin and contribute to breakouts, it’s best to steer clear from them.

Try experimenting with a few different products to see what works best for you.

Summary: facial oil or moisturizer first?

Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream with BowTiedFawn branding

Moisturizer should be applied first before facial oil.

Remember, the correct order of your skincare routine involves applying products from thinnest to thicket.

Therefore, you should apply serum and moisturizer first before facial oil.

When you finally decide to it's time to improve your health and appearance, you need to sign up for my Substack below. Find specific skin routines and protocols in My Roadmap or start with my Basic Skincare Guide.

Also, you should be following my other socials for free skincare, health, and beauty content daily: