Moisturizer vs Face Oil
A face oil feels luxurious, but it can't do a moisturizer's whole job — because oil seals moisture in without adding any. Here's how they differ and how to use them together.
Face oils have a glamorous reputation, and they can be a genuinely nice addition — but they’re widely misunderstood. The key thing to know is that a face oil seals moisture in without adding any, which means it can’t do a moisturizer’s whole job. Once you understand that, using the two together is easy.
What a moisturizer does
A moisturizer is a complete hydrating product. It combines three kinds of ingredient: humectants (like glycerin and hyaluronic acid) that draw water into the skin, emollients that smooth, and occlusives and barrier lipids (like ceramides) that slow water from escaping. Because it both adds water and seals it in, a moisturizer is a core step for essentially everyone.
What a face oil does
A face oil is an occlusive and emollient— it softens skin and forms a layer that slows water loss. What it doesn’tcontain is water, so it can’t hydrate on its own. Apply an oil to bare, dry skin and it just seals in whatever little moisture is already there. Apply it over a hydrating product or damp skin, and it locks that water in beautifully. In other words, an oil is a sealing finisher, not a source of hydration.
Head to head
| Moisturizer | Face oil | |
|---|---|---|
| Contains | Humectants, emollients, occlusives | Emollient / occlusive oils only |
| Adds water? | Yes | No |
| Seals water in? | Yes | Yes (its main role) |
| Essential? | Core step | Optional finisher |
| Order | Before the oil | Last, to seal (PM) |
How to use them together
Because an oil seals, it goes last— a few drops pressed over your moisturizer at night, or over a hydrating serum and moisturizer, to lock everything in. Dry skin benefits most from this extra sealing layer, especially in winter. You can also add a drop or two of oil into your moisturizer in your palm. The order that matters: water-based products first, oil on top.
Oils and oily or acne-prone skin
Oily skin doesn’t need a face oil, but it can use one — if it chooses wisely. Lightweight, non-comedogenic oils like squalane and jojoba are light enough for oily and combination skin and unlikely to clog pores. Richer, more comedogenic oils (coconut oil is the notorious example) are the ones to avoid on breakout-prone skin. Use only a couple of drops, and patch test a new oil first.
The bottom line
You need a moisturizer; a face oil is an optional extra. If your skin is dry or you love the finish, layering a light oil over your moisturizer is a lovely sealing step. But don’t swap your moisturizer for an oil and expect the same hydration — the oil can’t supply the water. Get the moisturizer right first; add the oil if you want to. Our best moisturizers for dry skin roundup covers the base layer.
General guidance, not medical advice. Barrier & Balm is written by a skincare enthusiast, not a dermatologist. For a diagnosis, a reaction, or a prescription active like tretinoin, see a qualified professional. Introduce any new active slowly and patch-test first.
Frequently asked questions
Can a face oil replace a moisturizer?
No. A face oil is an occlusive and emollient — it seals moisture in and softens skin, but it contains no water, so it can't actually hydrate on its own. A moisturizer combines humectants (which add water), emollients and occlusives (which seal it in), so it does the complete job. Use an oil in addition to a moisturizer, not instead of one.
Do I apply face oil before or after moisturizer?
After. Oils are occlusive, so they go last (in a nighttime routine) to seal everything underneath — a few drops pressed over your moisturizer. If you applied oil first, it could block your water-based products from absorbing. In the morning, sunscreen still goes last, so save the oil for your evening routine.
Can oily or acne-prone skin use a face oil?
Yes, with the right oil. Lightweight, non-comedogenic oils like squalane or jojoba suit oily skin and won't feel heavy, while richer, more comedogenic oils (coconut oil is the classic culprit) can clog pores. Oily skin doesn't need an oil, but a light one can be a nice finishing step — just choose carefully and use only a couple of drops.
Do face oils actually hydrate skin?
Not in the way people assume. Oils don't add water — they slow water from leaving the skin. Applied over damp skin or a hydrating product, an oil helps lock that moisture in, which makes skin feel softer and more supple. But an oil on bare, dry skin just seals in whatever little water is there. Hydration comes from water-based steps; the oil's job is to seal.
Sources
- Moisturizers — StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf) — Reference on humectants (hyaluronic acid), occlusives and emollients (accessed July 17, 2026)
- American Academy of Dermatology — Dermatologists' top tips for relieving dry skin — AAD on moisturizing damp skin and choosing a cream for dry skin (accessed July 17, 2026)
- American Academy of Dermatology — Skin care basics — AAD consumer guidance on cleansing, moisturizing and sun protection (accessed July 17, 2026)
Keep reading
Squalane, explained
The lightweight, non-greasy oil that even oily skin tolerates — how to use it.
Read the guideBest moisturizers for dry skin
The complete creams that do what an oil alone can't — hydrate and seal.
See the picksHyaluronic acid, explained
The humectant that adds the water an oil then helps hold in.
Read the guideGel vs cream moisturizer
Choosing a moisturizer texture — the base an oil goes on top of.
Compare the textures