Face Oil Before or After Moisturizer? The Correct Order
Confused about whether face oil goes before or after moisturizer? Short answer: apply moisturizer first, then seal it in with a few drops of face oil—especially at night. This guide explains why order matters, how to layer products from thinnest to thickest, AM vs. PM tweaks, and routines by skin type (with gentle tips to avoid pilling under SPF and makeup).
Why Face Oil Goes After Moisturizer (Skincare Routine Order Explained)
Skincare works best when layered from watery to oily:
Water-based products (toners, essences, serums) deliver hydration and actives.
Moisturizers (emulsions/creams) add water + lipids to reinforce the barrier.
Face oils (100% oils) seal everything in and reduce water loss (which is essential for hydrated skin!)
Putting oil on first can limit how well water-based products and creams absorb. Using oil last helps trap hydration for a smooth, dewy finish.
Tip: Pat in 2–3 drops—more isn’t better. Too much oil can pill under makeup or SPF.
Morning vs. Night Skincare Routine
Morning: Hydration + protection. If you love a glow, press 1 drop of oil after moisturizer and before sunscreen, let it settle 5–10 minutes, then apply SPF.
Night: Recovery time. Go moisturizer, then oil to seal hydration while you sleep.
How to Layer Skincare Products Step-by-Step
Cleanse (gentle, pH-balanced)
Tone/mist (hydrating toner or rose water)
Serum (vitamin C in AM; peptides/soothers in PM)
Moisturizer (light lotion for oily/combination, richer cream for dry/mature)
Face Oil (2–3 drops to seal; more in winter/very dry air)
Sunscreen (AM only, broad-spectrum SPF 30+)
Best Face Oil Routine by Skin Type
Dry or mature skin (including perimenopausal/menopausal skin)
Cleanse with a gentle oil cleanser (oil prevents skin dehydration and the stripping of natural skin oils)
Tone with a hydrating facial toner (avoid preservatives and unnecessary ingredients)
Moisturize with an anti-aging creamy moisturizer (with vitamin C)
Apply 1 drop face oil (don’t forget the neck!)
Use a natural SPF (daytime only)
Why it works: Pile on hydration, then lock it in. The oil finish adds slip and glow without water loss.
Combination / normal
Cleanse with a gentle oil cleanser or double cleanse by using a water-based cleanser following the oil cleanser.
Tone with a hydrating facial toner
Apply a few drops of an antioxidant serum
Apply a lightweight skin moisturizer
Add 1 drop of a non-comedogenic skin oil
Use a natural SPF (daytime only)
Why it works: Keeps the T-zone fresh while comforting cheeks and neck.
Oily or acne-prone
Cleanse with a gentle oil cleanser or double cleanse by using a water-based cleanser following the oil cleanser.
Tone with a hydrating facial toner
Apply a few drops of tea tree oil (or retinol/azelaic on alternate nights, if preferred)
Apply a lightweight gel-based moisturizer
Add 1 drop of a non-comedogenic skin oil (night-time only)
Use a natural SPF (daytime only)
Why it works: You still need a healthy barrier. A tiny amount of non-comedogenic oil can reduce tightness without clogging when used last.
Can You Mix Face Oil with Moisturizer?
Yes! Mixing 1–2 drops of oil into your cream creates a custom rich moisturizer. On very dry days, apply cream first, then press oil on top for extra occlusion.
How Many Drops of Face Oil to Use for Face & Neck?
Usually 2–3 drops for face and neck. Start with less; add a drop only if your skin drinks it up.
Does Face Oil Clog Pores?
Choose light, non-comedogenic plant oils and keep amounts small. If you’re breakout-prone, focus oil on the cheeks/neck and skip the T-zone.
Using Face Oil with Vitamin C and Retinol (Correct Layering Guide)
Layer actives first, then moisturizer, then oil. Let each step absorb 60–90 seconds before moving on.
Natural ingredients that pair beautifully with face oils
Rose water (hydration + pH balance) → enhances absorption of oils. Try Clearly TONE.
Vitamin C moisturizer (brightening + antioxidant) → keep oil on top. Try Clearly VIT-C.
Peptides/ceramides (barrier support) → oil locks them in. Try Clearly LIFT.
3 common mistakes (and easy fixes)
Using too much oil causes pilling/grease.
Fix: 1–3 drops, max.
Oil before water-based steps reduces absorption.
Fix: thinnest to thickest.
Oil under SPF causing slip.
Fix: Skip AM oil or wait 10 minutes before sunscreen.
Whether your skin is dry, combination, oily, or mature/menopausal, a natural face oil routine can be tailored with just a few tweaks to deliver comfort and radiance without heaviness. Try it out and see the difference in your skin!
