Face Oil vs Moisturiser: What’s the Difference? Which Should You Use?

Face oil and moisturiser are often grouped together, but they are not quite the same thing. Moisturisers typically combine water and oil-based ingredients to hydrate, soften and help reduce moisture loss, while face oils are predominantly oil-based and are especially useful for adding emolliency and supporting the skin’s lipid-rich outer layer.

For many people, the answer is not choosing one or the other. Face oil and moisturiser can work well together, depending on your skin, the products you use and the finish you prefer.

Face Oil vs Moisturiser: The Quick Answer

	Face Oil	Moisturiser
Main purpose	Softens, nourishes and adds lipids	Hydrates, softens and helps retain moisture
Usually contains water?	No	Yes, although formulas vary
Common ingredients	Plant oils, squalane and oil-soluble ingredients	Humectants, emollients and occlusive ingredients
Best suited to	Skin that benefits from extra softness and nourishment	Most skin types
Can it be used alone?	Sometimes	Yes
Can they be used together?	Yes	Yes

What Is the Difference Between Face Oil and Moisturiser?

The biggest difference between face oil and moisturiser comes down to formulation.

A conventional moisturiser is usually an emulsion containing both water and oil-based ingredients. This allows it to combine different types of ingredients that help attract water, soften the skin and reduce water loss.

A traditional face oil, on the other hand, is usually anhydrous, meaning it contains little or no water. Its main role is therefore not to supply water directly, but to soften the skin, add lipids and help reduce moisture loss from the surface.

What Does a Moisturiser Do?

Moisturisers are designed to keep the outer layer of the skin feeling comfortable, soft and hydrated.

Many contain a combination of three main ingredient types:

• Humectants, such as glycerine and hyaluronic acid, which help attract and retain water.
• Emollients, which smooth and soften the skin.
• Occlusives, which form a surface layer that helps reduce water loss.

DermNet explains that moisturisers often combine these different functions, with humectants helping retain water and occlusive ingredients reducing evaporative water loss from the skin.

Learn more about emollients and moisturisers from DermNet.

The exact texture depends on the product. Lightweight gels and lotions may feel very different from richer creams, even though all fall under the broad moisturiser category.

 

What Does Face Oil Do?

Face oils are generally made from oil-soluble ingredients rather than water-based ones. They may contain a single botanical oil or a blend of several oils selected for their texture, fatty-acid profile and skin feel.

Because face oils do not usually contain a water phase, they are better thought of as emollient and moisture-retaining products rather than direct sources of hydration.

They can help soften the skin and reduce the feeling of dryness, while some oils may also provide an occlusive effect that helps limit moisture loss.

It is also worth remembering that not all botanical oils behave in exactly the same way. Their fatty-acid composition varies considerably, so it is more accurate to consider the individual oil or blend rather than assume that every plant oil offers the same benefits.

A scientific review published through the US National Library of Medicine discusses how different topical plant oils can have different effects depending on their composition.

Read the review of topical plant oils and the skin barrier.

If you want a deeper look at the role oils play in skincare, read our guide to what face oil does for your skin.

 

Face Oil vs Moisturiser: Which Is Better?

Neither face oil nor moisturiser is universally better. They overlap in some areas, but they are not identical products.

Moisturisers are usually the more complete option when hydration is the priority because they can contain water, humectants, emollients and occlusive ingredients in one formula.

Face oils are particularly useful when you want additional softness, richness or an extra emollient layer.

For some people, a moisturiser alone is enough. Others prefer using both, particularly when their skin feels dry or when the weather becomes colder.

 

Face Oil or Moisturiser by Skin Type

Dry Skin

Dry skin often benefits from richer formulas that combine hydration with ingredients that soften the surface and help reduce moisture loss.

For this reason, using a moisturiser followed by a small amount of face oil can work well for people who prefer a richer skincare routine.

The moisturiser supplies the water-containing phase, while the oil adds extra emolliency on top.

Oily Skin

Oily skin still needs appropriate hydration, and a lightweight moisturiser may be enough for many people.

That does not mean face oil is automatically unsuitable. Some people with oily skin enjoy using lightweight oils, but the amount used and the individual formulation matter.

There is also no need to assume that a face oil will automatically “balance” oil production. How skin responds varies from person to person.

Combination Skin

Combination skin may suit a lightweight moisturiser across the whole face, with a small amount of oil used only where the skin feels drier.

This can be particularly useful if different areas of your face have noticeably different needs.

Sensitive Skin

For sensitive skin, simplicity is often useful. A shorter ingredient list can make it easier to identify what your skin does and does not tolerate.

However, “natural” does not automatically mean non-irritating. Botanical oils and essential oils can still cause sensitivity in some people, so patch testing a new product is sensible if you are unsure how your skin will respond.

 

Can Face Oil Replace Moisturiser?

Sometimes, but not always.

A face oil may feel sufficient for someone whose main goal is extra softness or reducing the feeling of dryness. However, a conventional face oil does not perform exactly the same role as a moisturiser.

Most face oils contain little or no water, while many moisturisers include humectants and a water phase designed to support hydration.

This means that replacing moisturiser entirely with face oil may not provide the same result, particularly if your skin feels dehydrated rather than simply lacking softness.

If your skin feels comfortable using oil alone, there is no universal rule saying you must use both. Skincare routines can be kept simple and adjusted according to how your skin responds.

 

Do You Need Both Face Oil and Moisturiser?

No. You do not need to use both.

However, using them together can be useful if you want a richer routine or your skin feels as though moisturiser alone is not quite enough.

You may prefer using both when:

• Your skin feels dry or tight.
• The weather is colder or drier.
• You prefer a richer evening skincare routine.
• Your usual moisturiser does not provide the finish you want.
• You like the softness and slip that a face oil provides.

There is no benefit in layering multiple products simply for the sake of it. If your skin already feels comfortable with a moisturiser alone, you may not need an additional oil.

 

Should You Apply Face Oil or Moisturiser First?

In most routines, moisturiser is applied before a conventional face oil.

This follows the common principle of applying lighter, water-containing products before richer oil-based layers. The moisturiser can provide hydration and emolliency first, while the oil sits over the top as a richer finishing step.

However, skincare formulas vary considerably, so always check the instructions for the specific products you are using.

We have a full guide explaining whether to apply oil or moisturiser first if you want to understand the layering process in more detail.

 

Face Oil vs Moisturiser vs Face Cream

Face cream and moisturiser are not completely separate skincare categories.

Moisturiser is the broader term. A cream is simply one type of moisturiser, usually with a richer and thicker texture than a lotion or gel.

So when comparing face oil with cream, you are effectively comparing an oil-based product with one specific type of moisturiser.

You can read our full comparison of face oil vs face cream for a closer look at the differences.

 

How to Choose a Face Oil

If you decide to introduce a face oil into your routine, look beyond the words “natural” or “botanical” on the front of the bottle.

It is worth considering:

• The full ingredient list.
• Whether the oil is a single ingredient or a blend.
• The overall texture and how heavy it feels on your skin.
• Whether added fragrance or essential oils suit your preferences.
• How the product fits alongside the rest of your routine.

Different plant oils have different fatty-acid profiles and textures, which can influence how they feel on the skin.

For example, jojoba oil and rosehip oil are both commonly used in facial products, but they have quite different compositions. You can compare them in our guide to jojoba oil vs rosehip oil.

Similarly, oils such as jojoba and coconut oil behave very differently, which is why it is useful to look at the individual ingredient rather than treating all oils as interchangeable. See our jojoba oil vs coconut oil comparison for more detail.

 

How to Use Face Oil in Your Routine

A small amount is usually enough. Apply your usual water-based skincare and moisturiser first, then gently press a few drops of face oil over the skin.

You can use face oil daily, occasionally or only when your skin feels as though it needs a richer finish.

If you are new to facial oils, our guide to how to use face oil on skin covers application, quantity and where it fits into a skincare routine.

If you prefer a blended botanical formula, our Flux Natural Face Oil combines a selection of plant oils including sea buckthorn and apricot kernel oil in a lightweight facial blend.

 

Face Oil vs Moisturiser: The Verdict

Face oil and moisturiser are similar in some ways, but they are not interchangeable.

Moisturisers usually combine water with humectant, emollient and occlusive ingredients, making them a strong everyday option for hydration and softness.

Face oils mainly provide lipids and emolliency, making them particularly useful when you want extra richness or a softer finish.

You do not necessarily need to choose between them. For many routines, using moisturiser first and adding a small amount of face oil afterwards provides the benefits of both without overcomplicating your skincare.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Face Oil Better Than Moisturiser?

No. Neither product is universally better. Moisturisers are generally more versatile because they can provide both hydration and emolliency, while face oils are particularly useful for adding softness and richness.

Can I Use Face Oil Instead of Moisturiser?

You can use face oil alone if your skin feels comfortable with it, but it does not perform exactly the same function as a conventional moisturiser because most face oils contain little or no water.

Can I Use Face Oil and Moisturiser Together?

Yes. A common approach is to apply moisturiser first and face oil afterwards. This can work particularly well when you want a richer skincare routine.

Is Face Oil Good for Oily Skin?

Face oil can be used on oily skin, but the formulation and amount matter. A lightweight moisturiser may be sufficient for some people, while others enjoy using a small amount of facial oil as part of their routine.

For further guidance on choosing moisturisers for different skin types, the American Academy of Dermatology provides general advice on moisturiser textures and formulations.

Read the American Academy of Dermatology's moisturiser guidance.