How to Use Face Oil on Skin: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

Face oil can be one of the simplest products in your skincare routine, but knowing when and how to apply it makes a big difference to how it feels on your skin.

For most routines, start with clean skin, apply any lighter water-based products first, then use a few drops of face oil towards the end of your routine. Warm the oil between your fingertips and gently press or massage it over your face and neck. If you are using face oil in the morning, always finish with sunscreen.

Below, we explain exactly how to use face oil on skin, how much to apply, whether it should go before or after moisturiser, and some of the most common mistakes to avoid.

How to Apply Face Oil Step by Step

You do not need a complicated skincare routine to use face oil effectively. A few simple steps are usually enough.

1. Start With Clean Skin

Begin by washing your face with a gentle cleanser to remove makeup, sunscreen, excess oil and everyday dirt.

You do not necessarily need to double cleanse every time you use a face oil. The aim is simply to start with clean skin without leaving it feeling excessively stripped or tight.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a gentle cleanser as part of a simple skincare routine and notes that harsh cleansing can irritate the skin. Read the dermatologist skincare guidance.

2. Apply Lighter Skincare Products First

If your routine includes a toner, essence or water-based serum, these will usually go on before your face oil.

A useful general rule is to apply lighter products first and richer, more oil-based products later, although the exact order can depend on the individual formulas you are using.

If moisturiser is also part of your routine, our guide to whether you should use oil or moisturiser first goes into the layering order in more detail.

3. Use a Few Drops of Face Oil

Face oil is usually best used sparingly. Start with around two to three drops for your face and adjust from there depending on the product, your skin and how much coverage you need.

Using a larger amount does not necessarily give you better results. Too much oil may simply leave your skin feeling greasy or make other products sit less comfortably on top.

4. Warm the Oil Between Your Fingertips

Place the drops onto your fingertips or palm and gently rub your hands together for a few seconds.

This spreads the oil across your fingers, making it easier to apply a thin and even layer rather than concentrating the product in one area.

5. Press or Gently Massage It Into Your Skin

Apply the oil across your cheeks, forehead and chin before spreading any remaining product down onto your neck.

You can either gently press the oil into your skin with your palms or massage it using light movements. There is no need to rub aggressively.

If facial massage is part of your routine, you could also pair your oil with a facial tool. We have separate guides covering the benefits of rose quartz gua sha and jade roller benefits.

6. Give It Time to Settle

Allow the oil to sit on your skin for a few minutes before applying makeup or moving on to the next part of your routine.

A well-suited face oil should leave the skin feeling comfortable rather than coated in a thick layer of product. If your face remains very greasy, try using fewer drops next time.

7. Finish Your Morning Routine With SPF

If you use face oil during the day, sunscreen should still be the final skincare step before makeup.

Face oil does not provide reliable sun protection and should never be used as a substitute for SPF. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher and advises applying sunscreen as the final step of a morning skincare routine. See the AAD sunscreen guidance.

Should You Apply Face Oil to Damp or Dry Skin?

You can apply face oil to dry skin, but many people prefer to apply it while the skin is still slightly damp or after using a moisturising product.

This is because oils are particularly useful for softening the skin and helping reduce water loss rather than adding water to the skin themselves.

DermNet explains that oily occlusive ingredients can form a layer over the skin that helps slow the evaporation of water from its outermost layer. Read more about emollients and moisture loss.

This is also why describing face oils as simply “hydrating” can be slightly misleading. They can help skin feel softer, smoother and more comfortable, but their main role is often related to replenishing oils and helping retain existing moisture.

We explore this distinction further in our guide to face oil benefits.

Does Face Oil Go Before or After Moisturiser?

In many routines, face oil is applied after moisturiser because oils tend to be richer and can help reduce moisture loss from the surface of the skin.

A common routine might therefore look like:

1. Cleanser
2. Toner or essence, if used
3. Serum
4. Moisturiser
5. Face oil
6. Sunscreen in the morning

However, this is not an absolute rule. Some lightweight facial oils are designed to be used before moisturiser, while others can be mixed into a cream. Always check the directions for the particular product you are using.

If you are trying to decide which product belongs in your routine, our comparisons of face oil vs moisturiser and face oil vs cream explain the differences in more detail.

When Should You Use Face Oil?

Face oil can be used in the morning, evening or both, depending on the formula and how your skin responds.

Using Face Oil in the Morning

If you like using face oil during the day, keep the application light. A couple of drops may be enough, particularly if you plan to wear sunscreen and makeup afterwards.

Allow your oil to settle before applying sunscreen, and avoid mixing facial oil directly into your SPF unless the sunscreen manufacturer specifically instructs you to do so.

Using Face Oil at Night

Many people prefer face oil in their evening routine because there is less need to worry about how the oil interacts with makeup during the day.

Apply it after your other skincare products and leave it on overnight.

There is no need to use significantly more oil at night. A thin, comfortable layer is usually enough.

Can You Use Face Oil Every Day?

Yes, face oil can be used every day if your skin tolerates the product well.

However, daily use is not essential. Some people enjoy using an oil every evening, while others only reach for one when their skin feels particularly dry or needs a little extra softness.

Introduce any new skincare product gradually and pay attention to how your skin responds.

How Much Face Oil Should You Use?

For most facial oils, two to three drops is a sensible starting point for the face.

You might use another drop if you are extending the product down onto your neck and upper chest.

The right amount will vary depending on factors such as:

• How rich the oil is
• The size of the dropper
• Your skin type
• Whether you are using moisturiser underneath
• Whether you are applying the oil to your neck as well as your face

If your skin feels heavily coated after application, try reducing the amount rather than waiting for a large quantity of oil to absorb.

How to Use Face Oil for Different Skin Types

There is no single face oil that will suit everyone. The texture of the formulation and the individual oils it contains can make a big difference to how it feels on your skin.

Dry Skin

Dry-feeling skin may suit richer oils or blends containing a mixture of plant oils.

Applying face oil after a moisturiser can be particularly useful when your aim is to soften the skin and help reduce moisture loss.

Oily or Combination Skin

Having oily skin does not automatically mean you need to avoid face oils completely.

However, a smaller amount or a lighter-feeling formulation may be more comfortable. Start with one or two drops and see how your skin responds.

It is also worth avoiding the common claim that applying oil will automatically make oily skin “stop producing as much oil”. Skin oil production is more complicated than this, and facial oils will not necessarily reduce it.

Sensitive Skin

If your skin is easily irritated, look closely at the complete ingredient list rather than assuming that a product will automatically be gentle because it is natural.

Simple formulations may suit some people better, while fragrance and certain essential oils can be irritating for some skin types.

Introduce one new product at a time so it is easier to identify the cause if irritation occurs.

Blemish-Prone Skin

People with blemish-prone skin can still use facial oils, but the right formula varies considerably from person to person.

Start with a small amount, avoid introducing several new products at the same time, and stop using an oil if you notice persistent irritation or worsening breakouts.

If you are comparing individual plant oils, our guide to jojoba oil vs rosehip oil looks at how the two differ in texture, composition and everyday use.

Can You Use Face Oil With Other Skincare Products?

Face oil can fit alongside most common skincare products. The main thing to consider is the order in which you apply them.

Face Oil and Serum

Most serums are lighter than facial oils, so serum will usually go on first.

Apply your serum, give it a moment to settle, then follow with moisturiser and/or face oil depending on your routine.

Face Oil and Moisturiser

Face oil and moisturiser are not necessarily competing products. They can perform slightly different roles and can be used together.

You can usually apply moisturiser first and face oil afterwards, or in some cases mix a small amount of oil into your moisturiser if the product instructions allow it.

Face Oil and SPF

Sunscreen should generally be applied after your other skincare products.

Do not replace sunscreen with a facial oil and avoid diluting SPF by mixing it with oil unless the manufacturer specifically recommends doing so.

Face Oil and Makeup

A small amount of facial oil can sit well underneath makeup, particularly if your skin tends to feel dry.

The key is moderation. Allow the oil to settle before applying foundation, as too much can make some makeup formulas move around or feel greasy.

Common Face Oil Mistakes to Avoid

Face oil is straightforward to use, but a few small mistakes can leave you thinking the product is not right for you.

• Using too much: start with only a few drops and add more if genuinely needed.
• Applying oil before every other product: lighter water-based products generally work better earlier in the routine.
• Assuming face oil replaces moisturiser for everyone: some people enjoy oil alone, while others prefer using both.
• Assuming natural means irritation-free: plant-derived ingredients can still disagree with individual skin.
• Introducing several new products at once: this makes it much harder to identify what is helping or irritating your skin.
• Expecting instant changes: skincare is usually about consistency rather than applying a large amount of product once.
• Using face oil instead of SPF: facial oils should not replace proper sun protection.

The American Academy of Dermatology also advises keeping skincare routines relatively simple, as using too many products can increase the chance of irritation. See its guidance on skincare order.

 

Choosing a Face Oil

When choosing a face oil, look beyond the front of the bottle and consider the complete formulation.

Different plant oils contain different proportions of fatty acids and have different textures, so one blend may feel lightweight while another feels richer and more occlusive.

Your preference will also depend on whether you want something you can use underneath makeup, a richer evening oil or a simple product to use alongside moisturiser.

At Flux, our Natural Face Oil is made from a blend of plant oils including sea buckthorn and apricot kernel oil and is designed to fit easily into a simple everyday skincare routine.

 

How to Use Face Oil: FAQs

Do You Put Face Oil on Before or After Moisturiser?

Face oil is commonly applied after moisturiser because oil-based products tend to be richer. However, some facial oils are formulated to be used before moisturiser, so always check the instructions for your individual product.

How Many Drops of Face Oil Should I Use?

Start with around two to three drops for your face. You can always add another drop if needed, but applying too much can leave the skin feeling greasy.

Should You Rub or Pat Face Oil Into Your Skin?

Either method can work. You can gently massage the oil across your skin using your fingertips or press it into your face using your palms. Avoid aggressive rubbing.

Can I Use Face Oil Every Day?

Yes, provided the product suits your skin and does not cause persistent irritation or breakouts. Some people use face oil every day, while others prefer occasional use.

Is Face Oil Better in the Morning or at Night?

Neither is inherently better. Night-time use can be convenient because you do not need to layer makeup over the oil, while lighter face oils can also work well during the day.

Can I Sleep With Face Oil On?

Yes. Face oils are commonly left on overnight as part of an evening skincare routine.

Can Face Oil Replace Moisturiser?

For some people, a face oil may feel sufficient on its own. However, oils and moisturisers are not identical. Moisturisers often contain a combination of water, humectants, emollients and occlusive ingredients, while facial oils are primarily oil-based.

DermNet explains that moisturisers can contain humectants that attract and retain water as well as emollient and occlusive ingredients that soften the skin and reduce water loss. Read more about how moisturisers work.

Should You Apply Face Oil Before SPF?

Yes. If you use face oil in the morning, allow it to settle and then apply your sunscreen afterwards. Sunscreen should be the final skincare layer before makeup.

 

The Bottom Line

Using face oil does not need to make your skincare routine complicated. Start with clean skin, apply lighter products first, use just a few drops of oil and gently spread it across your face and neck.

For many routines, face oil works well towards the end of your skincare steps, particularly after moisturiser. During the day, always finish with sunscreen.

The most important thing is finding a formula and amount that feels comfortable on your skin. A few drops used consistently will usually make far more sense than covering your face in a thick layer of oil.