Can Face Oil Replace Moisturiser? A Cosmetic Chemist Explains

If you've ever wondered whether you really need both a moisturiser and a face oil, you're not alone.

The short answer is: sometimes—but not always.

Although they're often grouped together, moisturisers and face oils perform different jobs. A moisturiser is designed to hydrate the skin while supporting the skin barrier, whereas a face oil helps reduce moisture loss and nourishes the skin with beneficial lipids.

If your skin is dehydrated, a face oil alone usually isn't enough. But if your skin is already well hydrated, it may be all your skin needs.

As a cosmetic chemist, this is one of the skincare questions I'm asked most often. Many people assume oils and moisturisers are interchangeable, but understanding how each one works can make a huge difference to the health of your skin.

What Is the Difference Between a Face Oil and a Moisturiser?

Despite the name, a moisturiser doesn't simply "add moisture."

A well-formulated moisturiser usually contains a combination of water, humectants, emollients and nourishing oils. Together, these ingredients help:

• Hydrate the skin.
• Support a healthy skin barrier.
• Reduce moisture loss throughout the day.

A face oil works differently.

Unlike a moisturiser, a facial oil contains no water. Instead, it provides lipids that help soften the skin and slow transepidermal water loss (TEWL)—the natural process where water gradually evaporates from the skin.

Many plant oils are also naturally rich in antioxidants, essential fatty acids and vitamins that help keep the skin barrier healthy and resilient.

A simple way to think about it is this:

A moisturiser adds hydration.

A face oil helps keep that hydration in your skin.

Face Oil vs Moisturiser

Can a Face Oil Replace a Moisturiser?

Sometimes.

If your skin is naturally balanced and already well hydrated, you may find that a face oil is enough to keep your skin comfortable and nourished.

However, if your skin feels tight, flaky or dehydrated, a face oil can't replace the water your skin is missing.

I often compare it to putting a lid on an empty container.

A facial oil helps slow water loss—but if there's very little water in the skin to begin with, there's not much to lock in.

That's why so many people say they "love face oils" but still struggle with dry skin.

Often, the issue isn't that the oil isn't working.

It's simply that the skin needs hydration first.

Dry Skin vs Dehydrated Skin

One of the biggest misconceptions in skincare is thinking that dry skin and dehydrated skin are the same thing.

They're actually very different.

Dry skin lacks natural oils.

Dehydrated skin lacks water.

If your skin is dehydrated, applying more oil won't replace the water that's missing. Instead, your skin usually benefits from hydration first, followed by ingredients that help reduce moisture loss.

If you're not sure which one describes your skin, read our guide to Why Is My Skin Still Dry Even Though I Use Moisturiser? where I explain the difference between dry and dehydrated skin, the signs to look for, and how to choose the right routine.

How to Use a Face Oil Correctly

Rather than choosing between a moisturiser and a face oil, I think it's more helpful to think about what your skin actually needs.

For most people with dry or dehydrated skin, this simple routine works beautifully.

1. Cleanse Gently

Start with a gentle cleansing balm, cleansing oil or cream cleanser that removes makeup and sunscreen without stripping away your skin's natural oils.

A healthy skin barrier always begins with gentle cleansing.

2. Add Hydration

Before applying a face oil, replenish your skin with water.

I like to mist my skin generously while it's still slightly damp. This helps provide the hydration your skin needs before sealing it in.

Our Triple Tree Face Mist combines Swedish birch sap, Scandinavian hydrosols and glycerin to help replenish hydration while supporting the skin barrier.

3. Apply a Face Oil

Once your skin is hydrated, apply a few drops of facial oil.

Plant oils help reduce moisture loss while providing essential fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamins that nourish the skin.

Our Scandi Glow Face Oil combines oat, rosehip, Arctic cranberry, bilberry and sea buckthorn oils to nourish the skin, support the skin barrier and leave it feeling soft, comfortable and never greasy.

4. Add a Moisturiser When Needed

If your skin is very dry, your skin barrier is compromised or it's the middle of winter, adding a moisturiser can provide another layer of hydration and barrier support.

Our Forest Blossom Moisturiser combines fresh Swedish birch sap, raspberry seed oil, lingonberry extract and 1% resveratrol to deeply hydrate the skin, support the skin barrier and promote a healthy, radiant complexion.

Who Can Use a Face Oil Without a Moisturiser?

Some people may find that a face oil alone is enough.

This often includes people with:

• Normal skin.
• Balanced skin.
• Slightly dry skin during warmer weather.

However, if your skin is dehydrated, very dry or your skin barrier is damaged, you'll usually achieve better results by hydrating your skin first before applying a face oil.

Can You Use a Face Oil and a Moisturiser Together?

Absolutely.

In fact, this is often the best option for dry or mature skin.

A moisturiser helps replenish hydration, while a facial oil helps reduce moisture loss and supports the skin barrier.

Used together, they complement one another rather than competing.

Should You Apply Face Oil Before or After Moisturiser?

In most routines, a face oil is applied after lighter, water-based skincare products.

This includes:

• Hydrating mists
• Serums
• Moisturisers

Applying a face oil last helps reduce moisture loss while leaving a protective layer of nourishing plant oils on the skin.

The Bottom Line

Can a face oil replace a moisturiser?

Sometimes—but it depends on what your skin needs.

A moisturiser and a face oil aren't interchangeable because they perform different jobs.

A moisturiser helps hydrate the skin while supporting the skin barrier.

A face oil helps reduce moisture loss while nourishing the skin with beneficial lipids.

For many people, the healthiest routine isn't choosing one or the other.

It's understanding what your skin needs, adding hydration first and then using a facial oil to help keep that hydration where it belongs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is face oil enough for dry skin?

It depends on why your skin feels dry. If your skin lacks oil, a facial oil may be enough. If it's dehydrated, you'll usually need more hydration before applying an oil.

Should I use face oil before or after moisturiser?

A face oil is generally applied after moisturiser to help reduce moisture loss and support the skin barrier.

Can oily skin use a face oil?

Yes. Choosing the right lightweight plant oils can help nourish oily skin without leaving it feeling greasy. Many people are surprised to find that well-formulated facial oils work beautifully for combination and oily skin too.

Does a face oil hydrate your skin?

No. A face oil doesn't hydrate the skin because it contains little or no water. Instead, it helps reduce moisture loss and supports the skin barrier. For dehydrated skin, it's usually best to apply a hydrating product before your face oil.

Can I use a face oil every day?

Yes. Most skin types can use a facial oil once or twice daily, depending on their skin's needs. A few drops applied after your hydrating skincare is often enough to help nourish the skin and reduce moisture loss.

Can I use a face oil instead of a night cream?

Sometimes. If your skin is balanced and well hydrated, a face oil may be enough at night. However, if your skin is very dry or dehydrated, combining hydration (mist and/or moisturiser) with a face oil often provides better overnight support.