Face Oil: Treatment or Finishing Step?
- Danielle
- Feb 13
- 2 min read
One of the most common questions we’re asked in-store:
“Do I use the oil instead of moisturiser… or as a serum… or after everything?”
The answer matters more than most people realise, because using active products in the wrong order can limit how well they work.
Not all face oils are created equal.
Most commercial face oils are designed to do one main job: Seal moisture in. They’re usually made with simple emollient oils and very few active ingredients.
Others - including ours - are formulated as treatment oils, with active botanicals and skin-supporting ingredients that work deeper in the routine.
Understanding the difference is what turns face oil from a “nice extra” into a powerful part of your skincare ritual.
A better rule than “oil goes last” is this:
Apply your treatments first. Apply your seal last.
Sometimes your serum is the treatment. Sometimes your oil is. The order should reflect that.
When Face Oil Works Better Before Moisturiser
There are many situations where applying oil before cream makes more sense.
1. When You’re Using It as a Treatment
If you’re using face oil for:
Renewal
Barrier repair
Calming
Anti-ageing support
Overnight recovery
Then it often works best before moisturiser.
Why? Because moisturiser on top helps lock in those active oils and improves their performance.
2. When Skin Is Dehydrated and Lipid-Depleted
This is very common in perimenopause and post-menopause, because skin often lacks:
Water
Natural oils
Barrier strength
In this case, layering works best:
Hydration → Oil → Cream
Not oil last.
3. When Oil “Feels Like It’s Doing Nothing”
If oil is applied over a heavy cream, it can struggle to absorb - it just sits there. Moving it earlier in the routine can transform your results.
When Face Oil Should Go Last
Oil still belongs at the end in some routines. Apply it last when:
Your skin is already well hydrated
You’re keeping things very simple
You want extra sealing overnight
You live in a dry environment
Then it acts as a protective finishing layer.
Using Face Oil on Its Own
If you’re using oil as your only product:
Apply it to slightly damp skin. This helps trap moisture and prevents dryness.
Dry skin + oil alone = not enough hydration.
Damp skin + oil = balanced skin.
The Bottom Line
Face oil isn’t just a “finishing touch”.
When it’s well formulated, it’s an active part of your routine. The key is understanding what your skin needs - and using your products accordingly.
