does face oil go on before or after moisturizer?

[KSL1987]

I have read that the moisturizers cannot penetrate the oil but that the oil can penetrate the moisturizer but 50% of people/blogs says oil before the lotion. I am confused.

[lylysa]

Hi, KSL1987!

If you're looking to use a facial oil (not a cleansing oil) in conjunction with a traditional moisturizer (such as a cream, lotion, or gel formula), it would typically be applied after the moisturizer because while an oil is thinner in consistency, its composition is much richer and heavier in terms of providing more essential fatty acids and hydrators to the skin. If it was applied prior to your moisturizer it may make it more difficult for that formula to sink into and penetrate skin.

In terms of using facial oils prior to moisturizers, this can be done if the circumstances surrounding things call for this. For example, if you're new to using retinol and your skin is known to be quite easily sensitized, you may find that adding a drop of facial oil to skin first prior to applying a potent retinol serum or treatment a way to "cushion" its effects and allow you to control its rate of absorption a bit more as mentioned above, the oil's composition would mean anything applied on top to absorb slower and thus help diminish any of the more immediate side effects that you may experience if you were to have retinol applied direct to clean skin. 

Since oils are so hydrating in it of themselves, you can always forego your traditional moisturizer formula in lieu of a facial oil versus needing to layer or combine the two. Definitely take into account your skin, what your needs and skin care goals are, and what moisturizer or oil you're considering using or combining.

[keelybt]

Hi KSL1987, Face oils are generally applied before moisturizer, so they can penetrate. 

[TrysBeautyItems]

Depends on the oil, some are sealers. Which exact oil?