How to use face oil: when, how much and in what order

How to use face oil comes down to three things: how much, when, and on top of what. This guide gives you the method, then shows how it works with the two face oils we make, which are used differently from each other.

How to use face oil, step by step

1. Cleanse, and apply your toner, serum and moisturizer as usual.
2. Dispense a few drops onto clean fingertips. For our Bakuchiol Oil Serum the dose is 3 to 4 drops for face and neck.
3. Warm the oil between your fingertips for a moment.
4. Press it on gently: cheeks, forehead, chin, then neck.
5. Keep it away from your eyes.
6. In the morning, give it a minute, then apply sunscreen.

Does face oil go before or after moisturizer?

After. The directions on both of our oils say to use the oil alone, or as the last step after moisturizer. Cream goes on first, and the oil is pressed over it.

Some dermatology sources place it earlier: Cleveland Clinic dermatologist Sean McGregor, DO, puts face oil right before moisturizer. If the oil you own says that on its label, follow the label.

Which skin types suit a face oil

Dr. McGregor advises against face oils unless you have dry skin. The American Academy of Dermatology advises people with oily skin to choose oil-free products. So a face oil is an optional extra for dry or mature skin, not a step everyone needs.

Our own pages follow the same line. Glow Face Oil is made for normal, dry and mature skin. Asked "Is it for oily skin?", its page gives that same answer.

Our two face oils, and how each is used

Glow Face Oil has organic jojoba seed oil as its light base, so it spreads easily. Argan and avocado oils bring a rich, softening feel, and borage and evening primrose oils are there for skin that feels dry. Use it alone or over moisturizer. It contains sweet almond oil and apricot kernel oil, so skip it if you have a nut allergy.

Bakuchiol Oil Serum is a different kind of oil. Bakuchiol is a plant alternative to retinol, here at 1%, for smoother-looking skin and softer-looking lines. It is a waterless formula with a finish that stays on the skin as a soft layer, so it belongs at night, as the very last step, and not under makeup. See bakuchiol vs retinol for how it compares.

Both oils are scented, with fragrance and essential oil components. Patch test first if your skin is reactive, and choose something else if you avoid fragrance.

What to put underneath

Neither of our oils contains water, so we suggest a hydrating layer underneath. Three from our range that go under an oil:

• Fragrance-Free Moisturizer: a creamy moisturizer to press the oil over as the last step.
• Hydrating Serum: a light aloe-based serum, so the oil goes on over hydrated-feeling skin.
• Prebiotic Face Mist: mist first, then press the oil on while skin is still dewy.

For where oil sits among every other step, see skincare routine steps. A cleansing oil is a different product with a different job: see how to use an oil cleanser.

Common face oil mistakes

• Too much. A few drops are the whole dose.
• Rubbing. Press it in, and it settles into a soft finish.
• Using it in place of sunscreen. No face oil of ours protects against the sun.
• A night oil under makeup. Our Bakuchiol Oil Serum stays on the skin as a soft layer, so keep it for the evening.

Frequently asked questions

Do you put face oil on before or after moisturizer?

After. Our oils go on after moisturizer, as the last step. Some dermatology sources place a face oil just before moisturizer, so check the directions on the oil you own.

How should I use oil on my face?

Warm a few drops between clean fingertips and press them gently onto clean skin or over your moisturizer, avoiding the eyes.

Can I leave face oil on overnight?

Yes. Face oils are leave-on products. Our Bakuchiol Oil Serum is made for exactly that: it stays on as a soft layer overnight.

Is it okay to use face oil every day?

If your skin is dry and likes it, yes. Our Glow Face Oil is made for morning and night use, and the Bakuchiol Oil Serum for nightly use.

Will a face oil feel greasy?

It should not, at the right dose. Both of ours are light, fluid oils. Use a few drops and press, do not rub.

Can I use face oil on oily skin?

The American Academy of Dermatology advises oily skin to choose oil-free products. Our Glow Face Oil is made for normal, dry and mature skin.

Sources

Cleveland Clinic (Sean McGregor, DO). The correct order for skin care products. 2025. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/proper-skin-care-product-order
American Academy of Dermatology. How to control oily skin. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/oily-skin
Product details are taken from the exokiss product pages. This article is general information, not medical advice.