Facial Oils vs Moisturisers: Which Is Better During Winter?

When winter rolls around, your skin usually knows about it before you do. Cooler temperatures, indoor heating, hot showers and lower humidity can leave your complexion feeling tight, dull and suddenly much thirstier than it did a few months ago.

And that's when the question comes up: should you be reaching for a facial oil or a moisturiser?

The answer isn't necessarily one or the other. Facial oils and moisturisers play different roles in a winter skincare routine, and understanding how they work can make all the difference between skin that simply survives the colder months and skin that stays soft, comfortable and glowing all season.

Here's how to work out what your winter skin actually needs.

Why Does Skin Feel Drier in Winter?

That sudden winter tightness isn't in your imagination.

Cold air generally holds less moisture, while indoor heating can create an even drier environment. Add long hot showers and changes to your daily routine and your skin can start losing moisture more easily.

If you're dealing with dry skin winter concerns, switching to a richer Moisturiser can help keep your complexion feeling comfortable when the temperature drops.

Winter is also a good time to rethink the rest of your routine. If your skin is feeling sensitive or tight, this probably isn't the season to throw every trending active ingredient at it. Gentle cleansing, thoughtful hydration and consistency are often far more useful.

What Does a Moisturiser Actually Do?

Think of moisturiser as the everyday essential in your winter skincare wardrobe.

A good moisturiser combines ingredients designed to hydrate, soften and help reduce moisture loss from the skin. Depending on the formula, it may contain humectants that attract water, emollients that soften the skin and occlusive ingredients that help hold everything in.

That's why Moisturisers are usually the best place to start if your complexion is feeling dehydrated, tight or uncomfortable.

They're also an important part of a routine focused on skin barrier repair, particularly when your skin has been feeling dry or compromised. Rather than constantly adding more steps, focus on giving your skin the hydration and support it needs to function well.

What Does a Facial Oil Do?

This is where facial oils enter the chat.

Unlike a moisturiser, an oil isn't primarily there to add water to your skin. Instead, Facial Oils can help soften the complexion and reduce moisture loss, making them a beautiful finishing step when winter skin needs a little more nourishment.

They're also brilliant for adding that healthy, dewy finish we tend to lose during the colder months.

A few drops can be enough. Warm the oil between your fingertips and gently press it into your skin rather than rubbing aggressively. You can also mix a drop into your moisturiser when you want extra richness without adding another full step.

And no, facial oils aren't reserved exclusively for very dry skin. The right formula and amount can work across a range of skin types.

Facial Oil vs Moisturiser: Which Should You Choose?

Here's the simple answer: if your skin needs hydration, start with moisturiser. If it needs extra nourishment and help sealing that moisture in, consider adding an oil.

For many people, the dream winter combination is actually both.

If your skin feels tight after cleansing

Start with a moisturiser and consider layering a facial oil over the top at night.

If your skin looks dull but doesn't feel particularly dry

Try adding a couple of drops of facial oil to your evening routine for an extra boost of nourishment and glow.

If your skin becomes very dry in winter

Look at your whole routine rather than simply adding more oil. A gentle cleanser, hydrating products and richer moisturiser may be more helpful than piling on multiple actives.

If your skin is oily or combination

You don't necessarily need to abandon either product. Choose lightweight formulas and apply them strategically rather than assuming winter means using the richest product you can find.

Your skin type matters, but so does how your skin is behaving right now.

How to Layer Facial Oil and Moisturiser

If you're using both, order matters.

After cleansing, apply your lighter hydrating products first. Follow with moisturiser, then press a few drops of facial oil over the top as the final skincare step before SPF during the day, or as the finishing step in your evening routine.

Cleanse → Hydrating serum or mist → Moisturiser → Facial oil → SPF in the morning

You also don't need to use facial oil morning and night. For many people, a few drops in the evening are enough to give winter skin that extra level of comfort.

The biggest mistake? Assuming more product automatically equals more hydration. A thoughtful routine with a few well-chosen formulas will usually feel much better than layering everything in your bathroom cabinet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is facial oil better than moisturiser for dry skin?

Not necessarily. Facial oils and moisturisers perform different roles. Moisturisers can provide hydration while oils are particularly useful for softening the skin and helping reduce moisture loss. Very dry winter skin may benefit from using both.

Should I put facial oil on before or after moisturiser?

Facial oil is generally best applied after moisturiser. This allows your hydrating products to go onto the skin first, with the oil acting as a nourishing finishing layer.

Can I use facial oil every day?

Yes, depending on your skin and the formula. Start with a few drops and adjust according to how your skin responds.

Do I need a heavier moisturiser in winter?

Not everyone does, but if your usual moisturiser suddenly isn't leaving your skin feeling comfortable, winter can be a good time to switch to something more nourishing.

Can oily skin use facial oils?

Yes. Having oily skin doesn't automatically mean facial oils are off limits. Choosing the right formula and using a small amount is key.

So, Which One Wins?

We're calling this one a draw.

If winter has left your skin dehydrated, a great moisturiser should be one of the foundations of your routine. If your complexion is craving additional nourishment, a facial oil can be the perfect finishing touch.

And if your skin wants both? Give it both.

Winter skincare doesn't need to become a complicated ten-step ritual. Listen to your skin, focus on hydration and barrier support and adjust your routine as the seasons change.

Because the ultimate winter beauty goal isn't just glowing skin. It's skin that actually feels as good as it looks.