Why Choosing Between Moisturizer and Oil Feels Confusing?

Introduction

If you’ve ever wondered about the difference between moisturizer or facial oil, you are in the right place. Both moisturizers and facial oils are used to keep the skin hydrated. But many people—including myself—get confused about the difference between them.

The real struggle is often in the decision-making: moisturizer vs facial oil Which one should I buy?
I used to go back and forth all the time. Especially with my combination skin—dry on the cheeks but oily around the T-zone.

Some common questions I’ve had (and heard from others) include:

• Will a light moisturizer feel too dry?
• I don’t like sticky products—so what’s the alternative?
• Won’t facial oil make my skin look too shiny?
• What if it causes breakouts?

With these concerns in mind, I recently talked to several dermatologists from the Korean Dermatological Association. I wanted to finally get a clearer understanding between moisturizer or facial oil . I also aim to share it here through this post to help others who are wondering the same.

Main Content

Expert Insight: What I Learned About Moisture and Barrier Protection

During a recent visit to a dermatologist in Gangnam, I asked about how skin reacts to dry environments. Here’s what I learned.

When the air becomes dry, our skin tends to lose moisture from the surface. That’s why it’s important to keep the skin hydrated and also create a barrier to help lock in that moisture. Naturally, the skin’s own barrier—including dead skin cells and sebum—helps with this. But if your skin is dry or sensitive, its ability to protect itself is usually weaker.

That’s where products like serums, creams, and facial oils can help. It’s commonly said that oily skin types should use light moisturizers. Dry skin types should go for richer oils. However, that’s not always the full story.

For example, someone with oily skin might have a damaged skin barrier. Using a mild oil like squalane may actually be helpful in such cases.

What a Friend (and Dermatologist) Taught Me About Face Oils

One of my friends is a dermatologist, and she runs a small clinic. She once explained something to me that really helped me understand oils better. She said that not all oils work the same for every skin type. Oily and dry skin types need different kinds of oils.

According to her, two of the main components found in oils are linoleic acid and oleic acid. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, choose oils higher in linoleic acid. Rosehip oil or hemp seed oil may be more suitable.

She also shared that some studies suggest acne-prone skin often lacks enough linoleic acid. When this happens, the skin’s sebum can become thicker and stickier, which may clog pores more easily.

My friend also mentioned that giving the skin enough linoleic acid may help reduce the chances of breakouts. This is especially true for acne-prone or oily skin.

If you have dry skin, oils rich in oleic acid might be more helpful. Oils like jojoba oil or coconut oil contain oleic acid. Oleic acid has a larger molecular structure. Which means it doesn’t absorb deeply into the skin but instead forms a layer on the surface.

This kind of protective barrier may be helpful for dry skin, especially when the weather is harsh. By helping to prevent moisture loss. However, for oily skin, that same barrier might clog pores and increase the risk of inflammation. That’s why She suggested choosing oils based on your skin’s current condition, not just your skin type.

Why I Still Start with a Moisturizer

After trying many products myself, I’ve come to realize that no matter how well an oil suits my skin. For me, moisturizer has always been the foundation of my routine. From my own experience, the refreshing feel of a water-based serum or cream quickly makes my skin feel more hydrated.

One ingredient I kept noticing in almost every moisturizer product I tested was hyaluronic acid. It’s everywhere these days—and for good reason. But after reading and comparing multiple studies. I learned something interesting: hyaluronic acid molecules are actually larger than skin cells in the deeper layers. So, they don’t easily absorb into the dermis when applied topically. But that doesn’t mean hyaluronic acid is useless. In fact, it may play a role in protecting moisture by forming a moisture barrier on the skin’s surface.

Think Practically When Choosing Skincare

If you think about it from a common-sense perspective, it becomes pretty clear. If the barrier between the outer and deeper layers of our skin were easy to penetrate, we’d constantly face risks. Bacteria would be a constant threat. Just keeping the surface of your skin well-moisturized can help support your skin barrier. So, I don’t believe we need to focus too much on deep absorption alone.

In fact, what matters more is the quality and purity of the ingredients being used. That’s often what affects both how a product works and how much it costs. Unfortunately, most consumers can’t easily check this just by looking at the label.

That’s why I recommend gathering information, reading reviews, and even learning about a brand’s philosophy before buying.

As I mentioned in a previous post, choosing good products is important. But it’s only one part of the picture. Your daily habits also play a big role in how your skin feels.

For example, washing your face too often is one of the most common causes of dryness. Using lukewarm water instead of hot water can help protect your skin’s natural oils. Which act as a built-in moisturizer.

Tip: Try using a humidifier to maintain moisture in the air around you. Drink water regularly. Avoid reaching for tea or coffee all day.

Product Review

Dr.Jart+ Vital Hydra Solution Biome Water Cream 50ml

This lightweight cream contains ingredients like Water Biome™, prebiotics, low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid, and collagen. It’s designed to help hydrate the skin and support a plump, refreshed appearance.
Price: 38,000 KRW

In my opinion, this product might be a bit expensive for students. That’s why if you’re a student, it could be wiser to search for a more affordable option. Ensure it still offers basic hydration.

Note: Product review is independently written for educational and informational purposes. It does not contain sponsored content or affiliate marketing. No medical claims are made. Always refer to product labels or consult with a dermatologist if you have specific skin concerns.

To make it easier to understand, here’s a simple explanation:

Moisturizers are rich in water-based ingredients that help keep your skin hydrated and soft. On the other hand, facial oils help add a natural glow and create a protective barrier on the skin’s surface.

Moisturizer (Water-Based Cream)

• Main Function:
  Provides hydration to the skin from dryness.
• Texture:
  A lotion or cream made with a mix of water and oils.
• How to Use:
  Apply after cleansing, toner, and serum to lock in moisture.
• Suitable For:
  Works for both dry and oily skin types. Especially recommended for dry skin as a daily essential.

Facial Oil

• Main Function:
  Adds a healthy glow to the skin and helps prevent moisture loss by forming a protective layer.
• Texture:
  Comes in various types, from light to rich, usually made from plant-based or animal-based oils.
• How to Use:
  Apply after moisturizer to seal in hydration, or use on extra dry areas as needed.
• Suitable For:
  Great for dry skin. For oily or acne-prone skin, use a lightweight oil or choose an oil-free moisturizer instead.

Conclusion

In the end, there’s no single solution when choosing between moisturizer or facial oil. It really depends on your skin type, current condition, and how your skin reacts over time.

I hope this post has helped you better understand the key differences between moisturizers and facial oils. Maybe it has made your decision a little easier.

If you are interested in “One Mask a Day” the Secret to Better Skin, check it here.