The short answer: It’s kind of up to you. Many dermatologists advise starting with the thinnest-consistency formula and layering thicker ones on top, but this isn’t always the best strategy. “If it’s a more water-based moisturizer, apply it before oil,” says Robert Anolik, MD, an NYC dermatologist and professor of dermatology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. What to apply when also depends on your skin and how much moisture you’re looking for, explains NYC dermatologist Elyse Love, MD: “Face oils don’t really add hydration to the skin, but they can help support the skin barrier and lock in the hydration that you’d get from a serum or moisturizer.”

If you’re really dry, definitely layer both. “Often moisturizers are some type of emulsion,” says Anolik. So moisturizer can contain skin-barrier-supporting ingredients like linoleic acid or squalane (just as oils can) but also typically includes water-based hydrating ingredients like glycerin or hyaluronic acid. An oil over the top delivers more nourishment and seals in moisture at the same time.

1. Cream

   
   

   goop Beauty
   GOOPGENES All-in-One Nourishing Face Cream
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2. Oil

   
   

   goop Beauty
   GOOPGENES All-in-One Super Nutrient Face Oil
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What about lotions and serums? “Lotions and serums have more water and less oil than creams, so they feel lighter on skin and absorb more easily,” says Anolik. “Creams tend to contain less water and more oil.” So if you plan to layer a serum with a cream, start with serum.

1. Serum

   
   

   Tata Harper
   Superkind Bio-Barrier Serum
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2. Cream

   
   

   Pangea
   Ultra Rich Nourishing Moisturizer
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3. Lotion

   
   

   Plantkos
   Phyto A Face Lotion
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“Face oils feel thin consistency-wise,” says Anolik. “But they should still be applied after water-based products like lotions.” Love agrees: “Face oils are occlusive, helping lock in the good stuff (hydration) and lock out the bad (irritants and pollutants), all of which helps support the skin barrier.” While face oils can penetrate many moisturizers, serums, and creams, few of those treatments can penetrate an oil, so keep that in mind as you layer. And note that while thicker emulsions like creams can often be too much for oily skin, oils—even rich ones—are different. In fact, certain oils, like rose hip and jojoba, can help combat excess oil in acne-prone skin.

1. Rose Hip Oil

   
   

   Balmyard Beauty
   Moonlight Lover Facial Oil
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2. Jojoba Oil

   
   

   Tata Harper
   Retinoic Nutrient Face Oil
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3. Plum Oil

   
   

   Le Prunier
   Plum Beauty Oil
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