doTERRA Face Oil vs Moisturizer for Glowing Skin
Face oil or moisturizer for hydrated looking skin? Compare doTERRA face oils and moisturizers, find which suits your skin, and build a simple routine.
By the VitalResin Team, Skincare & doTERRA enthusiasts
Your bathroom shelf has room for only one new doTERRA product this month, and you are staring at a botanical face oil on one side and a rich moisturizer on the other. Which one actually helps your skin look soft, smooth, and hydrated?
Here is the direct answer: face oil and moisturizer do different jobs, and most women get the best look from using both, a thin layer of cream first, then a few drops of oil pressed on top. If you must choose one, pick a moisturizer if your skin feels tight or dry, and pick a face oil if your skin already feels comfortable and you want extra glow and a more elegant, spa-like finish. We will walk through what each one brings so you can decide with confidence.
What Each Product Actually Does
A moisturizer, like the doTERRA Veráge Moisturizer, is a water-based cream that delivers hydration and helps the skin look plumper and smoother. It sinks in fairly quickly and creates a soft, even base. This is the product that most resembles what people picture when they think of a daily face cream.
A botanical face oil, like Yarrow|Pom, works differently. It sits closer to the surface, gives an immediate luminous, dewy finish, and helps soften the look of fine lines. Many doTERRA essential oils used in face blends, such as Frankincense, are traditionally included in cosmetic rituals for mature or tired-looking skin because they pair beautifully with the appearance of a calm, radiant complexion.
The honest drawbacks: a moisturizer alone may not create a strong glow, especially in the evening when you want that lit-from-within look. A face oil alone, particularly in a dry climate, may not deliver enough hydration because oils do not add much water to the skin. They seal and soften, but they are not a substitute for the watery layer a cream provides.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Criterion | doTERRA Face Oil | doTERRA Moisturizer |
|---|---|---|
| Main benefit | Instant glow, soft look, spa-like finish | Hydration, plump feel, smooth base |
| Texture | Silky, concentrated oil | Creamy, water-based lotion |
| Best timing | Evening ritual, or mixed into cream | Morning and night |
| Skin feel after use | Dewy, luminous | Soft, comfortable |
| Limitation | Adds little water to the skin | Less dramatic glow alone |
| Easiest for beginners | Requires a light hand | Very simple to use |
which to choose if...
Choose a moisturizer if your skin often feels tight after washing, if you live in a dry or cold climate, or if you are building your very first skincare ritual and want something foolproof. The doTERRA Veráge Cleanser followed by a moisturizer is a clean, simple two-step routine.
Choose a face oil if you already have a cream you like, you want a more visible evening glow, or you enjoy the ritual of pressing a botanical blend into your skin. In our experience, Immortelle is the blend clients ask about most when they want that refined, radiant look.
Choose both if you want the most complete finish. Apply the moisturizer first to hydrate, wait a minute, then warm two or three drops of face oil between your palms and press it over your cheeks and forehead. The combination gives you the comfort of a cream and the glow of an oil.
How to Layer Them Correctly
Here is the exact order we recommend most often:
Cleanse with the doTERRA Veráge Cleanser and pat your face dry.
Apply a small amount of moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp, which helps the cream spread evenly.
Wait about one minute for the moisturizer to settle.
Put two drops of your chosen face oil, such as Yarrow|Pom or a diluted blend with Frankincense, into your palm.
Press the oil gently over your cheeks, forehead, and jaw. Do not rub, pressing helps create an even, luminous finish.
If you prefer a single-step product, the doTERRA Immortelle Anti-Aging Blend is a luxurious botanical roll-on that combines the feel of an oil with an easy, targeted application. For a lighter touch, Lavender diluted to 1% in jojoba, about one drop per 5 ml of carrier, is a gentle way to begin using essential oils on the face. Always do a patch test in the crook of your elbow and wait 24 hours before first use on your face.
FAQ
Can I use face oil and moisturizer together every day?
Yes. In our experience, this combination works well for most skin, moisturizer first, then two or three drops of oil pressed on top. Start with the oil only in the evening if your skin leans oily or you are unsure.
Is face oil a replacement for moisturizer?
No. Face oil adds a soft, glowing finish but does not deliver the same water-based hydration. If your skin feels tight or dry, keep a moisturizer in your routine and use the oil as an extra step.
Which doTERRA oil is best for a glowing complexion?
Frankincense is the classic choice for a radiant look, while Immortelle and Yarrow|Pom are convenient pre-blended options.
Face oil and moisturizer are not competitors, they are partners in a simple beauty ritual. Choose a moisturizer for hydration and a face oil for glow, or use both in layers for the most complete, comfortable finish.
This content is for general information only and is not medical advice. Essential oils are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease; consult a qualified healthcare professional before use.