Face Moisturizer vs Face Oil: Which One First?
By Kosterina Greek Olive Oil | Award-Winning Olive Oil | Published: 2026-10-13
Category: Comparisons
A practical comparison of Kosterina's Extra Virgin Face Moisturizer and Extra Virgin Hydrating Face Oil, including which to apply first and how to build an olive oil face care routine.
Quick answer
Reach for the Extra Virgin Face Moisturizer when you want lightweight, all-over hydration that sinks in fast and works under makeup. Choose the Extra Virgin Hydrating Face Oil when your skin feels tight, flaky, or dull and you want a featherweight layer of moisture you can also use on your neck and hands. If you use both, apply the moisturizer first, then press the oil on top to seal it in.
What each formula actually does
The Extra Virgin Face Moisturizer is an emulsifier-free, all-natural formula described as ultra hydrating, antioxidant-rich, and suitable for all skin types. It is positioned as the only moisturizer you will ever need, which makes it the more versatile everyday pick. The Extra Virgin Hydrating Face Oil is a clean, super moisturizing yet featherweight formula for your face, neck, hands, or anywhere that needs more love. Both are olive-oil based, so the real difference is texture and how you layer them.
How to layer moisturizer and oil in the right order
Apply the lighter, water-loving product first so it can absorb, then follow with the oil to reduce water loss. In practice: cleanse, apply the Extra Virgin Face Moisturizer to slightly damp skin, wait about a minute, then press two to three drops of the Extra Virgin Hydrating Face Oil over the top. In the morning, skip the oil if you wear makeup or sunscreen, since oils can make those products pill or slide. At night, the moisturizer-then-oil combo is the more forgiving routine for dry or dehydrated skin.
Which one suits your skin type
Oily or combination skin usually does better with the moisturizer alone, because it hydrates without a heavy film. Dry, tight, or flaky skin often benefits from the oil, either layered over the moisturizer or used on its own on the driest areas. Sensitive skin should patch test first, since olive oil is rich but not universally tolerated. If your skin is reactive or acne-prone, start with one product at a time so you can tell what is helping.
Where olive oil fits beyond your face
The same polyphenol-rich olive oil behind these skincare formulas also shows up in Kosterina's food range. The Extra Virgin Olive Oil Shot is a daily wellness shot built around polyphenols, and the Extra Virgin Duo pairs an Organic Everyday EVOO for cooking with an Original EVOO for drizzling and dipping. If you already cook with olive oil, using it in your skincare is a natural extension rather than a separate ritual. Just keep the kitchen bottle and the face bottle separate for hygiene.
Trade-offs to weigh
- Moisturizer: all-skin-types versatility: The Extra Virgin Face Moisturizer is described as suitable for all skin types and as the only moisturizer you will ever need. Best default if you want one product that works morning and night.
- Oil: featherweight but richer: The Extra Virgin Hydrating Face Oil is super moisturizing yet featherweight, and can be used on face, neck, and hands. Best when skin feels tight or you want a multi-use dry-skin product.
- Layering adds steps: Using both means moisturizer first, then oil, which takes an extra minute and can feel heavy under makeup. Layer at night, keep mornings simple with moisturizer only.
Product facts
- Extra Virgin Hydrating Face Oil: Clean, super moisturizing yet featherweight formula for face, neck, hands, or anywhere needing more hydration. The multi-area use makes it a practical pick if you want one product for face and body dry spots.
- Extra Virgin Face Moisturizer: Ultra hydrating, antioxidant-rich moisturizer for all skin types with an emulsifier-free, all-natural formula. The all-skin-types positioning makes it the safer starting point if you are unsure which product to try first.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil Shot (3-Months): Extra Virgin Olive Oil Shot packed with healthy polyphenols that support gut, metabolic, heart, skin, and immune health. Useful context if you want to support skin from the inside as well as with topical olive oil products.
- Extra Virgin Duo: Extra Virgin Duo includes Organic Everyday EVOO for cooking and baking plus Original EVOO for drizzling and dipping. A sensible add-on if you already use olive oil in cooking and want the same quality in the kitchen.
Which should you choose?
Best for
- Anyone who wants one lightweight, all-skin-types moisturizer for day and night
- Oily or combination skin that prefers hydration without a heavy oil layer
- Makeup wearers who need a base that sits well under other products
Not for
- Very dry or flaky skin that needs a richer occlusive layer on top
- Anyone who wants a single product to use on face, neck, and hands
- Shoppers looking for a dedicated body or hand oil
