Facial oils are a powerful addition to any skincare routine but knowing how to layer them correctly is what makes the difference between skin that feels nourished and skin that feels heavy or congested. 

One of the biggest misconceptions in skincare is that all oils should be applied last. While this can be true for traditional facial oils, jojoba-based oils are different and understanding why will completely change how you layer your products. 

This guide explains how to layer facial oils properly, where jojoba fits into your routine, and which oils work best for hydration, barrier support and glow. 

Why Oil Layering Matters 

Layering skincare products correctly helps maximise absorption, performance and skin comfort. Facial oils play very different roles depending on their structure. 

Traditional facial oils tend to: 

These oils are often best used at the end of a routine. Jojoba-based oils, however, behave more like the skin’s own natural oil which is why they are layered before moisturiser, not after. 

Where Facial Oils Fit in Your Skincare Routine 

Rather than focusing only on texture, effective layering is about how ingredients interact with the skin. 

Recommended Skincare Layering Order 

While many skincare routines suggest oils go last, this applies mainly to heavier, traditional oils — not jojoba. 

Why Jojoba-Based Oils Are Different 

Jojoba is not technically an oil. It is a liquid wax ester and the closest botanical match to the skin’s own sebum. 

Because of its unique structure, Australian Wadi-Wadi Jojoba: 

Instead of sealing the skin, jojoba helps keep pores clear and receptive — allowing serums and moisturisers applied afterwards to penetrate more effectively. 

This is why jojoba-based oils, such as Ultimate Youth Potion or Vitamin C Glow Potion, are best applied before moisturiser. 

How to Layer Facial Oils for Hydration 

Start With Water-Based Hydration 

Facial oils work best when applied to skin that already contains water. 

After cleansing: 

This provides essential hydration before oils are applied. 

Apply Your Jojoba-Based Oil 

Jojoba-based oils at this stage help condition the skin and improve the absorption of moisturiser. 

Recommended options include: 

Finish With Moisturiser 

Follow with your moisturiser to: 

Applied after jojoba, moisturiser works more efficiently without feeling heavy or greasy. 

Can You Layer More Than One Facial Oil? 

Yes - but keep it simple. 

For most people, one well-formulated jojoba-based oil is enough. Layering multiple oils can be helpful when targeting specific concerns, such as barrier repair or seasonal dryness. 

For example: 

Best Practice 

Morning vs Night Oil Layering 

Morning Routine 

In the morning, focus on lightweight hydration that layers well under SPF. 

Some people prefer mixing a drop of jojoba into their moisturiser during the day. 

Night Routine 

Nighttime is ideal for deeper nourishment and repair. 

Common Facial Oil Layering Mistakes 

A Simple Facial Oil Layering Routine 

Morning 

Evening 

The Takeaway 

Not all facial oils are designed to be used the same way. While traditional oils often sit at the end of a routine, jojoba-based oils work with the skin, not on top of it. 

By applying jojoba before moisturiser, you help support hydration, enhance absorption and keep skin balanced, smooth and comfortable. 

Understanding how to layer facial oils correctly means better results, fewer steps and healthier-looking skin.