Can face oil replace moisturizer?

A pure face oil can soften skin and help reduce water loss, but it does not provide the same mix as a well-formulated moisturizer. I think of oil as an optional finishing support rather than assuming it can replace every function of a moisturizer.

Oil and moisturizer do different jobs

If your skin feels tight under an oily surface, more oil may not solve it. My preference for dehydrated skin is a suitable cream or lotion first, with a small amount of oil only if it adds comfort.