Skincare layering order: what goes first?
Short answer: cleanse, then apply products from thinnest to thickest, put targeted actives on clean skin, seal with moisturizer, and finish with sunscreen in the morning.
Morning (AM) order
- Cleanser (or just water)
- Toner or essence, if you use one
- Vitamin C serum (antioxidant support under sunscreen)
- Other water-based serums: niacinamide, hyaluronic acid
- Eye cream
- Moisturizer
- Sunscreen, broad-spectrum SPF 30+, always last
Evening (PM) order
- Cleanser (double cleanse if wearing sunscreen or makeup)
- One main active: a retinoid (retinol, tretinoin, adapalene) or an exfoliating acid (AHA/BHA), usually not both on the same night
- Hydrating serums: hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, peptides
- Moisturizer, ideally with ceramides
- Optional occlusive or face oil last
Rules of thumb
- Thin to thick. Watery products before creams and oils.
- Sunscreen is last in the morning. Don't mix it into other products.
- One strong active per routine. Retinoids and exfoliating acids are best on separate nights.
- Vitamin C in the morning, retinoids at night. See retinol and vitamin C.
- Benzoyl peroxide apart from tretinoin and vitamin C. See tretinoin and benzoyl peroxide.
- Prescriptions follow your prescriber's directions, which override general layering advice.
- New product? Add one at a time and give it a couple of weeks before adding another.
Check any two ingredients with the routine builder or search a combination.