Achieving healthy, glowing skin isn’t just about using the right products—it’s also about applying them in the correct order. Layering your skincare products properly ensures that each one is absorbed effectively, maximizing its benefits. If you’ve ever wondered which product goes first or why certain steps matter, this guide is for you.
Why Layering Skincare Matters
Applying products in the right sequence helps them penetrate the skin properly. Lightweight, water-based products should be applied first to hydrate and prepare the skin, while heavier, oil-based products should be applied last to seal in moisture and active ingredients.
In What Order Do I Layer Skincare Products?
Step 1: Cleanser
Start with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and makeup. Cleansing ensures that your skin is fresh and ready to absorb the following products. If you wear sunscreen or makeup, consider double cleansing with an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based cleanser.
Product suggestions:
- For oily skin: gel or foam cleansers with salicylic acid
- For dry skin: Cream or oil-based cleansers like our facial cleansing oil and makeup remover
- For sensitive skin: Fragrance-free, hydrating cleansers
Step 2: Toner (optional)
Toners help balance your skin’s pH and remove any remaining impurities. They also prep your skin to absorb serums and moisturizers more effectively.
Product suggestions:
- For oily/acne-prone skin: Astringent toners with witch hazel or BHA
- For dry skin: Hydrating toners with hyaluronic acid or rose water
- For dull skin: Exfoliating toners with AHAs like glycolic acid
Step 3: Serum
Serums contain concentrated active ingredients that target specific skin concerns like wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, or hydration. Choose a serum based on your skincare goals.
Product suggestions:
- For hydration: Hyaluronic acid serum, like our cold press bakuchiol serum with hyaluronic acid and collagen peptides
- For brightening: Vitamin C serum
- For acne-prone skin: Niacinamide or salicylic acid serum
- For age-defying properties: Retinol or peptides
Step 4: Eye Cream
The delicate skin around the eyes is thinner and more prone to wrinkles, so an eye cream can help keep it hydrated and smooth. Apply with your ring finger to avoid tugging the skin.
Product suggestions:
- For dark circles: Vitamin C or caffeine-infused eye creams
- For dry skin: Thick creams with ceramides
- For combination skin: Balancing lotions with both humectants and emollients
Step 6: Face Oil (optional) or Moisturizer
If you use facial oil, it should be applied after moisturizer to seal in hydration. Oils are especially beneficial for dry or mature skin.
Product suggestions:
- For hydration: Rosehip or squalane oil
- For reducing signs of aging: Argan or marula oil
- For acne-prone skin: Jojoba or tea tree oil
- For sensitive skin: A gentle brightening moisturizer like our age-defying Vitamin C face creme
Step 7: Sunscreen (Morning routine only)
Sunscreen is the most important step in any morning skincare routine. It protects against UV damage, premature aging, and hyperpigmentation.
Product suggestions:
- For oily skin: matte-finished gel-based SPF
- For dry skin: Hydrating SPF with added ceramides
- For sensitive skin: Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide
Final Tips for Layering Skincare
- Wait between layers. Allow 30-60 seconds for each product to absorb before applying the next one.
- Use products with compatible ingredients. Avoid mixing strong actives like retinol and vitamin C in the same routine unless recommended by a dermatologist.
- Adjust your routine as needed. Your skin’s needs change based on weather, age, and lifestyle.
Choosing the right skincare products to layer can be a challenge, but by following these guidelines, we hope to make it easier.