Apply skincare from thinnest to thickest. In the morning that means cleanser, then toner if you use one, serum or treatment, eye cream, moisturiser and, last of all, sunscreen, followed by make-up. At night, cleanse, apply your treatment such as retinol, then moisturise. Treatments go on straight after cleansing so they reach the skin first, and sunscreen always goes on top.
The order matters because each layer affects the next. A thick cream applied first can stop a thin serum reaching your skin, and sunscreen buried under moisturiser cannot form an even film. If you are still deciding which products you need at all, start with our guide to what makes a good skin care routine.
Morning Skincare Order
- Cleanser. A gentle wash to start with a clean surface.
- Toner (optional). Pat it on while skin is still slightly damp.
- Serum or treatment. One serum at a time, such as vitamin C or a hydrating serum. Any medicated cream goes here, straight after cleansing.
- Eye cream (optional). Dab it on with your ring finger, which presses most lightly.
- Moisturiser. Seals in the layers underneath.
- Sunscreen. Always the final skincare step. Let it settle before make-up.
Evening Skincare Order
- Cleanser. Remove make-up and sunscreen properly; some people cleanse twice at night.
- Treatment. Retinol, a retinoid or an exfoliating acid, if you use one. Night is the right time for retinoids, as sunlight can deactivate them.
- Eye cream (optional).
- Moisturiser or night cream. Especially important if your treatment tends to dry the skin.
- Face oil (optional). Mainly for dry skin. See the note below on where it goes.
Where Do the Extras Go?
| Product | Where it goes | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Exfoliant | Replaces or follows cleansing | Use a cleanser or an exfoliant as your first step, not both on the same day |
| Spot treatment | After cleansing, on the spot only | Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide can make skin more sensitive to sun, so wear SPF |
| Face oil | Just before moisturiser | Rich and occlusive, so best for dry skin; it may clog pores on oily skin |
| Face mist | After cleansing, or over make-up to refresh | Optional; adds hydration but not protection |
| SPF moisturiser or make-up | Last | Usually not enough on its own, as most people apply too thin a layer |
| Perfume | After all skincare | It holds better on moisturised skin; see how to apply perfume correctly |
This order follows guidance from the American Academy of Dermatology and dermatologist advice published by Cleveland Clinic, which recommends one serum at a time and a lightest-to-heaviest routine.
Products Not to Layer Together
Retinol + Exfoliating Acids
Using both in one routine increases the risk of redness and peeling. Alternate nights instead.
Vitamin C + AHAs
Cleveland Clinic notes that vitamin C can upset the skin's balance when combined with exfoliating acids. Use vitamin C in the morning and acids at night.
Several Anti-Ageing Products
The AAD warns that piling on anti-ageing products can irritate skin and make signs of ageing more noticeable.
Two Serums at Once
Pick one serum per routine. If you want two, use one in the morning and the other at night.
A Lightweight Serum Step
Hyaluronic Acid Oil Serum by Vital Skin London
A lightweight hydrating serum with humectants, ceramides and botanical extracts. As a hydrating rather than exfoliating serum, it slots in after cleansing and before moisturiser in either routine, and works alongside most other products.
View ProductFrequently Asked Questions
Does serum go before or after moisturiser?
Before. Serums are thinner and are designed to reach the skin first, so apply your serum after cleansing and finish with moisturiser.
Do I put sunscreen on before or after moisturiser?
After. Sunscreen is always the last skincare step in the morning, applied over moisturiser and before make-up.
How long should I wait between skincare steps?
Give each layer a moment to sink in or feel almost dry before the next, especially sunscreen before make-up. There is no need to wait long between most steps.
Should I use retinol in the morning or at night?
At night. Sunlight can deactivate retinoids, and they can make skin more sensitive, so use them in the evening and wear sunscreen the next day.
Sources: American Academy of Dermatology, Should I apply my skin care products in a certain order?; Cleveland Clinic, The Correct Order for Skin Care Products.