How to layer skincare: Serum, sunscreen, moisturizer… what goes on first?

There was a time when layering skincare was simple. You cleansed, you toned, and you moisturized. In the daytime, you added sunscreen on top.

So, where does the serum go? And which serum goes on first? What about essences? And spot treatments? And face oils?

When did it get complicated? Why does it matter? What happens when you get the order of your skincare products wrong? And what is the right way to layering skincare products?

Here is the most effective, no-fripperies guide on how to layer skincare products.

Because. It. Matters.

Why does the order of your skincare products matter?

Have you ever tried to put jam on toast first, then the butter? Did it work for you? Or did the butter just sit on the jam rather than soaking into the bread, and everything was one big gooey mess?

That’s what happens with skincare. Let’s take a look:

— If you put on a thicker product before one with a thinner consistency, the former will create a barrier over your skin. This means the product with the thinner consistency won’t reach where it needs to for effective results. For instance, layering serum over a face oil will make the former useless.

— Ditto for oil- and water-based formulations. Water cannot cut through oil, so the water-based creams or serums must go on first if they have to do their work.

— Knowing how to layer skincare products correctly makes sure that active ingredients have the chance to work properly. Glycolic acid toner to banish dead skin cells? Immediately after cleansing and before a serum or essence. Hyaluronic acid? It needs to go under a moisturizer. Spot treatment? After the serums. 

So, properly layering skincare products is all about making your routine most effective and not rendering any of those precious lotions and potions useless.

With that established, let’s discuss each element individually (with the understanding that we are putting everything on clean skin!). Here’s your ultimate guide on how to layer skincare products.

Double cleansing: What’s the correct order?

Double cleansing uses two types of cleansers to thoroughly clean your skin, removing all traces of makeup, sunscreen, and impurities.

Start with an oil-based cleanser to break down makeup, sunscreen, and excess oil, penetrating deep into pores without stripping natural sebum.

Follow with a water-based cleanser, typically gel or foam, to remove any remaining residue, sweat, and dirt. The other way around isn’t that effective!

Toners and essences

Whether or not we should still be using toners is a loaded topic and deserves its own blog post.

At the moment, we are focusing on layering skincare products, and in that context, if you use a toner, it should be the first thing on freshly cleansed skin.

Ditto for essences.

If you are using both, the toner will go on first—then wait about 60 seconds and pat on the essence.

That’s because both toners and essences are the thinnest products in your routine. Their primary purpose is to soften the skin so that other products can be absorbed more easily.

Eye cream

This was a revelation to me—every single board-certified dermatologist I spoke to for this piece on how to layer face products insisted that eye cream should be applied before any other skincare.

This is necessary to protect the delicate eye area from more potent ingredients that could transfer and cause irritation.

Serum(s)

Serums are super-concentrated treatments that address specific skin concerns. They have a water-like formula that’sloaded with actives or nutrients that need to sink into the skin. Hence, serums usually have a super-light consistency to allow for easy absorption.

Given all this, serums must be applied before any occlusive (barrier-forming) product so that they sit right next to the skin. 

If you skip the former, this makes them the second step after toners and essences or the first step in your skincare.

But what happens when you are using more than one serum?

In that case, the rule of texture and consistency applies: The thinner products go before the thicker products (pour a couple of drops on your hand to check each one); the water-based serum goes before the oil-based one (read the ingredient label).

And, if both serums have the same consistency and texture, it comes down to personal preference: Apply the one your skin needs the most first.

So, if your biggest concern is acne, the salicylic acid goes on first. Or if you want to deal with dark spots as a priority, it will be the Vitamin C serum.

Another rule of thumb is to wait a minute between applying each serum. This will allow the serum to absorb fully and stop pilling.

Spot treatments

Next in how to layer face products come the spot treatments—the benzoyl peroxide for acne, the zit stickers, and the calamine-based formulations.

These will come after the serums and before the moisturizers.

Moisturizers

Nowadays, moisturizers are being used for various skin concerns, including hyperpigmentation and fine lines. However, their primary function is to provide the skin with hydration and form a protective layer to retain the benefits of your other skincare products. 

Hence, according to the rules of skincare layering, they go on after everything else. Always.

Unless you put on a sleeping mask at night, in which case it would simply replace the moisturizer.

Face oils

The next step: Face oils are lovely and work wonders for undernourished or super-dry skin—when used correctly.

The general rule of thumb is that if you use only a face oil, it replaces the moisturizer.

If you wear both, the face oil goes on top of the moisturizer. That’s because most face oils can penetrate a moisturizer but not vice-versa.

The best option, though, is to alternate. Wear a more lightweight moisturizer in the daytime and a facial oil at night. However, that depends on your skin and preferences.

Finally: The sunscreen

In today’s age, you have to be living under a rock to be oblivious to the importance of sunscreens among all skin care products. And while that would be an entirely independent blog post, what’s important is where the sunscreen would go in your skincare routine.

The golden rule: This part of layering skincare depends on whether you use a physical or chemical sunscreen.

Check the label—the formula is chemical if it lists Parsol, mexoryl, oxybenzone, or avobenzone as an ingredient.

Does it contain of these and lists zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, instead? In that case, it’s a physical sunscreen (also known as sunblock).

Treat it as a chemical sunscreen if it contains ingredients from both categories.

Chemical sunscreens need to sink into the skin, so they go on before the moisturizer. 

However, since layering on a moisturizer over sunscreen can sometimes get messy (think pilling and patchiness), try to look for a hydrating SPF formula that can double up as the moisturizer.

On the other hand, physical sunscreens create an opaque barrier on your skin. They won’t allow any other product to work effectively over them.

So, if you put moisturizer over sunblock, the latter will prevent the former from being effective. And that is precisely why you need to understand how to layer face products.

Plus, applying moisturizer or serum over the physical formulation can give the sunblock a patchy effect, reducing its sun protection. So, for best results, physical sunscreen should be the final step in your daytime routine.

Makeup?

Any makeup—like foundation, concealer, and powder—would go on last in all cases.

Unless you’re using a powder sunscreen (check out the best powder sunscreens here!), which can be brushed on right at the end instead of setting powder.

Powder sunscreens are usually mineral-based and don’t clog pores, making them perfect for acne-prone skin.

An added benefit: You can reapply every couple of hours (as you know you’re supposed to be doing!) without disturbing your makeup.

FAQs: In what order to apply skincare products?

Here are the most frequently asked questions about layering serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen. If you want more information, drop it in the comments below, and I will get the answers ASAP!

What is the correct order for applying serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen? 

The correct order is serum first, then moisturizer, and finally, sunscreen. Each layer serves a purpose, and this order helps ensure all of them work effectively.

Can I use different brands for my serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen? 

Absolutely. You can mix brands as long as the products are suitable for your skin type and don’t cause any adverse reactions when used together.

Should I apply sunscreen or serum first? 

For the most effective skincare routine, follow this non-negotiable order: serum first, then sunscreen. Serums are lightweight formulas packed with highly concentrated active ingredients designed for absorption deep into the skin. Applying serum first ensures these active ingredients are fully absorbed.

In contrast, sunscreen forms a protective layer on your skin, guarding against harmful UV rays. If applied first, this protective layer could block the absorption of any skincare products used afterward. Thus, serum goes on before sunscreen.

Why should serum be applied before sunscreen? 

The main reason is that serum is designed to be absorbed deeply into the skin and has smaller molecules than sunscreen. So, applying sunscreen first can create a barrier that prevents the serum from penetrating effectively.

Is it okay to mix serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen and apply them all at once? 

It’s not recommended. Each product is formulated to perform best when applied separately. Mixing could dilute theireffectiveness and alter the individual benefits.

Should I apply sunscreen or serum first?

While layering skincare products, apply from thinnest to thickest consistency. Therefore, you should use serum first because it has a lighter texture and is designed to penetrate deeper into your skin. On the other hand, sunscreen creates a barrier over the skin to protect it from harmful UV rays, so it should be applied last.

Should I wait between applying serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen? 

Yes, it’s generally good to wait about a minute between each step to allow each product to fully absorb the skin.

Ready to perfect your skincare routine order? Share your favorite tips on how to layer skincare products, or ask any questions in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you!