Guide
Skincare Layering & Order
Why does the order matter?
We spend a small fortune on skincare, and carefully select each product based on the promised benefits. But frequently overlooked is the fact that we, as the user, often lessen those very benefits by applying our products in the wrong order. Get it wrong, and even the most powerful formulas can sit ineffectively on your skin’s surface. Get it right, and your products will work harder; penetrating deeper, amplifying results, and transforming your skin more efficiently.
Freddie’s take
Layering isn’t just another beauty buzzword. It’s a crucial skincare tactic.
If in doubt about the correct order to apply your products, remember to apply from thinnest to thickest texture. And allow each product to absorb for 1 to 2 minutes before applying the next, particularly between serums, moisturisers and sunscreens.
Morning routine
1. Cleanser
To remove oil and impurities, creating a clean canvas so all products that follow can penetrate effectively.
2. Toner
To rebalance or your skin after cleansing and further prepare it for optimal absorption of following products.
3. Serum
To deliver concentrated active ingredients deep into the skin while it’s suitably prepped for efficient absorption.
4. Eye cream
To target the delicate under-eye area with specialised care before heavier creams are applied.
5. Moisturiser
To lock in hydration and seal in all the active ingredients applied in previous steps.
6. Sunscreen
The last and most important step to protect your skin from UV damage and help preserve the results of your entire routine.
Evening routine
1. Double cleanse
To thoroughly remove makeup, sunscreen and daily impurity build-up, ensuring your skin is completely clean and ready to absorb the products that follow.
2. Toner
To rebalance or exfoliate your skin after cleansing, creating the ideal base for better product absorption.
3. Serum
To deliver targeted, high-performance ingredients into your skin when its absorption abilities are at their peak.
4. Eye cream
To target the delicate under-eye area with specialised care before heavier creams are applied.
5. Night cream
To lock in hydration and boost the visible results of active ingredients as your skin enters its natural overnight repair and renewal processes.
Top tips
Using more than one serum?
Apply in the following order: water-based serums, then emulsion-based serums, then oil-based serums. If you aren’t sure which is which, go by texture and apply thinnest to thickest.
Thinnest to thickest
If in doubt about the correct order to apply your products, remember to apply from thinnest to thickest texture.
Give each step time
Allow each product to absorb for 1 to 2 minutes before applying the next, particularly between serums, moisturisers and sunscreens.
Curated skincare
Hydrating creamLANEIGE
£££Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Acid Cream
Hydrating cream for dry, dehydrated skin
Lightweight SPF 50+Beauty Of Joseon
£Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh : Rice + B5
An ultra-lightweight SPF 50+ fluid sunscreen with rice seed water and panthenol for comfortable daily protection
Retinal cream serumNATURIUM
££Retinaldehyde Cream Serum
Cream serum combining retinal with hydration
7% glycolic acidThe Ordinary
£Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner
Affordable glycolic acid toner for exfoliation
Articles referencing layering
Explained
Is K-Beauty Actually Better? Korean Skincare Explained.
Korean skincare has introduced us to some genuinely innovative products, particularly when it comes to lightweight hydration, skin-barrier support and next-gen sunscreens. But does that actually make K-Beauty ‘better’?
Skin, explained
The Correct Way to Layer Your Skincare - So Every Product Performs Better
We spend a small fortune on skincare, and carefully select each product based on the promised benefits. But frequently overlooked is the fact that we, as the user, often lessen those very benefits by applying our products in the wrong or…