The right order to apply your skincare products

Skincare works in layers, and each layer affects how well the next one can absorb. Apply a heavy cream before a water-based serum, and the serum simply can't penetrate - you've wasted the step. The good news is the logic behind ordering is simple once you understand it.

Apply products from the lightest, most watery texture to the thickest, most occlusive one. This lets thinner, active-rich formulas absorb into skin first, while heavier creams and oils seal everything in at the end.

Cleanser → toner or essence (optional) → water-based serum (like niacinamide or vitamin C) → moisturiser → sunscreen. Sunscreen always goes last - it needs to sit on top of skin to form an even, effective protective layer.

Cleanser (double cleanse if wearing sunscreen or makeup) → treatment actives (like retinol or exfoliating acids, on their designated nights) → moisturiser → face oil, if you use one. Face oils go last at night since they're the heaviest, most occlusive step.

Exfoliating acids and retinol are usually best applied on clean, completely dry skin, and shouldn't be layered with other strong actives on the same night - alternate nights instead if your routine includes both.

If a product's texture doesn't clearly fit the 'thin to thick' rule, apply the one meant to treat a specific concern first, and the one meant to protect or seal moisture last.