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THE CORRECT SKINCARE ROUTINE ORDER

Just when you’d figured out when to cleanse, tone and moisturise, there’s a whole load of other skincare steps to incorporate into your beauty routine. Whether it includes 3 or 13 steps though, it’s important to get the skincare order right.

If you’re not sure whether your serum comes before your moisturiser or when to layer on your SPF, here’s your handy step-by-step guide of what goes on when and why. You can follow this skincare routine order no matter your skin type.

ORDER FOR SKINCARE: KEY TAKEAWAYS

A trick to remember the correct order for skincare products is to go from lightest to heaviest
Morning skincare routine order: cleanser, toner, Vitamin C serum, lightweight moisturiser, SPF
Evening skincare routine order: double cleanse, toner, Retinol or Hyaluronic Acid serum, richer moisturiser, optional face oil
Avoid layering exfoliating acids like AHAs/BHAs with Vitamin C or Retinol in the same routine
Always apply serum before moisturiser and sunscreen last in your AM routine

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WHY DOES IT MATTER?

You’re unique and so is your skin. Its needs differ depending on your age, the time of year and even the time of day. While it would be great to have one miracle cream that protects your skin from environmental aggressors, cleanses it, hydrates it and even slows down the formation of wrinkles, we hate to break it to you, it doesn’t exist.

You can, however, get the same effect with a good skincare routine based on the right ingredients for your skin type. But learning what order skincare goes in can be the difference in it being effective or not.

For example, some products should not be layered at the same time, as this can cause skin irritation or redness. Applying one product before the other can sometimes also reduce its effectiveness. So, it’s important to understand what order to apply skincare products on if you want to achieve the best results.

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WHAT ORDER DOES SKINCARE GO IN

STEP 1: CLEANSER

Your nourishing serums and moisturisers need a clean surface to work on, so your cleanser is still your first step in your skincare routine order, whether it’s the morning or evening. Depending on your skin type and whether you wear makeup, you may prefer to double cleanse in the evening or to use a foaming formula for a more thorough clean though.

Our Ultra Facial Cleanser is formulated for all skin types and helps cleanse while leaving the skin feeling moisturised thanks to ingredients like Squalane and Avocado Oil. Have sensitive skin? Then opt for our Ultra Facial Barrier Hydrating Cleanser, besides containing Squalane, it’s specifically formulated with Glycerin and Amino Acid Surfactants to provide a gentler cleanse that helps repair your skin barrier for up to 24 hours of hydration, leaving your skin feeling soothed.* This hydrating cream-to-foam formula helps remove makeup, sunscreen, and dirt all while being kind to your skin barrier.

*Instrumental Test,Self-Assessment, 85 subjects

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STEP 2: TONER

Step two in your daily skincare routine is another old favourite – your toner. This also helps to remove surface debris from your skin and prepare it for the nourishing creams to come. As well as catching any oil or dirt your cleanser didn’t and helping to reduce the appearance of pores, toners also help to balance your skin’s pH levels, returning it to its normal, naturally acidic levels. Have oily skin? Use a toner specifically formulated for your skin type like our Ultra Facial Toner for Oily Skin Types.

Expert Advice: use a gentle toner, such as our Calendula Herbal-Extract Toner or Ultra Facial Toner to avoid layering conflicting ingredients in your skincare order. For example, if you’re using the Clearly Corrective™ Brightening & Soothing Treatment Water, which contains actives like Citric and Salicylic Acid, avoid layering creams or serums containing Retinol or other exfoliating acids at the same time as this can cause irritation.

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STEP 3: SPOT TREATMENT

If you’re prone to blemishes and breakouts, apply a treatment like our Truly Targeted Blemish-Clearing Solution to the affected area. It will reduce the appearance of blemishes and is an integral part of a routine for blemish-prone skin. This invisible liquid blemish patch contains 2% Salicylic Acid, and is specifically formulated to help reduce the appearance of blemishes and post-blemish marks, with 86% agreeing their skin looked smoother in just 2 hours after application*.

*Consumer test,75 subjects

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STEP 4: SERUM

Serum or moisturiser first? If incorporating a serum is new territory for you, a handy way to remember what order to layer your skincare is that the thinnest goes on first. As serums are potent formulas designed with specific skincare concerns in mind and can penetrate your skin’s surface layers, they offer a targeted treatment and do much of the work of your routine.

So, remember serum goes before moisturiser in your skincare routine order. Apply a Vitamin C serum in the morning to brighten your complexion and protect your skin from external factors including pollution. Hydrating serums rich in ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid can also give dehydrated or dry skin an extra boost of moisture while fortifying the skin barrier.

For those looking for an award-winning anti-ageing solution, our Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum is formulated to deliver a daily dose of pure Retinol to address key signs of ageing. This formula is enriched with a combination of pure Retinol, Peptides and Ceramides, to help strengthen your skin barrier and promote skill cell turnover with minimal discomfort. Cleanse your face and then apply this potent serum to your face, including the under-eye area to target crow’s feet and fine lines. Always use SPF in combination with retinol.

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STEP 5: EYECARE

The next step in your skincare routine order is eyecare. To brighten dark circles and tired-looking eyes, apply a cream or serum under the eyes, too. Discover our Vitamin C-enriched eye serum, or our hydrating Creamy Eye Treatment With Avocado, which is enriched with caffeine and 75% more Avocado Oil*. 93% agree eye areas look less puffy, smooth, and brighter.**

*Compared to previous formula

**4 week consumer study of 71 people, when used as a 15min mask

Looking for anti-ageing eye creams? Try our multi-corrective anti-ageing eye cream to target key signs of ageing around the eyes.

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STEP 6: MOISTURISER

After your serum and eye care, the next skincare step is a hydrating moisturiser, which will help lock in all the benefits of their active ingredients. To compensate for your skin’s daily moisture loss (it can be around 500ml each day) and protect your skin barrier function, choose a moisturiser with ingredients like Squalane. Try Ultra Facial Cream for all-day hydration and a strengthened skin barrier. This hydrating facial cream with 4.5% Squalane has a unique lightweight texture for up to 72 hours of hydration* which leaves the skin feeling softer for a healthier skin barrier.

*Results based on an instrumental study, 30 subjects

If you’re looking for a moisturiser specifically formulated for men’s skin, opt for the Facial Fuel Energizing Moisture Treatment for Men.

Expert Advice: Use lighter formulas in the morning, which are easily absorbed and help you stay hydrated without clogging pores. In the evening, opt for a nourishing heavier night cream that will work in tandem with your body’s natural overnight recovery process.

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STEP 7: FACIAL OIL

This skincare step is optional but definitely beneficial if your skin type is on the dryer side. So, if your skin is naturally dry or feeling a little dehydrated, finish your skincare routine with a nourishing facial oil.

Face oil before or after moisturiser? As oils are occlusive and can’t be penetrated, you should apply a face oil at the end of your routine. In the day, this means applying a face oil (such as our calming face oil for problem skin) after your moisturiser, but before your sunscreen. While in the evening, use a face oil (such as our evening face oil with Squalane) as the last step in your routine. Read our useful guide on how to use a face oil. Try to use a non-comedogenic face oil that won’t block your pores.

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STEP 8: SUNSCREEN (AM ONLY)

The final step in your facial routine order, but arguably the most important: SPF. We run the risk of sounding like a broken record, but the importance of applying sunscreen cannot be understated.

SPF should be worn every day, all-year round. Not only will your SPF protect you against the early signs of ageing, but it protects skin from external aggressors, such as pollution, and harmful UVA and UVB rays. Always finish your skincare routine order with SPF, discover the best sunscreen for your skin type here.

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ORDER FOR SKINCARE: FAQS

What is the correct order to apply skincare in?

The best way to remember the correct skincare order is to apply products from lightest to the heaviest: cleanser, toner, eye cream (around the orbital bone area only), serum, moisturiser, (face oil is optional), and sunscreen.

What is the skincare routine order morning and night?

A good skincare routine order in the morning is: cleanser, toner, serum (preferably Vitamin C serum), a lightweight moisturiser, and sunscreen. In the evenings, you can double cleanse, tone, add a serum containing Retinol or Hyaluronic Acid, a deeper hydrating moisturiser, and a nourishing face oil.

What toner to use before Vitamin C serum?

Use gentle, alcohol-free hydrating toners with ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid or soothing botanicals. Avoid toners with AHAs/BHAs immediately before Vitamin C to reduce skin irritation.

Do you put serum on before moisturiser?

Yes — the correct skincare order is to always use serum before moisturiser. That’s so that the concentrated ingredients in serums can penetrate the skin effectively.

Do you put face oil on before or after moisturiser?

Apply face oil after moisturiser to lock in hydration. Oils act as an occlusive layer, sealing moisture underneath.

Do you put sunscreen on before or after moisturiser?

Always apply sunscreen after moisturiser as the final step in your morning skincare routine. Reapply SPF daily. Even using factor 50, SPF should be reapplied every 4-5 hours of wear. If you’re using makeup, try an SPF spray.