You may have a cleanser, toner, vitamin C serum, niacinamide, moisturiser, eye cream, facial oil, and sunscreen sitting on your bathroom shelf. But if you are unsure about the correct order to apply them, your skincare routine can quickly become confusing.
Should you apply toner before serum? Does eye cream go before moisturiser? Should facial oil be used before or after your cream? And why does sunscreen always come last?
Understanding the correct order to apply skincare products makes your routine easier to follow and helps you avoid unnecessary layering mistakes.
In this guide, we will explain the correct order for morning and nighttime skincare, where different treatments fit into your routine, and how to build a simple sequence based on your skin’s needs.
## Why Does the Order of Skincare Products Matter?
Skincare products are formulated with different textures, ingredients, and purposes.
A cleanser removes dirt and excess oil. A serum targets specific skin concerns. A moisturiser helps maintain hydration, while sunscreen protects against ultraviolet radiation.
Applying products in a sensible order helps you use them as intended.
A general principle is to move from lighter textures to heavier ones. However, this is not an absolute rule for every formulation. Product instructions and the type of treatment you are using also matter.
## The Correct Order to Apply Skincare Products in the Morning
Your morning skincare routine should focus on cleansing, hydration, and sun protection.
Here is the recommended order.
### 1. Cleanser
Start by washing your face with a gentle cleanser.
Cleansing removes sweat, oil, and residue that may have accumulated overnight.
Choose a formula based on your skin type.
Product recommendations:
– CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
– Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
– COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
– La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
### 2. Toner
If you use toner, apply it after cleansing.
Hydrating toners can provide additional moisture and help prepare the skin for subsequent products.
Product recommendations:
– Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner
– Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner
– Hada Labo Gokujyun Lotion
– COSRX Hydrium Watery Toner
Toner is optional. You do not need one to have a complete skincare routine.
### 3. Essence
Essence is commonly used in Korean skincare routines.
It generally has a lightweight, watery or slightly viscous texture and may provide hydration or other skin-conditioning benefits.
Apply it after toner and before serum if you use both.
Product recommendations:
– COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
– Missha Time Revolution The First Essence
– SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Tone Brightening Capsule Ampoule
You do not need both toner and essence. Choose the products that provide benefits your skin actually needs.
### 4. Serum
Serums are concentrated skincare products designed to target specific concerns.
Depending on your needs, you might use:
– Vitamin C for antioxidant protection and dark spots.
– Niacinamide for barrier support and uneven skin tone.
– Hyaluronic acid for hydration.
– Azelaic acid for acne and pigmentation.
Product recommendations:
– The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12%
– Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum
– The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
– The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
If you use several serums, consider whether they are necessary together. Follow the product instructions and avoid unnecessary combinations that irritate your skin.
### 5. Eye Cream
Eye cream is optional.
If you use one, apply a small amount around the eye area before your moisturiser.
Product recommendations:
– CeraVe Eye Repair Cream
– The Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream
– La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermallergo Eyes
### 6. Moisturiser
Apply moisturiser to help maintain hydration and support your skin barrier.
Product recommendations:
– CeraVe Daily Moisturising Lotion
– Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream
– Etude SoonJung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream
– Cetaphil Moisturising Lotion
### 7. Sunscreen
Sunscreen is the final step in your morning skincare routine.
Choose broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher and apply it generously to your face, neck, and other exposed areas.
Product recommendations:
– Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun SPF 50+ PA++++
– La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 SPF 50+
– Eucerin Sun Oil Control SPF 50+
– Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF 50+
Allow sunscreen to settle according to its instructions before applying makeup.
## The Correct Order to Apply Skincare Products at Night
Your evening routine focuses on removing sunscreen and makeup, cleansing, treating your skin concerns, and moisturising.
### 1. Makeup Remover or Cleansing Balm
If you wear makeup or water-resistant sunscreen, start with a cleansing balm, cleansing oil, or micellar water.
Product recommendations:
– Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water
– Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water
– Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm
– The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser
### 2. Cleanser
Wash your face with a gentle facial cleanser.
This helps remove remaining residue and prepares your skin for the rest of your routine.
### 3. Toner
Apply your toner if you use one.
For a nighttime routine, a hydrating toner is a useful option if your skin needs additional moisture.
### 4. Essence
If you use an essence, apply it after toner and before your serum.
### 5. Treatment Serum
Apply your targeted treatment.
Examples include retinol for fine lines and acne, azelaic acid for pigmentation, or salicylic acid for clogged pores.
You do not need to use all these treatments together.
### 6. Eye Cream
Apply your eye cream if needed.
### 7. Moisturiser
Finish with a moisturiser that suits your skin type.
If you have dry skin, choose a richer cream. If your skin is oily, a lightweight lotion may be sufficient.
### 8. Facial Oil
Facial oil is optional and is generally used as the final step if you want additional softness or help reducing moisture loss.
Product recommendations:
– The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane
– The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil
Facial oil is not a replacement for moisturiser.
## Where Do Exfoliating Products Fit Into Your Routine?
Exfoliating products remove or loosen dead skin cells from the skin’s surface or within pores, depending on the ingredient.
Common exfoliating ingredients include:
– Glycolic acid.
– Lactic acid.
– Salicylic acid.
– Mandelic acid.
Chemical exfoliants are usually applied after cleansing, according to their product instructions.
If you use an exfoliating toner, it may take the place of your regular toner on exfoliation nights. Do not automatically layer it with another exfoliating serum.
Start slowly, perhaps once a week, and increase only if your skin tolerates it.
Avoid combining multiple strong exfoliants with retinol while your skin is adjusting.
## Where Does Retinol Fit?
Retinol is generally used in the evening after cleansing and before moisturiser, although the exact placement depends on the formulation.
If you are new to retinol, start with a low-strength product once or twice weekly.
Apply it to dry skin and follow with moisturiser. If you are prone to irritation, you can apply moisturiser before and after retinol.
Avoid retinoids during pregnancy. If you are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding, ask your healthcare professional about suitable alternatives.
## A Simple Skincare Order for Beginners
If you are new to skincare, you do not need to follow every step in this guide.
Start with the basics.
**Morning:**
1. Cleanser.
2. Moisturiser.
3. Sunscreen.
**Evening:**
1. Makeup remover or cleanser.
2. Moisturiser.
Once your basic routine is established, you can add a serum or treatment for a specific concern.
## Frequently Asked Questions
### Does serum go before or after moisturiser?
Serums generally go before moisturiser because they tend to have lighter textures. Follow the product instructions if the manufacturer recommends a different order.
### Does toner go before essence?
Yes. Toner is generally applied after cleansing, followed by essence and then serum.
### Does eye cream go before or after moisturiser?
Eye cream is generally applied before moisturiser, although the difference is not always significant. Follow the instructions for your particular product.
### Should sunscreen go before or after moisturiser?
Sunscreen should generally be applied after moisturiser as the final step in your morning skincare routine.
### Can I skip toner and essence?
Absolutely. Neither is essential. A cleanser, moisturiser, and sunscreen are enough to form the foundation of a basic routine.
### How many serums should I use?
There is no fixed number, but one or two targeted serums are enough for many people. Avoid unnecessary layering, especially when using active ingredients.
## Final Thoughts
The correct order to apply skincare products is simpler than it may seem.
In the morning, cleanse, apply optional toner and serums, moisturise, and finish with sunscreen. At night, remove makeup and sunscreen, cleanse, apply treatments, and moisturise.
Remember that skincare should work for your skin, not the other way around. You do not need every product or every step to achieve a healthy, effective routine.