How to Layer Skincare: Your Skincare Order, Simplified

by Vulette Haines October 30, 2026

Serum before moisturiser? Oil before or after? And where exactly does retinol fit into the equation?

Even the most considered skincare routine can come with a few questions about what goes where. Fortunately, getting the order right is simpler than you might think.

The secret isn't an elaborate ten-step routine. It's understanding what each product does, how it works with the others, and where it belongs.

THE GENERAL RULE? START LIGHT. FINISH RICH.

Think lightweight serums first, followed by oils and richer creams. A little order goes a long way.

Layering from lighter to richer textures is a useful starting point, helping products spread comfortably and avoiding heavier formulations getting in the way of lighter ones.

Of course, not every formula fits neatly into this rule. Certain active treatments have specific application instructions, and those should always take priority.

YOUR SKINCARE ORDER, SORTED.

01 / CLEANSE

A clean slate. Every good routine starts here.

Cleansing removes makeup, sunscreen, excess oil and daily buildup, preparing your skin for the products that follow.

Choose a cleanser suited to your skin type, and avoid the temptation to scrub your skin squeaky clean. That tight, stripped feeling isn't a sign of a better cleanse.

If you're wearing makeup or water-resistant sunscreen, a double cleanse can be useful in the evening.

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02 / SERUMS & TREATMENTS

The targeted workhorses. Think Vitamin C, peptides and hydrating serums.

This is where the more targeted part of your routine comes in.

Serums are typically formulated to deliver specific ingredients that address concerns such as dehydration, uneven tone, dullness or visible skin ageing.

Water-based serums generally go on after cleansing and before oils and moisturisers.

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03 / FACIAL OILS

A little extra nourishment. Lightweight oils go here.

Facial oils can help soften skin, replenish emollient lipids and reduce moisture loss, depending on their formulation.

We generally recommend applying our lightweight facial oils after water-based serums and before moisture creams.

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04 / MOISTURISE

Keep the good stuff in. Hydration, nourishment and barrier support.

A good moisturiser does more than make skin feel soft.

Moisturisers can combine water-binding humectants, skin-softening emollients and ingredients that help reduce moisture loss, keeping skin hydrated and comfortable.

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05 / SPF (MORNING ONLY)

The non-negotiable finishing touch.

A FEW THINGS WORTH KNOWING.

WHERE DO EXFOLIATING ACIDS GO?

Exfoliating acids, including AHAs and BHAs, are generally applied after cleansing, although the correct order depends on whether you're using a leave-on serum, peel or rinse-off treatment.

A leave-on exfoliating serum typically belongs in your treatment step, while a rinse-off peel is used and removed according to its directions before continuing your routine.

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WHERE DO MASKS FIT IN?

That depends on the mask.

Rinse-off masks: Generally applied after cleansing, then removed before continuing with serums, oils and moisturiser.

Leave-on masks: May replace your moisturiser or act as a final evening step, depending on the formula.

Exfoliating masks: Follow the specific application time and directions, particularly when they contain acids or enzymes.

Not every mask needs to be followed by a full skincare routine. Sometimes a little hydration and moisturiser are all your skin needs afterwards.

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DOES THE ORDER CHANGE BETWEEN MORNING AND EVENING?

The basic layering principle remains much the same, but the products you use may change.

YOUR MORNING ROUTINE

Cleanse
Serums and treatments, such as Vitamin C
Facial oil, if using
Moisturise
SPF 50+

YOUR EVENING ROUTINE

Cleanse
Serums and treatments such as retinol
Facial oil or oil-based retinol treatment, if using
Moisturise

And no, you don't need every step, every time.

GOOD SKINCARE DOESN'T HAVE TO BE COMPLICATED.

The right order can help make your routine easier to follow, but it's the products you choose, how consistently you use them and how well they suit your skin that matter most.

Start light. Finish rich. Follow the directions when a formula calls for something different.

And most importantly, make your routine work for your skin, not the other way around.

KEEP READING: How to choose the right exfoliant for your skin