You can have the best products in the world, but if you apply them in the wrong order, you won't get the full benefit. The core principle is simple: go from thinnest to thickest, and water-based before oil-based.
The Complete Layering Order
- Oil cleanser (PM only) — removes SPF, makeup, and sebum
- Water-based cleanser — removes sweat and remaining impurities
- Exfoliator (2–3× per week) — AHAs, BHAs, or PHAs to resurface skin
- Toner — balances pH and adds the first layer of hydration
- Essence — lightweight concentrate that preps skin to absorb what follows
- Serum or ampoule — targeted treatment (vitamin C, niacinamide, retinol, etc.)
- Sheet mask (2–3× per week) — intensive hydration and treatment
- Eye cream — pat gently around the orbital bone
- Moisturiser — seals in all previous layers
- Facial oil (optional, PM) — the heaviest layer, locks everything in
- SPF 50 (AM only) — always the final step in the morning
Key Rules to Remember
- Water before oil — oil-based products create a seal that water cannot penetrate. Always apply water-based products first.
- Thin before thick — lighter textures absorb faster; applying a thick cream before a serum prevents the serum from reaching your skin.
- Wait between layers — give each product 30–60 seconds to absorb before applying the next, especially with actives like retinol or vitamin C.
- Don't mix certain actives — avoid using vitamin C and niacinamide together (can cause flushing), and do not layer AHAs/BHAs with retinol on the same night.
Morning vs Evening
Your morning routine focuses on protection: hydration, antioxidants (vitamin C), and SPF. Your evening routine focuses on repair and treatment: double cleanse, exfoliation, actives, and richer moisturisers. You don't need SPF at night — save it for the morning.