How to Layer Skin Care Products
Most people keep asking themselves different questions such as which products go on top of the other. Building a stable skincare routine cannot be a complicated process at all. However, with many skincare products in the market, including serums, moisturizers, cleansers, and the rest, it isn’t easy to figure out what product to use when and how. Instead of slapping cream onto your face and washing it later, it is essential to follow a particular procedure to help you apply the appropriate products in the right order. The layering of the skincare products follows a four rule step, namely;
- Thin to thick texture- It is vital to move in the direction in which you start with the light products to the heavy ones. Start with products such as serums, essences, and toners because they are watery. Then apply the heavy and moisturizing ones like creams, lotions, and oils, and finally apply the sunscreen.
- Use the water-based skincare products before oil-based ones- As we all know, oil and water never mix, and if oil products can be applied first, they will block the water from penetrating the skin. This is why it is important to apply the water-based products first and allow it to be absorbed into the skin before applying the oil-based.
- Start with the lowest to the highest PH- For the people using active ingredients, it is important to know the product’s ph levels so that you start from the lowest to the highest when applying them.
- Never mix low and high PH products- When your routine includes products with active ingredients, you can apply them simultaneously, provided their PH is the same.
In the morning, this is the order in which you should layer the skin products;
Apply the cleanser
Start your morning routine by splashing warm water on your face and, if possible, use a gentle face cleanser.
Easy Does It Cleanser by ONE LOVE ORGANICS
This gentle gel formula lathers into a non-drying foam that works on the face, body, and hair. The no-fuss everyday cleanser thoroughly washes without stripping away skin’s natural oils using Chilean soap bark, cold-pressed apple oil, and vegetable glycerin. A little goes a long way with this universal skincare basic.
the detox marketFine Herbal Facial Cleanser by FARMAESTHETICS
This award-winning 100% natural cleanser is made from 5 ingredients. Suitable for all skin types, antibacterial, and non-irritating. The cleanser is extremely gentle, keeps your skin moisturized, and maintains natural Ph balance.
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Toner
Most people prefer to skip this step because most toners irritate the skin. However, the new toners in the market have various functions, including providing vitamin B, toning acids, and antioxidants. Depending on your skin issue, ensure that you use the right toner.
Rose Hibiscus Hydrating Face Mist by HERBIVORE
Powered by organic rose hydrosol, this face mist also contains skin-softening hibiscus extract, hyaluronic acid, and coconut water for extra hydration.
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Antioxidant serum
Serums are important when applied close to the skin because they are concentrated and have many nutrients. One can find different types of serums in the market, but it is recommended to use antioxidant serums during the day. They protect the skin from inflammation and the effects of ultraviolet rays and pollutants.
Facial Serum: Antioxidant by LAUREL SKIN
An ideal moisturizer and anti-aging serum for all skin types. It features a whole plant blend of Gotu Kola, Comfrey, Calendula, Nettle, and Rosehip Oil that stimulate collagen production, reduce sun damage, and encourage healthy cell reproduction. 
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Nourish Antioxidant Facial Serum, Two Pack by TRADER JOE's
Excellent everyday facial serum with a gentle grapefruit scent. No animal testing, silky texture, leaves your skin feeling smooth. Contains ferulic acid and vitamin E.
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Eye cream
Eye cream needs to be used at least twice a day, and for effective results, consistency must be maintained. It helps keep your eyelid skin tight and smooth.
Love + Eyebright Eye Serum by One Love Organics
Roll away the tired with this brightening eye serum. Crafted with antioxidant-rich botanical actives—eyebright, astaxanthin, green tea, and sea kale—this lightweight treatment gently hydrates and nourishes delicate under-eye skin.
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Spot treatment
This has to be applied near the skin for it to be more beneficial. Note that you should only use the spot treatment where it is needed.
Essential Corrective Complex by OSEA
Easy roll-on application for quick spot treatment for acne and ingrown hairs. Tea tree and grapefruit clear dirt and congestion from pores and fight bacteria, while juniper acts as an antiseptic and an astringent.
Moisturizer
Every person needs a moisturizer, even if your skin is oily, to maintain a protective coat against the harsh outside conditions and infections. Experts recommend that moisturizer works effectively when applied when the skin is still damp meaning that you will have to apply the other products in the earlier stage soon to lock the needed hydration using the moisturizer.
Anti-Aging Lifting Emulsion and Moisturizer by PURITON STORE
Beautiful Day Moisturizer by ODACITE
Feed your skin the nourishing hydration it craves with this antioxidant-rich moisturizer, powered by botanical ingredients including aloe, rosemary, white willow bark, coconut oil, calendula, and vitamin E. Replenishing jojoba is combined with emollient coconut to ensure long-lasting moisture, while organic tea extracts flood skin with nutrients that promote a glowing, youthful-looking complexion. MSM and DMAE team up to plump and firm the appearance of skin.
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Sunscreen
This is the last step when you are using a physical or mineral sunscreen. This will work by blocking the ultraviolet rays from reaching your skin and possibly damaging it.
Mineral Tinted Broad Spectrum Face Sunscreen by UNSUN COSMETICS
A true three-in-one product, this tinted primer offers SPF 30 mineral sun protection along with a sheer wash of coverage. Offered in light/medium and medium/dark, the residue-free formula blurs the look of pores while botanical extracts—coconut, safflower, beet, and tangerine—provide non-greasy hydration.
During the night, this is the order in which you should apply your skincare products;
Cleanser
This is used to clean all the day’s dirt, makeup, and oils. It is recommended that you use a makeup remover to rid of the makeup, after which you will clean the face gently using a cleaner. Alternatively, you can try double cleansing where you use cleansing oil to dissolve the makeup and a regular cleanser to wash your face. This will leave your skin fresh and prepared to absorb skin treatment.
Moisturizing Cleanser + Make Up Remover by PROVINCE APOTHECARY
Our Moisturizing Cleanser + Make-Up Remover with Avocado & Raspberry Oil is great for all skin types. These hydrating oils remove make up & excess oil, restoring your skin’s natural radiance while gently cleansing without over-drying your skin or destroying its natural pH. Raspberry Oil stimulates cell turnover, rejuvenating the skin. Bergamot Oil clears congestion. Frankincense tones the skin. Lavender heals blemishes and works as a restorative. This essential oil blend calms, reduces stress, and relaxes your parasympathetic nervous system. Our cleanser helps your skin stay nourished, balanced, and healthy.
Toners and essences
Toners are applied in the same way it is applied in the morning. Some people would prefer to use skincare boosters, which serve as essences or sometimes hydrating serums. They are made up of different active ingredients to nourish and hydrate the skin. However, these are water-like and light; it is recommended that you apply them after washing the face as you would the toner. In cases where you are using both the boosters and the toner, begin with the toner and then the boosters. The primary function of the toner is to clean your skin while the essence delivers treatment.
Root Bionic Refining Essence by BIOPHILE
Boost skin radiance with this refining, brightening essence. Featuring lactobionic acid—a next-generation PHA that supports even-looking skin—plus a bio-active blend of burdock, ginger, and licorice root, this lightweight formula works overtime to purify, smooth, and hydrate. Plumping hyaluronic acid and balancing prebiotics replenish moisture and prep skin for serum or oil.
Eye cream
Eye creams are used to address crow’s feet, remove dark circles and protect the delicate areas around the eyes from other skincare products.
Radiance Eye Cream by SAHAJAN
The delicate skin around the eyes is the first to show signs of stress, aging, and fatigue. We’ve created a potent Ayurvedic blend to defend against dark circles and the appearance of fine lines. Infused with Triphala – a free-radical fighting blend of three fruits – and the antioxidant-rich Neem oil, along with soothing honey, our cream lets you face the world with bright eyes.
Serums, treatments, and peels
Like the rest of the body, the skin also goes through repair and regeneration during the night. This is why most treatments designed for skincare targeting the skin are recommended to be used at night. However, instead of using all your serums and treatments, it is recommended that you use one depending on the needs of the skin at the moment.
Fullmoon Serum by GRAYDON
What skin dreams are made of—this nourishing potion features vitamin C, copper, moth bean extract, jasmine, bergamot, pineapple, and coffee to feed your skin the nutrients it needs to look youthful, supple, and radiant. Infused with malachite, a crystal believed to support healing, this soothing elixir is wonderful for all skin types.
Neem and Turmeric Facial Scrub by OSLOVE ORGANICS
The organic facial exfoliator is USDA certified. Highly effective for reducing the appearance of scaly skin and eliminating the effects of environmental impact. Leaves the skin soft and hydrated. Suitable for all skin types.
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Night cream or moisturizer
Most people could prefer to use the same cream or moisturizer during the day and at night too. However, face creams used during night time are normally thick and heavy and therefore are designed to be absorbed into the skin for hours. Moisturizers serve the purpose of protecting the skin so that you don’t lose a lot of water as you sleep. It is important to use moisturizers at night because water is an essential component of the body, especially in maintaining and healing skin. It should be the last step of your layering process.
Organic Night Creme by DR. ALKAITIS
Restores the skin’s natural radiance while moisturizing and diminishing the appearance of pores and fine lines. Made with Dr. Alkaitis’ proprietary organic Herbal Skin Repair Complex including Rose blossoms, Wild Carrots, and Roman Chamomile flowers.
To suit everyone’s skin type and targets particular concerns layering skincare products should be in the right order. Skincare products are created using different formulas, and therefore some are not supposed to go beyond the dead skin.
The bottom line
Some people will not want to follow all the steps, and this should not pressure you in any way. Most people use the first rule of layering skin products where you begin with thin products and finish up with thick products. The most important thing to do is find a skincare schedule that works best for you and follow it.
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Yay, after reading this, I’m happy to report that I am indeed using my products in the correct order!
What about the length of time between products though? Some people say you should apply each product in continuous progression and other people think that you should leave some time in between to allow the product to work into the skin. How much time do you recommend?
Hi Andrea, thanks for your comment. I personally prefer longer periods of time. I usually use my rose water together with the serum and then before bedtime night cream (face oil). You don’t have to do it this way, but it’s not recommended to apply one product after another. At least 30 mins long gap. Have a great day.
Wow, this article has so much information!
I only just started adding moisturizer to my daily routine (that previously only consisted of face soap), so this is all very new to me. You make a lot of sense, but I definitely had never thought much about layering products or about how oil products would block water ones, but like I said, it makes a lot of sense, and I will keep this stuff in mind as I continue to add steps to my developing skincare routine.
Thank you!
~Jade
Hi Jade, That’s great that you understand layering products a bit more after reading my post. Just stick to the golden rule and you will be fine. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to ask.
This is a great article with a variety of products. I have always been a one line of products person. From face scrub, cleanser, toner to moisturizer. Is it better to find the best from different companies or rather a set from one? Im not really vast in this field and i will appreciate your thoughts. Thanks for sharing.
Regards
Janet.
Thank you Janet. I personally don’t mind having products from different companies, it’s absolutely fine. What I make sure about is the fact that products are organic if possible. Their products I also recommend in my posts. If you have some more questions let me know. Have a great weekend.
Oh my days, these products look delightful! Every last one of them! Thank you so much for explaining this, I was just looking at The Ordinary tonight and I find it so confusing because I have absolutely no idea what I can mix with what! This really helped. I will now remember always go light to heavy. I will have to try out some of these products, they look right up my street! That rose hibiscus face mist has definitely caught my attention!
Hi Natalie, you are very welcome. I agree with you, The Ordinary is a bit confusing for a lot of people. I am getting a review for The Ordinary, so hit the subscribe button if you don’t want to miss it. Always pick a few products, you definitelly don’t have to layer all the products. That face mist is definitelly must have, I love it, it keep your face hydrated.
Well, I learn a lot from your articles! I have never had any interest in make-up and skin products, other than an occasional sun screen and some chamomile ointment.
It’s inherited I am afraid. I can’t remember ever seeing my mother with make-up. In contrast with my aunt and niece. So I was always hugely interested in what they applied and how it was even possible that the 2 sisters, my mother and my aunt, were so different.
Thank you for contributing to my knowledge in that area. 🙂
Thank you Hannie, I am not a make up person either. What I really love and enjoy is skincare. It’s always beneficial to get some extra education, hit the subscribe button if you dont want to miss my newest articles!