The world of skincare has become a whole lot more complicated compared to when I first started dipping my toes in the drugstore skincare section in 2009. Back then, I’d cleanse using the Clearasil Ultra Rapid Action Gel Face Wash (courtesy of my mother), douse myself in Witch Hazel (again, thank you mum), and call it a day. No moisturiser — I didn’t know what that was. If a shudder hasn’t already run down your spine, you should know I have dry skin that verges on being reptilian.

It’s taken me a long time to find my footing in having a skincare routine, not only in terms of the products that work for my skin but also in the order I apply them — and I’m not the only one. From the rise of the 12-step K-Beauty skincare routine to J-Beauty, A-Beauty, and the continuously growing number of products on the market, figuring out when and how to use skincare quickly becomes confusing. That’s why in this edition of Beauty Basics, we’ll cover how to layer skincare products in the correct order.

Let’s get into it!

What is skincare layering and why is it important?

Skincare layering refers to the process of applying skincare products and ingredients to the skin in a specific order. You can’t just go around swiping, patting, and spraying everything from serums, moisturisers, and mists all willy-nilly. Sure, it all ends up on your face so it might not sound like it means much, but the order in which you apply products actually matters.

Learning to layer skincare products in the right order is important as it helps your skin absorb the products fully and properly. The benefits of maximised absorption? You get to see results from the products you’re using. Certain skincare ingredients are complementary and can enhance each other’s benefits. But the opposite of this is also true — some ingredients can hinder the efficacy of others. That’s why you need to know the best way to layer your skincare.

First, you need to figure out your skincare routine

It’s super easy to get swept up in the viral skincare product hype. I’ll be the first to raise my hand and say I’ve bought products peddled by TikTok; some good, like the CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser, and some that didn’t work for me…I’m looking at you COSRX Advanced Snail Mucin Essence. Just because it works for others, doesn’t necessarily mean it’ll work for you.

Whether you’re following the 12-step Korean skincare routine by using additional products like a toner, essence, facial serum, mist, and eye cream or keeping it simple with the holy trinity — cleanser, moisturiser, and SPF — you need to curate a skincare routine with the right products for your skin type and specific skin concerns.

How to layer skincare products in the correct order

The general rule of thumb when applying your skincare is to layer from the lightest to the heaviest formula, so you’ll need to see which of your products have the thinnest consistency and which have the thickest. When you apply products from the lightest to heaviest formula, you allow the lightweight formulations to absorb into the skin first before applying the heavier, thicker ones.

What your skin needs differs from morning to night; while your morning routine should focus on protection and prevention, your night routine is all about repair. Below we’ve outlined a general guide on the correct routine order of skincare product application.

In the AM

Step 1: Cleanser

Start by cleansing your skin in the morning to create a clean slate before layering additional skincare products. Our pillowcases collect oils, dead skin cells, bacteria, and dust (not to mention we can also sweat while we sleep), so cleansing in the morning prepares your skin to properly absorb the rest of your skincare ingredients.

Step 2: Toner

Right after cleansing, pat your toner onto the skin with your hands or swipe it over your skin using a cotton pad. Toners can be substituted for a mist or essence depending on the products you typically use.

Step 3: Daytime serum

A daytime facial serum is the next step. Light in texture, serums absorb quickly and can be applied directly to the skin immediately after a cleanser or toner.

Step 4: Eye cream

The skin around the eyes tends to be thinner and more delicate. Formulated specifically for the eye area, eye creams have a light formula for easy absorption.

Step 5: Moisturiser

Hydrate your skin for the day ahead using a daily moisturiser; they’re a great way to lock in the skincare products you’ve already applied to your skin.

Step 6: Sunscreen

The final step of your morning skincare routine should always be SPF to protect your skin against harmful UV rays throughout the day.

Remember — you can tailor your morning skincare routine however you like. Whether it’s following all of the above, skipping a certain step, sticking to the trusted three (cleanser, moisturiser, and SPF), or only using an SPF, use what works for you and what your skin responds well to.

In the PM

Step 1: Cleansing oil or balm

It doesn’t matter if you’ve worn makeup or not, the first step in your evening routine is to do a double cleanse starting with makeup remover, micellar water, or a cleansing oil or balm.

Step 2: Cleanser

The second part of your double cleanse involves using either the same cleansing oil or balm from step one or a separate gel, foaming, or water-based cleanser to wash your face.

Step 3: Exfoliator/Face mask

Once or twice a week, you should use an exfoliator or clay mask to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores.

Step 4: Toner, mist, or essence

Following cleansing, apply toner, mist, or essence to the skin. If you’re someone who uses all three of these products in your nightly routine, apply toner first, followed by essence, and then mist.

Step 5: Spot treatment

Apply a small amount of spot treatment to the affected area. When applying serums and other treatments after this step, avoid applying them to areas on the skin where you’ve applied spot treatment.

Step 6: Facial treatment

Next up is a targeted treatment. This step will look different for everyone but can include a facial serum, retinol treatment, peptide, or acids.

Step 7: Eye cream

Apply a small amount of eye cream and dab it in.

Step 8: Moisturiser

The step you should never skip in your nightly routine is a night cream or moisturiser that deeply nourishes and hydrates the skin to help with overnight skin repair.

Step 9: Face oil

Although they often seem (and feel) thinner than moisturisers because of their liquid formula, face oils are heavier than other products and should be applied as the final step in your nighttime skincare routine.

Just like your morning skincare application, your nightly routine should be tailored to your specific skin type and concerns.

The right way to layer your skincare

When you’re investing in pricey skincare products and targeted treatments, you want to make sure you’re getting the most out of them. That’s why you need to follow the right order when layering your skincare. There’s only so much product that can penetrate the skin after all. So, if there’s one thing you take away from this it’s to apply skincare from thinnest to thickest consistency.