What Order Do Skincare Products Go In?

Applying products in the wrong order is one of the most common beginner mistakes — and it can genuinely reduce how well your routine works, even with the right products.

The Core Rule: Thinnest to Thickest

Lighter, water-based products go first, heavier, oil-based products go last. Applying a thick moisturiser before a lightweight serum creates a barrier that prevents the serum from absorbing properly.

Morning Order

1. Cleanser
2. Treatment serum, if using one (e.g. Vitamin C)
3. Moisturiser
4. Sunscreen — always last

Evening Order

1. Cleanser
2. Treatment serum, if using one (e.g. Niacinamide or Retinol)
3. Moisturiser

Why Sunscreen Always Goes Last

Sunscreen needs to sit on top of skin to form an effective protective layer. Applying it before moisturiser or serum dilutes and disrupts that layer, reducing the protection it provides.

Where Do Multiple Serums Go?

If using more than one serum, apply the thinnest, most watery one first — typically Hyaluronic Acid — followed by thicker treatment serums. As a beginner, though, one serum at a time is genuinely enough; multiple-serum routines are worth building toward, not starting with.

What About Toner?

If you use a hydrating toner, it goes immediately after cleansing, before any serum. Exfoliating toners like the Glycolic Acid Toner are a treatment step, not a basic hydration step, and belong later in an established routine, not a beginner one.

The Simple Version to Remember

Cleanse, treat, moisturise, protect. If you only remember one rule, sunscreen is always the final step of any morning routine, no exceptions.