Skincare Routine Order Matters: Here’s How (+ What To Use!)
Set your skin up for success by learning the right skincare order to apply your favorite products.
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When it comes to our face, most of us know that having a regular skin care routine is very important. What we don’t always know, however, is which daily steps are crucial components or which steps can be just as easily skipped in our skincare routine. Then, of course, the age old question: What is the best order to apply my skincare?
According to Licensed Esthetician, Jenny Leazer, these are common skincare questions.
“A lot of my clients sometimes feel like it’s a silly question, but it’s actually super important,” she explained. “Once you learn the steps of a good routine that supports your skin, everything really starts to fall into place and you’ll see even better results from your products.”
As a simple rule of thumb, Leazer recommends applying products from thinnest to thickest. She explains that thinner products, such as toners and water-based serums, are formulated to penetrate the skin faster than thicker creams and oil-based serums. Applying them by order of thickness ensures that each layer is properly absorbed and that your skin is able to fully metabolize and utilize the ingredients of your skincare. Additionally, your skin’s needs will vary from morning to evening, so it’s important to tailor your skincare accordingly in order to achieve the best results.
So what is the best skincare order for your daily AM and PM routine? We’re breaking it down for you.
Creating a Beginner-Friendly Skincare Routine
If you’re new to skincare, on-the-go, or just want to cover all of your bases using minimal steps, Leazer says that you can absolutely simplify your skincare by paring it down to just a few products.
For daily skincare in just three steps, Leazer-Ragolia recommends the following:
For the Morning:
Step One: Cleanse
Step Two: Vitamin C Serum
Step Three: Hydrating Moisturizer + SPF
For the Evening:
Step One: Cleanse
Step Two: Retinol or Vitamin A Serum
Step Three: Moisturizer
“For my minimalist clients, it’s all about zeroing in on your goals, while also keeping the bigger picture of your skin health in mind. We want to make sure we are choosing products that do a bit of both,” she said. “Luckily, skincare technology is making more and more products that multitask. It’s very doable to use just 3 or 4 products and cover all of your bases.”
How to: Morning Skincare Routine Steps
Step One: Cleansing
Why it’s important: Gentle cleansing in the morning removes excess sweat, oils, and bacteria that may have accumulated while sleeping.
How to use: For best results, spend about two minutes gently massaging your face as you cleanse. This stimulates circulation, which is naturally rejuvenating and promotes a healthy glow.
Other recommendations: If your skin is sensitive or dry, an oil-based or creamy cleanser is best for daily use. If you have combination or oily skin, look for a gel-based cleanser, but avoid active ingredients, such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, as these can be too harsh for everyday use.
Our Splurge Worthy Picks:
Image: Sephora
Soy pH-Balanced Hydrating Face Wash
fresh
An essential face wash for those with dry skin, this lightweight gel cleanser soothes and hydrates skin with aloe vera and cucumber extract.
Image: Sephora
The Rice Wash Skin-Softening Cleanser
Tatcha
By combining Japanese rice powder, red algae, and hyaluronic acid, Tatcha’s Skin Softening Cleanser has been proven to boost skin’s hydration by 41% after six hours.
Our Budget Friendly Picks:
Image: Amazon
Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
La Roche-Posay
A gentle cleanser that removes dirt and makeup for a deep clean that doesn’t strip skin of its moisture.
Image: Amazon
Daily Facial Cleanser
Cetaphil
This dermatologist-recommended cleanser is ideal for those with sensitive skin and targets dryness, roughness, and irritation.
Step Two: Exfoliation (1-3x weekly)
Why it’s important: Exfoliating is helpful to rejuvenate and revitalize skin by getting rid of dead skin cells, which can accumulate and contribute to buildup on the skin’s surface.
How to use: Exfoliation is something that should not be done daily, as too much exfoliation can damage the skin. Instead, make it a goal to exfoliate 1-3 times per week with a gentle scrub or chemical exfoliant, such as a mask containing alpha-hydroxy acids.
Other recommendations: If you are new to exfoliation, start slow and work your way up to using a product multiple times per week. If you notice flaking skin or signs of redness, skip the exfoliation step and resume only after your skin is no longer irritated.
Our Splurge Worthy Picks:
Image: Sephora
Daily Microfoliant Refillable Exfoliator
Dermalogica
A rice-based powder that transforms into a foaming paste with water, this gentle exfoliant removes excess oil to brighten and balance uneven skin tone.
Image: Amazon
Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads
ELEMIS
These textured pads make it easy to apply just the right amount of exfoliant to target skin’s smoothness, radiance, tone, and texture.
Our Budget Friendly Picks:
Image: Amazon
Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Paula’s Choice
With an incredibly loyal following, this gentle exfoliator targets acne-causing buildup and removes dead skin, leaving glowing skin behind.
Image: Amazon
Revive+ Manuka Honey Walnut Scrub & Mask
Era Organics
If you don’t want a chemical exfoliant, this facial scrub acts as both a cleanser to clean pores and an exfoliant to gently remove dead skin and impurities. Bonus: It’s sustainably-made in the USA!
Step Three: Toner
Why it’s important: Toner works as an extension of the cleansing process, removing anything your cleanser missed and rebalancing the skin’s natural pH so that it is prepped and ready to absorb other products.
How to use: Toner works best when applied to a cotton round or reusable wipe. Swipe the product over your whole face and neck.
Other recommendations: Most skin types can benefit from a hydrating toner. Look for one that is alcohol-free or that contains hydrating ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid. Toner also works great to prep the skin before applying makeup.
Our Splurge Worthy Picks:
Image: Sephora
Watermelon Glow PHA +BHA Pore-Tight Toner
Glow Recipe
With a combination of PHA and BHA, this toner also harnesses the power of watermelon extract and cactus water to hydrate skin.
Image: Ulta
Clear Start Micro Pore Mist
Dermalogica
Unsightly pores? This toner specifically targets and shrinks their appearance and can even be used alongside prescription acne treatments.
Our Budget Friendly Picks:
Image: Amazon
Violet Aura - 2% BHA Rice Toner
Zen Dew
We love an affordable 2-in-1 product! This South Korean toner combines salicylic acid, niacinimides, and rice milk to create a serum that is one part liquid exfoliant and one part calming toner—minimizing pores, diminishing blackheads, and brightening skin!
Image: Amazon
Pore Reducing Toner
Paula’s Choice
An alcohol-free option filled with niacinamides to balance oily or acne-prone skin.
Step Four: Serums
Why it’s important: Serums provide super-concentrated active ingredients that do much of the work to transform our skin.
How to use: For best results, apply serums to clean, dry skin about thirty seconds after cleansing and toning, allowing each layer to absorb before applying the next. This prevents buildup on the skin and wasted product.
Other recommendations: For the morning, using a daily vitamin C serum is a crucial step to boost skin’s immunity and protect against free radicals caused by pollutants, smoke, or UV radiation. It also works to naturally brighten and repair damaged skin by aiding in collagen synthesis. If you want to add a second product to your routine, a hydrating serum, such pure hyaluronic acid, is also highly beneficial.
Our Splurge Worthy Picks:
Image: Dermstore
C E Ferulic
Skinceuticals
A powerful, clinically proven vitamin C serum that visibly reduces signs of aging, brightens skin, and protects against environmental damage from the sun’s UVA/UVB rays and ozone pollution.
Image: Amazon
HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator Serum
SkinMedica
Formulated with a proprietary blend of five types of hyaluronic acid, this is the ultimate moisture-boosting serum to smooth signs of aging and improve skin’s texture, all while providing instant hydration that lasts long after you apply.
Our Budget Friendly Picks:
Image: Amazon
Vitamin C Facial Serum
TruSkin
This might just be the perfect all-in-one revitalizing serum—powerful vitamin C combines with skin soothing hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and vitamin E for a skincare step that practically does it all (for under $20!).
Image: Amazon
Holy Grail Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Grace & Stella
A vegan hyaluronic acid serum, it soaks into skin to provide hydration without feeling sticky or greasy.
Step Five: Eye Cream
Why it’s important: Hydrated skin can reduce the appearance of under eye puffiness and dark circles, resulting in a more awake, fresh look. Concealer can also be applied more evenly, preventing the product from settling into the lines and creases around your eyes.
How to use: Since the skin around your eye is much thinner than the rest of your face, the area can be more sensitive to pressure. For that reason, apply a small amount of product to your ring finger and gently tap onto skin.
Other recommendations: For morning applications, look for eye creams that help to de-puff tired eyes or contain energizing ingredients, such as caffeine.
Our Splurge Worthy Picks:
Image: Sephora
Banana Bright+ Eye Creme
OleHenriksen
Vitamin C is the main ingredient in this eye cream that brightens under eyes, reducing dark circles and dullness.
Image: ILIA Beauty
Bright Start Activated Eye Cream
Ilia
Like its namesake, this brightening eye cream revives tired skin and reduces fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes. Formulated with retinol and light-reflecting pearl, this will be the perfect complement to your morning makeup routine.
Our Budget Friendly Picks:
Image: Amazon
8% Caffeine Eye Serum
Tarvy
With its big dose of caffeine, paired with hyaluronic acid and squalane, this eye cream creates a youthful glow and refreshed appearance. Even better, it has a 360 degree massage ball for easy application while simultaneously applying gentle pressure to aid in circulation.
Image: Amazon
Retinol Eye Serum
+1HEROLABS
A luxury skincare brand without the luxury price tag, this treatment uses plant-based extracts for a formula that deeply hydrates, repairs, and soothes even the most sensitive skin.
Step Six: Moisturizer
Why it’s important: Hydration is critical for all skin types. Lack of moisture can exacerbate issues, such as acne and inflammation, as well as accelerating signs of aging. By hydrating the skin in the morning, you are able to help better protect it from the elements throughout the day.
How to use: Apply a light layer of moisturizer after any serums to really lock in all the layers of your skincare.
Other recommendations: For acne-prone or combination skin, it’s still important to moisturize, even during a breakout. Look for products that are oil-free and labeled “non-comedogenic,” as these are designed to hydrate the skin without clogging pores.
Our Splurge Worthy Picks:
Image: Sephora
Protini Polypeptide Cream
Drunk Elephant
A luxurious protein moisturizer that uses B vitamins, antioxidants, and signal peptides to restore tired, dull skin and reduce the look of sun damage and signs of aging.
Image: Sephora
Superfood Air-Whip Lightweight Face Moisturizer
Youth To The People
Dewy glow? Check. 48 hour hydration? Check. This plant-powered moisturizer is also ideal for sensitive skin or for those prone to breakouts—we’re sold!
Our Budget Friendly Picks:
Image: Amazon
Moisturizing Cream
CeraVe
A dermatologist-developed face and body moisturizer, ceramides provide skin deep skin relief with a rich, velvety texture.
Image: Amazon
Drench & Quench Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer
Bliss
A viral find straight from TikTok, this moisturizer is full of hydration, but its lightweight formula doesn’t feel heavy or greasy on the skin.
Step Seven: Sun Protection
Why it’s important: Use of an SPF product is probably the most important step in any skincare routine. Sunscreens and other SPF products protect the skin against UV damage, which can cause hyperpigmentation, premature aging, inflammation, and increased risk of skin cancer.
How to use: Apply your sun protection as the last step in the AM. Use a generous amount to cover the entire face and neck. Also be sure to re-apply every two hours if you will be in the sun.
Other recommendations: If you use exfoliating ingredients or retinol products, it is especially important to incorporate an SPF, as these ingredients can make your skin more sun sensitive.
Our Splurge Worthy Picks:
Image: Dermstore
UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
EltaMD
Fragrance and oil-free, this zinc-oxide sunscreen protects skin against UVB and UVA rays without clogging pores or leaving skin oily.
Image: Sephora
Unseen Sunscreen
Supergoop!
A broad spectrum sunscreen — SPF 50! — that is long-lasting, weightless, and 100% invisible. It can even be used underneath makeup as a grease-free primer.
Our Budget Friendly Picks:
Image: Amazon
Reef Safe Mineral Sunstick
Coral Safe
This reef-safe sunscreen is made in the USA with natural ingredients—meaning that you won’t be exposed to any harsh chemicals. It’s also the perfect water-resistant sunscreen to protect you during any outdoor activities.
Image: Sephora
Mineral Sunscreen Zinc Oxide Broad Spectrum SPF 30
First Aid Beauty
This mineral sunscreen combines avocado oil and vitamin E with powerful SPF protection that can be worn with makeup without causing breakouts.
How to: Evening Skincare Routine Steps
Step One: Cleansing
Why it’s important: Cleansing at night is even more important than in the AM. It removes any makeup, dirt, pollution, or other impurities that may stick to the skin throughout the day.
How to use: Similar to a morning routine, spend about two minutes thoroughly cleansing and massaging the skin, before removing your cleanser with a washcloth and lukewarm water.
Other recommendations: Creamy cleansers work best for makeup removal. However, if you prefer a gel cleanser, you can also do a double cleanse with a gentle gel cleanser to remove excess makeup.
Our Splurge Worthy Picks:
Image: Sephora
Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm
Farmacy
For anyone struggling with removing stubborn makeup at the end of the day, this balm removes over 99% of foundation and eye makeup…even waterproof mascara.
Image: Amazon
Pure Skin Face Cleanser
First Aid Beauty
Filled with powerful botanical antioxidants, this gentle cleanser removes dirt and makeup without drying or irritation. A must have for those with sensitive skin!
Our Budget Friendly Picks:
Image: Ulta
SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water
Garnier
No, this isn’t just any old water. This ultra-gentle cleansing water effortlessly removes makeup and oils without stripping skin or harsh rubbing.
Image: Amazon
Purifying + Renewing Facial Cleanser
Fortify Skincare
Another Korean skincare brand, this clean beauty cleanser not only removes even the toughest makeup, but it uses natural ingredients to deeply clean and fight against acne. This cleanser can also be used to treat any body acne, too.
Step Two: Serums
Why it’s important: The skin is very receptive to absorbing products overnight while we rest, so nighttime is a great time to infuse a little more nutrition into your routine. For the PM, retinol serums are an ideal serum for most skin types. These products help to boost the skin’s natural cell turnover to rejuvenate aging skin, as well as repair damage from acne and hyperpigmentation.
How to use: Just as you would in the morning, apply your serum to clean, dry skin. Pat gently, giving it time to absorb.
Other recommendations: If you are new to retinol, start slow with a low percentage, and work your way up. Retinol should be avoided while pregnant or breastfeeding, but you can use a gentle alternative, such as vitamin A, as a substitute in the interim.
Our Splurge Worthy Picks:
Image: Nordstrom
Ageless Phyto-Retinol Face Cream
bareMinerals
A retinol without the irritation, this plant-based cream uses peptides and hyaluronic acid to give skin a fresh, revitalized look.
Image: Sephora
Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum
Kiehl’s Since 1851
With pure retinol and ceramides, this powerful serum goes deep into skin to leave it looking smoother, firmer, and clearer without irritation.
Our Budget Friendly Picks:
Image: Sephora
Retinol Anti-Aging Serum
The INKEY List
With a slow-release retinol that is less irritating, this ultra-affordable serum is ideal for beginners looking to improve skin tone and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
Image: Amazon
Bakuchiol Face Lift Cream
LilyAna Naturals
Praised for its retinol-like results, this plant-based formulation accelerates skin turnover, resulting in a face firming cream that restores a youthful appearance and does the work of creams 5x the price!
Bonus: It’s made in the USA!
Step Three: Eye Cream
Why it’s important: Using a thicker, more nourishing eye treatment as part of your nighttime routine allows for deeper hydration to combat fine lines, wrinkles, and puffy, tired eyes.
How to use: Apply in the same way as you would your morning eye cream.
Other recommendations: For evening applications, look for eye creams that have a richer texture, hyaluronic acid, or vitamin E.
Our Splurge Worthy Picks:
Image: Sephora
Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream
Benefiance
Peptides, ginseng extract, squalane, and vitamin E make up this rich, wrinkle-smoothing eye cream. Targeting age-related skin concerns, such as fine lines, crow’s feet, and even frown lines, this is one ophthalmologist-tested skincare cream that is truly worth the extra penny.
Image: Sephora
Auto Correct Eye Contour Cream
Sunday Riley
While this splurge-worthy eye cream can be used in the morning and evening for best results, it delivers a powerful dark circle complex, filled with caffeine, ginseng, and watermelon extract to firm and tighten skin, minimizing puffy under eyes and signs of aging.
Our Budget Friendly Picks:
Image: Amazon
Kona Peptide Hydrating Eye Cream
Hanalei
Made from their proprietary Aloha Nui Complex, this creamy, coffee-infused balm penetrates skin with a deep hydration to give your eyes a refreshed look in the morning, no matter how well you slept the night before.
Image: Amazon
Advanced Snail Peptide Eye Cream
COSRX
While seeing snail mucin as an ingredient might make you do a double take, it’s not one to leave on the shelf. As a lightweight moisture, it performs miracles on fine lines and wrinkles and can also be used on all other areas of the face for a multi-purpose eye cream!
Step Four: Moisturizer
Why it’s important: Even if you moisturize during the day, skin can still benefit from a second boost of hydration before bedtime.
How to use: After letting serums absorb, gently massage your moisturizer into the skin. Don’t forget to apply to the neck as well!
Other recommendations: Apply a thin layer if you have oily or combination skin. For dry or aging skin, you can apply a thicker layer or even use a thicker cream at night, if you like.
Our Splurge Worthy Picks:
Image: Amazon
Jet Lag Mask
Summer Fridays
One part moisturizer, one part face mask, this jet lag “mask” is another product that does it all. Leave it on for 10 minutes as a facial mask or overnight for a deep penetrating treatment. Or, use it anywhere on your body for nourishing moisture.
Image: Sephora
Premier Cru Skin Barrier Rich Moisturizer
Caudalie
This rich cream is the definition of a luxury moisturizer. The special blend of hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and shea butter targets dark spots, fine lines, and other signs of aging for a truly unique night cream.
Our Budget Friendly Picks:
Image: Amazon
Skin Repair Moisturizer
Geologie
This overnight mask has it all—hyaluronic acid provides intense hydration, while niacinamides target redness, and retinol leaves skin looking fresh and new…all while you sleep.
Image: Amazon
Face Immersive Hydration Night Cream
Eucerin
If you have sensitive skin or suffer from frequent breakouts, this lightweight moisturizer works overnight to repair and visibly improve skin tone without causing blemishes.
Step Five: Facial Oil
Why it’s important: Although many people fear that adding oil to their skin will cause breakouts, the truth is that all skin types can benefit from incorporating a facial oil, as these help to repair and soothe the skin.
How to use: Facial oils are best applied following your moisturizer, as the last step in your skincare routine. Optionally, you can also experiment with adding a few drops of oil into your moisturizer to start. Apply and allow it to absorb overnight.
Other recommendations: Facial oils come in many varieties. If you are new to the product, start with a pure oil such as squalane or jojoba. These are very similar to our skin’s natural sebum and help to rebalance the skin’s own oil production.
Our Splurge Worthy Picks:
Image: Sephora
Santal Face Treatment Oil
Clarins
Made from 100% plant extracts, this soothing oil targets dry, distressed skin for a softer, smoother appearance without a greasy feel.
Image: Ulta
Squalane Facial Oil
Indie Lee
Did someone say just one ingredient? Yes, the 100% olive-derived squalane is about as pure as it comes for superior hydration without anything extra. (Seriously.)
Our Budget Friendly Picks:
Image: Amazon
Skin Therapy Oil
Palmer’s
A brand known for over 150 years, Palmer’s therapy oil is a blend of vitamins E and C, rosehip, cocoa butter, and coconut oil to lighten, brighten, smooth, and fight the signs of aging for under $10.
Image: Amazon
Vitamin E Oil
Artnaturals
100% pure and organic, this vitamin E oil is a powerhouse that revitalizes every inch of skin on your body. Plus, it comes with a gua sha tool to increase circulation for healthy skin that glows.
Skincare Ingredient Combinations to Avoid:
While layering products is part of any good routine, it’s important to know that not all ingredients play well together. Here are a few thatyou’ll want to avoid mixing:
Vitamin C + Copper Peptides or Alpha-Hydroxy Acids
While all of these ingredients are amazing by themselves, together they equal too much of a good thing and can overwhelm the skin. Instead, alternate days that you use these ingredients or pick just one at a time to focus on.
Vitamin C + Vitamin A
These two ingredients both belong in your daily routine, just not at the same time. Vitamin C should always be used in the morning to protect the skin from the sun. Vitamin A can make skin more sun sensitive, so save it for nighttime only.
Alpha-Hydroxy Acids + Retinol
Similar to vitamin C and AHAs, the combination of retinol with other actives can be too much for the skin to handle at once, leaving it more vulnerable to sun damage. To avoid this, use retinol only at night and only exfoliate with AHAs in the AM, several times weekly.
Alpha-Hydroxy Acids + Salicylic Acid or Benzoyl Peroxide
When treating acne, it can be tempting to load up on these active exfoliants. However, too many harsh or drying ingredients can actually irritate acne and cause the skin to overproduce oil to compensate. Stick to one treatment at a time and give the skin a day or two to repair in between.
