What Order Should You Apply Your Skincare Products?
By DAZRO Skincare Team · · 2 min read
Learn the correct order to apply cleanser, toner, essence, serum, moisturizer and sunscreen, and how to simplify your skincare routine.
Knowing what order to apply skincare products can make a routine easier to follow. A simple rule is to generally apply products from cleansing to lighter, water-based products and then finish with moisturizer and sunscreen during the day.
What order should you apply skincare products?
A basic skincare routine can follow this order:
- Cleanser
- Toner or essence
- Serum or treatment
- Moisturizer
- Sunscreen during the daytime
You do not need to use every step. The products you use should depend on your skin type, concerns and the formulation of each product.
Step 1: Cleanser
Cleanser is usually the first step because it removes dirt, excess oil, sunscreen and other residue from the skin.
Choose a cleanser based on your skin type and avoid cleansing more aggressively than necessary.
Step 2: Toner or essence
Toner and essence are optional steps that can add hydration or provide other skincare benefits depending on their formulation.
You do not necessarily need both.
Step 3: Serum
Serums are usually applied after cleansing and hydrating steps because they are often formulated to deliver specific ingredients for particular skincare concerns.
For example, different serums may focus on hydration, uneven skin tone, excess oil or other concerns.
Step 4: Moisturizer
Moisturizer is generally applied after serums and treatments to help maintain hydration and support the skin barrier.
The best texture depends on your skin type. Lightweight gels may feel more comfortable for oily skin, while richer creams may be preferred by dry skin.
Step 5: Sunscreen
During the daytime, sunscreen should generally be the final skincare step before makeup.
Choose a sunscreen with appropriate UV protection and follow the manufacturer's instructions for application and reapplication.
What about retinol?
If you use retinol at night, it is generally applied after cleansing and before moisturizer, depending on the specific product instructions.
Retinol can be irritating when introduced too quickly, so follow the product directions and introduce it gradually if necessary.
You can read our guide on how to use retinol without irritation.
What about exfoliating acids?
Ingredients such as salicylic acid can be included in a routine depending on the product formulation and your skin's tolerance.
Avoid assuming that more active ingredients will produce better results. Using too many potentially irritating products at the same time can make a routine harder for your skin to tolerate.
Read our guide to salicylic acid and clogged pores.
Do you need a 10-step Korean skincare routine?
No.
A simple routine can be enough:
Morning
Cleanser → Moisturizer → Sunscreen
Evening
Cleanser → Treatment → Moisturizer
Additional products can be added when there is a clear reason to use them.
Frequently asked questions
Should serum go before moisturizer?
Generally, yes. Serums are commonly applied before moisturizer so that the serum is applied directly after the cleansing or hydrating steps.
Should sunscreen go before or after moisturizer?
Sunscreen is generally applied after moisturizer as the final skincare step before makeup.
Can I use multiple serums?
You can, but using multiple active products is not automatically better. Consider the ingredients, formulation and your skin's tolerance before layering several treatments.
Do I need toner and essence?
No. Both are optional. Choose products based on what your skin needs rather than adding steps simply because they are part of a traditional routine.
