Skincare routine order explained — what goes on in what order

Skincare products applied in the wrong order are less effective — some are actively cancelled out by incorrect sequencing.

The rule: thinnest to thickest

Apply products from thinnest consistency to thickest. Water-based products before oil-based. Active treatments before moisturisers.

AM routine order

1. Cleanser
2. Toner (optional)
3. Serum (Vitamin C is ideal for AM)
4. Eye cream (optional)
5. Moisturiser
6. SPF — always last, always every day

PM routine order

1. Oil cleanser / micellar water (to remove SPF and makeup)
2. Cleanser (double cleanse)
3. Exfoliant (2–3× per week only)
4. Treatment serum (retinol, niacinamide — PM only)
5. Moisturiser / overnight cream

Track consistency with our free skincare routine tracker.