You have a cleanser, a toner, a serum or two, a moisturiser and a sunscreen, but in which order do they go on? Getting your skincare routine order right is one of the simplest ways to get more from the products you already own. The basic rule is easy to remember: apply from the thinnest texture to the thickest, and finish with sun protection in the morning. Below we walk through each step, morning and night, and explain why the order matters.
Why skincare routine order matters
Each product is designed to do its job in a certain place on the skin. Watery formulas such as toners and serums are light and spread easily, so they work best on freshly cleansed skin. Creams and oils are richer and form a softer, more cushioning layer on top. If you apply a thick cream first, a light serum has a harder time reaching the skin underneath, and you may simply be wasting it.
Order also matters for comfort and protection. Sunscreen needs to sit as an even film on the surface, so it always comes last in the morning. Exfoliating products need clean skin to work evenly, which is why they follow cleansing rather than moisturising.
The golden rule: thinnest to thickest
When you are unsure where something goes, look at its texture:
- Watery (toners, mists, essences) go first after cleansing.
- Light and fluid (serums and gel boosters) come next.
- Creamy (eye creams, moisturisers) follow.
- Oily or rich (facial oils, night creams) go near the end.
- Sunscreen is always the final step of your morning routine.
Give each layer around 30 to 60 seconds to settle before the next. You do not need to wait until it is completely dry, but a short pause helps products sit evenly and reduces pilling.
Morning skincare routine order
The focus in the morning is freshness, hydration and protection for the day ahead.
- Cleanse. A quick, gentle cleanse is plenty in the morning. A swipe of Micellar Cleansing Water on a cotton pad lifts overnight oil without stripping the skin.
- Tone. Pat a few drops of Hydrating Toner into the skin with your hands to add a first light layer of moisture.
- Treat with a serum. This is where targeted ingredients go. Our Vitamin C Serum, with vitamin C and ferulic acid, is a popular morning choice for a brighter-looking complexion. If your skin feels tight, a Hydrating Serum with hyaluronic acid can be layered after it.
- Eye care. Dab a small amount of eye product around the orbital bone with your ring finger. A light, cooling gel texture feels especially refreshing in the morning.
- Moisturise. A lightweight cream such as Moisturising Day Cream softens the skin and helps hold in the layers underneath.
- Protect. Finish with a broad-spectrum SPF every day, even in a grey European winter. A tinted Sunscreen SPF30 protects and evens out the look of your skin in one step.
For a quicker version of this routine, see our simple 5-minute morning skincare routine.
Evening skincare routine order
At night the goal shifts to removing the day and giving skin richer care while you sleep.
- Remove make-up and SPF. If you wear make-up or water-resistant sunscreen, start with a first cleanse to melt it away. A gentle cleansing milk or oil cleanser works well here.
- Second cleanse (optional). Follow with your usual cleanser if your skin still feels like it needs it.
- Exfoliate (a few times a week). Exfoliants go on clean skin, before serums. Our guide on how often to exfoliate your face explains how to avoid overdoing it.
- Tone and serum. Same principle as the morning: watery first, then fluid serums. Hydrating formulas suit the evening well.
- Eye cream, then night cream. A richer cream such as Collagen Anti-Age Night Cream gives the skin a comforting layer overnight.
- Facial oil. If you use one, press a few drops of Nourishing Facial Oil over your cream as the last step to seal everything in.
Serum before moisturiser, and other common questions on layering skincare
Does serum go before moisturiser?
Yes. Serums are lighter and more concentrated, so they go on first. Moisturiser then softens the skin and helps keep the serum’s hydration in place.
Where does facial oil go?
Most people get the best results using oil as the final step at night, over moisturiser. Some prefer mixing a drop into their cream. If you are unsure which oil to choose, read how to choose a face oil for your skin type.
How many products is too many?
There is no prize for the most layers. If your skin feels heavy, stings or starts to break out, strip back to cleanser, moisturiser and SPF, then add one product at a time. If irritation continues, see a doctor or pharmacist.
A simple layering cheat sheet
| Step | Morning | Evening |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gentle cleanse | Remove make-up and SPF |
| 2 | Toner | Cleanse, exfoliate if needed |
| 3 | Serum | Toner and serum |
| 4 | Eye care | Eye cream |
| 5 | Moisturiser | Night cream |
| 6 | Sunscreen | Facial oil (optional) |
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct skincare routine order?
Cleanse, tone, serum, eye cream, moisturiser and, in the morning, sunscreen. At night, swap SPF for a richer cream or facial oil.
Should I wait between skincare steps?
A short pause of 30 to 60 seconds between layers is enough. Allow a little longer before sunscreen so it spreads evenly.
Can I skip toner?
Yes. Toner is helpful for an extra layer of hydration but it is not essential. Cleansing, moisturising and daily SPF are the steps that matter most.
Ready to build your routine in the right order? Explore our vegan face care, made in the EU.
