Are You Layering Your Skincare Correctly?

If you’ve ever wondered about what order to apply skincare products in, you’re not alone! Skincare layering is one of the most common questions in beauty, and layering your products in the correct order is key to getting the most out of your routine. The wrong skincare routine order can mean wasted products, reduced effectiveness, or even irritation.

To keep it simple, follow the “thinnest to thickest” rule. Lightweight, water-based products like toners and serums should go on first, while richer creams and oils come later. This allows each product to absorb properly before you go in with the next.

While there’s flexibility depending on your skin type and the products you use, this skincare layering guide will help you master a routine for healthy, radiant skin.

Why Your Skincare-Layering Order Matters

When you apply skincare in the wrong order, lighter products can’t penetrate through heavier creams or oils. This can lead to breakouts, dryness, or an impaired skin barrier. Following the correct skincare steps ensures each formula works as intended, hydrating, protecting, and repairing your skin in harmony.

The goal is simple: maximize absorption, minimize irritation, and give your skin exactly what it needs, in the proper sequence.

Step-by-Step Skincare Routine

Step 1: Cleanse / Double Cleanse

Cleansing is the foundation of any skincare routine. At night, remove makeup and sunscreen with a gentle cleansing balm or oil, like Ethereal; then follow with a water-based cleanser, like Baptism. This is called double cleansing—it’s not a mandatory method of washing your face, but it can be helpful for those looking for a more thorough removal of impurities.

In the morning, you may only need a splash of water and a gentle cleanser like Baptism, especially if you have dry skin. Avoid harsh cleansers that leave your face feeling tight or “squeaky clean.”

Step 2: Mist or Toner

While optional, a hydrating toner or facial mist preps your skin for the next set of skincare steps by balancing hydration and enhancing absorption. 

Step 3: Eye Products

Target the delicate undereye area early in your skincare layering order. This is where reusable undereye patches like the Forever Eye Mask shine. Pair them with your favorite hydrating under-eye product, like the Auracle Eye Serum. If you’re using products containing actives around the eyes, proceed with caution, as the area can be more sensitive.

Step 4: Serums and Actives

Apply lightweight, water-based serums first. Deliverance can be applied to damp or dry skin, depending on your needs. If you’re applying other serums or actives, like vitamin C or retinoids, follow these skincare layering steps:

• With Vitamin C: If it’s water-based, apply Vitamin C first, then Deliverance. If it’s oil-based or richer, apply Deliverance first, then Vitamin C.
• With Retinoids: Apply retinoids to dry skin to minimize irritation, then follow with Deliverance if desired. Start “low and slow” with actives to avoid compromising your skin barrier.

Step 5: Moisturizer

Seal in hydration with a rich, nourishing face moisturizer like Instant Angel or a more lightweight gel cream like Air Angel. For dry or dehydrated skin, apply a generous amount on damp skin. For oily or combination skin, use a lighter layer, focusing on drier areas.

Step 6: Face Oils (Optional)

If you use facial oils, they should come last in your skincare routine. Oils contain no water and act as a final seal over your moisturizer.

Step 7: Sunscreen (Morning Only)

SPF is the non-negotiable final step in your morning skincare routine. Apply your sunscreen of choice generously after moisturizer and before makeup. If you do nothing else, wear your sunscreen!

Sample Skincare Routine Order

1. Cleanser / Double Cleanse
2. Mist or Toner
3. Eye Products
4. Serums (Deliverance, Vitamin C, Retinoids, etc.)
5. Moisturizer (Instant Angel)
6. Face Oil (optional)
7. Sunscreen (AM only)

Skincare Layering FAQs

Can I mix my skincare serums together?

Some serums can be layered together, but actives like retinoids and Vitamin C may work better separately to reduce irritation.

Should skincare be applied to damp or dry skin?

Hydrating products like serums and moisturizers absorb best on damp skin. Retinoids and strong actives should be applied to dry skin to avoid over-penetration.

Do I always need toner in my skincare routine?

No, toner is optional, but it can enhance hydration and improve absorption of later products.

Where does face oil go in a skincare routine?

Always apply face oil last (before sunscreen in the morning, after moisturizer at night) to seal in hydration.

How to layer skincare products with sunscreen?

Sunscreen should always be the last step in your morning routine, after moisturizer and before makeup.

Can I skip moisturizer if I use face oil?

Oils lock in moisture but don’t hydrate on their own. Most skin types still benefit from moisturizer underneath.

How long should I wait between skincare steps?

A general rule is 30–60 seconds between layers, or until the product absorbs, before moving to the next step in your skincare routine. For chemical exfoliants, leave them on for 5-10 minutes before continuing your routine to really see the benefits. 

Does the order of skincare really matter?

Yes—the idea that the order in which you apply products to your face doesn’t matter is a common skincare myth. In reality, incorrect layering can reduce effectiveness and lead to irritation or breakouts. 

How do I know if I’m overloading my skin?

If you notice redness, stinging, or increased breakouts, simplify your routine and reintroduce steps gradually. A cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen alone will still do a lot to keep your skin healthy if your face shows signs of sensitivity to using a higher number of products.