What order do you apply skincare products?

Cleanser first, then the product doing the main work, then moisturizer, with sunscreen last in the morning. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) gives the order as: wash your face, apply any medication or treatment right after cleansing, then moisturizer and/or sunscreen, then makeup [1]. Within a step, a common rule is thinnest texture to thickest [2].

The order, morning and night

Retinoids belong in the night column. The AAD says to use them only at night and to use sun protection during the day [3].

Why the treatment goes right after cleansing

The AAD puts medication or other treatment directly after cleansing [1]. Manufacturers describe the same thing. Differin’s FAQ says to wash with a mild cleanser, apply a thin layer of the gel to clean, dry skin, and follow with a moisturizer [4].

Moisturizer comes after the treatment in both descriptions [1][4]. There is one common exception. For a retinoid that irritates, the AAD says dermatologists may recommend applying moisturizer first [7]. Tretinoin and moisturizer order covers that choice in more detail.

Thinnest to thickest

The Ordinary calls “thinnest to thickest” a general rule of thumb, and suggests ordering by format instead [2]:

• Water-based solutions first. They are light and serve as a base for the next layers [2].
• Anhydrous or oil formulas next [2].
• Creams or suspensions last. Creams seal in the layers before them [2].

It recommends no more than 3 serums in one routine [2]. With two water-based serums, it suggests putting the one for your main concern first [2].

Where sunscreen goes

Sunscreen is the last skincare step in the morning, before makeup [1]. If you use a treatment in the daytime, Differin’s FAQ says to let it dry before applying sunscreen [4].

The AAD recommends a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher [5]. Apply it to dry skin 15 minutes before going outdoors, and reapply about every two hours outside, or after swimming or sweating [5].

Where retinol and acids go

Use one strong treatment a night. The AAD warns that too many products can irritate skin, especially more than one anti-aging product at once [1]. It also advises starting with one product [8].

Retinol and exfoliating acids are the pair people most often stack. The Ordinary says not to use its glycolic acid toner with other direct acids or strong retinoids in the same routine [6]. It suggests alternating them, or using one in the morning and the other at night [6]. Retinol with AHA or BHA explains why they are kept on separate nights.

If a product stings, burns or tingles, the AAD says to stop using it [8].

If you use a prescription retinoid such as tretinoin: Follow your prescriber’s instructions. Corneo schedules the rest.

What Corneo does

Corneo builds every routine in this order. The morning is cleanser, an optional antioxidant, moisturizer and sunscreen. The night is cleanser, one lead active and moisturizer. Anything that would put two conflicting actives on the same night is set aside with the reason, not thrown away. See your own order with an audit of your shelf.

FAQ

How long should I wait between steps?

The Ordinary says there is no specific wait time, and suggests letting each product absorb before the next [2]. Differin’s FAQ says to let the gel dry before sunscreen [4].

Does sunscreen go before or after moisturizer?

The AAD lists moisturizer and sunscreen together, after any treatment and before makeup [1]. Corneo puts sunscreen as the last morning step, after moisturizer.

Can I use more than one serum?

The Ordinary suggests no more than 3 serum formulas in one routine [2]. The AAD says too many products may irritate, especially more than one anti-aging product [1]. Corneo schedules one lead active at night.