Adding layers of skincare products in a certain order of application is known as skincare layering. The practise of stacking skincare products was first practised in nations like Korea and Japan before spreading to other parts of the world. When our faces appear overly glossy or oily after layering skincare products, it’s usually because the timing between applying each product or the order in which it was applied was off. Here, we’ve listed the proper order for applying skincare layers as suggested by dermatologists.
What do we need to keep in mind?
The order of layering is crucial because, in some situations, we want the products to be absorbed by the skin. Make wise decisions when selecting your skincare products. For instance, hyaluronic acid is the best hydrating ingredient, retinol is essential for anti-aging, vitamin C is a vital antioxidant for improving skin tone, and sunscreen is a necessity for everyone.
Depending on the user’s needs, additional components can be added, such as underuse serum and actives for acne, seborrhea, and pigmentation. Once your items are organised, you may decide on the proper application sequence, time, and gap between layers of different products.
Applying products with the thinnest consistency to the thickest, or from liquid to cream, is a simple rule of thumb to remember. This is because absorption prevents thinner formulas from entering if a thicker, richer compound is applied first.
What should be the general order?

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Proper skincare layering is necessary to get the most out of skincare products. Apply your skincare products in the following order.
- Eye cream
- Moisturiser
- Sunscreen
- Toner
- Serum
- Cleanser
- Always apply sunscreen last, and if necessary, go over it with makeup.
Daytime layering:
For best results, layer your skincare in the given order- first start with cleansing, then apply Vitamin C serum, spot treatment, moisturiser, and sunscreen.
Night-time layering:
During the night you need to tweak the order a little. You require double cleansing, which entails first removing your makeup with a cleansing oil before washing your face again with your regular cleanser. After that apply eye cream, spot treatments (actives for acne, pigmentation, etc.), retinol (for anti-aging), and finally moisturiser as the final step.