“Do I apply facial oil before or after moisturizer?” “Should serums go on before eye cream?”
These are some of the most common skincare questions we hear.
The truth is, the order you apply your products plays a big role in how well your skin can absorb them. When layered correctly, each formula supports the next—allowing your routine to deliver the best possible results.
Here’s the simple rule dermatologists and estheticians follow:
Apply your skincare from thinnest to thickest.
Lightweight liquids go on first, followed by serums and gels, and finally richer creams and facial oils.
Why Layering Matters More as Skin Matures
As skin matures, it naturally becomes thinner and loses moisture more easily.
Proper layering helps:
• maximize hydration
• improve absorption of active ingredients
• support the skin barrier
When products are applied in the correct order, each step works together to create smoother, healthier-looking skin.
HOW MANY SKINCARE PRODUCTS DO I NEED?
The thinnest to thickest rule is a rule of thumb, but this question will definitely vary from person to person based on your skin type, skin concerns, and product preferences.
For those with sensitive skin, you may want less products in your routine, while those with oily or acne-prone skin may want to seek more.
But if you’re a member of the skinimalism movement and prefer to keep your counter as clear as possible, you’ll only need these four daily basics: cleanser, serum, moisturizer, and SPF - though you’ll want to exfoliate 1-3 times a week and maybe throw a weekly mask in there as well.
HOW TO LAYER YOUR SKINCARE PRODUCTS
STEP 1 - CLEANSER
Whether you're starting your morning routine or removing the buildup of the day, cleansing is always the first step.
A well-formulated cleanser removes makeup, SPF, and daily pollutants without disturbing the skin barrier. Our MOISTURIZING WASH uses antioxidant-rich sea algae and chlorophyll to gently cleanse while leaving skin hydrated and refreshed.
Avoid cleansers that leave skin feeling tight—this can signal disruption to the skin’s natural protective oils.
STEP 2 - TONER OR FACE MIST
After cleansing, apply a toner, facial mist, or essence.
These lightweight formulas help rebalance skin’s pH and deliver an initial layer of hydration. Products like our BLUE TANSY HYDRATING FACE MIST or our PHYTO-BIOTIC BALANCING TONER ESSENCE also help prepare the skin so serums absorb more effectively.
Because toners are very lightweight, they penetrate quickly and set the stage for the rest of your routine.
STEP 3 - SERUM
Serums are concentrated formulas designed to address specific skin concerns.
Because they contain higher levels of active ingredients, they should be applied early in your routine while skin is still slightly damp from toner or mist. Gently press the serum into the skin with your fingertips and allow a minute for absorption before moving to the next step.
Serums can help target concerns like fine lines, uneven tone, dehydration, or loss of firmness.
If you’re looking to target fine lines and wrinkles or dark spots, our retinol-alternative BAKUCHIOL WONDER SERUM is perfect.
Wondering about mixing serums? Read our guide to layering serums here first.
STEP 4 - EYE CARE
The skin around your eyes is the thinnest on your entire face, which is why it’s often the first area to show visible signs of aging.
Applying an eye cream after your serums allows targeted ingredients to support this delicate area. Our CAFFEINE LIFT EYE CREAM helps reduce the appearance of puffiness and fatigue while delivering lightweight hydration.
Use a gentle tapping motion rather than rubbing the product into the skin.
STEP 5 - MOISTURIZER
Next comes moisturizer.
A well-formulated moisturizer doesn’t just hydrate—it helps seal in the benefits of everything applied before it. Rich creams create a protective layer that locks in moisture while supporting the skin barrier.
THE CREAM was specifically designed for this step, featuring our proprietary 30-day BIO-TEA FERMENT™ infusion, which deeply replenishes the skin and helps maintain long-lasting hydration.
If you enjoy using facial oils, like our NOURISHING OIL, they can be layered over moisturizer or used in place of it depending on your skin’s needs.
STEP 6 - PROTECT
The final step in any morning skincare routine is sun protection.
Daily SPF helps protect skin from UV damage, one of the primary causes of visible aging. Apply sunscreen as the last step in your routine, even on cloudy days.
Consistent sun protection helps maintain the results of the rest of your skincare routine.
WEEKLY - EXFOLIATOR
In addition to your daily routine, regular exfoliation helps keep skin smooth and radiant.
Exfoliating 1–3 times per week removes buildup of dead skin cells, allowing serums and moisturizers to absorb more effectively. You can use an enzyme exfoliant like DEEP ENZYME CLEANSE or a combination physical and chemical exfoliant like BAMBOO REFINING POLISH.
Always exfoliate after cleansing and before applying serums.
MASKS
Face masks are an easy way to give skin an extra boost.
Using a mask once a week helps deliver concentrated ingredients that support hydration, brightness, or purification depending on your skin’s needs.
Options include ready-to-use masks like our PUMPKIN ENZYME MASK or powder-to-paste treatments like the RADIANT DETOX MINERAL MASK.
BODY CARE
Your face isn’t the only part of your body with skin concerns, you know. Your back, legs, knees, and heels, all are at risk of dryness and premature aging without a body moisturizer like our HYDRATING CREAMY BODY OIL.
Mastering the art of layering your skincare products allows each formula in your routine to work more effectively.
With the right order—and the right formulas—you can maximize hydration, support your skin barrier, and help maintain a healthy, radiant complexion.
Feel free to email us here or call us at (727) 286-7684 with any questions, we’d love to hear from you!
XOXO,
Denice
