Can I use serum without moisturizer at night?

Author: Nayeli McDermott  |  Last update: Friday, August 1, 2025

Well, it depends. If you don't have dry skin and aren't in a dry environment or climate, it's easily possible to use just serum without moisturizer. However, using both may harness the most benefits for your skin. When you use a serum, it delivers active ingredients deep into the skin.

What happens if I don't apply moisturizer after serum?

It is not recommended to use serum without moisturizer because serums alone do not provide sufficient hydration to the skin. Serums are formulated to penetrate deeply into the skin and deliver active ingredients to the deeper layers of the skin, but they do not provide the hydration that your skin needs.

Can I skip moisturizer and use serum at night?

You can also use serum alone without added moisturizer, but this may reduce the power of the serum's active ingredients. Serums contain active ingredients such as oat oil, vitamin E and hyaluronic acid that pull moisture into the skin for deep hydration.

Can I apply serum without moisturizer?

It is not recommended to use serum without moisturizer because serums alone do not provide sufficient hydration to the skin. Serums are formulated to penetrate deeply into the skin and deliver active ingredients to the deeper layers of the skin, but they do not provide the hydration that your skin needs.

Is it okay to sleep with serum on?

Yes, you must use a face serum at night before going to bed. A serum is extremely hydrating and it will work wonders on the skin if left overnight. You can layer the face serum with a face moisturizer of your choice.

My Science-Based Skincare Routine (easy & affordable)

Can I leave serum overnight?

Can I leave serum overnight? Leaving a serum on over night is ideal! As stated above, serums need time to absorb and your skin is most receptive when you're asleep so having a serum on before you go to bed is a great way to have your skin get the most out of the serum.

Can I use vitamin C serum at night without moisturizer?

Several people have a persistent query: can I use Vitamin C serum at night without moisturiser? No, you should not; ending the routine with a moisturiser (best if it is blended with vitamin C) will give the skin a wholesome treatment.

Can a serum replace a moisturizer?

A serum is different from a moisturizer; serums tend to be thinner with a higher concentration of ingredients. Serums are typically applied to the skin after cleansing within a skincare routine but before moisturizing. Although, you can use a serum as a standalone product.

Is it okay to skip moisturizer?

But if you do not moisturise your body for as long as a month, the barrier function of the skin will be compromised, especially if you are staying in a dry place, in winter or if your skin is naturally dry. This leaves you susceptible to infections, inflammations, and a variety of skin issues," says Dr.

How many minutes after serum to apply moisturizer?

It's recommended to wait about one to two minutes after applying serum before moving on to your moisturiser. This brief waiting period allows the serum to fully penetrate your skin, delivering its active ingredients directly to the target areas.

What happens if you don't use moisturizer at night?

When the moisture barrier is disrupted, it can lead to all sorts of issues, including redness, tightness, itchiness, flaking, and atopic dermatitis. A good nighttime moisturizer can provide much-needed moisture to support the barrier and prevent transepidermal water loss.

What are the disadvantages of face serum?

Drawbacks Of Using Face Serum Every Day
  • Face serums can be more expensive than other skincare products.
  • People with sensitive skin may face irritation, redness or breakouts if the serum's formulation doesn't suit them. ...
  • Even when used daily, you should only use a small amount of serum.

What is the best nighttime moisturizer?

14 Best Night Creams for All Skin Types, According to Our Testing
  • Best Overall. Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Moisturizer. Read more.
  • Best Value. Roc Retinol Correxion Max Daily Hydration Anti-Aging Crème. Read more.
  • Best Anti-Aging. No7 Future Renew Damage Reversal Night Cream. Read more.

Is moisturizer necessary after serum at night?

In a skin care routine, it is often better to apply serum before moisturizer. This is because serum is typically more lightweight, whereas moisturizer tends to be thicker. Applying serum first can also give the skin more opportunity to absorb the active ingredients.

How many drops of serum should I use?

Step 1: Take a pea-sized amount (about 3-4 drops) of a face serum from the dropper onto your palms. Step 2: Spread it between your palms without rubbing the product too much. Step 3: Dab the serum all over your face and neck using small and gentle tapping motions.

Is serum more important than moisturizer?

At the end of the day, your moisturizer is a slightly more essential skincare step than serums, since they do a better job at locking moisture and protecting your skin. However, it's important to note that a facial serum is going to do things a moisturizer can't.

What if I don't apply moisturizer after serum?

Couldn't you just use serum and skip the moisturizer? Well, it depends. If you don't have dry skin and aren't in a dry environment or climate, it's easily possible to use just serum without moisturizer. However, using both may harness the most benefits for your skin.

How long before bed should you moisturize?

She said: "The reason we should do our skin care routine two hours before bed is to allow enough time for all the active ingredients to penetrate the skin before going to sleep.

Can I use hyaluronic acid serum without moisturizer?

Using a moisturizer is an essential step after applying hyaluronic acid. The moisturizer will help seal hydration into the skin and help hyaluronic acid absorb correctly if the air around you is dry.

Can I apply vitamin C serum without moisturizer?

In a Vitamin C skincare routine, it's important to apply the moisturizer after the application of the serum. This is because the serum helps the moisturizer gets absorbed better, and the moisturizer helps seal the serum's nutrients within the skin so they can work all day.

Why is my skin getting darker after using vitamin C serum?

4) Why does my skin look darker after using Vitamin C? If you are applying Vitamin C without sunscreen, it is likely that the Vitamin C degrades into Erythrulose, which is an ingredient you will find in many self-tanners. So please make sure you apply sunscreen always after applying Vitamin C.

Is it OK to sleep with vitamin C serum?

Your cells regenerate overnight and repair daytime damage while you're fast asleep. So, if you want to wake up feeling fresh and radiant, and not like a zombie, consider using vitamin C at night.

What vitamin deficiency causes sagging skin?

What vitamin deficiency causes sagging skin? A deficiency in Vitamin C can accelerate skin ageing, resulting in premature skin sagging and wrinkling. This is because Vitamin C enhances the production of the protein collagen, which is vital to providing the firmness and vibrancy that counteracts skin sagging.

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