Do you put retinol on before or after moisturizer?

Author: Declan Runolfsdottir  |  Last update: Saturday, August 23, 2025

It's important to always start with clean, dry skin to make the most out of using retinol. Retinol penetrates the skin better and is more effective when applied after gently cleansing the skin with a mild face wash and toning it but before any moisturizer, since it acts as a treatment.

Should you moisturize before or after retinol?

It's especially important to moisturize in the evening after using retinol, as this helps counteract any potential dryness or sensitivity that may occur overnight. Layering Technique: If you prefer, you can apply a thin layer of moisturizer first and then follow with the retinol cream.

In what order do you put retinol on your face?

Apply the retinol product after cleansing. Let the retinol settle for about 20 minutes. Lightly mist your face with water, then immediately apply the hyaluronic acid. (Hyaluronic acid should always be applied to damp skin.)

What order do you use retinol and moisturiser?

  • Step one: Cleansing. The first step of any skincare routine is cleansing, and what products you use can differ from morning to evening. ...
  • Step two: Exfoliating. ...
  • Step three: Serums and retinol. ...
  • Step four: Moisturiser and SPF.

What should you not use with retinol?

Don't combine retinol with alpha or beta hydroxy acids, benzoyl peroxide, vitamin C, and other retinols or retinoids. Don't skip sunscreen Retinols are usually used as part of nighttime skincare routines, but even when they're applied at night, they can lead to lingering sun sensitivity.

Do You Put Retinol On Before Or After Moisturizer? - Skin Savvy Dermatology

What pairs best with retinol?

8 Products That Go Well With Retinol
  • Hydrating Cleansers: Retinol can be drying, so starting your routine with a gentle, hydrating cleanser is crucial. ...
  • Soothing Toners: ...
  • Antioxidant Serums: ...
  • Moisturizers with Ceramides: ...
  • Sunscreen: ...
  • Niacinamide: ...
  • Peptide Products: ...
  • Hydrating Masks:

Is it okay to use retinol every day?

Retinol and other retinoids work best if you use them daily. But when you first start out, you should begin using retinol every 1 or 2 days. This helps your skin get used to it, and avoid irritation. After a few weeks, slowly work your way up to using it every night.

Is it better to use retinol at night or day?

Retinol is a form of vitamin A used in skin care products. It is used on the skin to minimize fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation (patches of skin darker than the surrounding skin). Retinol is best used at nighttime, after washing and drying your face.

Which moisturizer is best before retinol?

“Also, when following the logic of using hydrators like hyaluronic acid and glycerin-containing serums , then locking them in with moisturizers like ceramides and niacinamide, one may want to apply a serum or a cream that has hyaluronic acid and ceramides before retinol and then serum or moisturizer that has ceramides ...

What is the correct order for face routine?

  • Step 1: Cleansing. Start with the basics: skin cleansing. ...
  • Step 2: Exfoliation. Eliminate impurities and dead cells by carrying out an effective exfoliation. ...
  • Step 3: Mask. Apply a mask specific for you. ...
  • Step 4: Toner. ...
  • Step 5: Serum or concentrate. ...
  • Step 6: Eye contour. ...
  • Step 7: Moisturising cream. ...
  • Step 8: Sun protection!

What is the 123 rule of retinol?

We recommend following the 1-2-3 rule: apply retinol once a week for one week, twice a week for two weeks, three times for three weeks, then move towards every second night if there are no side effects happening. If you do experience flaking, redness or sensitivity, simply move back to a lower frequency for a week.

Can I put retinol under my eyes?

As it is a very powerful ingredient, retinol can be used in the eye contour area, although with care, using only specific products for the eye contour area.

Should I use the ordinary retinol before or after moisturizer?

This is true for all of our Retinoids whether they're in Squalane or an Emulsion format. After applying your retinoid, you can finish your regimen by applying an oil or a moisturizer of your choice. Be sure to use sun protection during the day.

Can I use hyaluronic acid with retinol?

The answer is yes. The combination of these two ingredients can help you treat multiple skin concerns and give you a more youthful, radiant complexion. However, it's important to use these ingredients in moderation and in the correct order to avoid any adverse effects.

Should retinol go over or under moisturizer?

You should always apply retinol at night, after cleansing, and before your nighttime moisturizer. Five minutes is enough to wait for your retinol to sink in before applying moisturizer; you want to layer them, not mix them.

What order do you apply retinol and moisturizer?

It's important to always start with clean, dry skin to make the most out of using retinol. Retinol penetrates the skin better and is more effective when applied after gently cleansing the skin with a mild face wash and toning it but before any moisturizer, since it acts as a treatment.

How long to leave retinol on face before moisturizer?

Retinol (leave to absorb for 10-20 minutes)

Retinol is also an ingredient that should be left to absorb sufficiently into the skin before following up with another product. “It is important to leave a 10-20 minute wait time before applying the next product.

When not to use retinol?

Use retinol every other day rather than every day. Wait 30 minutes after washing your face before applying your retinol product. Avoid retinol products if you have a sunburn, broken skin or other skin irritations. Use SPF 30 and wear sun protective clothing and hats to reduce your exposure to the sun.

What is the best moisturizer over retinol?

The Best Moisturizers to Use After Retinol

Hyaluronic acid is the ultimate hydrator, she says, while products with ceramides help restore the skin barrier and lock in moisture. She also suggests using a formula that's fragrance-free (to prevent further irritation) and non-comedogenic (to avoid clogging pores).

What does retinol purging look like?

For those of us who do suffer from purging, it can look like: breaking out in pustules (pimples), the appearance of flaky, peeling skin, irritation and dry patches. Getting these symptoms can be demotivating, especially if you're already feeling unconfident about your skin.

How to tell if retinol is working?

You will be able to tell that Retinol is working if you start to see improvements in the texture and general appearance of your skin. Some people might be able to spot changes in their skin quite quickly, while others will have to be more patient.

Is vitamin C serum better than retinol?

If you want to target wrinkles, uneven texture, or acne, retinol is your best bet. If you're looking for brighter skin and protection from environmental damage, vitamin C is the way to go.

Does retinol help with dark spots?

Retinol can also mitigate the production of tyrosinase, an enzyme integral to the formation of melanin. This preventive mechanism can decelerate the onset of new hyperpigmented spots – which might be why it has been touted as THE skincare ingredient for treating skin conditions like hyperpigmentation and melasma.

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