Do you put serums or acids first?

Author: Marcos Koepp  |  Last update: Monday, June 23, 2025

If opting for hyaluronic acid-infused creams, use them before SPF and/or foundation. And apply hyaluronic acid sheet masks after deep cleansing your skin and before applying essence or a serum.

Which comes first, serum or hyaluronic acid?

If you are using two different serums in your routine, I would suggest applying the serum containing the active ingredient first followed by the serum enriched in hyaluronic acid as this will allow the first serum to get to work absorbing into the lower layers before the second helps lock hydration into the skin ...

What is the correct order to apply skincare?

The general order for applying skincare products is: 1. Cleanser 2. Toner (optional) 3. Exfoliant (if applicable) 4. Serum (eg, vitamin C or niacinamide) 5. Moisturizer 6. Sunscreen (morning routine only). Be sure to adjust based on your specific routine and product instructions. For more, check out my Quora Profile.

What is the correct order for skin preparation?

Table of contents
  1. 1 Step 1: Cleansing.
  2. 2 Step 2: Exfoliation.
  3. 3 Step 3: Mask.
  4. 4 Step 4: Toner.
  5. 5 Step 5: Serum or concentrate.
  6. 6 Step 6: Eye contour.
  7. 7 Step 7: Moisturising cream.
  8. 8 Step 8: Sun protection!

What is the correct order of skin serums?

ORDER MATTERS! Serums are applied after cleansing and toning and before your moisturizer. If you don't use toner, then apply serum directly after cleansing. Keep It Simple: It's best to layer no more than two serums at a time. Too many layers can possibly prevent the ingredients from absorbing as effectively...

HOW TO LAYER SKINCARE! What Order, Morning or Night?! Glass Skin

How to layer serums and acids?

Thin to Thick: Layer by lightest to thickest consistency. Many serums have a similar viscous consistency, but if you notice one is thicker, start with the thinner formula first. Take Your Time: Give each serum several seconds to set before moving onto the next.

Do you put hyaluronic acid on before or after vitamin C?

Allow 1-2 minutes between the application of each serum for full absorption of the vitamin C by your skin before you apply the hyaluronic acid. This ensures that both ingredients can work together effectively.

Should I use niacinamide or hyaluronic acid first?

When used together, always go with applying hyaluronic acid first, followed by Niacinamide. By following this, you would be able to attract plenty of hydration first. After that, apply Niacinamide to help regulate sebum production and help with the minimization of pores.

Do you put vitamin C or serum first?

These popular serum ingredients can be layered or applied at different times of the day. If spacing apart, it's best to use Vitamin C in the morning, with hyaluronic acid at night. If layering, apply your antioxidant serum (Vitamin C) first for maximum protection.

What is the 4 2 4 rule in skincare?

The 4-2-4 rule is a detailed cleansing routine that involves a four-minute oil massage, a two-minute cleanse with a water-based cleanser and a four-minute rinse with warm and cold water. Read ahead to know about the Japanese double cleanse routine, and what experts have to say about it.

Do you put retinol or hyaluronic acid first?

HA provides hydration, which can counteract the potential drying effects of retinoids. Since Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is a water-based serum, it would be applied first and then after, you would apply retinoids, such as Retinol 1% in Squalane, as it's an anhydrous formulation.

Do you use collagen serum or hyaluronic acid first?

Apply hyaluronic acid: After cleansing, apply your hyaluronic acid product. This could be a serum, cream, or lotion. Remember, hyaluronic acid is a humectant, so it's best applied to damp skin to draw in moisture. Apply collagen serum: Once your hyaluronic acid product has absorbed, apply your collagen serum.

In what order should I apply my skincare?

How to Layer Your Skincare Products in the Right Order
  1. Step 1: Cleanser.
  2. Step 2: Toner.
  3. Step 3: Spot Treatment.
  4. Step 4: Serums.
  5. Step 5: Retinol.
  6. Step 6: Eye Cream.
  7. Step 7: Moisturizer.
  8. Step 8: Face Oils.

What not to mix with hyaluronic acid?

However, there are certain ingredients that should not be mixed with hyaluronic acid:
  • AHAs and BHAs: AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) and BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) are chemical exfoliants that can help improve skin texture and unclog pores. ...
  • Benzoyl Peroxide: Benzoyl peroxide is a common ingredient found in acne treatments.

Do you put retinol or niacinamide first?

It is not unusual to find a combination of niacinamide and retinol in a single skincare product, but you can use niacinamide and retinol as separate steps in a consistent routine. If you're using separate products, it is recommended that you apply retinol first then move forward with niacinamide application.

What order do you put serums on your face?

For optimal results, we recommend incorporating serums into your skincare routine in the following order:
  • Step 1: Cleanser.
  • Step 2: Toner.
  • Step 3: Pre-Serum or Essence.
  • Step 4: Active Serum.
  • Step 5: Moisturiser.
  • Step 6: Sun Protection.

What is the correct pattern of skincare?

The rule of thumb for skincare is to apply the lightest product first and the heaviest last, since thinner products can't penetrate through thicker ones. Morning Skincare Routine should focus on prevention and protection for the day. Nighttime Skincare Routine should focus on cleansing and repairing.

What is the rule of 7 skincare?

The 7 Skin Method is a skincare technique that involves applying seven layers of hydrating toner or essence to your skin.

What not to mix with niacinamide?

DON'T MIX: AHA/BHA and niacinamide

Niacinamide is used to treat hyperpigmentation and reduce fine lines and wrinkles, while alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) are chemical exfoliants. To understand why niacinamide shouldn't be mixed with AHAs and BHAs, you need to consider pH.

Is it better to use hyaluronic acid at night or morning?

If you have dehydrated skin, use hyaluronic acid serum both in the morning and at night. In the morning, it might help hydrate your skin and prepare it for the day ahead. At night, it might help repair and rejuvenate your skin while you sleep. Be sure to follow up with a moisturizer to lock in the hydration.

What order do you put vitamin C hyaluronic acid and niacinamide?

When it comes to using all three ingredients, it is generally considered best to first apply vitamin C, followed by hyaluronic acid and then finally niacinamide. By applying hyaluronic acid first, you will keeping the skin barrier healthy and hydrated.

Is it better to use vitamin C serum at night or morning?

While you can work your vitamin C serum into either your morning or evening skincare routine, most dermatologists recommend the morning [2]. This keeps your skin protected from free radicals as you go about your day, and can work especially well with your sunscreen to keep you safe from UV radiation.

Should I use retinol or hyaluronic acid first?

It is suggested to apply hyaluronic first on clean, damp skin, followed by retinol for dry skin. The moisturising hyaluronic acid will create a barrier and reduce irritation. The correct order of these two products depends significantly on your skin type and the product formulation you are using.

How to layer hyaluronic acid and niacinamide?

That said, for the best results, we suggest using hyaluronic acid first, followed by niacinamide. The order here matters because, as a rule of thumb, you should always go in order of consistency. Start with the products and ingredients with a lighter consistency and work up to a thicker consistency.

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