How many minutes after serum to apply moisturizer?

Author: Dr. Lula Becker  |  Last update: Friday, May 9, 2025

How long should you wait to apply moisturizer after serum? Generally speaking, you don't need to wait for your serums to "soak in" before applying moisturizer. However, if you do want to wait, don't let your serum sit for more than a minute before applying moisturizer, as it could result in dryer skin.

How long should you wait to put moisturizer on after serum?

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.

How long does it take to let serum absorb?

If the bottle doesn't have clear instructions, 30 seconds to a minute is typically considered enough time for those who don't want to wait too long between products. If you have time to spare, you may wait 15-20 minutes for maximum absorption before moving on in your routine.

What should be the time gap between face serum and moisturizer?

Let the serum properly settle into your skin before going in with a moisturiser. The recommended time is usually 4-5 minutes. You know your serum is doing a good job when it is seamless ---- this means no oily residue or tackiness post application.

What not to do after applying serum?

What not to do after applying serum? After applying face serums you should never use any other skincare product immediately. Wait for a few minutes to allow it to get absorbed in your skin before you follow up with a moisturizer and sunscreen.

Find the 1st Step for Your Skincare Routine | Importance of Skincare Steps & Rules of Layering

How long should I leave serum on my face?

How long should I leave serum on my face? Serums need time to absorb into your skin so washing them off straight away is counterproductive. Let the product melt into your skin for about 90 seconds before finishing your routine with moisturiser – locking everything in place.

How long to wait to apply moisturizer after hyaluronic acid?

Always make sure to follow with a moisturizer, this is a skincare must in general, but especially when using Hyaluronic Acid Serum because it locks the moisture in. But it's important to wait 30-60 seconds for the serum to absorb before following with other products.

Can I skip moisturizer after serum?

You can skip moisturiser after applying serum on your face. But please don't. Both serum and moisturiser can provide aid to your skin in unique ways.

What are the 7 steps of skincare?

  • 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!

How many minutes to wait after applying moisturizer?

Moisturiser

A moisturiser could be of multiple types- humectants, emollient, occlusive, or maybe a combination. This will change the thickness of the product. The thicker it is, the more you must wait for it to be absorbed. Although, even the lightest moisturiser would take around 5 minutes to absorb.

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.

How can I make my serum absorb better?

Apply to Damp Skin

Compared to dry skin, damp skin is more receptive to skincare ingredients, so make sure you apply serum to damp skin after cleansing or mist skin with an soothing, alcohol-free toner for better and quicker absorption. Press serum into skin with an open palm, patting it on then smoothing it out.

How long should I leave moisturizer on my face?

Q: Do you wash off face moisturizer? A: No ! You leave it on all day/night between washes and under makeup.

Can you layer moisturizer over serum?

When it comes to layering skincare products, there's one simple rule to remember – always go from thinnest to thickest. So, in this case, serums come before moisturiser.

Do face serums really work?

The lightweight consistency of serums enables these active ingredients to penetrate the skin's deeper layers for targeted treatment. For this reason, we consider serums to be a crucial step in an effective skincare routine.

What is the correct order of skincare?

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

Which face serum is best?

  • Vitamin C Daily Glow Face Serum With Vitamin C & Turmeric for Radiant Skin - 30 ml. ...
  • Skin Correct Face Serum with Niacinamide and Ginger Extract for Acne Marks and Scars - 30 ml. ...
  • Vitamin C Daily Glow Face Serum 10 ml. ...
  • Rice Water Dewy Active Serum With Rice Water & 10% Niacinamide For Glass Skin - 50 ml.

What is the best night moisturizer?

Our top pick for the best night cream is Kiehl's Ultra Facial Advanced Repair Barrier Cream, as it's great for all skin types and provides long-lasting hydration. Another fantastic option is La Roche-Posay's Double Repair Moisturizer, which leaves the skin feeling nourished, soft, and supple—all for under $25.

How long to wait between serum and moisturizer?

There is no wait time required between applying your serum and moisturizer. You can even choose to mix them together in the palm of your hand before applying. (Exception: a daytime moisturizer with sunscreen shouldn't be mixed into other formulas since doing so could hinder the level of protection).

Should I apply moisturizer immediately after serum?

If you decide to use both serum and moisturizer, you should always apply the serum first (lighter products go before heavier ones). After applying, wait a minute or two to allow the product to absorb into your skin. Then, apply moisturizer. Also, pay attention to the type of serum and moisturizer you're using.

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.

Is it better to use hyaluronic acid serum 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.

How long to let retinol sit before moisturizer?

After applying your retinol product, it's best to wait roughly 10 minutes before moving on to the next step in your routine.

What happens if you don't use moisturizer after hyaluronic acid?

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.

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