What goes first gel moisturizer or serum?

Author: Clinton Monahan IV  |  Last update: Monday, June 23, 2025

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.

Do you put gel moisturizer before or after serum?

You should always use a facial serum before moisturizer. Serums are lightweight and packed with concentrated active ingredients that penetrate deep into the skin. Applying it first allows the serum to deliver its benefits effectively.

Should I use serum before gel?

Thin before thick.

Thinner, more liquid products like toners and serums absorb faster. So they should be used before thicker products like lotions and creams.

What is the correct order of skin care products?

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.

Do you put serum or moisturizer first?

Facial serums are typically applied after cleansing and toning but before moisturizing. This allows the serum's concentrated active ingredients to penetrate deeply into the skin, while the moisturizer locks in hydration and creates a protective barrier.

What Goes First: Serum Or Moisturizer? - Skin Savvy Dermatology

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!

Can I use moisturizer 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 comes first, serum or soothing gel?

The general rule is to apply products from the thinnest to thickest consistency, so serums should come before moisturizers and facial oils. However, it's also important to take into account the type of product you are using and how often you use it in order to determine the best skincare routine for your skin.

What order do you put serums on?

How to Layer Serums
  1. Order of Face Products Matters: Serums are applied after cleansing and toning and before your moisturizer. ...
  2. Keep It Simple: It's best to layer no more than two serums at a time. ...
  3. Thin to Thick: Layer by lightest to thickest consistency.

What to apply first, sunscreen or moisturizer or serum?

Move from thin to thick formulations; begin by cleansing your skin with a suitable face wash, then apply a potent serum followed by a moisturiser, and finally, a sunscreen of SPF 30 or more.

What should I apply first night gel or serum?

How to Apply Skincare Products the Right Way
  1. Step One: Cleanser. ...
  2. Step Two: Toner. ...
  3. Step Three: Serum. ...
  4. Step Four: Spot Treatment. ...
  5. Step Five: Moisturizer. ...
  6. Step Six: Retinol. ...
  7. Step Seven: Sunscreen. ...
  8. Step Eight: Overnight Mask or Night Cream.

Do I need both serum and moisturizer?

For most people, the answer is yes. You should use both face serum and moisturizer as part of your total skincare routine, especially to get the most effective results if you're working to improve your complexion. Keep in mind that skincare products work over time.

Is gel or serum better for face?

Gels are generally slightly more viscous and denser than serums but are still easily applied and absorbed. They're a bit more viscous and tend to hold their shape when dispensed. They share many properties with serums, allowing for higher concentration of key ingredients and rapid absorption.

Can I apply moisturizer after gel?

Yes, you can do that but first of all wait for the aloe vera gel to be absorbed properly and then apply your cream.

How long should you wait between serum and moisturizer?

Serum and Moisturizer: 1 minute

Goldenberg's go-to recommendation for timing between serums and moisturizers is about one minute. This wait has the same reasoning: Sixty seconds — give or take — gives each product a moment to delve into your pores.

How do you use gel and serum?

How to Use a Face Serum?
  1. Step 1: Start by cleansing your face. ...
  2. Step 2: Don't forget to follow up with a toner. ...
  3. Step 3: Now, dispense the serum onto your fingertips. ...
  4. Step 4: Dab the serum gently into your skin before massaging lightly. ...
  5. Step 5: Easier said than done, now just wait a few minutes.

Do I do moisturiser or serum first?

Serums typically have more lightweight formulas; however, moisturizers create a protective barrier over the outermost layer of the skin to lock in moisture. As such, a serum should always be applied before a moisturizer, as this maximizes the contact it has with the skin, helping to achieve the desired effect.

Which serums cannot be used together?

Skincare ingredients not to mix
  • Retinoids or retinol and benzoyl peroxide. ...
  • Retinoids or retinol and vitamin C. ...
  • Retinoids or retinol and salicylic acid. ...
  • Retinoid or retinol and AHAs/BHAs. ...
  • Vitamin C and AHAs/BHAs. ...
  • Vitamin C and benzoyl peroxide. ...
  • Niacinamide and AHAs / BHAs. ...
  • Benzoyl peroxide and hydroquinone.

What is the correct order of skin care?

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.

Does gel come before serum?

Again, go with the golden rule of thinnest to thickest: from serum to gel to lotion. Make sure you do some research on your ingredients if you're mixing more than one treatment product. For example, retinoids are best applied at night only, and not at the same time as benzoyl peroxide for acne.

Can I use aloe vera gel as moisturizer every day?

Aloe vera is widely used for its medicinal properties and skin benefits. You can use aloe vera gel on your face every day to moisturize the skin and soothe minor irritation as long as you are not allergic. Learn about the benefits and uses of aloe vera, as well as potential side effects.

What order should serums go on?

Apply serums after cleansing and toning and before moisturizers to help active ingredients penetrate deeply and more effectively. Wait at least two to three minutes before layering your second or third serum to give each product enough time to fully seep into your skin and prevent pilling or rubbing off.

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.

Can you skip moisturizer if you use serum?

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.

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